These cult beauty brands are no joke.
10 Cult Beauty Brands to Keep a Secret
Anyone who’s ever walked into a Sephora knows which brands are mainstream — Tarte, Kat Von D, Anastasia Beverly Hills, the list goes on and on. But there’s a whole other world of beauty, ladies, and when it comes to cult beauty, these brands have a devout following like no other.
Whether it’s because of their incredible packaging, effective products or backstory, these cult brands are the beauty industry’s best kept secrets.
1. Aesop
Minimalist skincare is what Aesop is all about. | image via Death By Luxe
With packaging like that, it’s no wonder people can’t get enough of Aesop’s luxurious skincare products. Aesop’s products are made with plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients that are safe, simple and effective.
Must-Try Product: Large Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque
2. Honest Beauty
Honestly, this beauty company rocks. | image via POPSUGAR
Must-Try Product: Honest Beauty Magic Balm
3. Ellis Brooklyn
Small-batch lotion is officially a thing. | image via Fashionista
Ellis Brooklyn is an artisan, small-batch luxury lotion retailer. After becoming pregnant with her daughter, Ellis, Bee Shapiro went on the hunt for non-toxic lotions. Finding none, she created 4 beautifully-scented, wonderfully-hydrating body lotions that come in incredible packaging. The line has since expanded to include scented candles.
Must-Try Product: Pseudonym Excellent Body Milk
4. Herbivore Botanicals
Treat yourself to the best of the best with herbivore botanicals. | image via Fine Life Co.
Made by two Seattleites, Herbivore Botanicals is a skincare line dedicated to bringing you the safest, most effective, natural beauty products. While relatively new, people are already raving about the wonders that are HB products.
Must-Try Product: Coco Rose Body Polish
5. Morphe Brushes
It doesn’t get better than Morphe brushes. | image via Face Made Up
Who doesn’t love Morphe brushes? Veteran makeup experts consider this brand to be the OG of makeup brands, but newbies probably haven’t heard of the Queen of Makeup Brush companies: Morphe. These brushes are super affordable and are made with the highest-quality ingredients. Some liken the quality of this brand to Sigma and MAC.
Must-Try Product: Morphe M439 Foundation Brush
6. Makeup Geek
Marlena from MakeupGeek knows a thing or two about beauty. Look at her! | image via 3 Canadian Beauties
When Marlena, the genius behind Makeup Geek, began releasing her palettes, makeup brushes and bundles, makeup junkies the world over squealed in delight. If anything knows how to formulate a great product, it’s Marlena. MakeupGeek has a following that’s as devoted as The Big Lebowski fans.
Must-Try Product: Moondust Eyeshadow Pan
7. Rosebud Perfume Co.
The #GOAT when it comes to lip balms. | image via Top Laser Spa
You’ve probably never heard of the Rosebud Perfume Co., but we’re pretty sure you know what Smith’s Rosebud Salve is. It’s one of the most iconic cult beauty products in the history of beauty. Established in 1895, beauty fanatics can’t get enough of the rosy tint and fragrance of this balm.
Must-Try Product: Smith’s Rosebud Salve Tin
8. em Cosmetics
Michelle Phan’s makeup line is just as cute as she is! | image via Gen-Zel
You better believe Michelle Phan’s league of fans has her back, especially when it comes to supporting her own makeup line, em. Every product in this line was inspired by her viewers and the best part about em is that tutorials, tips and reviews exist for every product on the site. Check it out!
Must-Try Product: The Life Palette
9. Smith & Cult
Treat yourself with these high-end nail polishes. | image via She’s in the Glow
There’s nothing like a cult nail polish brand to get your spirits up, especially when the polishes look as cute as the ones Smith & Cult is known for. Smith & Cult has about every color you could ever want, so it’s no surprise people love them more than their first-born. Bonus points for having one of the best website designs I’ve ever seen.
Must-Try Product: Kings & Thieves Nailed Lacquer
10. Dose of Colors
There’s no such thing as too much color. | image via Amazon
Need some color in your life? Dose of Colors has everything you need to live a vibrant, colorful life filled with on-point makeup. Dose of Colors is best known for their vibrant, matte lipsticks and creamy formulation. Plus, one look at the packaging and you’re bound to fall head over heels in love.