Indie Beauty Brands That Are Taking Over In 2021

From massive names such as Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian to timeless drugstore brands and new indie companies, the beauty industry never stops growing. Even Kris Jenner is getting in on the ever-expanding industry with her own beauty brand! What's particularly nice about the beauty industry, though, is its capacity for growth; there's always room for new names and brands, and the beauty community always happily tries new products. After all, beauty is an art form, and you'd never see a painter who didn't want to try new paints or who wouldn't be excited about new opportunities. 

According to the Editorialist, a lot of 2021's beauty trends center on performing tasks at home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For example, this year's trends include at-home facial peels and masks and higher quality bath products. The year's trends also include companies striving for higher inclusivity in their campaigns and focusing on eye makeup, which the outlet explained has skyrocketed in popularity. 

One trend not listed here that's making waves in the industry is the support for indie makeup brands, which we're going to spotlight today.

One beauty brand to look out for in 2021 is Kiramoon. According to The Zoe Report, this brand was established in January 2021 by Austin, Texas-based Lindsey Martin, who wanted to make skincare cuter and more fun. The brand's products are bubblegum pink and stunning to the eye while, according to the Kiramoon website, also being vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and fragrance-free. 

Martin creates an atmosphere of serenity on her website, which states, "When you feel good, you look good, so we design all of our products with joy in mind." This comes through in the products' designs, too. We can't be the only ones pining over the line's Magic Pouch, which might be the cutest makeup bag we've ever seen. Kiramoon also offers a Flowermelon Super Hydra Serum that looks refreshingly promising and a Star Jelly Magic Resurfacing Facial that aims to keep your face clear all month long.

We all know makeup is art, but sometimes makeup is also inspired by art. That's right: Musée Beauty crafts makeup that takes its cue from classic art motifs such as Impressionism, not to mention iconic artist Vincent Van Gogh himself (via The Indie Mood). Musée Beauty even just stocked a Rococo Collection inspired by the Rococo period of art history, so any fans of classic art should check out these products before they're gone. 

Musée Beauty is owned by women of color, and the promotional materials on their website are inclusive. Their website states, "We empower you to use makeup as an extension of yourself, because makeup should never cover up who you are." This message is bold and beautiful, just like their products. The Van Gogh Palette and the Impressionism Colorwash blush are just two products that we find absolutely striking. 

It's easy to see why this indie beauty brand is taking over in 2021!

Some beauty brands gain a natural traction, and others become all the rage on social media sites like TikTok. The latter is the case for indie beauty brand Melt Cosmetics, which is known for its vivid colors in its products (via Ipsy). Ipsy described Melt Cosmetics as "a social media makeup darling" due to gaining traction through social media and explained that this brand was founded by former Nordstrom makeup artists. Now, they've created products so pigmented that they literally look as though they're, well, melting!

Ipsy noted that one of Melt Cosmetics' most notable items is their gel liners, and we see why. Shades like Prissy and Burnish are bold yet glossy; they make a statement while simultaneously being soft. From their pictures, it looks as though Melt Cosmetics creates products that don't need layering because a first application of their products will provide enough coverage and pigment to last you all day. If color is what they're known for, we're definitely buying it.

Finally, some makeup brands carve their own path (and leave glitter in their wake). Such is the case for Midas Cosmetics. Started in 2018 by Rocio Nuñez, this indie beauty brand is one that you're going to want to support in 2021. Similar to Melt Cosmetics, Midas Cosmetics is known for their bright colors but, according to Ipsy, their crowning glory is their selection of glitters. They sell glitter in all shapes and sizes, including both pressed and loose glitters, and they even sell gold flakes! We're particularly keen on their Midas Touch Rose Gold Flakes.

The Afro-Latina-owned indie brand also aims to uplift other creators trying to make it in this industry. Part of their mission statement states, "With a heavy emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, Midas aims to work with and give digital creators and makeup artists a platform, whether they have a large or small following." 

With so much more to offer than glitter, such as a variety of palettes and lip products, Midas Cosmetics is one brand we're going to keep our eyes on this year.