In a move that celebrates Black joy, culture, and beauty, actress, activist, and entrepreneur Gabrielle Union is set to curate the February 2025 IPSY Icon Box in honor of Black History Month. This collaboration aims to promote health, confidence, and self-love, delivering a curated collection of beauty products that embody Union’s personal journey of self-expression.
The IPSY Icon Box, which will be available starting February 1, features an array of makeup, skincare, and hair products handpicked by Union. Brands like LYS Beauty, Kosas, Elemis, and Benefit Cosmetics, alongside Union’s own line, Flawless by Gabrielle Union, are included in this special edition box. With her background in beauty and advocacy, Union’s selections are not just about aesthetics but also about empowerment and representation in the beauty industry.
Union, who has been vocal about her experiences in Hollywood and as a Black female founder, shared in a press release, “Collaborating with IPSY on the Icon Box and being part of its Black History Month social content has been such a meaningful experience for me. As a Black female founder, it’s important to me to find ways to highlight the joy found in self-expression and vibrancy found in the Black experience.” Her approach to beauty reflects a belief that it’s a journey towards self-expression, encouraging everyone to embrace their authentic selves with unapologetic confidence.
This Icon Box isn’t just about the products but also about the narrative. Union will narrate IPSY’s upcoming Black History Month social campaign, “Black Joy Is Beautiful,” which includes a short film celebrating the art of embracing, loving, and expressing one’s true self. This film, debuting at the beginning of February, aims to inspire viewers to find beauty in their uniqueness. Furthermore, IPSY plans to spotlight inspiring stories, content, and products across its platforms, celebrating the beauty and resilience of the Black community throughout the month.
In addition to the curated box, IPSY has committed to providing members with exclusive access to Black-owned beauty brands through its online shop. This initiative includes offerings from industry giants like Fenty Beauty, Briogeo, Danessa Myricks, Pat McGrath Labs, and Buttah Skin, amplifying Black voices and entrepreneurship in the beauty sector.
The collaboration also extends to community support, with IPSY’s February Limited Edition Mystery Bags designed by students from Project Level, a Bay Area non-profit program that nurtures the creative talents of at-risk and underserved youth. This partnership not only celebrates Black History Month but also invests in the future of Black creatives.
Kristy Westrup, Chief Merchandising Officer at IPSY, commented on the collaboration, emphasizing how Union’s authenticity inspires the community, making this partnership a true collaboration in spirit and execution.
Union’s involvement with IPSY during Black History Month goes beyond product curation; it’s a statement on inclusivity, diversity, and the power of representation within the beauty industry. It’s an invitation for everyone to explore their unique layers with confidence, celebrating Black joy, creativity, and beauty in all its forms.
This project is a continuation of Union’s broader mission to uplift and empower through her work, from her roles in films to her advocacy for inclusion and her business ventures in beauty and beyond. As the IPSY Icon Box by Gabrielle Union hits the market, it stands as a testament to how beauty can be a vehicle for social change, celebrating Black excellence and promoting a narrative of self-love and empowerment.
