Mark your calendars! September 15th to October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month, aka Latinx Heritage Month — a time to celebrate Latinx culture, creatives, and history.
When did Hispanic Heritage Month Start?
In 1968, during the post-civil rights era, President Lyndon Johnson created Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, Reagan expanded it to cover the 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
September 15th marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Soon after, Mexico’s independence day is September 16, and Chile’s September 18th. Additionally, Columbus Day, aka Indigenous People’s Day or Día de la Raza, is on October 12th.
How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
For too long, many Americans have attempted to “celebrate” Latinx heritage in ways that are appropriative or downright offensive. So put away your sombreros and throw out your fake mustache – those interpretations of Latinx culture have no place in 2022. Instead, make sure you’re amplifying Latinx voices in your community and celebrating the real contributions of Latinx culture and creatives in your life.
By shopping from and supporting Latinx brands, we can celebrate diversity every day — not just this month. Here are some brands to start with:
All products featured are independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Xinú
Feel like every perfume you come across is basic? I feel you. I can’t turn a corner in New York City without being assaulted by Le Labo’s Santal 33 — like, c’mon, is this an Abercrombie store? Everyone needs to cool it. Here’s your alternative: Xinu perfumes. Inspired by the aromatic botany of Mexico City, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, and Tulum, these elegant perfumes are sophisticated and unique.
La Botica
In the spirit of not gatekeeping, I’ll let you in on a secret: if you want your home to smell and feel like a sanctuary, you need to shop at La Botica. Pair the Ceremony Candle with their ethically sourced Palo Santo and perfume of your choosing for an elevated living experience.
Common Heir
Inspired by their heritage, the founders of Common Heir wanted to create skincare that worked for darker skin tones. Enter: their Vitamin C and Retinol capsules. These potent, perfectly portioned capsules will be the key to a brighter, clearer complexion.
Hyper Skin
Another skincare favorite, Hyper Skin, targets hyperpigmentation like no other brand. Combine their cult-favorite serum with their new cleanser and watch your dark marks disappear.
Marketing maven, Babba, is one of the most influential strategists and creatives in the world. Now, she’s a business owner with her own brand: Ceremonia. This haircare brand champions her Latinx Heritage, using traditional ingredients to create effective, good-smelling products that will instantly upgrade your haircare routine.
Brand and concept store Selva Negra will be your new favorite. Their line of Latina-owned, size-inclusive apparel is designed and ethically produced in Los Angeles, CA. Get ready for breezy cuts, bright colors, and sustainable manufacturing.
Tata Harper
One of the best clean beauty brands out there is founded by Colombian-born Tata Harper, whose products are inspired by ingredients from her childhood. There’s no better time than now to invest in this editor-approved skincare.
