8 Small Beauty Brands We Love
Images: @NATURELABTOKYO; @1999.BEAUTY; @T.LECLERCPARIS
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8 Small Beauty Brands We Love

The beauty industry is vast and often dominated by the major players, but there are some small, independent brands deserving of the spotlight too. From versatile make-up specialist 19/99 to Ulé, the Parisian skincare brand insiders are loving, these are eight of our favourites.
By Rebecca Hull /
Images: @NATURELABTOKYO; @1999.BEAUTY; @T.LECLERCPARIS

19/99

Having been recommended to us by US make-up artist Jenna Menard, this brand has finally made its way to the UK and now we understand the hype. Created for all ages – hence the name – it makes chunky pencils that work for lips, eyes and cheeks with easy-to-use, blendable textures that are designed to make application seamless. There’s a lot to love here, but the brow pencils are some of the best we’ve tried. The new, chunky highlighters aren’t to be missed either – think instant definition and sheer finishes that catch the light beautifully.

Available at 1999Beauty.com

Earl of East

Known for its eco soy-blended candles, London-based Earl of East ethically sources all its ingredients and ensures there are no harmful phthalate oils inside. The brown glass jars come with screw-top lids, making them infinitely reusable. Each one makes for a great gift and they’re affordable too, starting from £19. Smoke & Musk is our favourite – warming and leathery, it’s cosy and inviting. Don’t forget to check out the luxe hand washes, incense cones and bath salts.

Available at EarlOfEast.com

Nature Lab Tokyo

Founder Rosa Tagaki created NatureLab to merge Japanese beauty rituals with clean technology and minimal packaging. The result? A haircare range full of daily essentials that promises quick results – all while being kinder to the environment. Everything has been designed with all hair types in mind and we’re hooked on the Smoothing Blowout Lotion which protects against heat damage. Work a small amount through damp hair, then flip your head forward and blow dry for optimum volume and bounce. Argan stem cells encourage better growth and strength, while also nourishing dry scalps. You’ll find plenty of everyday basics in the line-up, like shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatments and texture sprays – and we guarantee you’ll love the plant-derived ingredients which lend hair visible shine. The best bit? Unlike other formulas, these never weigh your hair down or leave it feeling sticky. 

Available at NatureLab.com

Ulé

Ulé is the newest skincare kid on the block. Making its way over from France, it combines sustainably sourced ingredients with science-backed, botanical formulas for visible results. Each ingredient is taken from plants that are grown in a controlled environment to ensure top-notch potency and speedy results. From the range, the quenching Avoir It All In & Out Oil is the standout. You’ll find your skin drinks up the moisture, while ingredients like vitamin E and plumping oils strengthen skin and eliminate dullness. The results are instantaneous – think firmer, plumper-looking skin – and the formula is so versatile. Add a few drops into your cream or serum or even your water – yes, really – to reap the benefits.

Available at UleBeauty.com

Rae Morris

If you’re willing to invest in high-quality brushes, try these from make-up artist Rae Morris. Each tool is crafted in Japan with bristles that feature vegan micro-crystals for a soft and smooth blend. You’ll find they deposit the perfect amount of product, and never soak too much excess up. The bent pro-liner brush is a standout for those looking to perfect flawless flicks, while the Deluxe Kabuki does a bit of everything – from applying foundation to blush, concealer and everything in between.

Available at RaeMorris.com

COATS Skincare

If the quest for better skin has only led to redness, inflammation and increased sensitivity, it’s time to get your [coat]s. Comprising just three products, the range is designed to improve the health of the skin barrier and is the brainchild of Skincare Alliance, a collective of renowned dermatologists. After noticing a surge in patients with compromised skin barriers, mostly due to excess products or too many harsh actives, they decided to create a streamlined yet efficacious range. We love the Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk, which feels somewhere between an essence and a serum. It’s loaded with big-hitting ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, mandelic acid and ceramides to gently exfoliate skin and encourage healthy cell renewal.

Available at CoatsSkin.com

T.LeClerc

T.LeClerc is the French pharmacist-founded brand insiders love. Chemist Theophile LeClerc developed the first skin-friendly rice powder in Paris in 1881 and discovered its smooth, fine texture was an ideal match for make-up formulas. It now forms the basis of a wide range of professional make-up – from loose powder to lipsticks and compacts. We love the Gel Primer which comes with a cooling texture and tiny beads that break over the skin as you massage it in. The result? A light, tinted veil that can be worn on its own or underneath make-up for extra glow.

Available at T-Leclerc.com

Thank You Farmer

When it comes to skincare, Korea is often ahead of the curve and one of its most popular brands is Thank You Farmer. A master at gentle SPFs, gel creams and refreshing toners, its concise range has everything you need to build a hard-working skincare routine. Favourite ingredients include ceramides, nourishing hyaluronic acid and brightening fig extracts – all of which help to keep the skin feeling firm and smooth. 

Available at ThankYouFarmer.co.kr

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