Hi there, stunning creatures! In the present day I’m sharing the Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers. I’ve been a lover of indie make-up since 2008, which led me to begin 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!
See the very best Various Make-up Manufacturers to strive 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 regulate 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 mother or father firm, very similar to the unbiased bookstore talked about. An indie make-up model controls what it makes, the way it makes, and every part about it.
Two Model Examples
In distinction, a model like City Decay, which L’Oreal owns, isn’t an indie model as a result of they’re owned by a big conglomerate that has controlling curiosity within the firm. Folks usually 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 working Sugarpill since 2010, and the model nonetheless appears precisely the best way she desires it to.
Handmade Solely?
Some folks will argue that an indie model is simply handmade. Others will say that an indie model can’t be offered in mainstream shops corresponding to Ulta or Sephora. For those who’re asking me, I’ll keep that an indie model is a model that’s free from exterior management. I’m not a fan of the purity police, who usually state that their definition is the one proper one – handmade in somebody’s studio.
Some indie manufacturers, corresponding to Fyrinnae, hand press and make all their merchandise in-house with their gear. Different indie manufacturers, corresponding 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 usually supply reasonably priced, high-quality merchandise, and I really like indie style manufacturers as a result of they normally promote high-quality merchandise, a lot of which you’ll be able to order {custom} to your dimension or specifics. The truth is, I particularly LOVE bespoke style! My gothic couture wedding ceremony costume 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 unbiased model, as in not managed by a mother or father firm, it’s additionally seemingly you might purchase the identical product for a vastly completely different value from one other vendor.
For instance, I really like teal make-up. A number of years in the past, I purchased what was speculated to be 4 completely different teal gel eyeliners from 4 indie manufacturers for vastly completely different costs starting from $4.99 to $19.99. Think about my shock and disappointment once 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 components from a producer like Ladyburd, AliExpress, or Alibaba have to be very clear about it. Many individuals who purchase indie are doing so to help unbiased artists and don’t wish to buy personal label that lacks creativity and will 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 components 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 help 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, regardless of how indie the packaging appears.
On the finish of the day, what I need 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 straight from a model’s web site, Etsy or Storenvy. Typically an indie magnificence model will probably be sufficiently big to be carried at a bigger retailer, corresponding to Ulta, Sephora, Digital camera Prepared Cosmetics, Scorching Matter, Credo Magnificence, Amazon, and different retailers.
Lots of small manufacturers have additionally moved their storefronts onto Etsy within the final couple of years slightly 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 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 you probably have points.
What about Clear, Cruelty-free, or Vegan?
The phrases ‘clear magnificence,’ ‘cruelty-free magnificence,’ and ‘vegan magnificence’ usually are not FDA regulated. Clear Magnificence is commonly a advertising gimmick, and cruelty-free usually 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 Principle
Normally, 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 folks to purchase make-up extra incessantly 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 secure product, purely concerning the backside line.
The right way to Inform if an Indie Product is Good
You could need assistance with the place to begin with indies and the right way to inform if an indie product is sweet. Googling, checking Reddit, and checking YouTube for opinions and swatches are one of the simplest 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 may as well 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 usually are not FDA-approved elements. See the present record of FDA-approved coloration components for cosmetics right here.
I write about elements with a USA focus, although I now stay within the Netherlands.
Indie Elements Examples
Eyeshadows
Under 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 comprise: Manganese Violet.
- Mica, Silica, iron oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide
Foundations
Under 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 crucial to notice that if a basis makes an SPF declare, it have to be FDA-rated. Corporations 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 trigger irritation and rashes. If an ingredient 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 strive. I perceive that others might make completely different selections. The UK and EU are additional forward at approving new elements that the USA has by no means put the hassle into .
For those who’re a model and wish to see an ingredient permitted, it’s essential to 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 additionally it is discovered subsequent to asbestos deposits. You may 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 Assume Soiled, EWG, Yuka, or Clear Magnificence. These apps and websites are deceptive and make you suppose every part 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 secure. 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, the right way to record elements, the right way to use INCI names, and the right way to correctly examine the label.
Listed below are a record 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 permitted within the EU, then take a look at how a product is labeled and make my selections based mostly on that. If an organization or model is permitted within the EU, I imagine 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 Facet 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 way of my weblog, electronic 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 acquired apologies from a few of 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 a few of the on-line indie group made excuses for these manufacturers, corresponding to Shiro, and their unhealthy conduct. Thank goodness I’ve my therapist, who helped me develop a thicker pores and skin and work by way of the trauma.
Make-up Manufacturers to Keep away from
Folks will keep away from manufacturers for numerous causes, and I don’t anticipate 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, unhealthy 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 record due to their lack of customer support with faulty merchandise.
Are There Totally different Sorts of Indie Manufacturers?
Are there various kinds 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 free eyeshadow, free blushes, free foundations, and so on. Silk Naturals and Aromaleigh Cosmetics are my two favourite examples of this sort of 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 might have fancier packaging than a strictly 100% handmade model. My favourite examples of this sort of 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 corresponding 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 usually 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 slightly than in-house. Some examples of this might be Sugarpill and Black Moon Cosmetics. They usually have smooth packaging that appears similar to their mainstream counterparts and are generally offered on the similar main retailers. Learn the interview I performed with Amy (Shrinkle) of Sugarpill in 2010 to see how laborious 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 begin. 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 may observe The Indie Temper, the Indie Make-up Scorching Spot, TrendsTopia, and Angelica Nyqvist, who options quite a lot of indies.
Whereas the overwhelming majority of posts on IMAM are about fragrance as of late, there are additionally gross sales notices for brand spanking new make-up releases. You will note nails, jewellery, style, and extra featured there.
Indie Make-up Manufacturers Listing
Under are my picks for the highest indie make-up manufacturers. My record isn’t exhaustive, however it’s a record of manufacturers that stand out to me. I created this record with intensive 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 usually are not indie – if they’re owned/managed by an out of doors 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 under, however I listed them within the one for which they’re greatest identified. Please let me know you probably have any evaluate requests for particular manufacturers!
A word on what got here off the record this 12 months. A number of manufacturers I liked have taken exterior funding or been purchased outright, and by my very own definition which means they’re now not indie. A couple of others have closed or gone quiet. That churn is regular, and it’s precisely why I re-audit this publish as a substitute of letting it sit.
Prime Indie Make-up Manufacturers Listing
Indie Fragrance Manufacturers Listing
Prime Indie Nail Manufacturers Listing
You’ll want to take a look at 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 Vogue Manufacturers
I do know this publish is targeted on high indie make-up manufacturers however I additionally wished 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 exterior management. Which means no mother or father conglomerate, no personal fairness agency, and no board of traders 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 exterior funding imply a model isn’t indie anymore?
For my record, sure. As soon as a fund owns a chunk of the corporate, somebody exterior the founder’s kitchen desk has a say in what will get made and how briskly the model has to develop. That’s the precise dynamic the phrase unbiased is meant to rule out. I do know affordable folks disagree with me on minority stakes, and that’s high-quality.
How can I inform if a model is personal label?
Search the product’s ingredient record, or a particular shade identify, and see if it comes again on Alibaba, AliExpress, or a non-public label catalog like Ladyburd. Similar packaging throughout a number of unrelated manufacturers is one other giveaway. Retailer home manufacturers rely as personal label too, even after they’re fantastically achieved.
Is indie make-up cruelty-free?
Typically, however by no means assume. Cruelty-free 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 slightly than testing.
Why achieve this many indie manufacturers shut?
They’re normally 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 record have paused or closed for precisely these causes prior to now two years, and a few them have merely moved to Etsy to chop internet hosting prices.
Is it secure to purchase from a tiny indie model?
Typically sure. Learn current opinions slightly than previous ones, examine the model’s said turnaround time earlier than you order, and pay with PayPal or a bank card so you will have purchaser safety if one thing goes fallacious.
The place do I discover out about new indie releases?
Reddit’s Indie Make-up and Extra (IMAM) continues to be the very best single supply, although it skews closely towards fragrance now. On Instagram, The Indie Temper, Indie Make-up Scorching 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 funds. The trade-off is smaller batch sizes, longer turnaround, and shades that will not come again as soon as they promote out.
How usually do you replace this record?
I am going by way of the entire record and examine each model’s possession and standing earlier than I republish. This model was checked in August 2026.
Extra to See
