The 8 Best Indie Beauty Brands You've Probably Never Heard Of

Photo Credit: Chopstick Panorama — Photo Credit: **Chopstick Panorama**

We all know and love Too Faced, Benefit, NARS, and Kat Von D Beauty—but are the products that line the shelves at Sephora and Ulta really all the beauty world has to offer? Despite being filled with some of our most sworn-by products, the beauty-obsessed devil on our shoulder urges us to want more—and we know we’re not alone. To see what else is out there, we went on a little journey to discover the best undiscovered brands, and products, that have gained popularity and sworn support without breaking into the mainstream. Without further ado, we introduce you to the eight indie brands you’ll want to stock up on stat.

Amika

Dry Shampoo, $24; loveamika.com

Living in a world that’s in love with messy buns, it’s no wonder that dry shampoo has become such a raved-about product. Surely there are many products out there that get the job done, but we’re always on a mission to add new formulas to our favorites. As soon as we spritzed this Sea Buckthorn Berry-infused spray into our day two ‘do, we knew we had a winner. One of the only dry shampoos on the market formulated without aluminum, starch or talc, this miracle-in-a-can is truly one of a kind. Better make room!

Other Amika Products We Recommend: The Wizard Primer ($24) and Nourishing Mask ($28)

Anese Co.

Bless This Mess, $26; anese.co

Wrap long-lasting scent and moisture into one fine spray and you have yourself a product to wear religiously. What sounds like a beauty dream is actually real life with Bless This Mess, a hydrating and soothing mist that’s best applied directly after showering and whenever you need an extra boost through the day. Formulated with Sea Holly and honest to goodness Holy Water in it, this Aloe Vera and Rose Water-infused mist improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines, wrinkles and redness, and helps seal in moisture to maintain your skin’s water balance. #Praise

Other Anese Co. Products We Recommend: So Over It Mask ($22) and Slay Serum ($48)

Context

Skin Cleanser, $30; contextskin.com

Sensitive skin needs a simple cleanser, and if you’ve been on a mission to find the right product for your finicky visage, we’re happy to introduce you to your soon-to-be can’t-live-without product. This hydrating gel cream daily cleanser is enriched with Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, cucumber Oil, Chamomile Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Lemon and Rose Hips Extract to offer skin a power-packed approach to deep cleaning clogged pores and eliminating any impurities. Not only does this product cleanse to perfection for all skin types, but it softens and conditions while providing protection against free radicals, too.

Other Context Skin Products We Recommend: Hydrating Toner ($35) and Come Clean Lipstick ($20)

Drunk Elephant

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, $72; drunkelephant.com

Think of it as rehab for your skin. This wonder-working, luxury facial oil is packed with antioxidants and Omegas 6 and 9 to hydrate, preserve, nourish and protect skin while creating a healthy, youthful glow.

Other Drunk Elephant Products We Recommend: C-Firma Day Serum ($80) and T.L.C. Framboos Night Serum ($90)

Glossier

Skin Tint, $26; glossier.com

Summer means sweat and sweat means heavy foundation formulas simply won’t cut it. For a more lightweight approach to perfecting your complexion and ridding discoloration goodbye, try this lightweight formula that auto-fits to skin.

Other Glossier Products We Recommend: Generation G ($18) and Cloud Paint ($18)

Herbivore

MOON FRUIT Superfruit Night Treatment, $58; herbivorebotanicals.com

Beauty sleep got its name for a reason. When you fall into a deep slumber, not only do you get to dream about not going to work Monday morning, but your body actually revitalizes itself most during this time, too. It’s because of this that specific nighttime formulas are created to work with this accelerated time of renewal to deliver the best results. For that reason, we’re over the moon about this multi-tasking night treatment that feeds skin with superfruits, gently resurfaces with fruit enzymes and hydrates deeply with a blend of exotic butters and bio-identical vegan Hyaluronic Acid.

Other Herbivore Products We Recommend: Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist ($32) and Coco Rose Lip Conditioner ($22)

Kypris

Antioxidant Dew, $72; kyprisbeauty.com

Spray it on as part of your morning and evening skin care routine or toss it in your bag for on-the-go hydration. This featherweight dew will restore strength, vitality and radiance to skin wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Packed with antioxidants and botanicals, you can expect long-lasting moisture, a glowing dewy complexion, protection from free radicals, brightened dull skin and calmed redness. The best part? It’s even gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Other Kypris Products We Recommend: Moonlight Catalyst ($77) and Glow Philtre ($88)

RMS

Living Luminizer, $38; rmsbeauty.com

Highlighters are heavenly here in 2017 and we’re constantly anticipating the next big launch. But what if a magical product hit shelves under the radar? Well it did. And without a single doubt, you’re going to want it in your makeup bag stat. Created to deliver a sensuous, sheer, luminous glow, this highlighter goes on smooth without looking greasy or glittery—meaning people will actually think you’re just naturally lit from within. Yep, it’s that good.

Other RMS Products We Recommend: Lunar Eye Polish ($28) and Raw Coconut Cream ($18)

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