Image: Depixym
Check Out: Depixym
This vegan makeup brand might look like the much more vibrant sister of Glossier on the first glance, but what it truly is one of a kind. For starters, it only has one (yes, a small but mighty one) product in its lineup. Called ‘cosmetic emulsions’, these are multi-use, ultra-long wear, waterproof matte creams that can be used anywhere, and we mean, anywhere on the face and body. Be it a foundation, an eyeshadow, an eyeliner, a lipstick, a nail varnish; the list is endless. Plus, they pride themselves on being non-conformist products for non-conformist people, so you’re welcomed to shop there no matter your true pronoun.
Where it’s at: Guru Makeup Emporium, 12 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 4EP, United Kingdom
Image: Code8
Check Out: Code8
This London-born makeup brand is the antithesis of Instagram-buzzy beauty brands that seem to be dropping a new product every few seconds. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the brand prefers producing high-performing, scientific formulations in universally flattering hues that suit every skin tone and undertone. A testament to how amazing their formulations are? Angelina Jolie and Billy Porter are fans of the beauty label and fashion houses like Lanvin and Helmut Lang’s models have their face painted with the brand’s offerings.
Where it’s at: 4 Burlington Arcade, Mayfair, London W1J 0PZ, United Kingdom
Image: Floral Street
Check Out: Floral Street
No, it’s not an actual street but more of a super adorable British fragrance brand that’s inspired by London. In a world full of minimalistic flacons, Floral Street is fully embracing its floral-patterned glass bottles in all its glory. Powered by flowers, the brand’s long-lasting scents are all made with 20 per cent perfume oil. Their creations are Our packaging is reusable, recyclable or biodegradable, and our ingredients are sustainably sourced. We’re even vegan!
Where it’s at: 30 King Street, Covent Garden London, WC2E 8JD
Image: Hince
Check Out: Hince
Launched just this year, Hince is the new K-beauty brand to pay attention to that’s not 3CE. The brand focuses on creating products that aim to enhance its wearers’ natural beauty in order to encourage confidence and self-love, rather than makeup that heavily alters appearances. Though it currently only has lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushers, it’s already a favourite amongst K-beauty lovers. And that’s especially so for its atelier, thanks to its Instagram-worthy interior.
Where it’s at: South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Wangsimniro 14(sipsa)-gil 22-2
Image: Laka
Check Out: Laka
Widely known as the country’s first-ever gender-neutral beauty brand, all products by Laka are formulated to be used by both men and women. It’s minimalistic, modern packaging and trendy shades are hard to pass up.
Where it’s at: Olive Young
Image: La Bouche Rouge
Check Out: La Bouche Rouge
Founded by a French beauty veteran two years ago, La Bouche Rouge is the first start-up that’s aided by LVMH’s cosmetology research division. This luxury brand uses as little plastic as possible. Their lipsticks are instead, made of other materials that are easier to recycle such as paper, metal and leather. That also translates to their boutiques. In place of plastic, recyclable materials like marble, glass and wood are used. To top it off, La Bouche Rouge will also donate 100 litres of drinking water to Eau Vive Internationale – an agricultural and water-resource charity – for each lipstick sold.
Where it’s at: Le Bon Marche 24 Rue de Sevres, 75007 Paris or Dover Street Parfums Market 11 bis Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris
Image: Sunnies Face
Check Out: Sunnies Face
It’s the underrated beauty brand that Hollywood stars – like Christina Aguilera who’s been spotted wearing the brand’s FluffMatte in Nudist – and makeup artists are raving about. From its chic, matte packaging to its modern, vibrant colours, consider us sold.
Where it’s at: Multiple locations, visit their site for a list of them.
Image: Rollover Reaction
Check Out: Rollover Reaction
We particularly adore their Lip & Cheek Cream that’s a two-in-one lip colour which also doubles as a blush. It’s infused with nourishing ingredients that make the formula a very velvety and plush one.
Where it’s at: Plaza Indonesia EX Level 4
Image: Eye Of Horus Cosmetics
Check Out: Eye Of Horus Cosmetics
A cult beauty brand that’s birthed in the land down under, this one’s named after an Ancient Egyptian symbol of protection. Ancient Egyptian culture is also where the brand draws its inspiration from. It’s cruelty- and paraben-free ingredient list sees of ingredients that were widely used then, such as organic Moringa oil – which was dubbed the oil of the Pharaoh – due to its popularity that’s gained from its beautifying and regenerating power.
Where it’s at: Multiple locations, visit their site for a list of them.
Image: Make
Check Out: Make
Developed and manufactured on the brand’s home ground of New York City, Make is a minimalistic makeup and skincare essentials label. The brand identifies itself as a ‘slow beauty’ brand. Why? It’s one that doesn’t conform to the fashion calendar but instead, tries to create products that cater to individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender or age.
Where it’s at: Selfridges