Image courtesy of Latina Moms
Summertime is well underway and with that comes a renewed sense of taking care of ourselves.
After the last two years of being plagued by fears of COVID-19, I hate to admit that I stopped taking care of myself and was merely doing the bare minimum needed to survive.
Now that things are looking up (or we have simply adapted to the situation), I have been reflecting on who I want to be and how I can take better care of myself. We sometimes get so lost in our daily routines that we lose our sense of self.
Amiga, put all that baggage aside and work on becoming the best version of yourself.
Here are some Afro-Latino-owned brands that will make your summer unforgettable as you learn the beauty and art of self-love.
Bomba Curls
Created by Afro-Dominicana Lulu Cordero, Bomba Curls is a hair care brand specifically formulated for those of us with curly hair.
Growing up, I fell into the habit of straightening my hair every single day because, in our cultura Latina, there is a tendency to believe straight, luscious hair is the beauty standard.
However, as I have gotten older, I have quickly realized that my curly hair is a part of me, and I do not want to spend those hot summer days slaving over a flat iron.
Thanks to brands like Bomba Curls, which celebrate curly hair, I have slowly been able to repair years of damage to my hair.
The most notable products that fly off the shelves are the Forbidden Hair Mask and Dominican Forbidden Oil. You can find their products on their website or at Target and Nordstrom.
Vela Negra
Many of us love to light candles to unwind after a long day, relishing in the energy of the dim lights and sweet aromas.
Vela Negra, quite literally meaning ‘black candle,’ was founded by Afro-Cubana Aisha Cort. All candles are poured with black wax as the color black is known to dispel negative energies.
In other words, Vela Negra seeks to become a source of protection while you enjoy the various aromas such as Coqui and Azucar.
Luna Magic
Representation in beauty is essential yet somehow challenging to find these days. Many big-name influencers focus on the trendy “clean girl” aesthetic, which focuses on a natural, glowy complexion and flushed cheeks.
This is where Luna Magic comes in. Luna Magic was founded by Mabel and Shaira Frias, a makeup brand where you can find vibrant eyeshadow and lip colors.
I don’t know about you, but summertime for me is meant to be filled with life and color. They were inspired by the bold culture and music of the Caribbean and Latin America.
From makeup to eyelashes and face masks.
Azteca Negra
Azteca Negra was created by artist Marisol Catchings. Catchings designs every product and carefully crafts jewelry and accessories using various textiles and prints.
Azteca Negra believes in caring for the environment, so an emphasis is placed on using upcycled and eco-friendly materials. One of the most popular items is her headwraps and earrings.
Yo Soy Afro-Latina
Summer wouldn’t be complete without comfortable clothing.
Lucky for you, Bianca Kathryn founded Yo Soy Afro-Latina, an apparel brand with empowering sayings/prints. YSAL’s mission seeks to empower the Afro-Latina community.
You can find a wide variety of t-shirts and tote bags for those beach days. You can even find mugs for your cafecito.
Let’s make this summer one for the books.