Best In Black Beauty 2017: The Foreign Imports Getting Major Stateside Love

This feature originally appeared in the May 2017 Issue of ESSENCE Magazine.

It’s that time again–the 2017 edition of our annual Best in Black Beauty Awards has officially arrived! We’ve spent weeks swiping, swatching and smelling the newest products so you don’t have to. From the splurge-worthy to the drugstore faves and Black-owned must-haves, these are the picks that every Black woman must know. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil this year’s winners!

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From the kitschy packaging to the Korean-based ingredients, Too Cool For School's stateside appeal lies in its buzzy (and totally Instagrammable) lineup, including the Dinoplatz Lip Balm in Spilled Wine. The jelly-like formula is pumped with a set of nourishing ingredients that cure dryness and even get rid of fine lines. 

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We have our friends across the pond to thank for this luxurious bath, body and home brand. It totes some of the best-smelling products around, including a set of unisex colognes that you can share with bae. While you're deciding on which one to wear, get started with the Star Magnolia Hair Mist, a limited edition spritz that delivers shine and luster to otherwise dull strands. 

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Based in Manosque, France, this bath, body and fragrance brand is lauded for creating products that are inspired by nature. From ultra creamy lotions to supple skin oils and the best selling Almond Milk Concentrate, you'll be hard pressed to find something you don't like.