10 Indie Brands to Know Now
There is many a cosmetic colossus in the beauty industry, but flying just under-the-radar are now are impressive new ranges boasting innovative technology, impressive science, and high-quality ingredients. They may not boast hundreds of SKUs like the well-known beauty giants, but these cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance brands are definitely worth trying. Here, product picks to know now from brands you likely have yet to discover.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90)
A funky name, gorgeous design and potent products distinguish this indie brand’s game. This overnight treatment is packed with 12% glycolic acid to digest dead skin cells and increase collagen production. P.S. It’s sold out nearly everywhere, so shop fast.
Nudestix Matte And Blemish Pencil ($24)
When the mercury rises, addressing oily skin involves strategy. Enter Nudestix’s latest skin launch, the perfectly portable Matte And Blemish pencil, which treats blemishes and absorbs sebum so your reflective face is swiftly a thing of the past. Even in 90+ temps. Even on the subway.
Jersey Shore Spa Anti-Aging Hand Cream ($25)
You don’t have to be a Garden State native to appreciate this natural brand’s simple yet chic packaging and essential oil-infused hand cream. Sea Buckthorn repairs flaky skin, while the vanilla bean scent will transport you — olfactorily anyway — to Kohr Brothers or your local ice cream stand.
Acure Organics Firming Body Lotion ($10)
Firming and moisturizing is a delicate balance and we find that never the two shall meet — except in the case of this well-priced lemongrass and argan oil-infused iteration. It makes saggy skin appear less so, hydrates just as well as your garden-variety cream, and smells like a Koh Samui spa sojourn.
The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser ($74)
More of a cleansing balm than a face wash, this cleanser melts away makeup easily, thanks to its blend of jojoba and shea butter. Despite its rich texture, it doesn’t irritate acne-prone skin, nor does it clog pores. A tiny amount goes a long way.
Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Body Mist ($20)
This light, refreshing moisturizing mist is ideal for humid weather. Hyaluronic acid hydrates quickly amid a botanical blend that sounds more like the makings of a delicious taco: Purified mushroom, tamarind, and corn derivatives.
Kjaer Weis Cream Blush ($56)
Natural makeup has come a very long way, and this brand expertly creates cream cheek and lip tints with pigmented pay-off in unexpected hues. We apply a hint of Lovely, a pigmented rose tone, daily for a believable blush.
Uslu Airlines Nail Polish ($16)
Having little to do with air travel save for its moniker, this nail lacquer brand is the brainchild of a Turkish makeup artist and a German entrepreneur. Whimsical, unexpected hues and ever-creative color names differentiate these lovely lacquer offerings. MQC, a neon coral, is the polish punctuation your neutral wardrobe needs this spring.
& Other Stories Floral Memento Body Souffle ($17)
With its sublime Scandinavian simplicity and a knack for scintillating scents that never veer too saccharine, & Other Stories beauty offerings are a total win. The body souffle is massively moisturizing despite its light and airy description, and its floral fusion of violet and peonies juxtaposed with bergamot is fresh and modern.
Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique ($224)
This brand is already big in London and will be arriving stateside at Bergdorf Goodman in July. The woods-infused peony scent stopped us dead in our tracks, with a seriously expensive aroma that somehow harbors a diaphanous ‘90s shampoo quality.
Related:
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