the unwash review
Rather than using makeup as a tool to cover up, Cheekbone Beauty embraces being seen. The brand has created space for Indigenous people in an industry that all too often favors Eurocentric beauty standards. Beauty brands aren’t the only industry that overlooks the Indigenous population but Cheekbone Beauty is working to change this narrative and bring Indigenous-owned businesses to the forefront across all industries. Originally launched with only a lip gloss, over the years the brand has expanded to lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, brow gels, face palettes, and a variety of makeup tools. Beauty is only one part of the brand’s identity as much of their work revolves around creating educational opportunities for Indigenous youth.
Founded by Jenn Harper in 2016, after a battle with alcoholism stemming from the generational trauma of her Grandmother surviving Canada’s residential schools. Cheekbone Beauty came to Jenn as an epiphany moment while at the beginning of her sobriety journey. Many people have similar stories to Jenn and the creation of Cheekbone Beauty not only has allowed for cultivating community but also established the opportunity to give back. 100% of the profits from their highlighter shade ‘Biskane’, meaning ignite, go towards the Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund which provides Indigenous students the opportunity to experience a post-secondary education journey. The brand has also donated over $250,000 to organizations including the Navajo Water Project and the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. Jenn sees success for the brand not as a metric from sales but rather through the ability to give back to the community.
“We as Indigenous people have an innate connection to the land, earth, and water. Paying attention to brands that have experience in sustainability is going to be really important for the world going forward.” – Jenn Harper Cheekbone Beauty Founder
The brand is rooted in Jenn’s Anishinaabe culture and centers environmental conservation in its ethos. Over 80% of the world’s biodiversity is protected by Indigenous people, a fact that is often left out of the conversation when it comes to sustainability, especially in the West. The B-Corp-certified beauty brand is hoping to spark larger interest and concern for the environment and set a precedent for sustainability practices in the beauty industry. The majority of their packaging uses biodegradable papers, recyclable tin, and refillable packaging options, cutting its plastic use down by 85% in comparison to conventional brands. To minimize excess waste the brand has a ‘perfectly imperfect’ collection, selling products that may have had a packaging or manufacturing error at a lower cost. Cheekbone Beauty puts transparency at the forefront making it easy for consumers to find information about their manufacturing process, sustainability goals, and yearly sustainability reports.
Cheekbone Beauty goes beyond being just a beauty brand by their deep dedication to giving back to the community and the environment, honoring the founder’s roots. Sustainable packaging and ingredients are only one part of the brand’s mission. The brand is creating an inclusive space where all people, especially Indigenous youth feel represented, seen, and beautiful. Cheekbone Beauty has been paving the way for the longtime-needed representation of Indigenous people in the beauty industry. All things the brand does are led with intention and integrity, sparking inspiration for customers, the community, and the industry.
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Ceremonia
Ceremonia is a brand inspired by the traditions of Baba’s childhood and the larger Latinx community focusing on hair. Her father being a hairdresser in Chile, had a large inspiration for the brand’s foundation. The brand’s product range focuses on nourishing and strengthening hair with people- and planet-friendly ingredients. The Aceite de Moska Scalp Oil and Guava Leave-In Conditioner are consumer favorites that leave your hair feeling soft, shiny, and restored.
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Submission Beauty
If there’s one thing we know for sure it’s that there’s way too much plastic in the beauty industry. When we think of zero-plastic makeup, thoughts of minimalist routines and skin-like finishes come to mind. Submission Beauty is a completely plastic-free beauty brand that embraces maximalism with its biodegradable glitter. Traditional glitter products are not completely body safe and do not completely disintegrate even years after disposal. Submission Beauty is changing this by making a body-safe, plastic-free, biodegradable, luxury glitter.
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Rif Care
Val Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo launched the first-ever hemp-fiber pads in 2022, promising their customers natural ingredients, responsibly made products, and regenerative agricultural practices. Their 100% plant-based and biodegradable menstrual pads are carbon neutral by design. The brand uses leftover fibers from hemp oil production to create its premium product line.
