Small Business Shoutout: 10 Small Beauty Brands To Know
In the ever-expanding world of skincare, numerous brands are tirelessly working to make a name for themselves by offering top-notch products. Today, we're putting the spotlight on 10 small beauty brands that go the extra mile in dedication, hard work, and passion. Each of these businesses deserves the attention they've earned with their unique philosophies and innovative offerings. Let's dive in!
1. Krave Beauty: Pressing Reset on Skincare
Leah Yu founded Krave Beauty in 2017 with the aim of simplifying the skincare routine. With an overwhelming number of products on the market, Leah decided to #PressReset on skincare and advocate for focusing on one product at a time, truly listening to your skin's needs.
Why we love Krave Beauty: Streamlined skincare that encourages mindfulness about what your skin truly needs.
2. Chemist Confessions: The Dynamic Duo Transforming Skincare
Chemist Confessions was born when chemists Victoria Foo and Gloria Lou, who previously worked together at L'Oreal, took the leap to begin blogging about their passion for skincare. In 2018, they launched their line of skincare products, combining their scientific expertise with innovative formulations.
Why we love Chemist Confessions: Real chemists creating skincare products, backed by solid science.
3. Dieux: Transparency Meets Skincare
Dieux was founded in 2020 by Charlotte Parler, Joyce de Limos, and Marta Friedman, each bringing their unique experience in editorial, science, and creative direction. Their focus on transparency can be seen on their website, with a clear price breakdown of every product.
Why we love Dieux: Price transparent, science-based, responsibly sourced skincare that values accountability.
4. Eadem: For Women of Color, By Women of Color
Marie Coedo and Alice Lin, both children of immigrants from Ivory Coast and Taiwan, respectively, founded Eadem in 2021. They started as a blog in 2018, celebrating women of color. Eadem went on to develop a skincare line, backed by a grant and mentorship from Glossier.
Why we love Eadem: A beauty brand that values inclusivity, specifically catering to women of color.
5. Innbeauty Project: Fun on the Outside, Serious on the Inside
Founded by industry pros Alyssa Metzger and Jen Shane, Innbeauty Project aims to create products that are eye-catching, effective, and affordable. Their green machine serum is a vitamin C and green superfood jelly blend that retails for just $32. With 15 superfoods, azelaic acid, and pomegranate stem cell, it's perfect for those with rosacea or redness, as green products help to neutralize discoloration.
Why we love Innbeauty Project: Affordable skincare that doesn't compromise on quality, with innovative formulations and a fun aesthetic.
6. Shani Darden: Celebrity Esthetician's Skincare Line
Shani Darden, a working esthetician and brand founder, launched her eponymous skincare line in 2013. Her Retinol Reform is a groundbreaking encapsulated retinol combined with lactic acid for a potent yet gentle treatment. Although it has 2.2% retinol and 2% lactic acid, the encapsulation ensures extended release over time to minimize irritation.
Why we love Shani Darden: Expertly formulated products by a renowned esthetician, delivering effective results with a focus on gentle yet potent ingredients.
7. Jordan Samuel: Skincare Designed by a Ballet Dancer
Jordan Samuel, a former professional ballet dancer turned skincare founder, understands the stress and irritation that stage makeup can cause. In 2013, he started his brand to create products that wouldn't inflame or irritate skin. His moisture recovery cream is a sumptuous blend of glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, and squalane, retailing for $34.
Why we love Jordan Samuel: Luxurious skincare products that prioritize skin health and deliver nourishment, created by a founder who understands the importance of gentle formulations.
8. Tower 28: Makeup Meets Functionality
Amy Lou founded Tower 28 in 2019 to provide quality makeup products that also serve a functional purpose. Initially gaining attention with their hypochlorous acid spray, the brand has expanded to include their Make Waves Mascara. This lightweight, lash-separating formula is perfect for those looking for a mascara that won't clump or weigh down their lashes.
Why we love Tower 28: High-quality makeup that combines functionality and beauty, with innovative products that enhance your natural features.
9. Live Tinted: Celebrating Tinted Skin and Brown Girl Beauty
Created in 2017 by Deepika, a South Asian beauty founder, entrepreneur, and businesswoman, Live Tinted aims to celebrate diversity, specifically brown girl beauty, through their products. The brand became popular with Deepika's famous dark under-eye hack, which uses red lipstick to minimize the appearance of dark circles. Now, Live Tinted offers a range of products, including the recently launched Hue Brow Clear Setting Gel. With its luxe packaging and game-changing formula, your eyebrows can look just as amazing as Deepika's.
Why we love Live Tinted: A brand that celebrates diversity and empowers brown girls through inclusive beauty products and game-changing formulas.
10. Kulfi Beauty: Making South Asians a Priority
Founded in February 2021 by the sweet and ambitious Priyanka Ganju, Kulfi Beauty was born out of the need to cater to South Asians in the beauty industry. With her extensive experience at Ipsy and Estée Lauder Companies, Priyanka saw firsthand that South Asians were often overlooked. Kulfi Beauty offers some of the best eyeliners in the market, with their casual clean waterproof long-wear eyeliner being a fan favorite. Even those with sensitive eyes can enjoy the stunning pigment and long-lasting wear of this product.
Why we love Kulfi Beauty: A brand that recognizes the need for representation and caters specifically to South Asians, offering exceptional products that meet their unique needs.
Conclusion: Support Small, Dream Big
Each of these small beauty brands brings something unique to the skincare industry, with dedication and passion shining through in their products and brand philosophies. Let's continue to support small businesses, recognizing the hard work that goes into launching and operating these ventures. Share this article with your friends and family to spread the word about these fantastic beauty brands – and stay tuned for the next small business shoutout!
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