You know when you discover a new band and part of you hopes they don't become popular? It's like a special secret that puts you ahead of the curve. And while everyone else is still listening to last month's music find, you get to soak up all that new sound, and be the first to introduce it to all your friends. Well, I feel that way about makeup. I love it when I discover awesome, underground beauty brands.
And even though I'd like to keep these under-the-radar brands a secret forever, it's kind of my job to spread the love. Sigh. (OK, and I wouldn't mind if these brands got more successful 'cause I really believe in them.) So, I decided to give you the scoop on all the cool makeup brands you've never heard of ... yet. Along with my own favorites, I spoke to other friends (Beauty Bloggers) who are on the cutting edge of everything makeup.
Not only did they give me the rundown of the coolest underground beauty brands, but they also steered me in the right direction when it comes to choosing the best products out of the lines, and getting started with these lesser-known labels, like Koh Gen Doh, Inglot, Jouer, and many more. Even better? Once you're done with my roundup, you'll be the go-to beauty expert in your group of friends.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
It may sound like a disorder, but Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, or "OCC," is actually a 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free makeup line that has worked its way into the hearts of makeup artists and beauty editors alike. With its super cool array of hues and intense, long-lasting pigments, OCC is starting to make a household name for itself, but still has that cool, flying under the radar vibe that I love.
When I found OCC at a random theatrical makeup store I freaked out. I bought a ton of their
Lip Tars, £9.50, and they are the most pigment intense products I've ever seen. The range of colors is fantastic. I have since bought even more shades, and they are a go-to product in my kit.
Inglot
Are you daring when it comes to color? If so, Inglot is your brand. This super cool cosmetics line is all about bright, saturated hues in every color of the rainbow. (And they've got great neutrals, too.) Inglot has been around for more than 25 years and is in stores internationally, but has managed to maintain its cool factor by staying out of the limelight in the UK.
With so many pretty shades, where to start? Go for the
Inglot Eyeshadows, £9. Inglot is color indulgence. The best part? You can buy all of the eyeshadows individually so you can build your own palette. This way you aren't stuck with a premade quad shadow palette where you only use two of the colors.
Jouer
This LA-based brand is a staple for so many celebrity makeup artists because their products are designed to be stunningly subtle, and look super flattering on every skin tone. Basically, Jouer is your go-to underground brand for looking bright and fresh-faced. My favorite product? The
Luminizing Moisture Tint, £29. I cannot live without it. Use it alone if you just need a little glow for an evening out, or mix it with other foundations to make them luminous. I truly cannot work without this product.
Sacha
Sacha Cosmetics was the official brand of Miss Universe and Miss USA, and even if you don't have an inner pageant queen, who wouldn't want flawless, picture-perfect skin? Chances are you haven't come across Sacha yet, but it's a brand that industry insiders love, especially for it's Kamaflage products that mask all skin imperfections.
Sacha is a line of makeup made originally for exotic skin, but they look great on all skin tones. And the brand doesn't stop at skin care. Sacha's makeup colors are also so long-lasting and luminous. I recently tried their
Super Frosted Eye Shadows, £8, and they're pretty unbelievable. So many fabulous colors and they stay on all day without fading.
Koh Gen Doh
It used to be that you could only find Koh Gen Doh in Tokyo or small, hard-to-find makeup stores where film industry makeup artists shop. But now you can finally stock up on this Japanese cosmetics line at big makeup meccas, like Sephora. However, unfortunately it is not available to buy in the UK just yet!
Used in a ton of Hollywood films, these products are created specifically for hi-def cameras, and are super long-lasting. I'm a huge fan of their
Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, $62. It's such a flattering foundation with fantastic coverage, I use it all the time.
Hourglass
Based in Venice, Calif., Hourglass Cosmetics is one of those ultra hip brands with sleek packaging to match its cool-girl status. And while I may be a sucker for pretty packaging, it's the stuff inside (natural, beneficial ingredients) that makes this label buzz-worthy. Right now my favorite products from this line are the
Femme Rouge Lipsticks, £22. The colors are so deeply saturated and beautiful. And they're perfect for the bold lip trend that's happening right now.
Youngblood Cosmetics
Looking for makeup that is chock full of good-for-you ingredients? Enter Youngblood Cosmetics. Youngblood is a mineral cosmetics line has got you covered on everything from makeup to beauty tools, but one of their fan favorite products is the
Natural Mineral Foundation, £32. It has great coverage and is healthy for your skin. I use this foundation a lot. It gives you the perfect matte finish without drying out your skin.
Naked Cosmetics
If you love mixing and matching your makeup and want a look that is completely individual, then you'll love mineral-based line Naked Cosmetics. Naked is known for their
Single Color Powder Pigments, £7. These pigments can work as eyeshadow, eyeliner, nail polish, or lipstick when used with their mixing mediums. The mixing mediums make the loose powder magically turn into everything in your makeup bag, getting you
plenty of bang for your buck.
Face Atelier
You may love Canada for its hockey and maple syrup, but I've got another reason for you: FACE Atelier Cosmetics. FACE is one of those underground labels that the pros swear by and fortunately for the masses these things can't stay a secret forever. They've got fabulous blushes and bronzers, but everyone is buzzing about their super light foundations -- perfect for the summer when you don't want your skin to feel weighed down with sticky makeup.
Every single time I use one of their
Ultra Foundations, £32, on myself, I get compliments. They last all day and give you a dewy look without ever appearing oily. Truly one of my favorite foundations out there.
That's it...my secret beauty brands have spilled and you now know as much as I do....
Enjoy trying these treats!
Xoxo,
Angelique
