7 Black Beauty Editors Reflect on Ami Colé's Legacy

"To say I'm devastated about Ami Colé closing is an understatement. Any time you've seen me since 2021, I was wearing the lip treatment oil. Bliss, Excellence, Reflection: I gifted one to every woman in my family one Christmas. I swear by the mascara. I never felt more beautiful than when I first put on the skin-enhancing tint and saw my natural face staring back at me, not transformed but simply enhanced with an easy glow. Ami Colé felt like a piece of the effortless beauty, the quiet confidence Diarrha's always had, that she gifted to all of us. It was transformative to see Black beauty through Diarrha's eyes. In her world, we didn't have to contort ourselves to fit a beauty standard that was never designed to include us. We all felt more beautiful, loved, and valued in her reflection.

Diarrha, I am so deeply proud of you. To witness this journey from start to finish — to see Ami Colé go from a mere dream to shelves in Sephoras around the world — has truly changed me. It's a testament to your grit and your wonder. That you are not able to sustain this business because of a lack of investors — as less than one percent of venture capital currently goes to Black founders — is a tragedy. But it's a racist society that failed here, not you. Women around the world were inspired by your work and the next great Black beauty brand founder is somewhere playing in makeup just like you were, energized and inspired by your story. Your reach goes far beyond numbers, and your legacy is just being created." — Jessica Andrews, senior style director

"While buying Black became a short-lived fad in 2020, I've made sure to stay committed to supporting these businesses in the long run and Ami Colé was one brand I always admired, not only because of its masterful inclusivity in products but because of its purpose. Seeing how Diarrha birthed something that impacted the world globally inspired by her parents' hair salon was nothing short of beautiful to see. Like a hair salon, Ami Colé is a safe space for us — Black women — to be seen and heard, a place where our beauty is prioritized and further cultivated. The brand's place in the industry extends far beyond loving the shine of my lips when I apply its lip oil. It's a space where we come first, regardless of the society that constantly places us at second and there will never be another like it." — Naomi Parris, assistant shopping editor

"I dreamt of the day when products that speak to us and Black Beauty Brands are offered beyond the back of the store in the so-called ethnic aisles. After 30+ years of pushing for a revolution, as Essence Magazine's Beauty and Cover Director, I have seen the shift and the powerful arrival of Black Beauty Brands. That revolution has shown the industry that we don't just shop products, we shop experiences we want to own, and we show up and show out. Now with the closure of Ami Cole, a beloved brand that makes Black women feel seen, heard, and celebrated – I'm struggling and asking myself where is the disconnect? We will hold space for Ami Colé and Black-owned brilliance and keep the doors of possibility open for future collaborations for her and others like her to burst through and excel because Black women are a fight most worthy and our beauty is not to be denied." – Mikki Taylor, author, cultural storyteller, editor-at-large, Essence Magazine

"It is not often that Black people can have a true safe space — a brand that truly sees and understands our beauty, bringing that to life through products that actually serve us and our needs. Ami Colé's closure is not just heartbreaking; it's a major loss for our community, and we will cherish it forever." — Kiana Mashont Murden, senior beauty shopping writer, Vogue Magazine

"As a girl who made the no-makeup makeup look her signature beat, Ami Colé felt like home. The brand was authentic, was rooted in the stories of diasporic lineage, had a real "why," and served a real purpose: to help Black women show up as their full selves while not necessarily having to do the most. Ami Colé spoke to nearly every type of Black woman across the globe, while still not excluding others from the greatness that was their vast product assortment. The loss of this collection will be felt for years to come. But I have nothing but love and gratitude for what was, and excitement for what is to come. Thank you, my dear friend Diarrha, and thank you, Ami Colé." — Kayla Greaves, beauty expert, host, consultant, and award-winning journalist

"Ami Colé wasn't just selling makeup, it was building space for melanin-rich beauty in an industry that still sidelines us. Its closure is a gut punch and a reminder: shelf space at major retailers isn't protection. Visibility doesn't equal viability. Black-owned beauty brands need more than our applause; they need money, momentum, and militant support. If we want these brands to exist, we have to fund them, fight for them, and make noise for them. Our access to beauty that truly sees us depends on it. And we should act like it!" — Deena Campbell, beauty expert and journalist

"I never met an Ami Colé product I didn't love. I hit pan on everything and happily re-upped every single time. I'm a 20-plus-year beauty vet, and Ami Colé was that brand that I wanted for my younger self. Participating felt purposeful, playful, powerful. It was makeup that made sense and made me feel my most prettiest me." — Felicia Walker, author, content creator, and skin-care educator

Keep scrolling to shop our favorite products from Ami Colé.

Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil ($20)

I used to steer clear of lip gloss, but this sheer lip oil has totally changed my mind. With a combination of hydrating oils, plus antioxidant-rich passionfruit-seed oil, it offers lasting hydration and a shiny, subtle, rose-colored finish that is both flattering and good for your lips. One editor raved about the beauty buy in her Ami Colé Lip Treatment Oil review.

Editor Quote: "It has a thick, goopy texture that glides smoothly onto my lips and delivers a deep conditioning feel. At first, it may seem like the product is just sitting on your lips topically, but within minutes, the hydration penetrates, slowly softening the lips for a healthier, nonsticky feel. Because of its thicker texture, the hydration is actually pretty long-lasting — I can go a few hours without reapplying." — Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint ($32)

Packed with baobab-seed extract, hibiscus extract, and pumpkin-seed extract, the tint will convey a natural glow while enhancing your complexion. The formula is designed to be breathable with a satin finish that will show your skin at its best.

Ami Colé Light-Catching Highlighter ($22)

This highlighter will help you shine bright like a diamond, in the best possible way. The lightweight texture combined with a translucent base offers a natural golden, light-reflective finish. What's not to love?

Ami Colé Pouch ($10)

For a stylish way to carry your small beauty essentials, look no further than the Ami Colé pouch. The melanin-rich detail adds an eye-catching pop of color.

Shelcy Joseph is a former associate fashion editor at Popsugar, and a self-proclaimed fashion student with a passion for interviewing minority designers and offering informed takes on style and business. She is also the co-founder of NYCXCLOTHES, a successful fashion and lifestyle storytelling platform dedicated to increasing Black and Brown representation in influencer marketing. She has extensive experience in editorial, social media marketing, and commerce writing. In her free time, she loves to hunt down vintage decor pieces and cook new recipes.

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.