Friday, October 11, 2013

Indie Makeup Companies - Made in the USA

Indie makeup companies are started by people like you and me, who love makeup so much they want to create exactly what they would like themselves. I have found 3 companies which all have their own unique features, and the small-company feel makes them a pleasure to deal with.

Marlena, creator of MakeupGeekTV Youtube videos, has a giant selection of eye shadows at her MakeupGeek website. They are smooth and creamy, made in the USA, and a total bargain.

And if you're looking for a MAC dupe, she shamelessly lists them here. Her line is expanding quickly, she recently came out with some beautiful pigments I'm dying to try!

Susie Wang's creation is 100% Pure. Walking into her Santana Row store in San Jose, California, feels a bit like entering a brilliantly lit laboratory which happens to smell like heaven. Her products are addicting, and all formulated with pure, safe ingredients.

I've tried a golden cream eye shadow which I quite like, and next time I intend to try more color cosmetics. But the lovelies I really crave are the skincare products. I can't start the day without my Eucalyptus Butter Soap, the lotions all smell incredible, and even the Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream smells good. I am obsessed.

The company I've known about the longest is Silk Naturals, created in New York by Karen Stark. I found them because I noticed bismuth oxychloride, an ingredient in most shimmery powder makeup,  makes my skin wrinkle up a bit and look dry and crepey. Not exactly the "beauty" look I'm going for! I've been very happy with all their pigment eye shadows, face powders and blushes. The colors are intense and exactly as described, and the ingredients are very natural. Probably the only reason I don't use them every day is the loose powder format, I do love the convenience of a pressed powder. All the products are quite reasonable in price and the customer service is great.