“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
While the beauty industry caters mostly to women and is built on our spending capacity, the truth is that it is still powered by men who hold the top positions of power. However, in the past decade, we have seen a drastic shift. Women are now trailblazing into the workforce and launching their own companies.
Today (and every day) we’re celebrating these exceptional women who have paved the way for a more inclusive future. We’re listing down founders who have addressed women’s real problems, spoken for the community at large, and really made a difference.
10 Beauty Brands Founded By Powerful Women That You Need To Know Today
Huda Beauty
Huda Beauty has been founded by Huda Katan who went from makeup artist to beauty blogger to entrepreneur. Her beauty empire is ever-growing and she started off with makeup, fragrances and has now ventured into skincare too. Her personality and her DIY hacks made people flock to her channel but it was her buttery eyeshadows and pigmented lipsticks that made them stay. Only onwards and upwards, Huda!
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty aka Rihanna’s brainchild is a brand that stands for inclusivity. With what seems like a million foundation and concealer shades, RiRi recognises what women really want from their makeup. With highlighters that sparkle so brightly and contour sticks that are oh-so-creamy, Fenty Beauty is at the top of its game. Now, with the launch of Fenty Skin, we’re sure it’s going to shatter many more glass ceilings.
Kay Beauty
Katrina Kaif took over the Hindi film industry and then rocked the beautyverse too with her brand Kay Beauty By Katrina. Foundation shades that are tailor-made for Indian skin tones, pigmented blushes, and fun nail polish shades, this brand has a lot to offer. If you want to try colourful makeup, Kay Beauty has loads of options.
Glossier
Glossier, founded by Emily Weiss has changed the face of beauty in many ways. It has a straight-forward approach to beauty and has some products that have become people’s holy grail. From its tinted lipsticks and skincare products to its effective sunscreen, bathroom counters all over the world are stuffed with these items.
Ouai
Ouai was founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin who has worked with A-listers like Shay Michell, Kendal Jenner, Bella Hadid etc. The brand focuses on the real hair problems of real women and specialises in shampoos and conditioners that will help you style your hair without adding any toxic chemicals to it. If you’re looking to splurge on your mane, this is the brand to pick.
Charlotte Tilbury
Another brand that has been built from the scratch by a lady who has changed the face of beauty is Charlotte Tilbury’s own brand. She’s a celebrity makeup artist who started her own makeup company that makes luxe products. The packaging is shiny and gorgeous and the products are every beauty addict’s dream. Personally, it’s her Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic blush that I like the best so you’ve gotta add it to your cart as a treat to yourself.
Pahadi Local
Pahadi Local has made headlines in the beauty world thanks to its much-loved Gutti Ka Tel i.e. Apricot Kernel Oil. It was founded by Jessica Jayne who lived in Shimla for the past few years and discovered local recipes and remedies which she then made into a commercial brand. Formulated with 100% natural ingredients, you know the quality of the products is amazing.
Beauty Blender
To people who don’t have any idea about the beauty world, it could just look like any other tear-shaped sponge but to makeup fanatics, it’s a beauty blender. The company was founded by Rea Ann Silva who stumbled upon makeup as an accident. The OG pink beauty blender is still almost everyone’s go-to makeup tool and for good reason. It blends in cream products like a dream without making your base look too much or too done up.
Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant was founded by Tiffany Masterson who wanted to create a clean and clinical beauty brand. The products are produced without irritants and combine both synthetic and natural ingredients. The serums, hair masks, and creams are all wonderful, combine power-packed formulas with its signature packaging and you’ve got yourself a hit brand.
Forest Essentials
Everyone’s favourite Ayurveda brand, Forest Essentials was founded by Mira Kulkarni in 2000. Her brand has acquired such a name for itself all thanks to her hard work and what the brand stood for- taking natural, Ayurvedic remedies and bringing them to everyone. She won the Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women In Business award for six consecutive years from 2011 to 2016 showing what a beauty mogul she is. Kudos to her!
We’re saluting these women for going out and making their place in the world. The beauty industry is better for it!
Featured Image: Instagram