On April 20th, the police officer who took the life of George Floyd was found guilty by a US jury on three charges: second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. The sentencing of Derek Chauvin will occur in eight weeks’ time and he will be held without bail until then.

Whilst we hope that the verdict of this trial offers at least some sort of relief to the family and friends of George Floyd, this verdict is not a victory – a victory could only be one without the death of George Floyd.

In truth, the sentencing of a cop for murdering an African American man making international news only highlights just how uncommon it is that the perpetrators of racially motivated heinous hate crimes and murders are so rarely brought to justice. 

Law enforcement, which is supposed to offer a sense of safety and security to all of us, has frequently been capable of and easily allowed to get away with horrific incidents of brutality, only to be justified by the excuse of criminal behaviour on the victim’s part. Unfortunately, it comes as no shock that the deaths and attacks carried out by ‘law enforcers’ are directed at plenty of innocent civilians, but a question we should really be turning our focus to is; why is any physical violence needed in the case of a police investigation/arrest. When the murderer responsible for the six fatal shootings of Asian women in Atlanta last month was arrested without gunfire or attack, and excused by the Police Captain of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s department as having had ‘a bad day’, it’s no longer (and hasn’t been for some time) up for debate that the handling of arrests or even simple check-ins require guns or use of excessive force. 

Whilst some celebrated the verdict of yesterday’s trial and hoped for this to be the beginning of a vast improvement in policing laws, in another state, Ma’Khia Bryant, a sixteen-year-old black girl was shot dead by police and became yet another victim of a heinous police brutality crime. 

At age sixteen, Ma’Khia called the police in fear after an attempted stabbing had been made. Instead of the safety she sought in phoning the police, the officers which attended the scene callously took her life. 

There is no question that the death of George Floyd caused global outrage and sparked protests and demonstrations worldwide, bringing a huge amount of attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, but George Floyd is and was not a martyr; he did not sacrifice his life, he didn’t die for a cause, he was unlawfully murdered and stripped of his life. He didn’t need or have to die; it was not a choice. 

Whilst some may celebrate the beginning of change following the verdict of yesterday’s trial, if anything, this so clearly highlights how far we have yet to go. In the UK, more of the corruption at play in our government has been exposed following the recent handling of the recent Race Report which so casually rewrote history, dismissed white supremacy, and denied that Britain had an issue with racism. Under scrutiny from the United Nations who rejected the report, they shared;

‘It is stunning to read a report on race and ethnicity that repackages racist tropes and stereotypes into fact, twisting data and misapplying statistics and studies into conclusory findings and ad hominem attacks on people of African descent.’

An in-depth look into the dishonest report that No. 10 produced can be viewed here.

With inherently racist countries built on the backs of slavery, colonisation, and colonialism declaring their innocence in matters of racism and racially fuelled murders taking place in one state whist the sentencing of a racist cop takes place in another, it is obvious that this is hardly even the beginning of an effort to demand systemic reprioritisation and make a huge individual and internal revolutionary change in order to achieve justice for all.

It is simply not enough to demand accountability; justice and equity for victims of this systemic racism are sorely needed.

‘Black LIFE Matters. As in Black health, Black wealth, Black success, Black joy, Black breath, Black love, Black anger, Black laughter, Black creativity, Black abundance, Black peace, Black ease, Black well-being, Black self-expression, Black community, Black culture, Black safety, Black protection, Black leadership, Black history, Black self-determination, Black self-definition, Black individuality, Black truth-telling, Black humanity, Black existence.’

 – Layla F. Saad

Books/Resources to help: 

Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism, and Change the World – by Layla Saad

Do Better (Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing from White Supremacy – by Rachel Ricketts

Spiritual Activism Webinars: https://www.rachelricketts.com/online-courses

Words By Megan Selway

The post The Trial of Derek Chauvin – This is Only the Beginning of Justice. appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Her signature bold graphic looks partnered with perfectly luminous skin usually catch our eye as we scroll through Instagram. Recently, however, she has used her huge platform to raise awareness and demand change for the ‘black lives matter’ movement. Voir got to know the girl behind the Instagram.

1). Who inspired you growing up?

My biggest inspirations stem from movies and their creative ways of introducing and establishing characters. I was always in awe with the way scenes were lit and the makeup and fashion aspects.

2). How did you get into makeup?

I got into it by accident. I was not the type of person that would wear bold looks on a daily basis, but I needed a creative outlet and found it in art and makeup. Once I realised how much fun I had creating it, I knew I had to work on realising ideas and showing them through my photography.

3). What is your biggest source of inspiration for your makeup looks?

It can be anything. A mood, a colour, even a song or an object. Of course, I also find inspiration and motivation in the work of others, especially my talented friends on Instagram! Although it’s important to separate recreation and inspiration, which is why I try to find looks in other forms of art, instead of makeup.

Images taken from @kali.ledger Instagram

4). How would you describe your style?

I think, bold, glowy with a graphic liner describes me best!

5). What is in your everyday makeup bag?

A lot of liquid blush and highlighter. My faves are from Iconic London. As well as the one and only perfect match foundation, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation.

6). What is your go-to look?

A glowy cheek and a very simple foxy eye that I do with my brow pencil! I usually use my nude lipstick (Kabcosmetics in ‘Lace’) on my lips and cheeks, if I am on the go.

7). You can only use three items of makeup for the rest of your life, what are they?

I think I would never stop using my liquid highlighter by Iconic London, my Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Primer and my soap brow, done with regular hand soap and water.

8). Which is your favourite look you have created?

Anything that was not in my comfort zone. For example, my first videos! I had a hard time feeling confident and relaxed in front of the camera, and that has gotten so much better over the last months.

9). How do you achieve such flawless, glowing skin?

It’s all in the skincare and way you apply your products! Most importantly is your skincare. You need to find the right products for your skin and more sure to use them properly. The next step is the application of products. Do not layer products on top of each other that don’t need to be layered. Best example: Powder, Foundation, then Concealer all underneath your Highlighter? That is a no go for me. Try a routine where you apply your eye makeup your lip makeup, your brows then your primer, contour, blush, bronzer and highlight and THEN go in and start to spot conceal and apply a very small bit of foundation. You will notice that your results are super lightweight, and you do not need to apply every product on your whole face. By always applying product to the back of your hand first, you will a lot more control and it’s not going to cake or crease on you.

10). Have you ever faced any struggles/ setbacks?

Yes, but they mostly came from myself. I suffer from anxiety, and depression and I can get very hard on myself when I am unproductive.

11). How did you overcome them?

I have learned to take breaks, have a work schedule and also take the weekends off sometimes, making space for my mental health, well-being and friends.

12). Do you have any advice for young women trying to get into the makeup industry?

Do not underestimate your worth, talent and time. Success does not come overnight, I have worked nearly 2 years on Instagram, and I learned about photography, retouching, and videography 3 years prior. That is everything I have done to get to where I am right now. I have done over 230 Looks with almost 690 Images and 429 Instagram posts. This is hard work and dedication and cannot be achieved in a short time. With that said don’t get discouraged when you don’t see progress immediately. Always strive to work hard and do your best, change your looks, techniques, and never give up on yourself. Do what makes you feel good, that is all that matters.

Images taken from @kali.ledger Instagram

On your social media, you have been a part of creating a voice around the black lives matter movement to your large following. Is there anything you want to say to our readers regarding the movement, from an activist perspective, a business perspective or a personal perspective to continue to raise awareness and create change?

13). Have you experienced discrimination in the beauty industry?

From a business perspective, I can tell you that a lot of brands are treating this subject as a trend and a PR Stunt. If they have not shared their business insides as well as their actual plans to change their way of working, they are not serious about it. Please look at the challenge and demand your favourite brands to be more transparent.

Though we are still a long way off, we’ve recently seen more focus on trying to achieve diversity within the beauty industry.

14). What are your thoughts on the representation of black people within the beauty industry, and whether the beauty industry is truly trying to change this?

I have, in almost all campaigns that I have been a part of, been ‘the darkest option/person’. I have noticed a lack of black and PAID creators in the industry and that is solely because brands are not catering to these creators. I have also noticed that I was not following a lot of black creators because they were never recommended to me and my feed.

Images taken from @kali.ledger Instagram

Only during the last shout out for black creators has there been a light on them. I think it’s so sad to see brands still not seeing their worth, but I am hopeful that things will change. Companies are solely based on their profit and demand. Let us demand more inclusivity and diversity and only spend our money on brands that listen!

Words by Ella Winfield

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Meet Kali Ledger: Makeup Artist & Unapologetic ‘Black Lives Matter’ Activist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As it’s Black History Month we thought we’d create a playlist detailing and celebrating some of the most culturally relevant and powerful songs created by black musicians, we’ll be taking a look at music from both past and present that highlights some of the most important and influential music in history.

Tupac – Changes (1998)

Despite being tragically murdered before it’s release Tupac showed us why he’s one of the best rappers of our time with this powerful message detailing the struggles African Americans face then and now still.

2Pac – Changes (Official Video)

Arethra Franklin – Respect (1967)

Arethra Franklin’s signature song was a groundbreaking female empowerment anthem of the late 1960s, with overtones for the civil rights movement and gender equality it is one of the most impactful songs of all time.

Aretha Franklin, Respect

Dave – Black (2019)

This lyrical masterpiece caused hundreds of complaints in the UK after Dave performed it live during the BRIT awards and his performance is goosebump-inducing. Dave tackles the issues of racial and social inequality throughout the track giving a glimpse of the black experience in Britain.

Dave- Black (Live at the Brits 2020)

J Cole – Be Free (2014)

Recently released to streaming services, this track is a heart-wrenching tribute to Michael Brown who was unlawfully shot by police in 2014. Cole also added an incredible new verse with his performance of the track on The David Letterman Show.

Be Free- J Cole

Public Enemy – Fight The Power (1989)

Public Enemy urge people to rise up and fight against injustice in one of hip hops most important songs. Public Enemy’s Chuck D wrote the lyrics, drawing influences from James Brown and Bob Marley, while simultaneously calling out white American celebrities like Elvis Presley and John Wayne.

Public Enemy- Fight The Power (official music video)

Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing) (1998)

Lauryn Hill is one of the most creative and important artists of our time and on this iconic track, she pushes for female empowerment which gave her a number one hit and two Grammy’s for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Lauryn Hill – Doo-Wop (official video)

Marvin Gaye – What’s Goin’ On’ (1971)

Marvin Gaye asks an important question after a number of high-profile incidents of police brutality. The song marked a different sound for Marvin as he strayed from the Motown style towards more personal material

(Marvin Gaye- Whats goin’ on)

Nas feat. Lauryn Hill – If I Ruled the World (1996)

Nas and Lauryn Hill join forces to give us an uplifting hip hop classic from his 1996 album It Was Written. The single was nominated for a Grammy in 1997 and is considered one of the greatest rap songs of all time.

Nas Feat. Lauryn Hill- If I Ruled the World

Kendrick Lamar – I (2014)

Kendrick Lamar is arguably one of the most substantive rappers of the modern era, his 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly won numerous Grammy’s and while the album is full of flawless tracks from start to finish ‘I’ is a standout for its positivity and encouragement for the listener to simply love themselves.

Kendrick Lamar- i (official video)

Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture (2020)

While many may class Lil Baby as just a fun trap rapper with nothing substantive to say, he wipes the floor with all those presumptions with ‘The Bigger Picture’. Lil Baby addresses the unrest after the unlawful murder of George Floyd with one of the most hard-hitting tracks of the year.

Lil Baby – The Bigger Picture (Official music video)

Common feat. John Legend – Glory (2014)

Written for the soundtrack of the 2014 film “Selma,” the song is inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and Ferguson protests after the shooting for Michael Brown. The singer and rapper duo discuss how one day, the protesting will lead to a victory.

Common, John Legend- Glory

Sister Sledge – We Are Family (1979)

This iconic feel-good song encourages everyone to come together on one of the biggest soul anthems of all time.

Sister Sledge – We are Family

N.W.A – F**k Da Police (1988)

One of the most controversial records and a group of all time, N.W.A turned the music industry on its head with their unapologetic raw and edgy sound. After having many racially motivated attacks on them by police N.W.A refused to bite their tongue and released this all-time classic, which, unfortunately, is still all too relevant in today’s society.

N.W.A Fuk Da Police

Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come (1964)

This song was inspired by various events in Cooke’s life, most prominently an event in which he and his group of friends were turned away from a whites-only motel in Louisiana. Cooke felt the need to write a song about his struggles and those around him. the song went on to provide a soundtrack for the civil rights movement.

Sam Cooke- A change is gonna come (official lyric video)

Kanye West – New Slaves (2013)

In 2014 Kanye sat down for an interview with Zach Baron of GQ, Kanye claimed to have engaged in numerous meetings that included what he dubbed “Stay in your place” type of conversations. These were what led to him creating ‘New Slaves’ which is a modern-day protest song which also challenges the US justice system.

Kanye West New Slaves

Words by Chris Saunders

Graphics by Frances Scott

The post Black History Month 2020: Essential Anthems for Your Playlist appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Beyoncé has given the people an anthem of cultural pride just when the world needs it most.

Following the unlawful death of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has been sparked across the world. With all 50 states and 18 additional countries protesting for racial equality, Beyoncé has been a leading supporter of the movement. She has used her social media presence as a means of activism, encouraging people to sign petitions to get justice for others who have died at the hands of police brutality. In an open video message, she pleaded with her followers to be a part of this movement, and to help the families of the victims.

When Beyoncé surprised fans with a new song in the final hours of the 19th of June, she was bookmarking Juneteenth into history.

Juneteenth is the celebration of slaves being emancipated on the same date, in 1865. The song- named “Black Parade”- is a call to action for African Americans, as she lyrically encourages them to be proud of their roots, of where they come from. This is especially potent when she sings “I can’t forget that my history is her-story”. The song is rich in cultural references, coming from all over the continent of Africa. From the “Ankh” symbol that comes from Egypt to the West African goddess of love and femininity, “Oshun”. This broadens the horizons of who can relate to the lyrics, and who can emotionally connect with the song.

Check out Beyoncé’s New single above

When you listen to it, it’s almost overwhelmingly full of pride and emotion. It feels like a community breaking through and refusing to keep quiet about their culture anymore, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The essence of it reminds me of writers such as Toni Morrison and Grace Nichols, who both wrote about being proud of their roots, and embracing their history. When posting about the single on Instagram, Beyoncé wrote “Please continue to remember our beauty, strength, and power.” Black Parade” celebrates you, your voice, and your joy”.

Alongside the song came the BeyGOOD Black Business Impact Fund. This new campaign is made to support and promote black-owned businesses and elevate them during these hard times. The fund will be administered by the National Urban League. Alongside this announcement on her website came a directory of black businesses, ranging from Art and Design to Restaurants and Bars.

While the BLM movement continues to take over the world in a wave of justice, it’s important to help independent owners.

The song is so rich that I could spend hours analysing every word or image included in it. It is the perfect song to release and is exactly what people needed right now. Empowerment, freedom, and pride.

Words by Abigail Forrest

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Beyoncé Releases Surprise Single “Black Parade” to mark Juneteenth celebrations appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The last few days of May have become part of history. George Floyd is the name appearing all over the news and Internet with the hashtag . The death of yet another black American man in the US, by the hands of police, sparked anger among the community who witnessed the explosion of protests and riots.

‘I can’t breathe’ and ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ are the words echoing in the peaceful demonstrations which have drawn people from all 50 states in the US and many countries abroad to call for police reform and justice.

History seems to unfold yet again in a similar pattern to the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s/60s: just like the killing of activist Jimmie Lee Jackson in 1965, George Floyd’s death has become a symbol of the racial injustice in America.

Fifty-five years after the (in)famous Bloody Sunday and the marches led by Martin Luther King Jr, a new generation of protesters is still fighting for justice. A battle which is necessary to definitely end racism and save millions of lives.

Unlike the Civil Rights Movement, George Floyd’s protests have received wider support, including people from every country and race. While the demonstrations in 1968 culminated in the deaths of Afro-American Unity founder Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr, the protests of 2020 are fuelling the anger from the latest victims of police brutality to bring change.

As new investigations over Floyd’s death are still underway and protesters all around the world keep calling for justice, here’s a timeline of the major events that took place since that day.

Monday, May 25: George Floyd dies in police custody At 8 p.m. during Memorial Day, George Floyd, 46, is arrested by four officers after allegedly using a fake $20 bill at the local Cup Foods in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A disturbing video is posted on Facebook, showing Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds as he repeats to them ‘I can’t breathe’. He dies in police custody after losing consciousness. The clip of the event quickly goes viral on the Internet.

Tuesday, May 26: The demonstrations start in Minneapolis The community in Minneapolis gathers on the site of the incident, marching towards the Third Police Precinct and demanding justice with the first of many protests. Ben Crumps, civil rights attorney, announces that he will be representing Floyd’s family. Soon after, the four officers involved in the accident are fired as an investigation is opened over the causes of Floyd’s death.

Wednesday, May 27: Violence breaks out After the first night of protest which culminated in some local shops looting (Target) and fires, the peaceful protests in Minneapolis turn violent. In an attempt to disperse the crowd, cops shoot rubber bullets and tear gas at the protestors. News reporters are also subjected to arrests and attacks from the police. Many are left injured, others are arrested. The frustration on social media grows higher.

Thursday, May 28: Devastation and National Guard The day after the second night of protest saw the community come together to heal the damages of the previous riots. In fact, many small and big businesses were vandalised and firefighters were still trying to control several blazes across the city. In support of the protesters, many other cities – such as New Jersey, Miami, Los Angeles, New York – join the demonstration as tensions escalate. The Minnesota National Guard is called in to re-establish order, likewise in the other participant cities.

Friday, May 29: Derek Chauvin’s arrest and strict curfews Derek Chauvin, the officer filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck, is arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, with a maximum of 35 years in prison. Floyd’s family, along with the supporters of the movement, call for first-degree murder charges and that the remaining three officers be arrested and charged as well. As the protests continue, flowers, letters and candles are left underneath a mural painted in honour of Floyd in Chicago. Many petitions are signed in aid to all the families who have lost a loved one by the hands of police. Meanwhile, entire communities in the US keep protesting, facing attacks from the police. The government issues the application of curfews to dozens of cities as the demonstrations feature both violence and looting. In an attempt to address the problem, President Donald Trump, sparks controversy after tweeting that ‘when the looting starts, the shooting starts.’

Saturday, May 31: The White House shuts off and Anonymous joins the protests Trump’s statements on both social media and press releases infuriate protestors who march towards the White House. Although thousands protest peacefully across the country, many recur to acts of vandalism and clashes with the police near the White House. Here for the first time in ages, the White House shuts its lights off. Meanwhile, Trump heads to a bunker, which he later reveals ‘needed a check’. On the Internet, Anonymous, a group of hackers known for its various cyber attacks against several governments, exposes some facts on the Trump-Epstein rape lawsuit. The group later posts a video in which they state: ‘We are anonymous. We are a legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.’

Monday, June the 1st: London joins the protest and the autopsy results are revealed After an independent autopsy, Floyd’s legal team states that his death was caused by asphyxia, thus confirming it as a homicide. The latest revelations, along with videos of police assaulting peaceful protesters shared on social media, spark attention to the rest of the world. In London, the marches start in Trafalgar Square with thousands of people showing their support to the Black Lives Matter movement. The protesters then gathered near the U.S. Embassy and in Downing Street with signs that state: ‘The UK is not innocent.’

Tuesday, June 2: The protest spread worldwide A week of protests goes by. Streets are turned into a battlefield as the police don’t hold back their attacks. In support of all the communities, cities from all over the world join the movement. Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires and many more march against police brutality and racism. People share their messages of solidarity on social media during the controversial .

Full video of John Boyega speech on Evening Standard

Wednesday, June 3: Hyde Park’s protest and all 4 officers charged In London, the demonstrations move to Hyde Park: here a huge crowd of thousands of people breaks lockdown restrictions to show their support to the BLM movement. Each one observes the two-metre distancing rule as they hold signs that say ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘No Justice, No Peace’. Among them, actor John Boyega (Star Wars Trilogy) gives an emotional speech about George Floyd’s death. He, tearful, states: ‘We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd. I need you to understand how painful this s**t is. I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing and that isn’t the case anymore, that was never the case anymore.’ Boyega addresses the importance of securing a future for black families, ending his speech with a bold statement: ‘We can all join together to make this a better world. We can all join together to make this special.’ Later that day, the news report that the other three officers involved in the incident were charged for aiding in the second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Thursday, June 4: George Floyd’s funeral in Minneapolis The North Central University in Minneapolis holds Floyd’s memorial, filled with hope and calls for change. It is a national ceremony. At the funerals, besides Floyd’s family stand black personalities such as Martin Luther King III, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rev. Al Sharpton and actor Kevin Hart. Meanwhile, the rest of the country prays together, honouring his life in local memorials. Following these impactful events, the world is experiencing, once again, a revolution. With worldwide support, the possibilities of bringing a new reality are infinite. Change is essential to avoid remaking the same mistakes of the past.

Check out more photography on the Instagram account @zek.snaps

If you wish to join the movement and protest, there are peaceful protests planned in London on June 6th and 7th. Parliament Square, London on Saturday, June 6 at 1 pm and the US Embassy, London on Sunday, June 7 at 2 pm. In Manchester, there is a protest planned to kick start at 1 pm, on Saturday, June 6, in Piccadilly Gardens.

If you attend the protest you need to ensure your safety as we still have a pandemic out there. Before you go out to protest ensure you have done the following:

1. Wear a mask and Gloves.

2. Adhere to social distancing guidelines.

3. Pack a handy pair of goggles or any eye protection to protect from teargas.

4. Ensure you have a form of identification and emergency contact information.

Wear a mask and Gloves.

Adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Pack a handy pair of goggles or any eye protection to protect from teargas.

Ensure you have a form of identification and emergency contact information.

Words by Gennaro Costanzo

Graphics By Katie Janes

The post The Impact of George Floyd: A Timeline of The Major Events Since His Death appeared first on Voir Fashion.

As America burns in protest, our attention has been drawn to ways we can recognise and actively break down not just overt racism in the form of police brutality, but ingrained, institutionalised racism that is chosen by many to only sometimes be seen, only sometimes be heard, but yet it is always felt. Where signing petitions and donating to funds are necessary short-term acts of activism, we must consider long term physical courses of action we can all make to ensure change.

A brilliant, well-articulated video (you can find it here) from Paul Carrick Brunson has circulated on Instagram, explicitly listing five things we can all do to support the Black Lives Matter movement; one being to financially support and buy from black businesses. The idea of this being that it increases black employment and filters money into the black community. He very powerfully stated that in the US, for every dollar put into the Asian community, it will bounce around enriching other Asian people for an average of 28 days. In the black community, it lasts less than six hours before bouncing right out again. It’s plain and simple: endorsing and choosing to spend your money at black-owned businesses will have a bigger impact than you think. When you have shared every white privilege post and hashtag there is on social media, put your money where your mouth is and as Rihanna said, pull up.

On the flip side of this, your reasoning behind supporting these businesses should not only be because they’re owned by black people, but because more importantly, they are good brands. Nobody wants your pity pounds. Support them because their products are excellent and their service is outstanding and their ethics are admirable, like you would any other brand and then continue to do so.

So, let’s start with beauty – an industry which more often than not, lacks representation in all aspects, from influencer brand deals to shade ranges and a repeatedly biased definition of the term ‘nude’. Spend your coin and spend it wisely. Here are 10 black-owned beauty brands that you should buy from and five other brands that took no time acknowledging exactly how to support the BLM movement and consequently, are worth an honourable mention too.

Uoma

Check it out here: https://uomabeauty.com/

51 foundation shades. If that isn’t inclusivity then I don’t know what is. This Nigerian born but LA and London founded brand by Sharon Chuter is created for all. ‘At UOMA we are an empowered tribe. Our race is human, our people are free, our language is colour. All are welcome to our beautiful tribe.’ Think culture meets freedom of colour and expression with its *stunning* collections endorsed by no other beauty guru heroes than Jackie Aina and Patrick Starrr.

Nuban Beauty

Check it out here: https://nubanbeauty.com/

This Nigerian cosmetic brand focuses on creating affordable high-quality, products in Africa with an international standard. Founder Stella Ndekile, a Lagos based Medical Laboratory Scientist and part-time makeup artist partnered with celebrity make-up artist Jane Ogu to create this brand of premium makeup accessible to all. Shipping around the world, you’d be missing out if you weren’t to check out its eyeshadow palettes. Did somebody say the word pigmentation?

Beauty Bakerie

Check it out here: https://www.beautybakerie.com/

Cashmere Nicole founded the brand in 2011 after overcoming a multitude of hurdles in her life including becoming a single mother at a young age, enduring college and nursing school and later undergoing a double mastectomy in a battle against breast cancer. Through this was the birth of Beauty Bakerie, accompanied by the brand motto ‘better, not bitter.’ This brand with a remarkable story is well known for its best-selling Flour Setting Powder, which adheres to its baking brand identity appreciated by those of us with a sweet-tooth.

Dizziak

Check it out here: https://dizziak.com/

British ex- magazine journalist Loretta De Free founded Dizziak London, a haircare brand made for everyone and every hair type. The brand’s Afro-futuristic logo is one to look out for and especially worth checking out if you’re somebody whose hair is thirsty for moisture. Try its Hydration Wash and Deep Conditioner for yourself and join the aphrodisiac stan club.

Lauren Napier Beauty

Check it out here: https://www.laurennapier.com/

When it comes to the removal of makeup, we are used to the wipes, micellar waters and face halos of the world, but have you heard of Lauran Napier Beauty’s Cleanse, Flaunt and La Rose cotton cloths? Not only do they claim to remove even the most stubborn and waterproof scraps of makeup, but simultaneously prep and hydrate your skin too, meaning they can be used for instant refreshment popped in your handbag. These premium unisex clothes have been featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and could be a fitting luxury gift item for a loved one or a treat to yourself. Reseal them and reuse.

Oui the People

Check it out here: https://www.ouithepeople.com/

Extending to the more deluxe end of our price scale, Oui the People have designed the premium shaving experience for all. You cannot notice this brand without being drawn to its celebratory ethos and commitment to reconstructing language around shaving and beauty standards for women. Its razors are made for women, rather than a male-catered razor repackaged in pink. These steel, refillable and reusable razors make for a fabulous, eco-friendly alternative to the 2M plastic razors that end up in landfill every year.

The Crayon Case

Check it out here: https://www.thecrayoncase.com/

A cosmetic line dedicated to amateur makeup users – genius. A fun and playful brand that simplifies and enables the sometimes complicated and overcrowded beauty industry with quirky products, at an affordable price point too. Recommended are its stunning palettes with shadows that will pop, and the highlighter concealer which comes in 30 shades from cool to deep tones, including colour correcting shades too. AND these are all packaged in multicoloured pen packaging, that is like no other.

Fenty Beauty

Check it out here: https://www.fentybeauty.com/

When Rihanna decided she was entering the beauty industry, she made ground-breaking waves. Where it is a given that this incredible brand needs no introduction and has achieved mass success in its own right, it is important to remember why a brand like Fenty Beauty continues to do so well four years after its launch; innovative products and extensive shades with inclusive campaigns and a clear brand identity that caters to all.

Pat Mcgrath Labs

Check it out here: https://www.patmcgrath.com/

Make room for an OG. When Vogue Editor Anna Wintour coins you as ‘the most influential makeup artist in the world’, it’s not surprising that for over two decades, Pat McGrath has shaped the global fashion and beauty industry and regularly directs runway makeup for all major fashion weeks. When she launched her own brand in 2016 the same integrity and passion was poured into her makeup, leading to no shock when Naomi Campbell became the new face of the brand this year.

Pear Nova

Check it out here: https://www.pearnova.com/

Awarded the Essence Best In Black Beauty 2020 prize, Pear Nova is designed in Chicago, made in the US, cruelty-free, vegan friendly and 5 free, which means no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, toluene, and dibutyl Phthalate DBP – all things that like myself, you probably didn’t even realise were in nail polish. You can custom create your very own collection online too; a supernova in the nail industry for sure.

: 5 Honourable Mentions

Glossier

Check it out here: https://www.glossier.com/

Glossier is donating $500k across the Black Lives Matter, the NAACP Legal Defence and Educational Fund, The Equal Justice Initiative, The Marsha P. Johnson Institute and We The Protestors organisations. It is also donating another $500k in the form of grants to black-owned beauty businesses.

Sunday Riley

Check it out here: https://sundayriley.com/

Founder of the brand Sunday Riley attended the same school as George Floyd and has chosen to donate $50,000 to the NAACP Legal Defence and Educational Fund.

Nails Inc

Check it out here: https://www.nailsinc.com/

During the month of June, Nails Inc will be donating 100% of its US profits to Black Lives Matter.

Dermalogica

Check it out here: https://www.dermalogica.co.uk/

The brand stated on Instagram it will be donating to the NAACP, having conversations at work about race and white privilege and encouraging employees to have these at home too, and also educating itself on the work that needs to be done and supporting organisations that are fighting for equality.

Herbivore Botanicals

Check it out here: https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/

In place of making a one-off donation, Herbivore Botanicals have stated it will be donating 100% of its profits from last weekend to Black Lives Matter, The Minnesota Freedom Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Click on all the above links to find out more information, be educated and learn how to donate.

Words by Amy Arfi

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Our Top Beauty Brands Supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement appeared first on Voir Fashion.

In the year 1963, at the height of the Civil rights movements in America, Dr Martin Luther King wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In 2020, 57 years later, the words have never rung more true.

In February, a young 25-year-old unarmed black man named Ahmaud Arbery goes jogging outside Brunswick, Georgia. While jogging, he is pursued by two white men in a pick-up truck who later shoot him. The pursuers who are father and son admit to the shooting but are not arrested or charged with any crime until May.

On the March 13th Breonna Taylor a 26-year-old EMT is shot eight times in her home, when Louisville Metro Police officers entered her house, as part of a drug investigation to apprehend a suspect who according to the lawsuit; filed against the police; was already in custody.

On the May 25th George Floyd a 46-year-old black man dies, pleading that he cannot breathe after a Minneapolis police officer kneels on his neck as a means of subduing him, reported for buying cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.

These incidents are not new. These are acts of violence that have plagued racially marginalised communities and not only in America. You see what Dr Martin Luther King understood is that if we do not speak up against violence based on race, then we are part of the problem. The outrage after the video of the last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of George Floyd life went viral has led to protests worldwide.

Fashion brands, beauty brands and public personalities have spoken up and against racial based violence. As Voir Fashion, a brand that celebrates diversity and showcases creativity, we cannot remain silent. Voir stands in solidarity with the black community in demanding Justice for Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others.

So how can you do your part in the fight against racial discrimination and violence?

First, in regard to George Floyd, you can sign the petition here on Change.Org to reach Mayor Jacob Frey and DA Mike Freeman to have all the officers involved in this disgusting situation fired and charged. You can also support his family by contributing to their GoFundMe account here.

Secondly, you need to protest. Let your voice be heard, be it on your social media or your immediate community, support movements like Black Lives Matter because to be silent is to be complicit.

Third, educate yourself, Nelson Mandela once said education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Here is a link to books that can educate you on systemic discrimination and how you can be an ally to the victims of oppression.

Words By Precious Njoki

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The post We Will Not Be Silent; Racism in America Leads to Worldwide Outrage appeared first on Voir Fashion.