“Being clean, ethical, and inclusive is the core of our brand identity.”

When Lesley Thornton (she/her), licenced esthetician and founder of KLUR, started the company, there were no skincare brands founded by Black estheticians in the mainstream. She saw this gap, an indication of the beauty industry desperately needing representation at the highest levels, and knew “there was a place for a brand… that reflected community values, sustainability, and eco-inclusivity.”

As a Black business owner, Lesley is used to bringing a fresh perspective and creative ideas to a market dominated by white founders. But it’s not without difficulties. “Many challenges still come with being a minority in the business world,” she says, “Still, nothing can ever be accomplished by focusing on the negative. I’m immensely grateful for every opportunity that permits me to pave the way for future generations of Black women in the beauty business.”

And we’re grateful that she’s sharing her talents with the world. I recently got to try out a few of KLUR’s products and though skincare takes time to make a difference, I’ve been immediately struck by how nicely my skin’s been reacting to everything I try… probably since the ingredient list is elite. Lesley says this is because of “a dedication to using the best botanical ingredients while avoiding those that could be detrimental to the environment and people, and guaranteeing that KLUR’s offerings are beneficial and functional for all individuals of all races, ethnicities, and skin types.”

Historically, I haven’t had really sensitive skin, but it’s been pretty reactive lately (boo!). My skin has tolerated every single KLUR product beautifully, even those with actives like this Vitamin C serum—which has already made my complexion brighter (and that’s a feat considering I look like a Victorian ghost child in the winter). It’s hard to pick a fav product since they’re all wonderful, but I recently started tretinoin and was having a hard time keeping my face as hydrated as it should be, even when I was slugging. Using the Immersion Serum, then tret, then my moisturizer has kept me dewy and fresh all day long.

Lesley has a difficult time narrowing down a favorite as well, but thinks that she’d choose the Gentle Matter Cleanser if she had to pick just one. She says, “It’s a reasonably simplistic formula but feels sophisticated on my skin, a staple in my regimen, and a core product of the KLUR collection. Our customers love it so much, which always makes me so proud.” And in terms of other holy grail products in her routine, Lesley mentions: Goldfaden M.D. Bright Eyes – Dark Circle Radiance Concentrate and Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash.

So, now you know why I will 100% be restocking the products I got from KLUR once they’re empty… and they will be empty considering how often I’m reaching for them in the A.M. and P.M.

Dew-tifully yours,
Reina Sultan, deputy editor