

9 More Bomb AF Black-Owned Swimwear Brands
It's time to send that last email, turn on your OOO response, and set your sights on your next beach vacation. However, you can't jet-set off without the perfect suits for Insta-worthy snaps and bikinis that will turn heads (if that's what you're looking for) while you sip a piña colada on a white sandy beach.
Since you all enjoyed our first installment of black-owned swimwear companies, we thought it was only right to keep the lists coming. Here are nine swimwear designers to support as you prep for your getaway.
MBM Swim
MBM Swim is designed with boss babes in mind, especially since the line created by Marcia B Maxwell is "designed for sophisticated women who never ask for attention, they command it." Their sleek and colorful designs give you structure and slimming silhouettes that look good on and off the sand.
Shop MBM Swim here.
All Dem' Shades
Wanna wear your pro-blackness on your sleeve, well, on your bawdy? You'll want to add these empowering one pieces to your swimwear collection.
Shop All Dem' Shades here.
Asherah Swim & Sport
Cheryl "Cejae" Jones is at the helm of a swimwear brand that has sexy string one-pieces, stunning cover-ups (I'm eyeing the leopard print one), and even "sport" offerings that are great for a morning run or a post-beach workout.
Shop Asherah Swim & Sport here.
Keva J Swimwear
If you're looking for a one-piece that will be the talk of the resort, Keva J, has over twenty different styles and colors to choose from that will flatter a range of body types.
Shop Keva J Swimwear here.
Trish Atelier
Neon is the new black, and Trish Atelier's handmade suits are lighting up vacation wardrobes. Whether you're looking for cheeky monokinis or string bikinis that show off your hot cross buns, Trish's line has something for you!
Shop Trish Atelier here.
EgoSwim
This small but mighty collection of swimwear has a high waist swimsuit with a supportive underwire halter top that I think would look great on everyone.
Shop EgoSwim here.
Kloset Envy
Kloset Envy's swimwear has been seen on supermodels like Winnie Harlow and is making a splash with many ladies across IG. Their site offers a range of apparel from denim to bodysuits to swimwear.
Shop Kloset Envy here.
Riot Swim
I love their swimwear as much as I love their hashtag, #RelaxItsJustAss — because they're right. You'll enjoy showing off your curves in their sexy high-waisted, bright orange bikini or keep it simple with their cream one-shoulder design.
Shop Riot Swim here.
Kishara Marie
Headed to a nude beach or want to show off your bod, Kishara's customizable barekini will take up little space on your luggage and on your curves. As Kishara says, the barekini is "making slim girls feel thick and thick girls feel like dinner is served." We see no lies.
Shop Kishara Marie designs here.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Though it is a year-long must for many, coffee hits different as the seasons change and the weather grows cooler. Similarly, a fall nail trend you're bound to see everywhere this season is latte nails. Just like sipping on a warm, comforting latte during the crisp autumn days, latte nails are all about providing those cozy vibes. Think earthy tones like creamy beige, caramel, and deep and soft browns or nudes with a touch of warmth.
Versatile and complementary of the warmer tones typical of the turn of the season, latte nails are a fabulous choice to embrace the sweater weather.
Latte Nail Design Ideas
Keep scrolling for different ways to rock latte nails this season.
Vanilla Latte Nails
Fall Brown Latte Nail Ideas
Coffee Latte Nails for Fall
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Featured image by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images