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24 LGBTQIA+ Black Beauty Creators You Should Be Following ASAP

With the first anniversary of Black Lives Matter protests coinciding with Pride Month, Allure editors would like to take time to amplify and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ Black beauty creators we absolutely love following on Instagram. Pride, after all, exists because of the valiant efforts of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, who not only created safer, inclusive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, but also have sparked others around the world to explore their own identities through beauty over the past 50 years since the Stonewall riots, using Johnson's signature scarlet lipstick and rouged cheeks as inspiration.

Video: 7 ways to celebrate LGBTQ pride with fashion

These incredible beauty creators below aren't afraid to experiment with bold hair and makeup and often inspire trends that eventually take over our feeds while doing so. We cannot let the LGBTQIA+ Black community's very own go unrecognized today and every day.

1. Sophia Hernandez aka @flvmeprincess

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/flvmeprincess/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@flvmeprincess;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@flvmeprincess</a>/Instagram</cite>
@flvmeprincess/Instagram

After coming out as trans eight years ago, Sophia Hernandez is candid on Instagram about how beauty — mullet and all — brings her gender euphoria and helps her define feminity on her own terms.

2. Autumn Angelize aka @looksbyotto

Picking a look to best represent Autumn was a tough endeavor as she has an extremely impressive portfolio of bold looks on her Instagram. She often layers sharp liner over dreamy washes of color and faux freckles. Each makeup moment is better than the next.

3. Chris aka @chrissofly22

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chrissofly22/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@chrissofly22;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@chrissofly22</a>/Instagram</cite>
@chrissofly22/Instagram

Our jaws dropped the first time Chris's royally spectacular photos came up on our Instagram Explore page. His over-the-top beauty moments that he spends hours and hours on are an absolute delight to take in.

4. Tika aka @tikamargarita

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tikamargarita/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@tikamargarita;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@tikamargarita</a>/Instagram</cite>
@tikamargarita/Instagram

We can only imagine how much patience Tika possesses to paint on finely detailed shapes around her eyes (read: an extremely high level). Look to her Instagram for times when you truly want to challenge your makeup skills.

5. Jakob aka @jakobejay

<cite class="credit"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jakobejay/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@jakobejay;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@jakobejay</a>/Instagram</cite>
@jakobejay/Instagram

Sultry smoky eyes, retro cow-printed liner, abstract face painting — Jakob has all these looks covered and so much more. His bio reads, "I want my name to be a household product in the beauty community," and we sure hope that becomes a reality for him sooner than later.

6. Jacinda aka @adultsdrink

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CN0XIf_l8bb/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Jacinda Pender;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Jacinda Pender</a>/Instagram</cite>
Jacinda Pender/Instagram

The uni-liner looks you've been seeing all over Instagram all point toward the same origin: @adultsdrink. Jacinda's unexpected color schemes for their fun eye-spanning liner aesthetic will make you reconsider what hues you're drawn to in your makeup bag. Plus, their lip product application videos are absolutely mesmerizing.

7. Dylan Davis aka @dylandavii

<cite class="credit">Dylan Davis </cite>
Dylan Davis

The 20-year-old from St. Petersburg, Florida, caught our attention last year after Fenty Beauty reposted a striking picture of him with mint hair, glowing skin, and lush lashes. On his feed, you'll find a myriad of stunning single-color looks where Davis matches his vibrant makeup to his hair. Growing up, he was told bright colors don't flatter darker complexions. As he got older, though, he realized this was just a myth linked to colorism. These days, he uses his platform to prove that those with deeper skin tones can look amazing in any color.

8. Myla aka @pradaolic

<cite class="credit">Courtesy of Instagram/<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pradaolic/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@pradaolic;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@pradaolic</a></cite>
Courtesy of Instagram/@pradaolic

One of the most referenced people for graphic liner looks in fun floral and abstract shapes is none other than the UK's very own Myla. (We've even done so.) With her dewy skin as a canvas, she paints on vivid hues and avant-garde makeup. She's even shared with Allure how her queerness drives her creativity.

9. Khai aka @blackbirdkhai

<cite class="credit">Courtesy of Khai</cite>
Courtesy of Khai

With shapeshifter in their bio, Khai fulfills the fantasy by constantly coordinating their hair with every makeup look for an immersive beauty experience, complete with whimsical backgrounds and liner looks. Last year for Pride, Khai shared with Allure how they feel represented by the butterfly look above: ever-changing, constantly flowing toward new definitions of themselves.

10. Coral Johnson-McDaniel aka @sadistitt

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPGx2XeHvDM/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@sadistitt;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@sadistitt</a>/Instagram</cite>
@sadistitt/Instagram

The New York City-based piercer and model's aesthetic can best be described as technicolor punk. They combine shocks of lime, coral, and cobalt with harnesses, leather, and chains for a feast for the eyes.

11. Tann aka @inkthediaspora and @okthentann

Each of Parker's hand-poked designs is one of a kind.

tann parker; legs covered in tattoos

Each of Parker's hand-poked designs is one of a kind.
Courtesy of Tann Parker

Tann is a New York City-based tattoo artist who created a platform called Ink the Diaspora to provide better representation for deeper skin tones in the body art community and combat the systemic racism within it — all the while showcasing beautiful tattoos on queer individuals.

12. Aaron Philip

Philip is a model from New York City forging major changes in the fashion and beauty industries by working with brands like Nike, Sephora, and Marc Jacobs — and she's just getting started. Plus, nothing is off-limits for Philip. She'll slip on a wig in every color and shape and cover her face in the glitziest of glitters, all in the name of a look. We always look forward to what she's going to do next.

13. Dev Doee aka @devdoee

<h1 class="title">For the BIPOC Trans Community, Hair Is A Symbol of Identity and Self-Expression</h1><cite class="credit">Courtesy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/devdoee/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Dev Seldon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Dev Seldon</strong></a></cite>

For the BIPOC Trans Community, Hair Is A Symbol of Identity and Self-Expression

Courtesy of Dev Seldon

As the chief creative officer of We Are Fluide, Dev Doee knows a thing or two about conceptualizing the perfect inclusive beauty moment. They even helped put together the beauty brand's 2021 Pride collection, complete with a palette that is so otherworldly that they named it just that.

14. Wendy Asumadu aka @wendysworld_xox

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/wendysworld_xox/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:wendysworld_xox;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>wendysworld_xox</strong></a><strong>/Instagram</strong></cite>
wendysworld_xox/Instagram

Over in London, Asumadu is painting her whole face with confetti-like designs that truly belong in the Tate. She's also the founder of the popular hashtag and account EditorialBLK, which celebrates Black editorial artists and helps provide them opportunities.

15. Anthony Walker aka @antwtff

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/antwtff/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@antwtff;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@antwtff</a>/Instagram</cite>
@antwtff/Instagram

Looking for new ways to embellish your cut creases? Walker has plenty of examples to add to your mood board. Get your crystals ready.

16. Elle aka @uggiebbyboy

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/uggiebbyboy/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@uggiebbyboy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@uggiebbyboy</a>/Instagram</cite>
@uggiebbyboy/Instagram

Elle is helping redefine the art of face painting. His posts will make you want to cover your face with paint for the first time since you adorned it with butterfly wings and tiger stripes as a kid. Plus, his smiling face is always a gift to see on our feeds.

17. Char Ellesse aka @ellessechar

<cite class="credit"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellessechar/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@ellessechar;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@ellessechar</a>/Instagram</cite>
@ellessechar/Instagram

The minimalist eye makeup moments from Char Ellesse make a major impact. Check out her feed for genius twists on winged liner and poignant infographics on racism against Black women, mental health, and many other crucial topics.

18. Kareem Maliek aka @facedbykareem

<cite class="credit"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/facedbykareem/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@facedbykareem;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@facedbykareem</a>/Instagram</cite>
@facedbykareem/Instagram

Kareem's feed is like being inside of a lava lamp. The psychedelic vibes are projected onto his face with stars, neons, and gems. You may even recognize him from his gilded collaboration with HipDot.

19. Catherine aka @fatangryblackgirl

<cite class="credit"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fatangryblackgirl/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@fatangryblackgirl;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@fatangryblackgirl</a>/Instagram</cite>

As Catherine takes down fat erasure, she assembles the dreamy photoshoots she wishes to see in the world with head-to-toe colorful concepts — rainbow braids and synchronized shadow included.

20. Arrows aka @angryarrows

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/angryarrows/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@angryarrows;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@angryarrows</a>/Instagram</cite>
@angryarrows/Instagram

Whenever Arrows tests out imaginative new makeup looks between shoots and projects, they share the results for all to enjoy. However, even their bare-faced photos are a joy to see.

21. Sebastian Rosemarie aka @sebastianrosemarie

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sebastianrosemarie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@sebastianrosemarie;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@sebastianrosemarie</a>/Instagram</cite>

Welcome to the account of your Tumblr teen fantasies. Model Sebastian Rosemarie dreams up pastel, cartoon-infused looks you'll wish you could reblog.

22. Nikki aka @nikkicallowayy

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nikkicallowayy/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@nikkicallowayy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@nikkicallowayy</a>/Instagram</cite>
@nikkicallowayy/Instagram

Based in Orange County, Nikki often uses the California sunshine to illuminate their flawlessly blended eye shadow and lush lashes.

23. Ari aka @ms.bines

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ms.bines/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@ms.bines;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@ms.bines</a>/Instagram</cite>
@ms.bines/Instagram

Ari is a New York City-based writer who uses beauty as a creative outlet. Her pink-accented creations are sure to make you want to grab your closest palette.

24. Neon MUA aka @neonmua

<cite class="credit"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/neonmua/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:@neonmua;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">@neonmua</a>/Instagram</cite>
@neonmua/Instagram

Known on Instagram as Based Neon, the makeup artist often spotlights beauty brands by creating looks featuring their products to encourage them to showcase more Black people on their social media. He also recently started the hashtag campaign #ColourpopMeBLACK to help bring more talented Black beauty creators to the brand's attention.


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Originally Appeared on Allure