Whats up, lovely creatures! Immediately I’m sharing the Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers. I’ve been a lover of indie make-up since 2008, which led me to start out my weblog and share my indie make-up swatches. Make-up is a hyper-focus for me, and I like to share it with you.
In November 2022, 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 impartial. Merriam-Webster defines impartial as not topic to manage by others, not affiliated with a bigger controlling entity, and it offers the instance of an impartial bookstore.
By the phrase’s literal definition, an indie model is a model that’s independently owned, not beholden to a mother or father firm, very similar to the impartial bookstore talked about. An indie make-up model controls what it makes, the way it makes, and all the things about it.
Two Model Examples
In distinction, a model like City Decay, which L’Oreal owns, will not be an indie model as a result of they’re owned by a big conglomerate that has controlling curiosity within the firm. Folks typically hate when L’Oreal and Estee Lauder purchase manufacturers, as they have a tendency 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 the 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 gifted, and her professional make-up artistry merchandise are glorious. Moreover, she treats her workers nicely.
Handmade Solely?
Some individuals will argue that an indie model is just handmade. Others will say that an indie model can’t be bought in mainstream shops comparable to Ulta or Sephora. For those who’re asking me, I’ll preserve 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, comparable to Fyrinnae, hand press and make all their merchandise in-house with their gear. Different indie manufacturers, comparable 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 provide inexpensive, high-quality merchandise, and I really like indie vogue manufacturers as a result of they often promote high-quality merchandise, lots of which you’ll order {custom} to your dimension 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 Non-public 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 impartial model, as in not managed by a mother or father firm, it’s additionally seemingly you possibly can purchase the identical product for a vastly totally different value from one other vendor.
For example, I really like teal make-up. A number of years in the past, I purchased what was purported to be 4 totally different teal gel eyeliners from 4 indie manufacturers for vastly totally different costs starting from $4.99 to $19.99. Think about my shock and disappointment after I found they have 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 personal label method from a producer like Ladyburd, Aliexpress, or Alibaba must be very clear about it. Many individuals who purchase indie are doing so to assist impartial artists and don’t wish to buy personal label that lacks creativity and should lack high quality.
I don’t really feel that ‘manufacturers’ that decide eyeshadows and packaging out of a catalog and don’t have anything to do with creating the method belong within the indie make-up manufacturers class. They’re akin to MLMs, crypto, NFTs, or junk in my thoughts. Which will sound harsh, however I’ve been duped by considering a model was indie, solely to seek 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 need 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 straight from a model’s web site, Etsy or Storenvy. Generally an indie magnificence model can be sufficiently big to be carried at a bigger retailer, comparable to Ulta, Sephora, Digicam Prepared Cosmetics, Scorching Subject, 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 problem 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 if in case you have points.
What about Clear, Cruelty-free, or Vegan?
The phrases’ clear magnificence,’ ‘cruelty-free magnificence,’ and ‘vegan magnificence’ are usually not FDA regulated. Clear Magnificence is commonly a advertising gimmick, and cruelty-free typically 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 Idea
On the whole, 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 confirmed preservatives in my make-up that can make it final. My magnificence conspiracy concept is that clear magnificence manufacturers popped as much as get individuals to purchase make-up extra incessantly as a result of we’re in late-stage capitalism. Manufacturers really feel like they will need to have progress on a regular basis to please their shareholders. It isn’t about making a greater or protected product, purely in regards to the backside line.
The right way to Inform if an Indie Product is Good
You could need assistance with the place to start out with indies and methods to inform if an indie product is sweet. Googling, checking Reddit, and checking YouTube for critiques and swatches are one of the simplest ways to seek out high indie make-up manufacturers. Analysis what individuals consider the model, if the model has good merchandise and customer support. You too can examine my weblog! I’ve been running a blog about indie make-up for 16 years at this level and I’ve tried many various manufacturers.
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 are usually 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 Elements Examples
Eyeshadows
Under 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. Could comprise: Manganese Violet.
Mica, Silica, iron oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide
Foundations
Under are a number of basis examples:
Mica, Zinc Oxide, Could Include (+/-): 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 essential to notice that if a basis makes an SPF declare, it have to be FDA-rated. Firms can’t declare a selected SPF score from the FDA with out doing costly testing. Usually, solely bigger manufacturers can afford this testing to make the SPF declare.
Questionable Elements
Bismuth Oxychloride is an ingredient I keep away from as a result of it may possibly trigger irritation and rashes. If an ingredient will not be accredited to be used within the USA, however I see that it’s accredited to be used within the UK, I’ll sometimes give it a strive. I perceive that others might make totally different choices.
For those who’re a model and wish to see an ingredient accredited, it’s essential to submit a petition to the FDA. Sadly, like many different US authorities companies, 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 as if talc may be very harmful as a result of additionally it is discovered subsequent to asbestos deposits. You possibly can learn what the FDA has to say about talc. It’s one thing that I’m now eliminating from my make-up routine. Sadly, it’s in a few of my favourite merchandise.
And please, don’t fall for the fearmongering of web sites or apps like Assume Soiled, EWG, Yuka, or Clear Magnificence. These apps and websites are deceptive and make you assume all the things is poisonous when that’s merely not the case.
Actual Discuss Time on Labeling
This can be controversial, however due to the truth that the USA FDA is underfunded, to me it feels just like the regulatory our bodies don’t care if issues are protected. I’ve stopped counting on the USA FDA labeling to information me.
As a substitute, I depend on the UK’s security and regulatory physique. All beauty merchandise positioned on the UK and European market should adjust to strict legal guidelines that are in place to make sure human security and to guard shoppers from deceptive claims regarding efficacy and different traits of beauty merchandise.
The FAQS right here https://www.ctpa.org.uk/faqs clearly clarify what must be printed on a beauty label, methods to listing elements, methods to use INCI names, and methods to correctly examine the label.
Listed below are an inventory of banned elements within the EU.
I belief the UK’s security and regulatory physique over the USA FDA.
It is because the EU has extra complete, extra updated laws than the FDA. They replace their legal guidelines based mostly on peer reviewed scientific research.
So for me personally, I take a look at what’s accredited within the EU, then take a look at how a product is labeled and make my choices based mostly on that. If an organization or model is accredited within the EU, I imagine it’s safer than if it’s solely accredited within the USA.
Harassment within the Indie Neighborhood
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 day by 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 via 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 have 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 manufacturers 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 great distance with me. An apology with out modified habits is only a manipulation.
It was extremely disappointing to see how a few of the on-line indie group made excuses for these manufacturers, comparable to Shiro, and their dangerous habits. Thank goodness I’ve my therapist, who helped me develop a thicker pores and skin and work via the trauma.
Make-up Manufacturers to Keep away from
Folks will keep away from manufacturers for numerous 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 best way clients have been handled, the best way I’ve been handled, dangerous model habits, 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 Sorts 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 method for merchandise, then combine of their micas or dyes to make their objects. Many handmade manufacturers create unfastened eyeshadow, unfastened blushes, unfastened foundations, and so forth. Silk Naturals and Aromaleigh Cosmetics are my two favourite examples of one of these 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 kind 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 one of these indie are Deadly Cosmetics, Child Bat Magnificence, and Fyrinnae.
Distinctive Formulation + Non-public Labeling
Some manufacturers create 100% distinctive formulation for his or her eyeshadows and staple product traces, however in addition they promote some private-label merchandise. They’ve beautiful eyeshadows, however they promote objects comparable to private-label lashes and indelible gel eyeliners as extras and clearly mark them as personal label. The final model I knew of that did that is now not in enterprise.
Outdoors Labs + Distinctive Formulation
The manufacturers I typically see probably the most confusion over are these with 100% distinctive formulation however use an outdoor lab to create and fill their merchandise reasonably than in-house. Some examples of this might be Danessa Myricks Magnificence, Sugarpill, and Black Moon Cosmetics. They typically have smooth packaging that appears similar to their mainstream counterparts and are typically bought on the identical main retailers. Learn the interview I performed with Amy (Shrinkle) of Sugarpill in 2010 to see how onerous 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 start out. Indie Make-up and Extra, affectionally known as IMAM for brief, is probably the most fabulous place to find out about indie make-up releases on-line. For those who’re on Instagram, you possibly can observe The Indie Temper, the Indie Make-up Scorching Spot, TrendsTopia, and Angelica Nyqvist, who options numerous indies.
Whereas the overwhelming majority of posts on IMAM are about fragrance lately, 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
Under are my picks for the highest indie make-up manufacturers. My listing will not be exhaustive, however it’s a listing of manufacturers that stand out to me. I created this listing with intensive analysis, and it’s as correct as I could make it to the very best of my skills. If any of those firms are usually not indie – if they’re owned/managed by an outdoor supply like a board of traders or a giant conglomerate like L’Oreal – please let me know so I can take away them. Additionally, a few of these firms might make objects in a number of classes beneath, however I listed them within the one for which they’re greatest identified. Please let me know if in case you have any evaluate requests for particular manufacturers!
Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers Listing
Indie Fragrance Manufacturers Listing
Prime Indie Nail Manufacturers Listing
Make sure to try the Polish Pickup, a website with new indie nail polish each month!
Indie Pores and skin Care, Tub, & Physique Manufacturers Listing
Prime Indie Hair Manufacturers Listing
Indie Style Manufacturers
I do know this submit is targeted on high indie make-up manufacturers however I additionally needed to incorporate some high indie vogue manufacturers for you too.
Extra to See
