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There’s an indie beauty revolution happening and the Indie Beauty Expo is its epicenter. Independent beauty has been on the rise for most of the 2010s. The rise of social media and the beauty guru culture inspired a widespread critique of the beauty industry as it stands. When big beauty conglomerates were accused of making harmful products, budding entrepreneurs saw a window of opportunity. Now, boutique beauty brands and indie products are honing in on the market with healthier products. This year, buyers from Amazon, Sephora, Urban Outfitters and Ulta Beauty gathered at IBE 2017 to see what the expo’s independent beauty companies had to offer. Here are some of the coolest products to come from this indie beauty show.
The striking Crave logo is no accident. The star ingredient in this skincare line is Cannabidiol (CBD), a THC-free extract of cannabis. This product isn’t going to give you a buzz at all and is totally legal. Crave’s products are based on new research that shows our skin may have its own endocannabinoid system. This system would be responsible for the production of cells like hair follicles and sebaceous glands. If this is true, Crave’s serum will be extra effective as an antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It seems cannabis might be just the thing for your eczema.
Here’s a way to make your special night even more pleasurable. This oil-based product is a fragrance-free blend of organic oils. It’s designed to hydrate and lubricate the skin tenderly. If your skin is easily irritated, give it a try. Oil-based lubricants also have a lot of staying power. If you’re planning a busy night for Valentine’s Day, this product will help make sure everything goes smoothly.
Hidden within these three packets is a complete facial treatment. You’ve got a gentle foaming cleanser, hydrating essence, and brightening face mask all in one. The star of the kit is the charcoal mask. Made with oak tree charcoal, the treatment absorbs toxins and evens out skin tone to eliminate dark spots. It’s like a guaranteed radiant complexion in a teabag. It doesn’t get much more indie than that.
This toothpaste from indie beauty brand Lucky Scent will make you want to eat toothpaste. It tastes delicious. The golden tubes hold sophisticated flavors like orange blossom, cinnamon, and rose. These flavors aren’t overpowered by antiseptic either, making your tooth-care regimen that much better. The fresh smell will linger for hours on your shining white teeth. Who needs Crest when you’ve got this?
Dermaflash is one of a few indie beauty brands Sephora already distributes. There’s a good reason for that. This lightweight wand comes with single-blade cartridges for your peach fuzz needs. Dermaflash recommends using a three-step system when you’re dermaplaning. Prep your face with cleanser, dermaplane with short feathery strokes, and soothe your skin with moisturizer. This kit includes both creams, so all you have to do is sit down and start exfoliating.
Olverum was born in a scientific way. A German husband-and-wife team used their pharmacology skills to craft the best bath blend they could. This essential oil-rich product contains pine, lavender, and eucalyptus. The mixture is so intoxicating and smooth word has it Olverum is already a cult favorite in Europe. If you’re looking for heaven in a bath, this is it.
The first all-natural enzyme exfoliant is a bit of a puzzle at first. How do you exfoliate with a spray-on fluid? Let the product sit for a moment and dead cells begin to float to the surface of your face. Run your fingers over the skin in circles and ball so dirt and grime come off in piles. It sounds gross, but the result is incredibly refreshing. The spray also contains natural brightening agents, so your skin will have a healthy radiance when you’re all done.
It’s a powerful, potent blend of therapeutic plants for your face. Imagine covering your skin in a milky golden latte. This facial soufflé has nearly everything. There’s Manuka honey, turmeric, nutmeg, ginger oil, and cinnamon. It’s so SoCal you can feel the warm pacific sun against your skin. The anti-inflammatory formula repairs your cells and evens out your skin tone. It’s the most luxurious way I’ve found to rescue a winter-parched face.
Mixify has created the nail polish kit you’ve been dreaming of. The product comes with 8 colors: 5 basics and 3 passion colors you can select on your own. To mix your own concoction, blend a combination of pigments and glitters in the pre-bottled base. This is the first product that allows you to mix your own colors. In the past, DIY nail polish only let you add glitter.
If you like smoothies, you’ll love Smoothie Beauty. These food-grade face masks feel like fruit yogurt smeared all over your face. Each mask is made with fresh kitchen ingredients like Greek yogurt and almond milk. If your face needs an extra vigorous pick-me-up, infuse your face mask with a packet of charcoal boosters. It will help improve your skin tone while you’re moisturizing.
Normally, honey in your hair is a sticky mess. The folks at Honey Baby Naturals are using its qualities for good. This shampoo gently cleanses your hair and scalp with a healing blend of honey and chamomile leaves. The natural mixture balances the natural moisture on your head to protect against dandruff. This honey-infused line will add a bit of whimsy to your bathroom too. Most of the products come in cute honey bear packaging.
The new beauty companies on display at IBE 2017 are leaving their mark on the beauty industry. Their healthy, innovative products are some of the best new concoctions out there. If you want the best of the best, revamp your beauty regimen with indie beauty products. It’s time for a beauty revolution.
— Timothy Vest
