These days, your average product fiend could pit-stop anywhere on the beauty internet to shop a seemingly endless array of eyeshadow palettes, decadent hair potions, and luminous skin-care galore – but for a truly beautifying gift that celebrates diversity and heart while occupying space on the top self, we’re heading straight for Sephora‘s industry-leading assortment of Black-owned beauty brands.

Over a year ago, Sephora notably became the first major retailer to officially endorse the 15 Percent Pledge, thereby committing 15% of their brand assortment to Black-owned companies. “We know we have more work to do, and we encourage other businesses to take the Pledge and help drive change for Black businesses and communities,” the brand said via press release at the time of the announcement.

Since then, they’ve grown to carry over 20 Black-owned prestige brands, including cruelty-free cosmetics from makeup artist Danessa Myricks and Topicals, a science-backed skin-care brand. And let’s not forget hot-off-the-runway palettes from fashion-favorite Pat McGrath and complexion transformers from celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden. Sephora’s led the charge in representing (and offering ample shelf space, both IRL and online) to the best Black-owned beauty businesses across makeup, hair, skin care, and more — making them the perfect destination for all of your holiday shopping needs.

Ahead, we’re curating the most luxe, giftable sets and products on our wish lists right now.

Bread Hair Oil Everyday Gloss, $24

Not only is the packaging of Bread’s indulgent hair oil a solid 11/10, the liquid inside is worth its weight in gold; a few drops (aka one bottle will last you a long time) is all you need to instantly nourish dry strands.

Topicals Like Butter Mask for Dry, Sensitive & Eczema-Prone Skin, $32

Another feat of packaging design that’ll inspire shelfies galore is Topicals’s retro-inspired hydrating mask, which intensely soothes dry, irritated skin.

Shani Darden Retinol Reform, $88

Short of getting a facial at hands of Shani Darden herself, this stuff makes for a splurge-worthy present for any skin-care savant. After using a single bottle, I noticed visible improvements in texture and tone — it’s that good.

Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse: Fantasy 4Sum 4-Piece Gloss Bomb Set, $38

Shine bright for the holidays with this four-piece Fenty Beauty gloss set, which includes a full-size Color Drip Lip Cream alongside three Gloss Bomb minis.

Briogeo Honey Hydration Don’t Despair, Repair! Hair Repair Kit, $38

Honey, we’re all about this Briogeo set, which includes a full-size apple- and honey-infused hair mask, plus travel-friendly sizes of the fan-favorite Don’t Despair, Repair! shampoo and conditioner.

FORVR Mood Cuffing Season Candle, $38

Beauty content creator Jackie Aina’s array of candles all boast instant-gift potential (just look at that votive!), but we have a special fondness for Cuffing Season, which has notes of violet, jasmine, and Douglas fir. 

Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream, $125

Mother (as she’s affectionately known backstage at runway shows around the world) went all out with this celestial-themed palette, which features ten pans of intensely-pigmented metallics and mattes for the most brilliant holiday beauty look imaginable.

Adwoa Beauty Blue Tansy Reparative Mask, $36

Blue tansy is typically an ingredient seen in skin-care products, but Adwoa Beauty is harnessing the powerhouse botanical to strengthen and repair damaged or color-treated strands.

Fashion Fair Crème to Powder Skin Foundation, $37

Fashion Fair was actually founded in 1973, but the formulas you see today are thoroughly modern; case in point, this innovative cream-to-powder foundation, which blends like a dream and has buildable coverage to achieve any look.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment, $18

Makeup artist Danessa Myricks’ eponymous beauty brand has everything from contour balms to silky setting powders, but we would argue there’s no better stocking stuffer than her bestselling Colorfix cream pigments, which can be used on eyes, lips, and cheeks for a creative color moment.

PATTERN By Tracee Ellis Ross Juicy & Jumbo Kit, $72

You know that feeling of running out of your shampoo and conditioner mid-shower? Us neither, since getting these value-sized bottles of Hydration Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner, perfect for curly and coily textures.

Black-Owned Beauty Set, $35

If several of these brands caught your eye — and we’d be surprised if they didn’t, TBH — then try seven of them in this ultra-giftable set, which contains an impressive $125 worth of full- and travel-sized products from Baomint, Bread Beauty Supply, Briogeo, Pat McGrath Labs, and Shani Darden.

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If you were a statistician tracking the growth of the size-inclusive fashion market, you could point to a number of data points that say that shopping as a plus-size person is easier and more accessible than it was even a decade ago. On the surface, that’s true: In the last 10 years, shoppers have seen an exponential improvement when it comes to retailers offering a size 16 and up and more affordable prices, particularly when it comes to fast fashion. (There are more niche options from smaller, independent brands than ever before, too — eveningwear, workwear, luxury, athleisure.) We’ve come a long way, sure, but, while there are plenty of plus-size fast-fashion brands available today, it is much harder to find sustainable size-inclusive labels. 

There is plenty of information out there that points to just how harmful fast fashion can be, both for the garment workers making the clothing and for the environment; there seem to be even more anti-fast fashion brands and campaigns to remind us of this fact, too. With more consumers educated on the topic, it’s not uncommon for influencers and celebrities to be criticized or shamed for shopping or promoting fast fashion. And while we should all be working to minimize our carbon footprint, is the generalized message that says we “all” should be shopping from sustainable retailers fair if over 60% of women aren’t included in the size charts of the movement? 

To start, consider the number of options available. Ethical and slow fashion is a smaller market to begin with, which automatically means there are going to be even fewer plus-size options when compared to straight-size ones. As with the rest of the market, though, when you expand your search to ethical fashion brands that offer above a size 22 or 24, you’re left with options you can likely count on both of your hands. This is before the price factor and the style preference even factors in.

Marielle Elizabeth — a writer, photographer, and expert who has been working in the intersection of ethical and plus-size fashion for years — thinks that plus-size shoppers shouldn’t be held to the same standards as straight-size consumers when an actual, wide-ranging variety of styles in size-inclusive fashion has only existed for a small fraction of time. In particular, for someone who’s a size 26 and up, being able to shop at more than one or two stores has really only been an option in the last five years or so. “Plus-size people, regardless of whether we’re talking about ethical fashion or fast fashion, have really only been able to buy pieces in their size with any level of trendiness — and even that feels tenuous as a plus-sized person — in the last few years,” she tells Refinery29. “[Many] plus-size people are still figuring out their sense of style and how they want to dress themselves.”

To then shame plus-size consumers for buying from a retailer that’s finally catering to their style needs may miss an important level of nuance. Particularly when considering the fact that existing in a fat body means experiencing marginalization in a much broader sense than just shopping. “It is extremely well-documented that fat people are paid less, that they’re given less professional opportunities,” Elizabeth shares. “And so all of those things compound in a way that makes it, in my opinion, much harder for plus-size people to confidently spend the amount of money that ethical fashion costs.”

It’s true: While the word “ethical” when it comes to fashion has blurred to the point of becoming a buzzword, it most often refers to brands that have a traceable supply chain in which every person involved in making a garment is provided with safe working conditions and paid a living wage. This means that ethical fashion often costs much more than fast fashion, which underpays workers, among other corner-cutting, questionable practices. Simply put, sustainable fashion costs more money, which can be a significant barrier to entry for folks in marginalized communities. You can, of course, buy clothing secondhand — which is not only more affordable but also keeps fashion from ever entering the landfill — but that sometimes poses its own sizing limitations.

Fat people are paid less, they’re given less professional opportunities… it’s much harder for plus-size people to confidently spend the amount of money that ethical fashion costs.

Marielle Elizabeth

Gianluca Russo, a plus-size fashion expert and author of the upcoming book The Power Of Plus, says that he has mixed feelings about tagging fast-fashion brands on social media. “As someone in the plus-size fashion space, it’s nerve-racking to tag the brands I’m wearing on Instagram when I know that a majority of them are fast fashion. But the truth is this: That’s all I have,” he shares. “As a plus-size man, my options for clothing are abysmal.” 

Though Russo is conflicted about sharing the brand names, he notes that, for him, it’s better than the alternative, which would be to not provide a resource for members of his community: “If we stay silent about the limited options we are finding, then we’re doing a disservice to those who look to us for inspiration and guidance.” It also supports the notion that the impetus for change should be on the consumer, rather the brands themselves or government officials who should be regulating the industry.

Until regulations are in place, Elizabeth says her goal is to figure out how to include more people in the movement, rather than alienate them. “For me, the question with ethical and sustainable fashion always comes back to how are we making it more accessible and how are we making it so more people want to participate, not how are we making this a competition of who is the most ethical, because both of those things often loop back to financial privilege,” she says. “I think that vilifying influencers that are helping people feel better about their bodies and helping people feel more confident in whatever clothing they choose to wear and whatever means they have to buy that clothing is not a way to sell people on ethical and sustainable fashion.”

What’s more, as she points out, consuming consciously doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing experience until you can afford to buy sustainably all the time. It can be a small change, or a gradual shift, like swapping a few fast fashion purchases a year for a single, high-quality piece that will last a long time. As Elizabeth says, even something as small as changing how you wash your clothes or committing to repairing clothing instead of tossing and replacing it can make a positive impact environmentally. 

“We keep trying to get people functioning at 100% instead of just trying to get everyone participating at like 10%,” Elizabeth notes. “And I think about that a lot when it comes to the work I do working with the intersections between plus-size fashion and ethical fashion: How do I get someone that’s never bought an ethical garment ever before to buy one single ethical garment?” An even easier first step: Following creators like Elizabeth, who share slow-fashion brands and resources regularly (check out her Patreon, too). Because, yes, size-inclusive brands do exist.

As someone in the plus-size fashion space, it’s nerve-racking to tag the brands I’m wearing on Instagram when I know that a majority of them are fast fashion. But the truth is this: That’s all I have.

Gianluca Russo

Do more anti-fast fashion brands who claim to be ethical need to expand their size ranges? Yes. Still, even if every slow-fashion brand did offer plus sizes, the fact remains that most plus-size shoppers have a very different experience with style and clothing than straight-size shoppers have — and as long as fat bias and discrimination exist, this will remain the case. This concept goes beyond just plus-size customers, too.

As Elizabeth says, “I think collectively the goal should always be to consume less and make better purchases, but I think the way in which we view ethical, sustainable, and slow fashion needs to hold space for people that have different barriers that they’re facing, whether that be size, whether that be gender, whether that be disability, whether that be race.”

Maybe, one day, the fashion industry will reflect on these differences, and real change will occur for all.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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The other day, hairstylist Tommy Buckett sold me on the merits of a winter haircut. I didn't want to go short, or touch the color, but I sat back and let the scissors do their thing after Buckett said: "A fresh cut is just going to make your hair look more expensive."

As a hairdresser, he's is biased. However, when I got up from the swivel chair, my hair a few inches lighter, almost bouncing around my shoulders, I was convinced I looked better, more put together, than I did 45 minutes prior when I walked in wearing a claw-clip bun. Isn't that the benefit of a good haircut? Afterwards, your hair often looks its best, no fuss — which, if you ask me, is a priceless gift heading into the holidays.

If you're inspired to book in for your own salon appointment, scroll through our seasonal style guide, ahead, to check out some of this winter's trending cuts.

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At least once a week, the writers and editors on Refinery29's Life team get into a long Slack conversation about some cool new item that's been absolutely saving or changing or elevating our lives. So we decided to share the wealth, and highlight some our favorite products each month — the things that were so useful or so cool, we couldn't stop using them.

Here's what we're eating, drinking, carrying, wearing, and decorating our apartments with this month.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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As with most home decor, there are trends for holiday decor, too. And one theme I've been seeing a lot of this season is the reindeer, gracefully posed on an entryway table or mantle.

This blog uses affiliate links. When you shop through our links, we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!



Continue reading "Splurge or Save: Reindeer Figurines"

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This year’s Cyber Week is the holiday gift that keeps on giving. Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have come and gone, but it isn’t too late to score major discounts on Refinery29’s favorite reader-approved retailers. Luckily for us, bedding brand Brooklinen and fashion giant Nordstrom have extended their Cyber Monday sales an extra day, and some other stores — like J. Crew and Abercrombie — are celebrating Cyber Week well into December. In other words, if Thanksgiving wore you out last weekend or you forgot to grab an essential holiday gift (or if, like us, you’re just not ready to say goodbye to the thriftiest time of the year), you’ve still got time to save big on vibrators, cordless vacuums, comfy sweaters, bedding, and more. Here are some of the best Cyber Week sales that are still plugging along, from Dyson to West Elm.

Cyber Monday Tech Deals Still Going On

Up To $120 Off Sitewide At Dyson

Until December 4, enjoy discounts including $100 off the Dyson Outsize Absolute+ or the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute. No promo code needed.

Up To 35% Off Sitewide At Dell

Until December 5, Dell’s laptops and monitors are hundreds of dollars off — no promo code necessary.

Up To $300 Off Sitewide At Therabody

For a limited time only, Therabody’s expert massager Theraguns are cheaper than ever. Take $200 off the Theragun Pro, or $100 off the Theragun Elite.

Cyber Monday Fashion Deals Still Going On

25% Off Select Styles On Abercrombie

You’ve got until December 9 to shop Abercrombie’s Cyber Week deals. Take 25% off select styles and 15% off all jeans. Plus, enjoy free shipping with all orders over $75.

Up To 50% Off Sitewide On Nordstrom

Shop discounted Kate Spade, UGG, and more until Nordstrom’s Cyber Week sale ends at 11:59 p.m. on November 30.

40% Off Select Styles On J. Crew

With the code FESTIVE, take 40% off the coziest sweaters, coats, and more that J. Crew has to offer, valid through December 6.

Cyber Monday Sex & Wellness Deals Still Going On

Up To 85% Off Sitewide On Ella Paradis

For a limited time only, sex toy superseller Ella Paradis is letting you take up to 85% off all sex toys, massagers, and vibes. Just use the code CYBER at checkout.

Up To 50% Off Sitewide On LELO

Until 11:59 p.m. on November 30, take up to 50% off LELO’s chic vibrators and toys (and save hundreds on bundles!).

30% Off Sitewide On Unbound

In honor of Cyber Week, take 30% off everything on Unbound’s site. The discount will be applied at checkout.

Cyber Monday Home & Decor Deals Still Going On

20% Off Sitewide On Brooklinen

Brooklinen’s 20% off sale is still ongoing, until 11:59 p.m. EST on November 30. Enjoy discounted sheets, loungewear, and cozy everything.

Up To 70% Select Bestsellers On West Elm

Until the end of November 30, West Elm’s bestselling, ready-to-ship furniture is up to 70% off. Plus, take an extra 25% off all clearance items with the promo code EXTRA25.

Up To 70% Off Select Bestsellers On Wayfair

You’ve got until 9 a.m. EST on December 1 to take advantage of Wayfair’s many, many Cyber Week deals, including up to 70% off bedding, 55% off kitchen goods, and more.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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