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Hey, stunning creatures! At this time 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 like speaking about indie make-up and sharing it with the world!
See one of the best Various Make-up Manufacturers to attempt in 2026.
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 manage 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, just isn’t 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. I don’t blame them. L’Oreal utterly ruined City Decay and made them suck.
A model like Sugarpill, which the make-up artist Amy Doan owns, is an indie model as a result of she owns the corporate and works with labs to fabricate her merchandise. Amy has been operating Sugarpill since 2010, and the model nonetheless seems to be precisely the way in which she desires it to.
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 similar to Ulta or Sephora. Should 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, similar to Fyrinnae, hand press and make all their merchandise in-house with their tools. Different indie manufacturers, similar 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 like indie magnificence manufacturers as a result of they usually provide reasonably priced, high-quality merchandise, and I like indie style manufacturers as a result of they often promote high-quality merchandise, a lot of which you’ll order {custom} to your dimension or specifics. Actually, I particularly LOVE bespoke style! My gothic couture wedding ceremony costume was custom-made only for me. I 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 might be an unbiased model, as in not managed by a dad or mum firm, it’s additionally doubtless you would purchase the identical product for a vastly totally different worth from one other vendor.
For instance, I like teal make-up. A number of years in the past, I purchased what was alleged 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 once 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 components 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 need to buy non-public label that lacks creativity and should 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 components 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 seek out out it’s a non-public label, which upset me. I need to assist indie manufacturers and artists.
This additionally applies to retailer home manufacturers. If a store creates its personal make-up line and sells it alongside the manufacturers it shares, that line is a non-public label owned by the retailer, irrespective of how indie the packaging seems to be.
On the finish of the day, what I would like is transparency and honesty from firms. Don’t pose as an indie firm should you’re not.
The place to Purchase Indie Make-up
The place do you go to purchase indie make-up? Largely, you purchase indie make-up instantly from a model’s web site, Etsy or Storenvy. Generally an indie magnificence model will probably be sufficiently big to be carried at a bigger retailer, similar to Ulta, Sephora, Digital camera Prepared Cosmetics, Sizzling Subject, Credo Magnificence, Amazon, and different retailers.
A variety of small manufacturers have additionally moved their storefronts onto Etsy within the final couple of years quite than paying for their very own internet hosting. If a model’s personal web site has gone quiet, examine Etsy earlier than you assume they’ve closed.
I extremely advocate 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 will 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’ should 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 Concept
Usually, 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 may make it final. My magnificence conspiracy idea is that clear magnificence manufacturers popped as much as get folks to purchase make-up extra regularly 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. It isn’t about making a greater or protected product, purely concerning the backside line.
How you can Inform if an Indie Product is Good
You might need assistance with the place to start out with indies and learn how to inform if an indie product is nice. Googling, checking Reddit, and checking YouTube for critiques and swatches are one of the best ways to seek out high indie make-up manufacturers. Analysis what folks consider the model, if the model has good merchandise and customer support. You can even examine my weblog! I’ve been running a blog about indie make-up for 18 years at this level and I’ve tried many alternative 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 should not FDA-approved elements. See the present listing of FDA-approved shade components for cosmetics right here.
I write about elements with a USA focus, despite the fact that I now reside within the Netherlands.
Indie Components Examples
Eyeshadows
Beneath are a couple 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 stearate, 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 77861 (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 include: Manganese Violet.
Mica, Silica, iron oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide
Foundations
Beneath are a couple 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 essential 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 just isn’t permitted to be used within the USA, however I see that it’s permitted to be used within the UK or EU, I’ll usually give it a attempt. I perceive that others could make totally different selections. The UK and EU are additional forward at approving new elements that the USA has by no means put the trouble into .
Should you’re a model and need 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 may be very harmful as a result of it is usually 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 as a lot as potential. Sadly, it’s in a few of my favourite merchandise.
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 suppose every thing is poisonous when that’s merely not the case.
Actual Speak 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 an alternative, 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 customers 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, learn how to listing elements, learn how to use INCI names, and learn how 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 primarily based on peer reviewed scientific research.
So for me personally, I take a look at what’s permitted within the EU, then take a look at how a product is labeled and make my selections primarily based on that. If an organization or model is permitted within the EU, I consider it’s safer than if it’s solely permitted within the USA.
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 every day telling me I used to be silly, ugly, and talentless and that I ought to unalive myself or give up running a blog, which was terrible. Harassing feedback got here in by means of my weblog, e mail, Fb, and even on Reddit.
Harassment soured me on the indie neighborhood for some time. Who wouldn’t need to keep away from a neighborhood 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 manufacturers that I had featured on my weblog. Mob mentality is an actual factor.
Surprisingly, I’ve acquired apologies from among 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 among the on-line indie neighborhood made excuses for these manufacturers, similar to Shiro, and their dangerous conduct. Thank goodness I’ve my therapist, who helped me develop a thicker pores and skin and work by means of 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 way in which clients 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 Totally 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 components 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 on. Silk Naturals and Aromaleigh Cosmetics are my two favourite examples of one of these high indie make-up manufacturers. Observe 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 could 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 strains, however additionally they promote some private-label merchandise. They’ve beautiful eyeshadows, however they promote objects similar 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 probably the most confusion over are these with 100% distinctive formulation however use an out of doors lab to create and fill their merchandise quite than in-house. Some examples of this might be Sugarpill and Black Moon Cosmetics. They typically have glossy packaging that appears similar to their mainstream counterparts and are typically offered on the identical main retailers. Learn the interview I carried out with Amy (Shrinkle) of Sugarpill in 2010 to see how arduous 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 referred to as IMAM for brief, is probably the most fabulous place to study indie make-up releases on-line. Should you’re on Instagram, you’ll be able to comply with The Indie Temper, the Indie Make-up Sizzling Spot, TrendsTopia, and Angelica Nyqvist, who options quite a lot of 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 notice nails, jewellery, style, and extra featured there.
Indie Make-up Manufacturers Record
Beneath are my picks for the highest indie make-up manufacturers. My listing just isn’t exhaustive, however it’s a listing of manufacturers that stand out to me. I created this listing with in depth analysis, and I re-check each model on it earlier than every replace. This model was checked in August 2026. If any of those firms should not indie – if they’re owned/managed by an out of doors 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 objects in a number of classes beneath, however I listed them within the one for which they’re finest identified. Please let me know in case you have any evaluate requests for particular manufacturers!
A observe on what got here off the listing this 12 months. A number of manufacturers I beloved have taken outdoors funding or been purchased outright, and by my very own definition meaning they’re now not indie. A number of others have closed or gone quiet. That churn is regular, and it’s precisely why I re-audit this put up as a substitute of letting it sit.
Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers Record
Indie Fragrance Manufacturers Record
Prime Indie Nail Manufacturers Record
Remember to try the Polish Pickup, a website with new indie nail polish each month!
Indie Pores and skin Care, Bathtub, & Physique Manufacturers Record
Prime Indie Hair Manufacturers Record
Indie Trend Manufacturers
I do know this put up is concentrated on high indie make-up manufacturers however I additionally needed to incorporate some high indie style manufacturers for you too.
Indie Make-up FAQ
What counts as an indie make-up model in 2026?
A model that’s independently owned and free from outdoors management. Which means no dad or mum conglomerate, no non-public fairness agency, and no board of buyers calling the pictures. It doesn’t imply handmade solely, and it doesn’t imply the model can’t be stocked at Ulta or Sephora. Loads of genuinely indie manufacturers are.
Does taking outdoors funding imply a model isn’t indie anymore?
For my listing, sure. As soon as a fund owns a chunk of the corporate, somebody outdoors the founder’s kitchen desk has a say in what will get made and how briskly the model has to develop. That’s the actual dynamic the phrase unbiased is meant to rule out. I do know cheap folks disagree with me on minority stakes, and that’s high quality.
How can I inform if a model is non-public label?
Search the product’s ingredient listing, or a particular shade identify, and see if it comes again on Alibaba, AliExpress, or a non-public label catalog like Ladyburd. Equivalent packaging throughout a number of unrelated manufacturers is one other giveaway. Retailer home manufacturers rely as non-public label too, even after they’re superbly executed.
Is indie make-up cruelty-free?
Usually, however by no means assume. Cruelty-free just isn’t a regulated time period, so examine the model’s personal assertion and whether or not they promote into markets that require animal testing. Vegan is a separate query once more, because it covers elements quite than testing.
Why achieve this many indie manufacturers shut?
They’re often one or two folks absorbing each price themselves. Postage will increase, tariffs, and packaging shortages hit them far more durable than they hit a conglomerate. A number of manufacturers on this listing have paused or closed for precisely these causes previously two years, and a few them have merely moved to Etsy to chop internet hosting prices.
Is it protected to purchase from a tiny indie model?
Usually sure. Learn current critiques quite than outdated ones, examine the model’s acknowledged turnaround time earlier than you order, and pay with PayPal or a bank card so you will have purchaser safety if one thing goes incorrect.
The place do I discover out about new indie releases?
Reddit’s Indie Make-up and Extra (IMAM) remains to be one of the best single supply, although it skews closely towards fragrance now. On Instagram, The Indie Temper, Indie Make-up Sizzling Spot, TrendsTopia and Angelica Nyqvist all cowl quite a lot of indies.
Are indie merchandise cheaper than mainstream make-up?
Often, and sometimes higher pigmented for the worth, since you’re not paying for a advertising price range. The trade-off is smaller batch sizes, longer turnaround, and shades that will not come again as soon as they promote out.
How typically do you replace this listing?
I am going by means of the entire listing and examine each model’s possession and standing earlier than I republish. This model was checked in August 2026.
Extra to See
