Female-Owned Beauty Brands to Support

We think it’s fair to say that the cosmetics industry has a primary focus on appealing to women, targeting us with ‘do-it-all’ formulas, aesthetically-pleasing packaging and a promise that we will never suffer from lack-lustre skin. So, with that in mind, you’d think that the majority of beauty brands are female-founded and innovated by savvy, in-the-know businesswomen, right? Unfortunately not.

After a little Google search, we were baffled to find that 71% of leadership roles within the beauty industry are held by men.

That stat is pretty shocking, so we want to put some female-owned beauty brands onto your radar - March is the month for International Women's Day after all. While splurging out on an extra eyeshadow palette might not be the most ground-breaking way to show support, being aware of self-made female founders can never go amiss, especially in a market that is oversaturated with a male presence.

1. NIP + FAB

NIP + FAB is the brainchild of Maria Hatzistefanis and is a collection of affordable, effective and accessible skincare. Supercharged with cutting-edge ingredients, this assortment of skin essentials tackles all skin concerns, from hormonal teenage skin to ageing skin. Be sure to check out Rodial too, the sister brand also founded by Maria that supplies even more revolutionary skincare formulas.

2. Flora & Curl

Curly-haired girlies, your hydration prayers have been answered. Flora & Curl is the botanical haircare brand that understands the assignment—clean, plant-powered formulas that nourish coils, curls, and waves without the harsh stuff. In 2011, Rose Ovensehi, the current CEO and Founder of Flora & Curl, made the decision to stop chemically treating her textured hair after years of damage from processing and straightening left her scalp compromised, thus the company was born. Think lightweight leave-ins, refreshing mists, and deep conditioners that actually penetrate, not just sit on top of your hair.

3. Gisou

If “expensive hair” had a brand, it would be Gisou. Created by influencer and beekeeper Negin Mirsalehi, Gisou harnesses the power of Mirsalehi honey to deliver next-level shine and hydration. The Honey Infused Hair Oil is basically liquid gold, and yes, your locks will smell like a dream.

4. Muihood

Bridging traditional Chinese medicine with modern skincare, Muihood is the self-care ritual you didn’t know you needed. Think ginseng-infused cleansing balms and rice water essences that take your skincare routine to the next level. Driven by her love of traditional Chinese medicine, British-born Charlotte Yau founded skincare brand Muihood in October 2021 as a way to reconnect with and share her roots.

5. Aviela

Looking for a skincare brand that harnesses the power of raw, organic ingredients? Aviela Skincare is all about raw, unrefined shea butter in its purest form—deeply nourishing, ethically sourced, and packed with skin-loving nutrients. Patricia Monney, a Ghanaian native who moved to the UK, founded the brand after a bone specialist recommended shea butter to massage her daughter's ankle. Their Shea Body Lotion is a must-try for anyone with dry skin.

6. Huda Beauty

Having studied finance at university, Huda Kattan did not foresee owning a cosmetics brand – despite her undying love for makeup. After being made redundant from her job in finance, Huda turned her attention to beauty, studying makeup which then led to her working with incredible makeup artists and brands. This paired with Huda’s beauty blog is what formed the beginning of her now global beauty empire.

7. Camille Rose

Black-owned, ingredient-conscious, and cult-loved? Camille Rose ticks all the boxes. This brand serves up ultra-moisturizing, curl-defining formulas infused with gourmet ingredients like honey, coconut water, and Ayurvedic herbs. The topical hair brand was founded by CEO Janell Stephens in her kitchen in 2011. If you’re not already slathering your strands in their Almond Jai Twisting Butter, what are you even doing?

8. beautyblender

Only a beauty boss like Rea Ann Silva could design and create such an innovative and time-saving tool. The beautyblender sponge is now a weapon of choice for both professionals and amateurs alike, helping to smooth out foundation lines for a totally flawless finish.

9. Kayali

Huda Kattan’s sister, Mona Kattan, is the nose behind Kayali, a fragrance line that’s basically a love letter to layering. Each scent is crafted to mix and match, giving you endless possibilities for signature blends. Vanilla 28 has already reached icon status, and if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

10. Fenty Beauty

How could we write this list without mention the #girlboss that is Rihanna. She’s conquered both the music and fashion industries and shows no sign of slowing down as she wins over the beauty world with her extensive shade ranges and ingenious formulations.

11. Pat McGrath Labs

If you don't know, now is the time to get to know Pat McGrath. Anna Wintour dubbed her as “the most influential makeup artist in the world”, and it's clear to see why. Having collaborated with top designers and created picture-perfect looks backstage at fashion week, Pat McGrath knows exactly how to serve face. If you're not afraid to experiment with colour, you'll love all that Pat McGrath has to offer.

12. Afroani

Afroani is here to serve the textured hair community with premium, inclusive hair tools and accessories. Afroani was created in 2020 by Anita Lusuardi a full time mother and natural hair content creator, who has had to grow into loving her textured hair. As a child growing up in italy, she did not see hair that looked like hers and just wanted to fit in.Whether it’s satin-lined bonnets, detangling brushes, or silk scrunchies that actually hold thick curls, this brand understands the struggle—and solves it.

13. Sol De Janeiro

While L'Occitane Group owns a majority stake in Sol de Janeiro, the company's founder and CEO, Korean-American Harvard Business Alum Heela Yang, retains the remaining stakeOne whiff of the trending beauty brand. One whiff of Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and you’re instantly transported to a tropical paradise. Sol de Janeiro is all about body-loving, deliciously scented body care that makes you feel like a summer goddess year-round. If you’re obsessed with warm, gourmand scents, this is your brand.

14. The Nue Co.

Wellness meets science at The Nue Co., where supplements and skincare collide. This brand blends clean, clinically proven ingredients to support everything from gut health to glowing skin. CEO and co-founder Jules Miller founded The Nue Co. based on a "gut feeling" - with a grandfather: who spent most of his life developing vitamins and supplements, discovering that the majority of them were comprised of chemical preservatives and fillers.

15. SOW Minerals

Owned and founded by Simi Launay, SOW Minerals is a wellness brand dedicated to supporting optimal health and well-being, particularly for individuals of African-Caribbean, Asian, and Arab origins. Their products, such as the Women's Hair, Skin & Nails 3 Month Starter Kit, are formulated with essential nutrients like copper, zinc, biotin, and selenium to promote stronger hair, resilient nails, and a glowing complexion.