It’s Latinx Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich diversity of Latinx cultures. As a beauty writer, witnessing the industry's growing focus on representation is truly inspiring.
From broader shade selections in popular brands to increased support for BIPOC entrepreneurs, the beauty landscape is evolving. However, the internet often recycles trends, stripping them of their context. This month serves as a reminder of the deep roots Latinx cultures have in mainstream beauty.
It’s essential to recognize that Latinx cultures are incredibly varied. The Hispanic and Latinx communities comprise numerous nations, each with unique traditions. Acknowledging this diversity begins with appreciating their distinctiveness.
Featured image by Belathée Photography.
Many elements of Latinx culture can be seen everywhere. In the beauty industry, we’re increasingly witnessing trends that draw inspiration from Latinx heritage, and it’s crucial to acknowledge their influence. Bold colors, striking lip shades, and the use of indigenous plant ingredients—Latinx cultures have enriched the beauty world immensely!
Currently, the Clean Girl Look trending on TikTok showcases the significant impact of Latinx culture. While figures like Hailey Bieber are often credited with popularizing this aesthetic, featuring slicked-back styles and glowing skin, these elements have been integral to Black and Latinx beauty traditions for years.
The discussion around the #CleanLook has allowed us to explore how many beauty trends stem from Latinx heritage. As you browse your favorite beauty aisles or curate your Pinterest boards, keep an eye out for these trends that celebrate Latinx culture. You’re sure to see more of them.
7 Beauty Trends Inspired by Latinx Heritage
Slicked-Back Hair
As part of the clean beauty movement, slicked-back hairstyles have become mainstream. Gels, pomades, and baby hair brushes are now essential tools for beauty enthusiasts on TikTok and Pinterest. However, this look has roots in Black and Latinx beauty practices long before it became a trend.
For many Black and Latinx women with thicker hair, maintaining moisture and oil is essential. The slicked-back style serves to pull oiled hair away from the face while keeping thick, textured hair flat.
For numerous Latinx women, slicked-back hair remains a signature style. With its rise in popularity, more beauty brands from Latinx creators are offering products that support this look, prioritizing hair health and clean ingredients.
Ceremonia Pequi Medium-Hold Styling Hair Gel
This Babba Rivera clean, Latinx-inspired hair brand goes beyond being just Instagram content. Their delightful-smelling products are essentials for any hair type and style. This innovative hair gel secures your hair without any residue, ensuring healthy locks.
Bomba Curls Forbidden Hair Mask
To enhance your slicked-back look, it's beneficial to treat your hair with a leave-in conditioner or mask. Bomba Curls offers a fantastic option to repair damaged hair and revive any texture.
Dark Lip Liner—“Brownie Glazed Lips”
While Hailey Bieber is often associated with the “brownie-glazed lips” trend on TikTok, dark lip lining has been a staple for Black and brown women for decades, often stemming from necessity.
Before the launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, the beauty industry had limited offerings for darker skin tones. Latinx icons like Selena transformed this practice from a necessity into a celebrated trend.
Just like many nostalgic beauty trends, dark liner is back. Latinx brands now offer modern takes on this classic style.
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty has become a go-to brand for those seeking the Clean Girl aesthetic. This lip liner features a smooth texture in various shades, perfect for creating a bold lined lip or a more subtle finish.
This lip gloss, enriched with natural oils from Brazil, provides a nourishing finish for a glossy lip look.
Amazon Clay Masks
You’ve likely heard of the Aztec Secret Clay Healing Mask. While many swear by it, it can be too harsh for some. However, clay masks from the Amazon hold a significant place in Latinx cultures.
Traditionally, clay from the Amazon River has been used for facial treatments, and these practices continue in Latinx communities, utilizing locally-sourced ingredients like clay and volcanic ash for skin benefits.
For a gentler option, consider these Latinx-founded brands.
Brujita Skincare Conviction Facial Mask
This purifying mask is a milder alternative to the popular option, featuring Peppermint Hydrosol to eliminate impurities and clay to reduce oiliness for a clearer complexion.
Becalia Botanicals Charcoal Detoxifying Clay Mask
This detox mask combines Bentonite Clay, Kaolin Clay, Activated Charcoal, and hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil to keep skin moisturized while clearing out pores.
Yerba Maté
You might be familiar with yerba maté as a beverage trend, but its benefits are extending into skincare. This naturally caffeinated plant from the South American Atlantic rainforest is energizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It supports collagen production, combats acne, and shields against environmental damage.
While you may know the Youth to the People Yerba Maté products, this ingredient is also featured in various Latinx-founded brands.
This energizing bath soak utilizes yerba maté to cleanse impurities effectively.
This mist refreshes skin or makeup instantly while providing hydration and energizing benefits from yerba maté.
Prickly Pear/Cactus
Prickly pear, or cactus, is another potent ingredient originating from Latinx cultures. It offers soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It’s renowned for enhancing skin radiance, and many trendy products feature this ingredient, often from Latinx brands.
Nopalera Moisturizing Botanical Bar
A moisturizing bar crafted with plant butters, oils, and Mexican botanicals to deeply hydrate the skin. Luxurious nopal oil provides moisture while tepezcohuite aids skin regeneration.
This oil cleanser harnesses the power of prickly pear to enhance the nourishing and clarifying effects of a facial cleanser.
Hair Oiling
You may have heard of oil training during the pandemic, but hair oiling has deep cultural roots in many traditions. In various Latinx cultures, hair care rituals differ based on hair types. Regardless of whether hair is curly or straight, natural oils play a vital role in nourishing and protecting locks.
This product is designed to help women embrace their curls, ensuring optimal hair health while enhancing natural texture.
This nourishing hair oil is packed with potent ingredients to protect and strengthen hair. Use it pre- or post-shower for maximum benefits.
Avocado Hair Masks
If you’re not familiar with avocado hair masks, they’re a game-changer. Celebrities like Cardi B and Adriana Lima have touted their benefits. Avocado is just as nourishing for hair as it is for the body, packed with healthy fats. Many create DIY treatments with mashed avocado for skin and hair applications, and these innovative Latinx brands make it even easier to enjoy these benefits.
Botanika Beauty Revitalizer Deep Conditioning Mask
This mask connects Latinx beauty rituals to modern needs, offering comprehensive conditioning in just 10 minutes!
Pink Root Curl Enhancing Lotion
This leave-in lotion boosts natural curls with avocado oil and baobab, infusing strands with nourishing healthy fats.
