2026 should be about beauty that understands you and works for you.
As we step into the new year, people are becoming more intentional than ever about their beauty and skincare routines. After all that the past year has demanded of us, self-care and self-management have shifted from indulgences to necessities.
In line with this shift, beauty in 2026 is shaping up to be thoughtful, science-led, and deeply personal. Rather than chasing quick results, more people are prioritising skin health, inclusive formulas, and products designed with their specific skin needs in mind.
Naturally, beauty lovers everywhere are already thinking about refreshing their makeup, skincare, and fragrance lineups — and we’ve curated just the right guide to lead the way.
If you’re new to beauty or on the hunt for fresh products designed specifically for Black skin, this guide is for you. Stick with us till the end as we share the beauty and skincare products we’ll be reaching for all year long. There’s truly no better time to stock up than now.
Makeup for every shade of you
Danessa Myricks Beauty
A cult favourite among beauty enthusiasts, Danessa Myricks Beauty is an eponymous brand founded by makeup artist Danessa Myricks. Built on inclusivity, the brand is thoughtfully created for every skin tone, s guided by the philosophy of “beauty without boundaries.”
Since its official debut in Nigeria on 6 November 2025, the brand has taken the beauty community by storm, and they can’t stop talking about it. From innovative, high-performance formulas to skin-forward, luminous finishes, the brand continually delivers products that don’t just enhance — they elevate the way we approach beauty.
If we had to pick just one standout from its impressive range, it would be the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, a true game-changer for a soft base and perfected complexion.
Beauty By AD
Intentionally created with African women in mind, Beauty by AD offers a thoughtfully curated range of products — from foundations and powders to lipsticks and blushes. Founded by Adeola Adeyemi, the brand remains unwavering in its mission: to create makeup that allows Black women to feel seen, confident, and unapologetically empowered.
Dabota Cosmetics
Described by founder Dabota Lawson as a brand “for sensitive skin that embraces minimalism.” This science-backed, non-toxic brand places deep care on its ingredients. It is suited for acne-prone skin and has garnered glowing reviews and ongoing conversations both online and offline. This is proof that it truly delivers the results people are looking for.
Read also: The best hacks for long lasting makeup
Skincare that prioritises health
Bercēker
Bercēker is a skincare brand focused on corrective beauty for African skin, dedicated to restoring the skin’s natural beauty and resilience before environmental damage sets in. As founder Rabia Usoro puts it, “Our focus isn’t on building something new on the skin. It’s about restoring what was always there.”
With just three core products — a body wash, body lotion, and Mochi Toner — Bercēker moves away from fleeting trends, remaining committed to correcting, restoring, and strengthening the skin.
Oroyo Skincare
Another science-backed skincare brand to watch this year is Oroyo Skincare. Moving away from quick fixes and flashy packaging, the brand understands that true skin glow starts with skin health.
Founded by Patricia Oroyo, an aesthetician known for her expertise in skin health and aesthetic care, Oroyo Skincare empowers clients through education. The brand is transparent about its ingredients, methods, and realistic expectations.
Read also: Perfume layering — because one scent isn’t always enough
Fragrances that linger
Beguile
Beguile is a Nigerian-owned perfume brand known for its affordable yet high-class scents. Renowned for their remarkable longevity, the fragrances are available as both perfumes and concentrated perfume oils. Already making waves among fragrance enthusiasts, these scents are quickly securing a coveted spot on perfume lovers’ shelves, cementing their status as the it-fragrances of 2026.
Made in the UAE for the Nigerian market and beyond, Beguile champions inclusivity and versatility. Standout scents from the range include Mystique and Blush Bloom.
Deke living
Deke Living is a Nigerian-based luxury brand best known for its refined home fragrances, designed to transform everyday spaces into experiences.
Their range includes scented candles, room mists, and diffusers, offering multiple ways to infuse your home or personal space with softness, warmth, and a soothing ambiance.
Since fragrances also extend beyond the body, these scents for our spaces and environments are a powerful form of self-care, capable of lifting moods and leaving a lasting impression.
Invest in beauty that works for you
Makeup that celebrates every shade of Black skin, science-backed skincare, and long-lasting fragrances show that thoughtful, intentional beauty is more than just a trend. As you refine your routines this year, choose products that empower and put your skin first. After all, when beauty is made with you in mind, every use feels like a win.
Read more: Elevate & Illuminate: Only the best to begin your January
