African-Owned Makeup Brands You Should Know (and Support)
The beauty industry in Africa is thriving, dynamic, and full of innovation. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, African entrepreneurs are creating makeup brands that celebrate melanin, empower communities, and redefine beauty standards. These are not just businesses—they are bold statements of identity, resilience, and creativity.
If you’re looking to support makeup brands owned and founded by Africans, here’s your guide to the top African-owned makeup companies doing it right.
1. TWOK London (Nigeria/UK)
Though headquartered in the UK, TWOK London is proudly Nigerian-owned and inspired. Founded by a visionary African entrepreneur, TWOK London creates makeup specifically designed for darker skin tones—rich foundations, vibrant pigments, and shade-matching tools built for real people.
What Stands Out:
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Loose Eye Shadow Pigments that pop on melanin
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Foundations that cater to African undertones
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Affordable pricing and local availability via Brandlistry.ng
TWOK is leading the charge by creating for us, by us.
2. House of Tara (Nigeria)
Founded by Tara Fela-Durotoye, House of Tara is one of the pioneers of the African beauty industry. It was among the first to launch makeup studios and beauty schools in Nigeria.
Why It Matters:
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Locally made products
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Beauty education and empowerment for young African women
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Iconic products like the Tara Eyeshadow Palettes
3. Nuban Beauty (Nigeria)
Nuban Beauty is a proudly Nigerian brand with high-performance products made for African climates and skin types. Their products are known for staying power, pigment, and affordability.
Highlights:
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In My Skin foundation range
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Professional makeup brushes and sponges
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Longwear matte lipsticks
4. Zaron Cosmetics (Nigeria)
Zaron is one of the most recognized African makeup brands, with distribution across multiple countries on the continent. Their mission is to create affordable beauty for everyday African women.
Product Range:
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Brow definers
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Eyeshadow quads tailored to warm skin tones
Zaron’s brand presence is strong in stores and salons across West Africa.
5. Pauline Cosmetics (Kenya)
Pauline Cosmetics is a Kenyan-owned brand that focuses on high-quality products for African women. Their mission is simple: create cosmetics that flatter African skin and celebrate Black beauty.
Top Picks:
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Full-coverage foundation sticks
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Deep lip colors that complement dark skin
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Inclusive marketing and community initiatives
6. Yanga Beauty (Nigeria)
Yanga Beauty is a Nigerian brand known for combining traditional African aesthetics with modern makeup needs. Their "Browlution" brow pencil is a cult favorite.
Why Try It:
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Waterproof liners and gel liners for humid conditions
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Lightweight foundations
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Great packaging and accessible pricing
7. Flawless Ivy (Nigeria)
Flawless Ivy is gaining traction for its sleek branding and professional-quality makeup. It caters to makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Notable Products:
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HD Matte Foundations
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Setting sprays and primers
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Lip kits in nude and berry tones
Why African-Owned Makeup Brands Matter
Supporting African-owned beauty brands does more than just improve your makeup bag:
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It builds local economies and supports job creation.
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It amplifies African stories and beauty philosophies.
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It fosters innovation tailored to the real needs of African consumers.
When you buy African, you’re investing in more than products—you’re backing a movement.
Where to Find These Brands
Many of these brands are now available online, including at platforms like Brandlistry.ng, which curates African-owned and Black-founded beauty brands in one trusted marketplace.
Final Thoughts
African-owned makeup brands are rewriting the rules of beauty. They’re bold, resilient, and deeply rooted in the continent’s diverse cultures. Whether you’re looking for better shade matches, high-performance formulas, or a brand that speaks to your identity—start your search here.
Celebrate your skin. Support your own. Choose African-owned beauty.
