August should officially be Black Beauty Month. National Black Beauty Week is August 17th–23rd, but let’s be real, after experiencing HUE Affair, one week doesn’t even come close. If it were up to us, the entire month would be dedicated to celebrating Black beauty. Honestly? HUE Affair might need to be its own season.
On Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, New York City’s vibe shifted as HUE Affair took over the Metropolitan Pavilion. Presented by CVS Pharmacy and powered by MYAVANA, this one-day beauty extravaganza wasn’t just an event; it was an experience. Imagine walking into a space that feels equal parts expo, party, and family reunion, where nearly 1,000 beauty lovers gathered to shop, discover, and vibe with more than 50 Black-owned beauty and lifestyle brands.
“HUE Affair is where culture, community, and commerce converge,” says Ylorie Taylor, longtime beauty executive and this year’s event curator. “People come for the brands, but they leave with inspiration, real connections, and the joy of being in a space that celebrates beauty on their terms.”
Here’s the thing: it was almost too much greatness for a single day. Between haircare, skincare, wellness, body, and lifestyle, we were spoiled with options. By the end, we found ourselves asking a very real question: Can you overdose on melanin amazingness? Because if so, we came dangerously close. Next year, HUE Affair really needs to be at minimum, a two-day event; we need more time to soak it all in (and shop).
The lineup was nothing short of iconic. From heavy hitters like Camille Rose and CANTU to rising stars like Kativa Curly Plex and Pardon My Fro, as well as cult favorites like Bask & Lather Co., the event proved that Black beauty is not only thriving but also driving the industry forward. Guests also got the chance to experience personalized hair analysis powered by MYAVANA (seriously, game-changing), score curated swag bags stuffed with coveted products, and refuel with bold flavors from the brand-new food alley, all while a live DJ kept the vibes flowing.
What made it even more special was the partnership with CVS Pharmacy, which gave attendees direct access to shop their faves and discover new products right on the spot. It wasn’t just about sampling; it was about taking the experience home and continuing the love affair with Black beauty every day. For brands, this meant connecting with the community in real-time. For us as attendees? It meant shopping, learning, and celebrating without missing a beat.
The spirit of HUE (short for Hair Unites Everyone) was at the heart of it all. What started as a platform to amplify Black entrepreneurs has now blossomed into a cultural movement. After stops in Austin, Chicago, and Philadelphia, its return to NYC during Black Business Month felt like a full-circle moment, bigger, bolder, and better than ever.
We’ll be highlighting some of our favorite brands and products from HUE Affair in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. But one thing is already clear: whether you’re a die-hard beauty lover, a brand loyalist, or just curious to see what the future of beauty looks like, you belong at HUE.
