Black Beauty Trendsetters Deserve Their Flowers

Black beauty is distinct. It’s a category of its own. Every coil, braided style, and ounce of melanin is recognizable. And above all else, Black beauty and its influence is undeniable.

This Black History Month, The Network of Black Leaders and Executives (NOBLE) Employee Resource Group (ERG), in partnership with ELC proudly presents “The Black Influence on…Beauty”—an exploration of the Black community's influence on the beauty industry as we know it today, the trends we love most, and culture and society.

Black beauty trendsetters deserve recognition and accolades for their contributions to our industry and society. From meticulously curated baby hairs dawned by celebrities and models on the covers of leading Black beauty magazines to intricate nail art inspired by Black music artists and athletes and brownie-glazed lips and the latte makeup aesthetic, many of the trends going viral on social media, dominating headlines, and strutting down catwalks today originated at kitchen tables and in salons throughout the Black community. 

As an ERG within a company that champions Black innovation and representation, NOBLE celebrates the contributions of the Black beauty visionaries from the past and present who have had an irrefutable impact on our industry. NOBLE and ELC also celebrate the members of our Black beauty community for the talents, lived experiences, and perspectives they bring to their roles year-round. Their dedication and contributions play a pivotal role in the success of our company and show the next generation of Black beauty leaders what’s possible when inclusion and equity are at the center of all that we do.

To commemorate "The Black Influence on...Beauty,” employees will have the opportunity to learn from influential Black beauty experts across categories through a series of dynamic discussions and demonstrations in partnership with ELC brands. Featured events will include: 

• The Black Influence on…Skin Care: An exploration of how the science of Black skin influences advancements in product development to meet the needs of diverse skin types, featuring Clinique and Origins.

• Black Girl Freedom Week: A fireside chat featuring Nicole Monson, Senior Vice President, Equity and Engagement, and Grantmakers for Girls of Color’s Cidra Sebastion on February 13 during Black Girl Freedom Week 2024.

• The Black Influence on…Trendsetting: Presented by M·A·C in partnership with Spelman College, an exploration the Black community’s influence on viral makeup and fashion trends. 

• The Black Influence on…Beauty: An exploration of the rich tapestry of Black culture's impact on the beauty industry, from historical milestones to current trends, and glimpse into the innovative future it continues to shape. Presented by our North America Regional ID&E Center of Excellence.

• The Black Influence on…Hair Care: Presented by Bumble and bumble and Aveda, an examination of how Black beauty salons and barber shops spark innovation, birth trends, and build communities. 

• The Black Influence on...Fragrance: Presented by Tom Ford, a lunch-and-learn designed to evoke memories, define experiences, and explore mood through the power of aromatherapy.

• Heart Health and the Black Community: A discussion with ELC’s Corporate Medical Director Sharon E. Smith, MD, MBA, FACP, and Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, FACC, FAHA, MASNC, a renowned leading expert in the field of cardiovascular disease. 

To hear more from ELC and NOBLE throughout Black History Month, follow ELC on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

Proudly,
NOBLE