Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers

17 September 2023

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Howdy, lovely creatures! As we speak I’m sharing the Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers. I’ve been a lover of indie make-up since 2008, which led me to begin my weblog and share my indie make-up swatches. Make-up is a hyper-focus for me, and I really like taking part in with and sharing it with you.

Final yr I used to be interviewed by Gayle Guyardo on Bloom TV to debate indie make-up. I really like speaking about indie make-up and sharing it with the world!

What’s Indie Make-up?

First, let’s take an in depth take a look at the phrase indie. Indie is brief for unbiased. Merriam-Webster defines unbiased as not topic to regulate by others, not affiliated with a bigger controlling entity, and it offers the instance of an unbiased bookstore.

By the phrase’s literal definition, an indie model is a model that’s independently owned, not beholden to a dad or mum firm, very like the unbiased bookstore talked about. An indie make-up model controls what it makes, the way it makes, and every thing about it.

Two Model Examples

In distinction, a model like City Decay, which L’Oreal owns, is just not an indie model as a result of they’re owned by a big conglomerate that controls a lot of the corporate. Individuals typically hate when L’Oreal and Estee Lauder purchase manufacturers, as they have an inclination to dilute them and take away something that makes them stand out, and the model loses its je ne sais quoi or edge.

A model like Danessa Myricks Magnificence, which make-up artist Danessa Myricks owns, is an indie model as a result of she owns the corporate and works with a lab to fabricate her merchandise. Danessa is extremely proficient, and her professional make-up artistry merchandise are glorious. Moreover, she treats her employees effectively.

Handmade Solely?

Some folks will argue that an indie model is just handmade. Others will say that an indie model can’t be offered in mainstream shops corresponding to Ulta or Sephora. In case you’re asking me, I’ll keep that an indie model is a model that’s free from outdoors management. I’m not a fan of the purity police, who typically state that their definition is the one proper one – handmade in somebody’s studio.

Some indie manufacturers, corresponding to Fyrinnae, hand press and make all their merchandise in-house with their tools. Different indie manufacturers, corresponding to Sugarpill, contract with producers to make particular formulation and packaging for his or her merchandise.

Why Do I Love Indie Make-up Manufacturers?

I really like indie magnificence manufacturers as a result of they sometimes supply inexpensive, high-quality merchandise, and I really like indie vogue manufacturers as a result of they normally promote high-quality merchandise, a lot of which you’ll be able to order {custom} to your measurement or specifics. In truth, I particularly LOVE bespoke vogue! My gothic couture wedding ceremony gown was custom-made only for me. I really like shopping for distinctive issues made by artists.

What about Personal Label Manufacturers?

Sadly, many manufacturers claiming to be indie are promoting private-label formulation that they don’t customise. So whereas they could be an unbiased model, as in not managed by a dad or mum firm, it’s additionally possible you would purchase the identical product for a vastly completely different worth from one other vendor.

For instance, I really like teal make-up. A number of years in the past, I purchased what was speculated to be 4 completely different teal gel eyeliners from 4 indie manufacturers for vastly completely different costs starting from $4.99 to $19.99. Think about my shock and disappointment after I found they had been all the identical gel eyeliner from a non-public label firm.

Transparency and Honesty Matter

I genuinely really feel that manufacturers promoting a non-unique non-public label system from a producer like Ladyburd, Aliexpress, or Alibaba should be very clear about it. Many individuals who purchase indie are doing so to assist unbiased artists and don’t wish to buy non-public label that lacks creativity and will lack high quality.

I don’t really feel that ‘manufacturers’ that choose eyeshadows and packaging out of a catalog and don’t have anything to do with creating the system belong within the indie make-up manufacturers class. They’re akin to MLMs, crypto, NFTs, or junk in my thoughts. That will sound harsh, however I’ve been duped by considering a model was indie, solely to search out out it’s a non-public label, which upset me. I wish to assist indie manufacturers and artists.

On the finish of the day, what I would like is transparency and honesty from firms. Don’t pose as an indie firm in the event you’re not.

The place to Purchase Indie Make-up

The place do you go to purchase indie make-up? Principally, you purchase indie make-up instantly from a model’s web site, Etsy or Storenvy. Generally an indie magnificence model will likely be large enough to be carried at a bigger retailer, corresponding to Ulta, Sephora, Digital camera Prepared Cosmetics, Scorching Matter, Credo Magnificence, Amazon, and different retailers.

I extremely suggest paying for indie merchandise with PayPal as a result of PayPal has a Purchaser’s Safety program. PayPal’s Purchaser’s Safety protects you in case of a difficulty with the corporate. You may get a refund between PayPal or your bank card firm if you don’t obtain the product you ordered. Contact PayPal or your bank card firm in case you have points.

What about Clear, Cruelty-free, or Vegan?

The phrases’ clear magnificence,’ ‘cruelty-free magnificence,’ and ‘vegan magnificence’ usually are not FDA regulated. Clear Magnificence is usually a advertising gimmick, and cruelty-free usually means not examined on animals, and vegan means not examined on animals and no animal elements.

Watch my What’s the Distinction Between Cruelty-free and Vegan? video.

My Magnificence Conspiracy Principle

Typically, I attempt to keep away from clear magnificence. Having a concealer go rancid inside a month of utilizing it soured me on most clear magnificence manufacturers. I like preservatives in my make-up that can make it final. My magnificence conspiracy idea is that clear magnificence manufacturers popped as much as get folks to purchase make-up extra incessantly as a result of we’re in late-stage capitalism. Manufacturers really feel like they should have development on a regular basis to please their shareholders.

The best way to Inform if an Indie Product is Good

Chances are you’ll need assistance with the place to begin with indies and how you can inform if an indie product is sweet. Googling, checking Reddit, and checking YouTube for opinions and swatches are one of the best ways to search out high indie make-up manufacturers. Analysis what folks consider the model, if the model has good merchandise and customer support. You too can test my weblog! I’m presently fixing 600 previous posts with formatting and picture points, so whether it is an older submit and appears unusual, that could be why.

For indie make-up merchandise, I like to recommend wanting on the elements itemizing. If the listings say ‘shimmer, pigment, or frost,’ that’s a product to keep away from as these usually are not FDA-approved elements. See the present listing of FDA-approved shade components for cosmetics right here.

As I’m USA-based, that is written with a USA focus when speaking about elements.

Indie Components Examples

Eyeshadows

Beneath are a number of eyeshadow examples:

Silica, CI 77019 (Mica), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Magnesium Stearate, Kaolin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Carnauba Wax), Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77861 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77000 (Aluminium)
Mica, Titanium Dioxide. May contain Tin Oxide, Silica, UltraMarine Blue, Hydrated Chromium Oxide Green, Iron Oxides, Chromium Green Oxide, ferric ferrocyanide, Ultramarines, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Boron Nitride, Bronze Powder, Copper Powder, Silicon Dioxide, Cetyl Dimethicone, Zinc, and Calcium Sodium Borosilicate.
Mica, Silica, Titanium Dioxide

Eyeshadow ingredients in general, should have zinc oxide, magnesium myristate, kaolin clay, coated mica, zinc stearatae, carnauba coated mica, or silica on the list of ingredients helps an eye shadow to have blendability and lasting power.

Blushes

Here are a few blush examples:

CI 77019 (Mica), Magnesium Stearate, Kaolin, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Ethylhexylglycerin. [+/- (May Contain): Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 778161 (Tin Oxide), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 16035 (Red 40 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake)]
Sericite Mica, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. Might comprise: Manganese Violet.
Mica, Silica, iron oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide

Foundations

Beneath are a number of basis examples:

Mica, Zinc Oxide, Might Comprise (+/-): C.I. 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), C.I. 77492 (Iron Oxides), C.I. 77491 (Iron Oxides), C.I. 77499 (Iron Oxides)
Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Silk Powder, Magnesium Stearate, Boron Nitride, Silica
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Silk Powder, Magnesium Stearate, Boron Nitride, Silica

SPF Claims

It’s crucial to notice that if a basis makes an SPF declare, it should be FDA-rated. Firms can’t declare a particular SPF ranking from the FDA with out doing costly testing. Usually, solely bigger manufacturers can afford this testing to make the SPF declare.

Questionable Components

Bismuth Oxychloride is an ingredient I keep away from as a result of it may well trigger irritation and rashes. If an ingredient is just not permitted to be used within the USA, however I see that it’s permitted to be used within the UK, I’ll sometimes give it a strive. I perceive that others could make completely different choices.

In case you’re a model and wish to see an ingredient permitted, you could submit a petition to the FDA. Sadly, like many different US authorities businesses, they’re woefully understaffed and behind on approving elements.

Learn extra about prohibited and restricted elements on the FDA web site.

What About Talc?

After studying quite a few research about talc, it looks like talc could be very harmful as a result of additionally it is discovered subsequent to asbestos deposits. You may learn what the FDA has to say about talc. It’s one thing that I’m now doing my finest to keep away from. Sadly, it’s in a few of my favourite eyeshadow palettes.

And please, don’t fall for the fearmongering of web sites or apps like Suppose Soiled, EWG, Yuka, or Clear Magnificence. These apps and websites are deceptive and make you assume every thing is poisonous when that’s merely not the case.

Harassment within the Indie Group

My love of indie make-up was severely diminished for some time due to harassment from some indie model house owners and their sycophants. (See the Darkish Aspect of Indie Magnificence) These people spent from 2012-2014 each day telling me I used to be silly, ugly, and talentless and that I ought to unalive myself or stop running a blog, which was terrible. Harassing feedback got here in by my weblog, e mail, Fb, and even on Reddit.

Harassment soured me on the indie group for some time. Who wouldn’t wish to keep away from a group the place you had been harassed? Fortunately most of these manufacturers have gone out of enterprise. They included Shiro, One Hand Washes the Different, Detrivore, and some different indie manufacturers, all that I had featured on my weblog. Mob mentality is an actual factor.

Surprisingly, I’ve obtained apologies from a few of the individuals who took half within the harassment, and I’ve forgiven them. A real apology goes a good distance with me. An apology with out modified conduct is only a manipulation.

It was extremely disappointing to see how a few of the on-line indie group made excuses for these manufacturers, corresponding to Shiro, and their dangerous conduct. Thank goodness I’ve my therapist, who helped me develop a thicker pores and skin and work by the trauma.

Make-up Manufacturers to Keep away from

Individuals will keep away from manufacturers for varied causes, and I don’t count on everybody to keep away from the identical manufacturers I keep away from. I personally keep away from the next manufacturers due to the way in which prospects have been handled, the way in which I’ve been handled, dangerous model conduct, or product high quality: Menagerie Cosmetics (previously Make-up Monsters, previously Lynx Cosmetics), Notoriously Morbid, Contact of Glam, Looxi, Shroud Cosmetics, Chaos Make-up, Saucebox Cosmetics, Moonslice Magnificence, Jeffree Star, Juvia’s Place, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Ofra, and JD Glow. Glamlite has been added to this listing due to their lack of customer support with faulty merchandise.

Are There Completely different Kinds of Indie Manufacturers?

Are there several types of indie manufacturers? The reply is sure!

Handmade Magnificence Manufacturers

There are a number of 100% handmade indie magnificence manufacturers. These manufacturers create their very own distinctive base system for merchandise, then combine of their micas or dyes to make their gadgets. Many handmade manufacturers create unfastened eyeshadow, unfastened blushes, unfastened foundations, and many others. Silk Naturals and Aromaleigh Cosmetics are my two favourite examples of this kind of high indie make-up manufacturers. Comply with Silk Naturals on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes of making merchandise!

Distinctive Formulation and In-Home Lab Magnificence Manufacturers

The subsequent sort of indie is a bigger one. This model has 100% distinctive formulation and an in-house lab to press and manufacture its merchandise, and it might have fancier packaging than a strictly 100% handmade model. My favourite examples of this kind of indie are Deadly Cosmetics, Child Bat Magnificence, and Fyrinnae.

Distinctive Formulation + Personal Labeling

Some manufacturers create 100% distinctive formulation for his or her eyeshadows and staple product strains, however in addition they promote some private-label merchandise. They’ve beautiful eyeshadows, however they promote gadgets corresponding to private-label lashes and indelible gel eyeliners as extras and clearly mark them as non-public label. The final model I knew of that did that is now not in enterprise.

Outdoors Labs + Distinctive Formulation

The manufacturers I typically see essentially the most confusion over are these with 100% distinctive formulation however use an outdoor lab to create and fill their merchandise quite than in-house. Some examples of this is able to be Danessa Myricks Magnificence, Sugarpill, and Black Moon Cosmetics. They typically have glossy packaging that appears similar to their mainstream counterparts and are generally offered on the identical main retailers. Learn the interview I performed with Amy (Shrinkle) of Sugarpill in 2010 to see how exhausting she works on her model.

Indie Make-up Releases

The place do you discover out about indie make-up releases? I like to recommend going to Reddit’s Indie Make-up and Extra to begin. Indie Make-up and Extra, affectionally referred to as IMAM for brief, is essentially the most fabulous place to study indie make-up releases on-line. In case you’re on Instagram, you’ll be able to comply with The Indie Temper (though they had been final energetic in November 2022), the Indie Make-up Scorching Spot, TrendsTopia, and Angelica Nyqvist, who options a number of indies.

Whereas the overwhelming majority of posts on IMAM are about fragrance today, there are additionally gross sales notices for brand spanking new make-up releases. You will note nails, jewellery, vogue, and extra featured there.

Indie Make-up Manufacturers Listing

Beneath are my picks for the highest indie make-up manufacturers. My listing is just not exhaustive, however it’s a listing of manufacturers that stand out to me. I created this listing with in depth analysis, and it’s as correct as I could make it to the perfect of my skills. If any of those firms usually are not indie – if they’re owned/managed by an outdoor supply like a board of buyers or a giant conglomerate like L’Oreal – please let me know so I can take away them. Additionally, a few of these firms could make gadgets in a number of classes under, however I listed them within the one for which they’re finest identified. Please let me know in case you have any assessment requests for particular manufacturers!