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Finally, we’ve hit the big months. The “ber” months, the holiday behemoths — and for a lot of households, September tends to be at the bottom of that sacred list. And why wouldn’t it? Kids are going back to school, the weather is getting colder, and all the major summer sales have long passed you by (although Amazon’s second Prime Day is on the horizon).
But there’s always something to celebrate — starting on September 15th and going until October 15th we have Hispanic Heritage Month for uplifting the histories, cultures, and contributions of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The Latinx community is facing nearly unprecedented challenges right now; climate change is shaking the foundations of coastal communities in Latin American countries, refugee families are being moved and traded in the U.S. like chess pieces in the ongoing migration war between political parties, and many Latinx families and businesses are still struggling to bounce back from the pandemic.
That’s why it’s important to support businesses and entrepreneurs from the community — both now and throughout the year. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and in solidarity with the millions of Latinx people (myself included), we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Latinx-owned brands. Whether it’s through the distinctive colors and textures of the countries’ fashions, or the rich regional flavors, it’s really a win-win — you get to show support for the latest Latin American movers and shakers, and you get some amazing new gear added to your basket.
1. Casalú
Casalú
We’ve already raved about Casalú’s rum-based hard seltzer as one of the best sips we had his summer, but a hard seltzer this good deserves a refresher. Infused with the warmth of a good rum and the tart “tropicalation” vibes of lime, Casalú’s first flavor “Limón” gives the perfect amount of buzz with 5.9% ABV a can. It’s the perfect drink to share with friends as the temperatures move from the dense heat of summer to a more temperate autumn.
2. Rizo’s Curls
Rizos Curls
As people with curly hair know, we don’t always have the resources to properly take care of our hair. The founder of Rizo’s Curls, Julissa Prado became determined to create the perfect formulas to treat and celebrate all kinds of curls, from tight coils to loose waves.
Right now, we recommend the three pack of shampoo, conditioner, and hair cream to get a total care kit without having to build out an entire regimen from scratch. Rizo’s Curls also sells strengthening oils and volumizing sprays to further build up your hair care cabinet. As a bonus, each product smells amazing, with scents ranging from sweet coconut to natural herbal aromas.
Buy Rizo’s Curls Styling Bundle $62.99
3. AstraLuna Arts
AstraLuna Arts
Just in time for Halloween, AstraLuna Arts is the home of all things nerdy, just with a major side of bruja vibes. It’s a great place to pick up gifts for your friends who love gaming, or your tía who’s trying to diagnose your love life with astrology. They also take commissions for custom wedding portraits, which would be a heart-warming gift for any newlyweds.
4. BeautyBlender
Beautyblender
Did you know that the founder of the now-ubiquitous BeautyBlender is Latina? Founder Rea Ann Silva’s experience as a Hollywood make-up artist inspired her to create the brand’s iconic teardro-shaped makeup blender. Even if we’ve passed the Beautuber phase of makeup tutorials for caked-on foundation, these sponges still make for an essential addition to any makeup collection. They come in a range of colors and textures, so you’re sure to find the best one for your kit.
Buy Original BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge $20
5. Melinda’s Hot Sauces
Amazon
One of the best ways to add flavor to any dish is through the thorough application (and we mean a lot) of this delicious hot sauce. Melinda’s is coming to you with a bevy of sauces bursting with heat and flavor. They also have a range of heat levels perfect for sauce connoisseurs of any experience level. As a fan of spicy foods myself, I recommend trying out their gift set if you love to cook. You get six sauces integrate as you like into all your home recipes — but our personal favorite is the spicy garlic and parmesan.
Buy Melinda’s – A Taste of Melinda’s… $39.99
6. Lil’ Libros
Amazon
Despite experts’ statements that bilingualism enriches the lives of children and helps them grow, many homes, including those who have parents that speak more than one language, don’t have children’s books that introduce more than one language. Thankfully, we now have Lil’ Libros! Founded by two mothers, Lil’ Libros’ goal is to bring bilingualism and Latin American culture to children everywhere. Lil’ Libros has picture books written in both English and Spanish that explore concepts like history, numbers, colors, shapes, and biographies.
Buy Lil’ Libros $9.99
7. Brazi Bites
Brazi Bites
Sometimes, it can be difficult to maintain a gluten-free diet, but Brazi Bites makes having a delicious meal that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on anything that much easier. Brazi Bites are a frozen variety of pão de queijo, a Brazilian cheesy bread made of cassava flour. Thanks to the cassava, they’re a naturally gluten-free, cheesy, crowd-pleasing addition to any dinner table (and we dare you to just eat one).
Buy Brazi Bites Gluten-Free Brazilian… $44.98
8. Cleancult
Cleancult
Listen, we love the smell of Fabuloso in our house as much as the next person, but Cleancult is a sustainable cleaner that uses coconut-based ingredients to make your cleaning routine greener. Founded in Puerto Rico, Cleancult has a subscription service that delivers you dish soap, laundry detergent, and more, whenever you need it. First, you get a refillable glass bottle, and once you sign up, Cleancult sends refills right to your door. Just pour the soap from the paper cartons into the glass bottles, and voila — you save money, and the planet saves on energy and waste.
Buy Cleancult Subscription
9. Casa Dragones Tequila
Reservebar
With its bright sip, earthy aroma, and sweet citrus notes, Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila might just be your new favorite addition to any mixed drink that calls for a shot or two of tequila (or just for yourself). The name was inspired by the legendary Dragones from San Miguel de Allende, whose movement helped spark the Mexican independence. Casa Dragones is co-founded by CEO Bertha González Nieves, the first female Maestra Tequilera certified by the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila (Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters). We love it in our margaritas, as the herbaceous tones pair perfectly with a sweet lime. If you’re looking for other flavors, we’ve also recommended Casa Dragones’ Añejo Barrel Blend in the past.
Buy Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila $44.00
10. Casa Evita
Casa Evita
The name Evita usually evokes the warbling tones of Patti Lupone begging Argentina not to cry for her. But today, we’re introducing you to Casa Evita, a Mexican home goods brand named for the family’s grandmother and matriarch. Casa Evita sells goods ranging from smooth wooden spoons that are functional as they are decorative, to Molcajetes for making your own tortillas.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, Casa Evita is also donating part of their profits to Fundación En Vía, a non-profit organization that works to empower women in the Tlacolula Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico.