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Beacon Awards 2024

Shining light on 
  • innovations
  • passion
  • brands
  • products
  • people
  • new markets
  • inclusivity
  • sustainability
  • ideas
  • teams
  • community
  • visionaries
  • founders

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Nominees

  • Incredible Innovations

    Topflight brands see the need and set the trend with new designs, spirited campaigns and genuine purpose

    • Best Social Media

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      Bathtubs, shelfies and oversharing may bring in followers, but the savviest brands know how to pivot in their campaigns to build a true community. In a time when one false statement can bring the wrath of the Twitterverse to bear or a single TikTok can produce millions of sales, these are the brands who were true and triumphant.

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    • Best Packaging

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      From functional and practical refillable options, to eye catching designs and glass jars or metallic casings that are just too damn beautiful to toss, packaging does more than protect product. It draws us in, elevates the purchasing experience and adds to a brand's story. These are the best of the best.

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    • Inclusivity Champion

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      Inclusivity can be niche-driven, fueled by a desire to embrace underserved communities, or simply recognize the need for a multitude of voices to represent today’s beauty consumer. We applaud these brands for leading the way.

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    • Sustainability Champion

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      Making peoples lives better through beauty and wellness now means leaving the world in a better place as well. Wasteful processes and packaging will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the innovative efforts of our nominees.

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    • Product Innovation – Technology

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      AI, robots, and other technological advances are pushing the beauty and wellness space into new territories. This new wave of products and devices, distinguished by their remarkable efficacy, efficiency, and ingenious applications, are game changers.

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    • Product Innovation – Formulation

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      Does the world need another product? Intellectually, we say no—until something so simple and brilliant comes along and we realize this is a bit of genius in a bottle that we can’t do without. Kudos to the brands whose products will turn heads for years to come.

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    • Philanthropy Champion

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      It's not all about the bottom line in the indie community. Challenger brands are often built around the concept of community or highlighting underserved markets. Whether it is social justice reform or mental health advocacy, these brands are moving the needle for causes they care about.

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  • Inspiring Brands

    Success! Behind every winning product there is an idea that turned into a story told well—and worth retelling.

    • Brand Launch

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      The old adage of being able to say something for the first time makes a brand launch mission-critical. A launch requires coordination and outreach inspired by a vision with mass appeal. Here’s who did it right.

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    • Best Brand

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      We are generally in awe of indie brands that persevere through good times and bad. As for the ones that excel, well, they would be worthy of an award. A Beacon Award. We don’t envy the judges.

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    • Indie Deal

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      Investors are like retailers, even more so. Before they commit putting their capital at risk, they run a 360-degree evaluation of a brand’s position in the market. These deals show the most upside to take a brand to the next level.

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    • Reference Deal

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      To be a reference deal, is to be a source of both admiration and envy. For you have either set the bar or raised it for everyone. You are the new standard.

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    • Best Campaign

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      It takes more than a clever hashtag or a killer Instagram to generate long-lasting buzz. Thoughtful details, strategy, and efficient, cohesive storytelling across several touch points make up a standout campaign.

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    • Product Launch – Skincare

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      Lotions, mists, serums, oh my! As beauty's largest category, skincare is arguably the most crowded and most scrutinized lane. To stand out, a product needs to be a game changer. From filling a white space, to deploying carefully orchestrated social campaigns, nabbing key media placements and earning organic reviews, these these launches made a compelling and motivating case for consumers to learn more.

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    • Product Launch – Cosmetics

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      Whether it's making the eyes pop or swiping on the perfect shade of red lipstick, cosmetics have the unique ability to immediately transform and uplift. From filling a white space, to deploying carefully orchestrated social campaigns, nabbing key media placements and earning organic reviews, these launches made a compelling and motivating case for consumers to learn more. These are the cosmetics launches that checked all of those boxes and then some.

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    • Product Launch – Wellness

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      Following the pandemic, the business of being well is bigger than ever. From developing a product that fills a white space, to deploying carefully orchestrated social campaigns, nabbing key media placements and earning organic reviews, these launches made a compelling and motivating case for consumers to learn more. These are the wellness launches that checked all of those boxes and then some.

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    • Product Launch – Personal Care

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      Whether its intimate care, sexual wellness or hygiene essentials, its a hot topic. From filling a white space, to deploying carefully orchestrated social campaigns, nabbing key media placements and earning organic reviews, these launches made a compelling and motivating case for consumers to learn more. These are the personal care launches that checked all of those boxes and then some.

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    • Product Launch – Haircare

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      Haircare was the dark horse of 2020 and 2021, as the category exploded in both prestige and mass. From developing a product that fills a white space, to deploying carefully orchestrated social campaigns, nabbing key media placements and earning organic reviews, these launches made a compelling and motivating case for consumers to learn more. These are the haircare launches that checked all of those boxes and then some.

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    • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance

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      Once considered an afterthought in beauty, scents and home essentials have carved out a strong position in the market. From filling a white space, to deploying carefully orchestrated social campaigns, nabbing key media placements and earning organic reviews, these launches made a compelling and motivating case for consumers to learn more. These are the home and fragrance launches that checked all of those boxes and then some.

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  • Outstanding Contributions

    Beauty entrepreneurs are a breed apart, and we celebrate the best of their achievements.

    • Entrepreneur

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      To command the attention and respect of audiences and consumers, let alone editors, is proof of a beauty innovator’s vision. To do so in style is a demonstration of will and grace. Each of these personalities is a force.

      • Olivia Alexander

        Founder & CEO,

        Kush Queen

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      • Mario Dedivanovic

        Founder & CEO,

        Makeup By Mario

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      • Mona Kattan

        Founder,

        Kayali

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      • Sarah Kugelman

        Founder,

        Gloss.com, skyn ICELAND & All Golden

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      • Amy Liu

        Founder & CEO,

        Tower 28 Beauty

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      • Katherine Power

        Founder & Chairman,

        MERIT Beauty & Versed

        Learn More
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    • Industry Icon

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      The entrepreneurial spirit fuels the best people in beauty whether they work for themselves or a multinational conglomerate. As great their success, it is their inspiration to those that follow their lead, and their generosity of spirit, what turns them into an icon.

      • David Chung

        Founder & CEO,

        Farmacy Beauty, iLabs, The Rootist

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      • Jane Iredale

        Founder,

        Jane Iredale

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      • Huda Kattan

        Founder & CEO,

        Huda Beauty

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      • Monique Rodriguez

        Founder & CEO,

        Mielle Organics

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    • Seed + Small Growth Investor

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      It's a certain skill to be able to spot a diamond in the rough. These investors saw potential early on and by throwing their weight behind nascent brands, were able to the help lay the foundation for a breakout brand.

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    • Growth Investor

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      The investment community thrives on a mix of analytics and improvisation, and the best investors foster their creativity by nurturing growing brands with the right amount of cash, connections and compassion. These investments are creating long-term value by fueling the expansion of independent brands that are driving our industry forward.

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    • Brand Builder

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      A strong founder is only as good as the support team surrounding them. The ability to implement strategy, manage growth and motivate teams are just a few of the traits these leaders possess as they elevated a brand's offerings and strengthened infrastructure.

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  • Retail Honorees

    • Brand Booster

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      With several doors and a thriving community both IRL and online, making it onto this retailer’s shelves can propel a brand into a new stratosphere of growth.  This retailer excels by giving brands the stage to generate major awareness and offers scale in a meaningful way.

      • Honoree

        Bluemercury

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    • Audience Educator

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      There is a sea of choices in beauty and a great retailer offers more than a place to just purchase goods. Instead, it is a hub of information that anticipates the questions shoppers will have along their discovery journey. This retailer’s platform goes above and beyond product detail pages by providing digital or in-person activations, tutorials, ingredient deep-dives, founder to consumer connections and a highly-trained staff helping a brand to break through the clutter.

      • Honoree

        This is Beauty

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    • Assortment Innovator

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      Known for setting the trends, not following them, this retailer has established a reputation as the gold standard in offering the coolest finds, the most effective essentials and inclusive options in beauty and wellness.

      • Honoree

        Ayla

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    • Service Maven

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      “That Girl” regimens are all the rage on TikTok, but these lifestyle retreats have true staying power. Personalized facials, cutting-edge lasers, cryo-therapies and body treatments are just a few of the can’t-live-without services that spas are enticing wellness lovers and beauty fanatics with. These providers are the best of the best, and are independently-owned. 

      • Honoree

        Silver Mirror

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  • Best Social Media
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    Bessie

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled and honored to be nominated for Best Social Media in the 2024 Beauty Independent Awards, alongside so many other great brands. Since before we even launched our products, social media has been at the heart of Bessie. It’s where we connect with our community of Bessie Besties, get feedback and input on product development, and find new friends to collaborate with! We wouldn’t be anything without our followers, and we’re so excited that so many people are resonating with our mission to create a new nail ritual that centers nail health, care, and quality.

    Who They Are

    Bessie makes press-on nails that don’t damage natural nails. Our premium quality, patent-pending press-on kit is bringing an all-new wellness ritual to the nail space, with cleaner formulations that guarantee durable wear while not compromising on nail health. We are best known for our exclusive acetone-free nail removal serum, included in every kit, allowing for a zero-damage, painless press-on removal.

    We believe it’s Cool to Care! From small spaces like our nails to the world we all share, we bring care and consciousness to everything we do.

    Since launching in late 2023, we’ve grown to a 50k+ strong community of Bessie Besties, with hundreds of 5 star reviews. Bessie is currently sold DTC and in select boutiques.

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    DefineMe

    A Word From The Nominee

    "We are truly honored to be nominated for Best Social Media. Our small but mighty team has worked so hard and is dedicated to creating engaging, impactful content for our community. Your vote will help us continue to innovate and connect in meaningful ways. Thank you for your support!"

    Who They Are

    DefineMe is a visionary fragrance company founded by Jennifer McKay Newton with a clear mission: to empower self-worth and confidence through scent. The journey began when Jennifer witnessed her daughter's struggles and recognized similar challenges within herself and others. This inspired her to create a brand that would make a positive difference in people's lives.

    At DefineMe, we call our scent notes a "scent wave" because they encapsulate the dynamic experience of fragrance discovery. Inspired by our founder Jennifer's sensory journey, the notes of the fragrance unfold like a wave, revealing the layers in a fluid transition from one note to the next. This concept captures the motion and depth inherent in our fragrances, inviting you to immerse yourself in the unfolding story of the scent you're smelling.

    What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to conscious beauty practices. We firmly believe in using only natural, organic, and toxic-free ingredients in our fragrances and products, aligning with the values of customers who prioritize sustainability and ethical choices. We want our customers to feel good about the products they use and the impact they have on themselves and the environment.

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    Naked Sundays

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for Best Social Media, as we are so excited that sunscreen has become such a great topic of social conversation, enabling us to send a sunsafe message to the younger generations through our unique, fun and informative campaigns.

    Who They Are

    Naked Sundays is a high performance SPF skincare brand, with innovative world first formulas, made in Australia with the highest SPF rules on the planet.

  • Best Social Media
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    SACHEU

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're beyond thrilled to be nominated for a Social Media Beacon award. The past year, we've been able to fuel and market a major innovation break-through in the Lip Liner category with our patent-pending Peel-Off Lipliner Stay-N. During the past 12 months we've garnered over 1.2 Billion views, generated well over 8 figures of revenue on TikTokShop alone for this new innovation and are now expanding with a robust product pipeline, all fueled via TikTok.

    Who They Are

    SACHEU offers long-wear and sweat-resistant makeup that stays in place all day and night. We leverage patent-pending STAY-N™ technology that utilizes a film-drying technology we've developed a Lip Liner that you only need to apply once. We're now expanding this technology to additional application areas, all fueled by our 1.2 Billion views on TikTok the past 12 months and scaled via omni-channel across TikTokShop, Amazon, DTC, Ulta, Urban and soon to be found in another major global beauty retailer.

  • Best Social Media
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    SHAZ & KIKS

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're honored to be considered and nominated for Best Social Media. We use our social platforms to tell our heritage stories and pay homage to the origins of Ayurveda and its practices and ingredients. Our social media is where we're able to celebrate our culture and traditions with a wide audience and invite everyone to harness the power of these time-tested, centuries-old rituals.

    Who They Are

    SHAZ & KIKS builds foundational hair health. We create high-performing formulas rooted in Ayurveda with nutrient-rich, eco-conscious Indian herbs,oils, and flowers. We're two sisters inspired by our childhood summers in the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas where we learned how to holistically take care of our entire hair ecosystem using centuries-old rituals rooted in Ayurveda.

  • Best Packaging
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    Baude NY

    A Word From The Nominee

    Baude NY is an indie brand with big dreams of smashing the gender binary in body care, by making squeaky clean formulas with fine fragrances in the most touchable packaging.

    Who They Are

    Baude started as an art-project between 3 NYC friends to maintain their sanity during the Covid lockdown. Being pent-up creatives, they started Baude as an antidote for crippling sameness and to convey their belief that creativity is an important tool for self-care.

    At the heart of Baude lies an unwavering commitment to creativity, quality, and feeling good. To them, clean doesn't mean bland, safety isn't just about marketing, and beauty isn't only on the outside.

    We make bodycare that focuses on feeling good, not just looking good. Stimulating products with patented mood-altering scent tech in other-worldly fragrance collections. Baude is inspired by youth movements, surrealism, and an escape from the ordinary. With new collections released seasonally, Baude makes complex fragrances for complex people.

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    Cécred

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are beyond thrilled to be nominated for Best Packaging in Beauty Independent’s 2024 Beacon Awards! At Cécred, our packaging embodies our dedication to honoring heritage, embracing innovation, and meeting the diverse needs of our community. It’s more than just aesthetics; it’s a reflection of our commitment to providing all hair types and textures with the care they deserve.

    Who They Are

    Cécred is a haircare line founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, created to be an inclusive force in haircare while celebrating global hair rituals. Cécred devoted years of research to redefine keratin recovery science with their patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment. They vigorously tested in labs and salons, resulting in a performance-driven, expert-vetted collection. By addressing the challenges of dry, damaged, and breakage-prone hair, Cécred met the needs of ALL hair types – strength and moisture.

  • Best Packaging
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    Florasis

    Who They Are

    Founded in 2017 in West Lake, China, Florasis is an innovative global beauty brand inspired by China’s ancient heritage and transforming it into modern culture. The brand embraces the balance between art, nature, and science by incorporating floral and herbal extracts from traditional recipes and infusing them into their formulations using the latest technologies. The collection ranges from face primers, foundations, blushes, and highlighters to eye shadow palettes, skincare, and lipsticks.

  • Best Packaging
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    RAAIE

    A Word From The Nominee

    RAAIE is deeply honored to be nominated by Beauty Independent for the 2024 Beacon Awards for Product Innovation-Best Packaging. Our bottles, inspired by New Zealand's river pebbles, embody our commitment to sourcing the finest natural botanicals from this awe-inspiring land.

    Who They Are

    RAAIE harnesses the power of the world’s most resilient land, sea and alpine botanicals, thriving in New Zealand in some of the harshest UV conditions on Earth, and blended with cutting-edge cosmeceutical science.

    RAAIE’s visually calming, smooth-to-the-touch, eco-friendly and refillable “pebble vessels” - combined with intelligent nature-driven formulas - elevate this unique, beautiful and ultra-modern New Zealand brand to a whole higher level.

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    SHOLAYIDÉ

    A Word From The Nominee

    At SHOLAYIDÉ, we're all about the magic of fragrance — and self-love. We are committed to crafting eco-luxe fragrances and self-care essentials where every product harmonizes perfectly with its user to create a magnetic experience. I am grateful to be honored with a nomination for best packaging as I’ve worked extremely hard to seamlessly blend the lines of spirituality with luxury fragrances. This is most visible through our packaging design and the incorporation of my birthstone, Amethyst. My ultimate goal is to encourage everyone who interacts with the brand to live heavenly. ‘Live Heavenly’ is the aura behind every product we create, enriched by spiritual influences. This is why our products are not simply something to covet, but something to live and be inspired by. SHOLAYIDÉ spreads positivity through scent and creates fragrances that empower women. By voting for SHOLAYIDÉ, you contribute to promoting a world of strength, beauty, and positive energy. A vote for SHOLAYIDÉ is a vote towards uplifting women while spritzing positivity through scent.

    Who They Are

    SHOLAYIDÉ, pronounced [Shaw-Lah-Yee-Day], is a Nigerian-Yoruba name that translates to "Blessings all around." We are a haute parfumerie and wellness brand centered around uplifting the mind, body and spirit. We believe that our products have the power to ignite the soul; stimulating positive emotions and energies from deep within, while celebrating femininity, positivity, and spirituality. Our collection features eau de parfums, vegan candles and amethyst crystal potpourri – meticulously crafted in Grasse, France. Each of our fragrances narrates its own story characterfully while evoking energetic properties.

  • Best Packaging
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    Sundae Body

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're thrilled to be nominated for Beauty Independent's Beacon Awards in Best Packaging!

    When we launched the brand back in 2021, we set out to infuse a little more joy and fun into the bath and body world, which otherwise felt a little uninspiring. We wanted to create products that can bring moments of joy into everyday rituals and a huge part of delivering on this promise is our packaging.

    We believe the enjoyment of a product should start from the minute you spot it on a store shelf, right through to when you proudly display it in your bathroom. It should be exciting to look at and exciting to use because if you have to use it everyday, why not enjoy it?!

    Who They Are

    Sundae Body exists because life’s too short for boring; for our bodycare to feel like a ‘have to’ instead of a ‘really, really want to’. We’re here to whip your everyday shower routine into a joyful activity that makes you smile, feel good and savour the moment. Why? Well, we think every day should feel like a Sundae.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Brujita Skincare

    A Word From The Nominee

    We believe our brand and social engagement speaks for itself. We are a skincare company for the intersectional demographics and misfits. For those who do not resonate with the commercial brands, this is where we step in. We are stoked on what this award means. To us, the misfit/underdog always win. We are a community that is just a bit different from the rest.

    Who They Are

    Skincare for misfits. Los Angeles based and latina owned skincare brand. Celebrating the misfits that the natural beauty market left behind.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Husn Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a visibly veiling, Female Muslim & POC Beauty Founder, to be nominated as the Inclusivity Champion for the prestigious 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Award is an honour for not only myself, but an achievement for all the minority women out there, just like myself. People assume that because you don’t see my face that I don’t care about looking and feeling great. But quite the opposite! Me and millions of women across the world who choose to cover, beauty is more than just a visual representation. It’s about self-expression, individuality and personality beneath the facelessness on the surface. Over the last 3 years at Husn Beauty, I’ve connected with customers who want to define their own beauty, and I’m proud to have given them an inclusive option that breaks conventional industry norms.

    I want to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote a more inclusive and diverse definition of beauty. The industry needs a space where individuality is celebrated, and beauty products are used as tools for self-expression rather than conforming to a singular aesthetic ideal. A clear representation of women who choose not to display their beauty, so women just like me have a beauty answer that gets us. Gone are the days of unattainable and unreachable beauty standards, it’s time for a personal and relatable brand that celebrates individuality in all its shapes, sizes, age, race or colour.

    Who They Are

    Husn Beauty is a pioneering brand in the beauty industry, known for its innovative approach that transcends traditional beauty standards. Established with a mission to promote inclusivity and individuality, Husn Beauty is the first faceless beauty brand, celebrating the diversity that exists beyond the surface. The brand's ethos is rooted in the belief that true beauty comes in every shade, shape, and size, and it strives to represent all individuals through its high-quality, natural, and cruelty-free products.
    By eliminating the focus on faces in its branding, Husn Beauty encourages customers to form a personal connection with its products, fostering a unique bond that allows each person to define beauty on their own terms. This bold approach challenges the industry's fixation on superficial aesthetics and aims to create a cultural shift towards authenticity and acceptance.
    Beyond redefining beauty, Husn Beauty is committed to making a positive social impact. The brand champions inclusivity and sparks conversations about the true essence of beauty, encouraging a broader acceptance and celebration of diversity. With a dedication to using only the finest ingredients, Husn Beauty offers luxury cosmetics that are not only effective but also sustainable and ethical.
    Husn Beauty stands as a transformative force in the market, setting new standards for the beauty industry and paving the way for a more inclusive and genuine portrayal of beauty.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Mooncat

    A Word From The Nominee

    “We’re incredibly honored to be nominated for the Inclusivity Champion Award. When I created MOONCAT, I wanted to create a safe haven for all my fellow “misfits,” a supportive community where all the “weirdos,” the “others,” & the “dreamers” of all ages, races, genders, sexual identities, abilities, & backgrounds would feel free to safely express their truest selves through our shades of wearable art. Nail polish has always been a deeply expressive outlet for me. But as an AAPI-woman, immigrant, & someone regularly labeled as having “unconventional” interests, I found myself constantly searching (unsuccessfully) to find products that felt like they were made by, made for, or represented by people like me. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I decided to make my own. With the help of our team of diverse thinkers, our unconventional selection of products – always formulated & tested to flatter all skin tones, our commitment to always celebrating & accurately representing the beautiful spectrum of real MOONCATS who make up our universe – including being the first nail brand to feature non-professional hand models of all ages, races, & abilities in our swatch photos, & through industry-disrupting campaigns, like our SEASONS OF PERSEPHONE collection, which celebrated the beauty of diverse love stories, as well as through our regular philanthropic endeavors that take our commitment to equity & inclusion beyond just our products, MOONCAT is continually pushing the boundaries of what true inclusion can look like. Join us as we continue to ABANDON THE ORDINARY.” - Michelle Lin, Founder & CEO of Mooncat

    Who They Are

    Mooncat, founded by Michelle Lin, a proud first-generation immigrant from Taiwan is for the misfits, dreamers, outcasters, and wanders, like herself, who refuse to accept the ordinary. Consumers can find nail lacquers that range from natural cremes, out-of-this-world holographics, glitter + flakies, shimmering delights, eye-catching magnetics, and multichrome. When you browse the website you’ll see hands of all colors, genders, sexualities, and ages because no two hands are the same – I know, how cool is that! Oh, and it gets even better because the brand is 100% vegan and cruelty-free (and a % of every order helps cats find furever homes).

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    OCOA

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored to be nominated for the Inclusivity Champion category for the 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards. As a family-owned business, our hair care brand goes beyond products, it’s personal. It's about embracing authenticity and self-love, and we’re proud to share this with our hermanas and hermanos everywhere. From day one, our community has been at the heart of everything we do. Vote for OCOA and join us on our mission to end hair assimilation so all of us can embrace who we are born to be.

    Who They Are

    OCOA is clean curl care by hermanas (sisters) for hermanas everywhere. We are a sister founded and led business. Our collection and ingredients are inspired by the beauty of our home country the Dominican Republic. Our mission is to help curly women, especially Latinas like us, find their authentic, natural beauty and end hair assimilation.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Sachi Skin

    A Word From The Nominee

    Sachi Skin was created with a real need to innovate skincare solutions for melanin-rich and results driven for all! Our unique blend of Ayurvedic wisdom and clinical formulations sets us apart, ensuring that every product is designed with the specific needs of diverse skin tones in mind.

    We are not only transforming skins, the way you think and feel but also your skincare cabinets - with fewer products addressing multiple states of skin.

    All in all we are doing our part to be good for you and for the planet.

    Your vote helps support a brand truly committed to inclusivity, innovation, and the celebration of all States of Skin- our part in moving the industry forward towards a better future for all.

    Who They Are

    Sachi Skin combines the power of Ayurvedic ancient botanicals and advances in dermal science to deliver transformative results across diverse skin tones.

    Sachi Skin was born with a powerful mission - "to help you think and feel confident in the skin you are in." Our mission goes beyond skincare. It’s about celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty, regardless of skin tone, ethnicity, or background.

    With fewer high performance skincare than your multiple states of skin we are transforming the way you think, feel, your skin and your beauty cabinets.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Sepia

    A Word From The Nominee

    Historically, people of color have been overlooked in skincare clinical studies, so we are thrilled that Sepia is being recognized as a champion of inclusivity because of our 'skinclusive' clinical studies that prioritize inclusivity across all six Fitzpatrick skin tones. We hope to inspire more brands, retailers, and media to join us in changing the inclusion narrative and closing the gap in understanding how skincare products work across all skin tones, thus providing equitable skincare solutions for everyone.

    Who They Are

    Sepia is redefining inclusion in the skincare industry with a concept-to-counter approach that moves beyond performative and tokenistic inclusion, offering effective, evidence-based formulas that are clinically proven to support all skin tones, including melanin-rich skin.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Botanicary

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're elated to be nominated as a Beacon Awards Sustainability Champion. Nature restores us, so our brand is founded on the core belief that we restore and give back to nature in every way possible. In the words of our founder, farm-to-table chef and Marine veteran, Sara Lee, "I truly believe in the power of nature to transform us not only from the inside out, but also from the outside in."

    Who They Are

    Founded by farm-to-table 5-star Chef Sara Lee, Botanicary is a pioneer in the farm-to-face movement utilizing wildcrafted, in-season herbs and superfoods to create luxurious, effective skincare products. In a clinical study 86% of participants noticed significantly more nourished, healthier and more radiant skin, 100% saw a visibly clearer complexion, and 72% saw a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after 30 days of using Botanicary products. We are Women, Veteran, Disability and BIPOC owned and PETA certified vegan and cruelty free. All of our products are packaged in infinitely recyclable glass and sustainable tree-free bamboo boxes.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Kinship

    A Word From The Nominee

    As CEO and Co-Founder of Kinship, I'm beyond excited and honored to be recognized and nominated as a Sustainability Champion. We believe that our skin's health and our planet's health are intimately connected, and that by setting a standard for sustainably-minded formulations, packaging, supply chain and our carbon footprint while lifting people up, together we can change the trajectory of our industry and our world.

    Who They Are

    Kinship is a modern, clinically-effective, feel good skincare solution for sensitive and stressed skin.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Leaf Shave

    A Word From The Nominee

    "It is an honor to be recognized for the innovation we're leading with Leaf Shave, disrupting a category traditionally plagued by plastic waste and one that is always gendered."

    Who They Are

    Leaf Shave was founded by two engineers who set out to reinvent the razor and the way we remove body hair; zero-waste, efficient, accessible, and raising the bar for what we should expect from a shaving brand. Since designing and launching the world’s first multi-blade pivoting head safety razor, Leaf has cemented itself as a global innovator in eco-friendly personal care. Leaf Shave’s mission is to create a world where shaving with plastic is not the default. The brand, backed by Climate Neutral Certified operations and Leaping Bunny Certified products, has saved 20 million plastic razors from reaching landfills and oceans since launching in 2018.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Meow Meow Tweet

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our small team is driven to make it easier for our customers to be sustainable in their everyday lives. Everything we make was made by a real person in Sacramento with care and respect for the planet and the humans who use our products. We believe that we can change the beauty industry for the better by redefining what is beautiful, who gets to be beautiful, and always celebrating queer, BIPOC, and nonbinary folks in our campaigns.

    We are so excited to be nominated for the Beacon Award! As a small brand, it can be challenging to promote our products without our competitors' investor capital and mega marketing spends—the Sustainability Champion award helps spread the word. Imagine if everyone swapped their plastic deodorant tubes for our compostable ones. The impact on the plastics problem would be tremendous.

    Who They Are

    Meow Meow Tweet is vegan personal care for every body. We were the first company to make and popularize a 100% compostable paper Deodorant Stick. We are B-corp certified, plastic negative, and proudly woman, queer, & Asian-owned. We believe skin care should be about comfort and radical acceptance.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Nolé Care

    A Word From The Nominee

    We at Nolé Care are so excited to be nominated in the category of sustainability because it's more important now than ever to care about our planet! We want to teach our customers that a new way of shampooing without plastic will benefit everyone; it's good for their hair, good for the planet, and good for the environment!

    Who They Are

    At Nolé Care, we care about the planet as well as your hair. Our shampoo and conditioner bars are made with a commitment to sustainability and effectiveness, providing a shampoo experience that not only enhances your hairs shine and fullness but also reduces shedding. Our bars are free from harmful ingredients that pose risks to both human health and the environment. At Nolé Care we believe that a good hair day makes all the difference and a good hair day can be had plastic free!

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Small Wonder

    A Word From The Nominee

    Small Wonder is honored to be recognized and nominated for the Sustainability Champion Award. We believe that every product we create should be true luxury AND sustainable -- no compromises, only upgrades. We are calling this "luxestainable."

    We offer the best, purest and most potent hair care products with a revolutionary twist. Our powder-to-lather formula ensures that each wash is activated fresh, delivering salon-quality results every time you shower. We skip the added water, unnecessary fillers, and extra preservatives found in traditional hair care products. Instead, our formulations feature our proprietary Shine37 compound, along with jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, kaolin and corn, leaving hair clean, soft, and shiny. And we skip the waste. Our refillable Wonder Bottle features patented technology that keeps the powder dry in the shower while functioning similarly to (actually, better than) traditional shampoo bottles for ease of use. It dispenses the perfect amount of product each time, ensuring no waste. Our custom-made refills are compostable and recyclable. We are Tiny. Mighty. Beautiful.

    Winning this award would elevate our commitment to scaling this business to truly make an impact on our planet.

    Who They Are

    Small Wonder is a professional-grade powder-to-lather hair care brand that transforms into a luxurious, creamy lather when activated with water. Our proprietary formulas are color-safe, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free – made with our SHINE37 compound, leaving your hair shiny and healthy. They come housed in our patented luxe Wonder Bottle, which keeps powder dry in the shower while dispensing like a traditional shampoo pump. It's chic, easy to use, TSA-friendly, and refillable, so nothing gets wasted. Our first product, the Signature Shampoo, works on a variety of hair types and leaves hair cleansed, hydrated and full of volume and shine. It is paired with our Signature Conditioner, a marula oil-based treatment that deep conditions hair but is light enough to use on a daily basis.

  • Product Innovation – Technology
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    4-in-1 Skincare Wand

    A Word From The Nominee

    Nominations like this are SO exciting for us. With light therapy buzzing in the beauty space, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront and leaders of innovation. To be recognized by beauty insiders and customers alike is an honor. It keeps us inspired to push the boundaries in the space and continue to invent newness. For us, you guys are the inspiration for everything we do. We are in our DM's and emails constantly updating future ideas with your opinions and thoughts. Solawave always has our customer base put first, and we love that you guys are not only loving our products, but seeing incredible results. We will continue to release first of its form devices as we have been, and hope to get your vote for our current lineup that we are so proud of!

    Who They Are

    Solawave is a skincare technology company based in Los Angeles, California. We’re a team of entrepreneurs, engineers, and skincare aficionados on a mission to make science-backed skincare accessible to everyone.
    At Solawave, we believe the skincare industry is too focused on so-called flaws and imperfections. Skincare shouldn’t be about disparagement. Each one of us is navigating our skincare journey with our own unique aspirations.
    To help you achieve whatever your goals may be, we believe every single person has the right to high-quality skincare. Our patented skincare technology, designed for all genders, ages, and skin types, helps you achieve smooth, radiant skin while maintaining your natural beauty.

  • Product Innovation – Technology
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    Attiva

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are immensely proud that Attiva has been nominated for Product Innovation-Device/Tech at The 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards. This recognition underscores our dedication to pioneering cutting-edge technologies in the aesthetic industry. Attiva, with its groundbreaking iRF technology, delivers exceptional results without scarring or downtime, thanks to years of meticulous research and development. We invite you to support our journey of innovation and excellence by voting for Attiva.” – Joshua Smith, VP of Marketing at Reveal Lasers

    Who They Are

    The Attiva™ technology is the result of 8 years of technical and scientific research and is protected by 3 international patents. Our mini-cannula delivered technology is intended for providers seeking an efficient and safe solution to treat the signs of aging without surgery. Attiva offers patients dramatic aesthetic enhancements to the quality of their skin with no downtime, no scarring and with immediate results.

  • Product Innovation – Technology
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    Essential Mask

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are extremely honored to be nominated by a prestigious organization such as Beauty Independent. Beauty Independent holds great weight as a beauty publication and the possibility of winning this award is so exciting! As Medi Lift by YA-MAN continues to make strides in our new journey in the US, we would be proud to receive such an achievement.

    Who They Are

    Medi Lift by YA-MAN exists at the intersection of innovative technology, professional beauty and personal care. Created to transform your face and enhance its best features, Medi Lift garners the power to help each individual live their own transformative, authentic ‘beauty moments’. With instant results and cumulative benefits of EMS technology, Medi Lift is a wearable beauty device that is 100% hands-free.

  • Product Innovation – Technology
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    Hair Straightener Brush

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled about our nomination because it recognizes our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. As a user-centric brand, all of our product development decisions always start from the needs and wants of our users. Our hair straightener brush isn't just a tool; it's a solution that enhances hair health and styling convenience.

    Who They Are

    As one of the leading brands in the haircare industry, Wavytalk is dedicated to providing professional-quality hair styling tools for all hair types. With a focus on innovation, the brand offers a wide range of products designed to meet the diverse hair needs of modern individuals. From hair dryers to curling wands, each Wavytalk product is crafted with precision and care, ensuring salon-like results in the comfort of your home. We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident in their hair and our mission is to empower individuals to express their unique style and creativity through effortless hair styling solutions.

  • Product Innovation – Technology
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    Red Light Hat

    A Word From The Nominee

    Lauren and Kaite are so excited to have their brand and new technology recognized in a very male-dominated industry! They are constantly looking for how better to improve their health holistically while making their technology accessible.

    Who They Are

    HigherDOSE’s mission is to make supercharged self care and beauty biohacking accessible to the masses through efficacious, portable wellness technology, tools and accessories.

    Since 2016, HigherDOSE Co-Founders and female biohackers, Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri, have designed the next generation of cutting-edge wellness technology. HigherDOSE offers premium products inspired by the healing power of nature with science-backed Infrared, PEMF and Red Light therapies developed to boost longevity and vitality from the inside out. The DOSE in HigherDOSE signifies dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins to ignite well-being through the recovery, relaxation, detoxification, healing, and glowing benefits of the product suite.

    HigherDOSE has become a juggernaut in the wellness tech space, striking national retail partnerships with Sephora, goop, Bluemercury, Best Buy and more, while also becoming a necessity for top celebrities, athletes and wellness enthusiasts. HigherDOSE also operates its own branded wellness sanctuary at 11 Howard hotel in New York City, which has become the premier infrared sauna destination, in addition to offering touchpoints at global hospitality destinations including 1 Hotels.

    To DOSE is a lifestyle. It’s a commitment to ritualizing your daily wellbeing, wherever you are. HigherDOSE offers educational content and community to support your journey and help you get high, naturally, alongside a best-selling arsenal of healing tools.

  • Product Innovation – Formulation
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    Multi-Purpose Nail Repair Patches

    A Word From The Nominee

    "We at Kerasal are thrilled to be nominated for the 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards in the Product Innovation-Formula category. This honor highlights our relentless dedication to revolutionizing nail and foot care. Our nominated product, Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair Patches, is the first and only solution to address multiple nail damage issues in a convenient 8-hour patch. These innovative adhesive patches are designed for easy application and stay in place to ensure comfortable, continuous nail care. They effectively address challenges like thickness, ridges, discoloration, brittleness, roughness, and gel/acrylic nail damage. We've built a passionate community of supporters and are thrilled to continue making strides in the beauty industry." - Whitney Kopp, Head of Kerasal.

    Who They Are

    Kerasal is a complete foot and nail care line that offers visible results. Kerasal Multi-Purpose Nail Repair Patches are the first and only solution to address multiple nail damage issues in a convenient one-per-day patch 8-hour patch.

    The average prescription nail treatment is not formulated to improve the nail's appearance. However, these innovative adhesive patches address numerous forms of nail damage, such as thickness, ridges, discoloration, brittleness, roughness, and gel/acrylic nail damage.

    Kerasal Multipurpose Nail Repair Patches work continuously for up to 8 hours, day or night, to repair fingernails and toenails by deeply penetrating, moisturizing, and exfoliating the nail plate to reduce discoloration, help normalize thickness, and smooth the nail to improve the appearance of damaged fingernails and toenails.

  • Product Innovation – Formulation
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    Optimal Habitat Fragrance Enhancing Primer

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a brand, everything we create is a reminder of what humanity can do at its best and an invitation to be a force of our own invention. Future Society realizes the radical — showing us how to bring all the potential in life, to life.

    Technology has matured at a pace that the beauty world has not kept up with. We’re pointing our inventions at the industry we love, to push the thinking about what we can make — starting with fragrance. By harnessing biotechnology, we're not only able to set new standards of efficacy and sustainability in the beauty industry, but unlock new possibilities for beauty and beyond. Optimal Habitat, our one-of-a-kind fragrance enhancing primer, utilizes biotech-derived ingredients to create a balanced foundation for scents to thrive up to 24 hours – making fragrance reapplication one less thing to worry about.

    Join us in celebrating innovation that doesn't just meet niche needs but redefines industries, pushes the boundaries of what science can achieve, and where every product tells a story of possibility.

    Who They Are

    We see the world for how it is today, with all of its frustrations, harms, and complexities. But we do not accept that the current state can not be changed.

    As a brand, we relentlessly reject pessimism and reclaim optimism, setting our minds to radical and cracking open present possibilities — letting them spill out and roll around, finding magic along the way as we unlock experiences never thought possible.

    Everything we create is a reminder of what humanity can do at its best and an invitation to be a force of our own invention.

  • Product Innovation – Formulation
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    PCOS Support

    A Word From The Nominee

    As Co-Founders, we experienced intense fertility journeys, including years of struggling with PCOS, pregnancy loss and IVF. We discovered the importance of integrative care – a medical meets naturopathic approach – and brought together a clinical dream team of REIs and NDs. They helped us create the most efficacious products to support individuals no matter where they are in their fertility journey. Our supplements are grounded in evidence-based research and are driven by decades of our team's clinical expertise. We've done the research for our customers, combined the right ingredients at the correct doses to optimize their outcomes at home, saving them time and money on their journeys. The fertility and reproductive health category is important and deserves more attention, opening the door to public conversation, education and earlier (and more accessible) treatment.

    Who They Are

    One of today's leading women and men’s healthcare companies, Bird&Be provides informed at-home testing and supplements, allowing females and males to take agency of all aspects of fertility.before, during, and after. The brand is founded and led by top medical experts; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Nayort (BSc, MSc, MD, FRCSC), Director of Nutraceuticals Tracy Malone (ND) and Director of Integrated Medicine Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald (ND) whose combined credentials give the products sound direction to those customers who are seeking proper medical support on their fertility journey.

  • Product Innovation – Formulation
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    Retinol Synergist

    A Word From The Nominee

    “We are incredibly excited that Mother Science Retinol Synergist is nominated for a Beacon Award. Retinol Synergist was born out of years of research into our patented ingredient, Malassezin, and its skincare benefits. When we saw Malassezin’s ability to renew skin, plus its ability to calm the skin, we knew we wanted to create a retinol product. The result is Retinol Synergist, which allows for a stronger product, with minimized irritation. It’s perfect for anyone trying retinol for the first time, or anyone with sensitive skin.”

    Who They Are

    Mother Science is a revolutionary biotech skincare brand creating next-generation skincare solutions driven by cutting-edge science and their groundbreaking discovery of a new molecule, Malassezin. With over seven years of research, extensive laboratory studies and three clinical trials written up in top peer reviewed dermatology journals including Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology and Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Mother Science is the first brand in skincare and the only company able to use Malassezin. In May 2023, Mother Science launched Molecular Hero Serum, a first-of-its-kind serum featuring the brand’s breakthrough and patented novel ingredient, Malassezin. In April 2024, Mother Science launched Retinol Synergist that combines an encapsulated retinol with Malassezin for the first time for a potent yet gentle, non-irritating formula that works faster compared to retinol alone.

  • Product Innovation – Formulation
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    Skin-Strengthening Serum

    A Word From The Nominee

    “I am honored that our groundbreaking product formulas at DEINDE are nominated for a Beacon Award in the Product Innovation – Formula category. We believe that clean clinical skincare is now table stakes, and the bar must be raised in producing higher performing products all consumers can access and benefit from with far less natural resource depletion. DEINDE is the first skincare line on market to be made of 95% biobased ingredients - and the first to be powered by a powerful biotech-derived polyphenol, our patented Biotech Naringenin, scientifically proven to outperform niacinamide by 15X. To create our scientifically backed, clinically proven and robust formulations, we selected each and every ingredient carefully, focusing on biotech ingredients and clinically-proven upcycled plant actives, for enhanced and reliable efficacy for our consumers, as well as a lighter dramatically reduced footprint for the betterment of the environment. We believe our accessibly priced, dermatologist-tested, medical-grade line changes the game for safe efficacious preventative skincare."

    Who They Are

    DEINDE is transforming preventative skincare as the first and only accessible clean clinical skin health line to target inflammaging, ongoing low-level inflammation which scientists have identified as a leading cause of aging skin. Founded by a biotech beauty company backed by L'Oréal, two DEINDE products, skin-strengthening serum and moisture-locking face stick, use a proprietary biotech-derived active Naringenin in their formulas, while our third, our purifying whipped cleanser, is mymicrobiome-certified and maintains a healthy skin barrier for efficacy of our active treatment products. Biotech Naringenin, produced with a patented pharma-like process that delivers 99%+ purity per batch, is a powerhouse polyphenol scientifically proven to outperform niacinamide by 15x. Biotech Naringenin quenches inflammaging markers by 96%, effectively helping reset skin to neutral after exposure to environmental stressors, strengthening skin against environmental stressors and sustaining its moisture and elasticity.

    DEINDE is designed specifically for Zillennial consumers ages 25 to 35 who are adopting preventative skincare routines after noticing the first signs of inflammaging – fine lines, uneven tone, dullness, dry skin and uneven texture. DEINDE interrupts the inflammaging process and helps prevent UV-induced collagen damage with its patented Naringenin-based biotechnology, combined with custom complexes of clinically-proven biotech ingredients and upcycled plant ingredients, for a uniquely low carbon footprint of its formulations’ supply chain.

    DEINDE views inflammaging management as the latest and most significant scientific advancement for a proactive healthy skincare routine since skin barrier repair.

    DEINDE is 95% biobased, clinically proven by instrumentation, vegan, cruelty-free, EWG-Verified, and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, with all formulations having the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

  • Product Innovation – Formulation
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    The Rejuvenate & Fill Microneedle Patches

    A Word From The Nominee

    "I am absolutely thrilled that SŌM Skin has been nominated for the Beauty Independent Beacon Awards! This recognition means so much to us as it highlights our unwavering commitment to innovation. Our eye patches, which harness the incredible power of exosomes, are at the forefront of beauty and technology. This breakthrough product is just the beginning. We are dedicated to continuously delivering revolutionary skincare solutions that genuinely make a difference. Enhancing beauty and wellness through advanced skincare is our mission, and we're so excited for what is to come." - Sophia Moradi, Founder of SŌM Skin

    Who They Are

    Better skin science starts here. Dedicated to revolutionizing your skincare routine through the power of exosomes, with a deep commitment to research, development, and cutting-edge technology. SŌM Skin products are uniquely formulated with exosomes and powerful antioxidant peptides to address visible signs of aging and help to protect from environmental stressors that cause skin’s appearance to age. SŌM Skin is founded by mother-daughter duo Silva Moradi and Sophia Moradi, whose two decades of combined experience in healthcare and aesthetics led them to a passion and curiosity for the power of exosomes in regenerative skincare.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    BUM Bottoms Up Movement

    A Word From The Nominee

    Adoption, surrogacy, & IVF all carry overwhelming financial burdens, our dream is to create a world where members of the LGBTQ+ community can choose to build their families based on the amount of love they have to give versus the amount of money they have made or saved. We believe we can accomplish this mission by building a brand that brings the vibrant culture of Pride to life every day and month of the year, includes our allies, and ultimately serves our LGBTQ+ community through quality products that directly give back to our community through our non profit partnerships. We are beyond humbled to be nominated for the Beacon Award for philanthropy champion. At just a few months old, it has validated and reinvigorated our purpose. We hope you will consider joining us on our journey.

    Who They Are

    Beauty, intimacy, & hygiene brand with products that begin with the bum on a mission to make LGBTQ+ family building affordable.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    Nani Pua

    A Word From The Nominee

    You were created for a purpose. Dream it. Believe it. Live it.

    Who They Are

    NANI PUA
    IN HAWAIIAN, NANI MEANS "BEAUTIFUL" AND PUA MEANS "FLOWER"
    Searching for the most beneficial botanical ingredients, we have formulated nutrient-rich skin & hair care.

    Our botanically infused serums are created to bring a calming, nourishing balance to your skin and scalp.

    Discover the healing properties of the botanicals and journey into pure wellness with Nani Pua.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    Saie

    A Word From The Nominee

    Saie’s philosophy is “feel good, do good,” fully believing that makeup should both feel good and be good, for you and the planet.

    Who They Are

    Saie is a clean/plastic-negative and planet-positive makeup beauty brand that offers an innovative color product portfolio to help customers achieve the Signature SaieGlow™. Founded by industry veteran Laney Crowell, Saie raises the standard in clean cosmetics. Saie has banned the use of 2,000 harmful ingredients commonly found in cosmetics and prioritizes the environment through its sustainable, cruelty-free formulas, FSC-certified packaging and climate neutral certification. Saie is plastic negative and has partnered with 1% For the Planet.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    Sontse.

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are so honoured to be considered for such a well-recognised award. We are female founded, led and made for women with a mission to be more than just another sunless tanning brand.. we are a building a movement of sun safety advocates, who prioritise their skin and sun safety and care for the products they place on their skin and brands they purchase from.
    You are voting for a brand that holds integrity in all that we do and for products that pride themselves on doing exactly what they say they do.
    Your support and vote goes toward recognising collective change and acknowledging all that we do in this space.
    Because, how you choose to glow, spreads such an incredibly powerful message.
    Love Jayde - Founder of Sontse.

    Who They Are

    Founded by Jayde Houndalas, Sontse. offers a range of sunless tanning products that will change the way your skin looks and feels, making them the perfect beauty essentials to add to your collection.
    At Sontse., we offer a safer alternative to sun exposure, without compromising on the radiant look you want to achieve. Made with more natural, plant-based and organic ingredients, blended with a safe amount of science, this vegan-friendly sunless tanning solution promises a flawless, natural-looking tan that's as good for your skin as it looks.

    The very name "Sontse." – meaning "sun" in Ukrainian – paying homage to familial heritage, while symbolizing the brand’s ethos: sunshine in a bottle, minus the harmful UV rays.
    Sontse. products are Australian-made, owned, and registered, with certifications from Safe Cosmetics Australia and PETA, ensuring they are vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and safe for all skin types.

    With a range encompassing both salon professional and at-home options, Sontse. delivers a premium experience, marrying skincare ingredients with sunless tanning for a hydrating, nourishing and flawless glow. Recognized for our sustainability efforts, ethical practices, and product quality, Sontse. has garnered multiple awards and cultivated a community of sun safety advocates.

    Sontse. is dedicated to sun safety not only through its products but also through its messaging. Moreover, Sontse. donates 10 cents from every product purchased to support skin cancer foundations.
    Sontse. is where safer sun-kissed skin meets a brighter, healthier future. Whether you’re looking for a self-tan mousse, face and body tan mist, or face and body scrub, Sontse. offers high-end options that deliver results and will elevate your beauty routine.

  • Brand Launch
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    Blueme

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a new brand in the home fragrance space, we are excited to be introducing a new concept into the fold. Sustainable luxury, minimalist aesthetics, and wellness benefits with every scent.
    We want people to be able to indulge in home fragrance while feeling good about contributing to the solution to the waste in the candle industry.

    Who They Are

    “Blueme,” which means “a moment for me.”

    Our exploration extended to the realm of design, history, and art, drawing inspiration from Asian aesthetics and Zen teachings- that nature in its most perfect form is always imperfect, and that less is more.

    Blending nature’s imperfect perfection with minimalist design, each candle in our collection resides within a handcrafted, pedestaled ceramic vessel. Our aim is simple - to provide you with a moment of self-discovery and tranquility. With Blueme, we proudly invite you to heal, restore, and connect.

  • Brand Launch
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    Good Psyche

    A Word From The Nominee

    I created Good Psyche on the premise that mushrooms and medicinal plants bring balance to the body, solace to the mind, and have a positive impact on perspective and prosocial behavior.

    This brand is an homage to my mother's medicinal herb farm in Upstate NY and her deep knowledge of plant medicine. I am thrilled and honored to be nominated, and promise that your vote for Good Psyche will accelerate our mission to pique the curiosity of those seeking to evolve, and set forth to demystify fungi and plant medicine, leading the way towards a more connected, empathetic, and self-aware society.

    Who They Are

    Good Psyche creates wellbeauty products for inner and outer wellbeing using medicinal plants and fungi to care for your whole self.

  • Brand Launch
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    JooY

    A Word From The Nominee

    We’re so excited to be nominated for Best Brand Launch! JooY was created from Founder Jennifer Yen’s personal experience with hair loss and scalp issues and is based on learnings from her grandmother, her Asian heritage, and century-old recipes using Fermented Superfoods. Powered by Fermented Superfoods and Rooted in heritage, JooY goes beyond the strand to redefine scalp care as an extension to your skincare routine.

    Who They Are

    JooY is an AAPI-created and owned beauty brand that is powered by Fermented Superfoods and rooted in Asian heritage looking to redefine scalp care as an extension of skincare.

  • Brand Launch
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    Lion Pose

    A Word From The Nominee

    "It's such an honor to be nominated for Best Brand Launch for the Beauty Independent beacon Awards! This is an incredible symbol of the dedication and hard work that in put into brands and it is so great to be recognized!"

    Who They Are

    At Lion Pose our mission is to raise the bar for clinical testing in skincare by including more skin types, tones, and textures. We formulate products with Harvard-trained dermatologists and strive to make products that are safe and effective at tackling real skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, eczema that typically require a prescription.

  • Brand Launch
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    Medalist

    A Word From The Nominee

    Medalist is incredibly excited to be nominated for Beauty Independent's Beacon Awards in the Best 2024 Brand Launch Category! At Medalist, we've passionately crafted clean skincare solutions tailored for next-gen female athletes and active women that are developed, tested and approved by Olympians and elite athletes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. We believe that skincare should support active lifestyle, whether on the field, in the gym, or on the go. Medalist Skin: Glow Beyond Gold 🥇

    Who They Are

    Medalist is clean skin + bodycare for next-gen female athletes and active women, by Olympians 🥇

  • Brand Launch
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    State of Change

    A Word From The Nominee

    It is a dream come true to go from being a viewer of the Beacon Awards for the past three years to now being nominated. The fragrance industry has long been antiquated, but State of Change is on a mission to redefine this veiled space by bringing exceptional fragrances to consumers without compromising safety. #Transparency > Clean

    Who They Are

    State of Change is a skin-loving solid fragrance line with a focus on 100% ingredient transparency. The brand is on a mission to redefine fragrance with a focus on safety, transparency and innovation. The brand is thoughtfully plastic-free, fully recyclable and Leaping Bunny Certified.

  • Best Brand
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    BK Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our entire team at BK Beauty is thrilled and deeply honored to be nominated for the "Best Brand" category by Beauty Independent, reflecting the impact of our viral makeup brushes in the market and dedication to customer service. Thank you so much for your vote and continued support!

    Who They Are

    BK Beauty is a digitally-native cosmetics brand founded in 2019 by former MAC Cosmetics trainer and YouTube creator Lisa J (@lisajmakeup), whose content teaches women how to use makeup in an easy and attainable way. Since starting her channel, Lisa has created hundreds of videos that have been viewed by millions of people around the world.

    Today, BK Beauty continues to expand its portfolio to include new beauty tools and makeup products that help make application effortless and inspire creativity, while celebrating beauty inside and out. While educating consumers and launching products to significant fanfare, the brand has received +15,000 five-star customer reviews and sold over 1,000,000 makeup brushes.

    BK Beauty has demonstrated that magic happens when you combine passion and purpose with business ambitions. At the heart of BK Beauty is a media powerhouse that reaches millions of viewers around the world. Its in-house creative production and media teams produce relatable content that educates audiences, while keeping people entertained and engaged.

    In today’s connected world, content builds community and community fuels commerce. With the right mix of audience, authenticity, and focused product releases, BK Beauty is building the next great beauty brand of this decade.

  • Best Brand
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    Bubble

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am honored that Bubble has been nominated in the Best Brand category! When we launched in 2020, we set out to disrupt the category and change not only the beauty aisle, but how brands view community. Since then, we have seen tremendous growth thanks to the efficacy of our formulas and the support of our community of 38k+ brand ambassadors. We are constantly touched by the stories of how Bubble is empowering our community to "face the day." Our mission to change faces and lives is what drives us to continue making prestige skincare more affordable and accessible to all.

    Who They Are

    Bubble is one of the world’s fastest-growing skincare brands, offering high-quality products for an affordable price at accessible retailers. Bubble’s products are designed to help consumers “Face the Day” with more confidence by addressing their skincare needs for under $20. As the first modern skincare brand, Bubble sets a new industry standard for performance, education and accessibility.

  • Best Brand
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    Glow Recipe

    A Word From The Nominee

    We’re so excited and honored to be nominated for a 2024 Beacon Award for Best Brand! We are thrilled to have achieved this milestone we had only dreamt about in the early days of GlowRecipe.com when we started our entrepreneurial journey 10 years ago and Glow Recipe Skincare which was born 7 years ago. We’re also so grateful to have a dedicated community of millions worldwide that loves sharing skincare. It’s always been our goal to create a safe space for our customers, including pushing the envelope of what it means to be a brand that embraces real skin acceptance.

    Who They Are

    Co-founded by beauty industry veterans Sarah Lee and Christine Chang in 2017, Glow Recipe pairs powerful yet gentle fruit antioxidants and clinically effective activities to create innovative and sensorial products that have achieved cult status amongst beauty consumers. Glow Recipe has paired first-to-market innovations with education to empower consumers to bring out their ‘glow’, while remaining hyper-focused on the Company’s core values of community, real skin acceptance, inclusivity, and sustainability. These values have allowed Glow Recipe to build an engaged community of Gen Z and Millennial consumers who have embraced the brand’s core pillars.

  • Best Brand
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    Patrick Ta Beauty

    Who They Are

    Makeup artist Patrick Ta has an uncompromising devotion to all things beauty. Patrick’s devotion to his craft has allowed him to develop a refined hand and keen eye for color and composition. After spending some time working behind a makeup counter in Arizona, Patrick moved to Los Angeles to pursue an independent career as a freelance makeup artist. Patrick quickly captured the attention of many young celebrities who would soon become his top clients. Within his first year in Los Angeles, Patrick's passion and talent for the art of makeup has introduced him to clients such as Gigi And Bella Hadid, Shay Mitchell, Olivia Munn, Adriana Lima, Jessica Alba, Joan Smalls, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian,, among others. Although his client roster consists of the highest profile models, celebrities, and influencers today, he believes that every person, no matter who they are, deserves to feel confident and beautiful every day. In April 2019, Ta launched his eponymous line, PATRICK TA BEAUTY, as an homage to the women in his life that have supported him and given him the confidence to be who he is.

  • Best Brand
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    Stories & Ink

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're absolutely thrilled to be nominated for Best Brand. Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression and are more culturally relevant than ever. Our brand is blurring the lines between tattoo care and body care, allowing more women (and men) to look after their skin and ink as part of a daily routine. Almost a third (32%) of Americans have tattoos, including 38% of women. And with hashtags like #tattoo being shared 17.5 billion times on TikTok, we believe we deserve a place on the beauty shelf. Our brand uniquely serves the under-met needs of ‘generation tattoo.

    Who They Are

    Stories & Ink is a functional skincare brand focused on looking after 'Generation Tattoo'. Our brand has been designed for EVERY body, tattoo style and gender. Our mission is to make tattoo care more inclusive to women (the tattoo industry is often a boys club) whilst celebrating diversity and storytelling at its core. Stories & Ink became the first tattoo care company to be stocked at Target, debuting in 801 stores across the U.S. and online at Target.com. In March, its Tattoo Aftercare range also launched in 600 Superdrug stores across the UK and online via www.storiesandink.com. Pioneers of the tattoo care category, Stories & Ink offers both Tattoo Aftercare products to heal and nourish freshly inked skin and Tattoo Maintenance products to fight the fade, protect and preserve tattoos for life.

  • Best Brand
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    Vacation

    A Word From The Nominee

    “Our mission at Vacation is to make sunscreen fun, and by doing so, help to prevent the risk of skin cancer for as many people as possible. We’ve been so thrilled to see our “leisure-enhancing” sunscreens resonate with consumers nationwide, and to receive this recognition of our work from Beauty Independent is truly an honor. We look forward to continuing our journey of making sunscreen so fun that you’ll actually look forward to wearing it, and we so appreciate the invaluable support of this community in that quest.”

    Who They Are

    Vacation® is an award-winning sunscreen company from Miami USA that's on a mission to make sunscreen fun. Founded by Marty Bell, Lach Hall, and Dakota Green, the trio works alongside Dr. Elizabeth Hale, Board Certified Dermatologist and an SVP of The Skin Cancer Foundation, as well as world-renowned perfumers Carlos Huber and Rodrigo Flores-Roux to create products that are both unique in the category - take their whipped cream-inspired “Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse” - and which make the wearer look, feel, and smell like they’ve been to paradise and back. Vacation® launched in June 2021 and quickly became a viral sensation, beloved for its "leisure-enhancing" sunscreen and nostalgic 360-degree brand world inspired by the sun-soaked days of decades past. You can find Vacation® sunscreen products at retailers nationwide including Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, and Target, and on www.Vacation.inc.

  • Indie Deal
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    indu

    A Word From The Nominee

    indu is a holistic teen beauty brand, Created with teens for teens. Products that are formulated specifically for teen skin and designed with their lifestyles and needs in mind.

    Who They Are

    indu is a holistic teen beauty brand, Created with teens for teens. Products that are formulated specifically for teen skin and designed with their lifestyles and needs in mind.

  • Indie Deal
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    Subtl Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m excited to be nominated for the Beacon Indie Deal Award because while convenience in beauty is a huge unmet need in the space, tackling it with packaging as the primary USP was a risk in this space. Cult's investment validated our unique approach to the solution and I'm encouraged to take Subtl to the next level as a result.

    Who They Are

    Subtl Beauty is transforming your beauty routine with customizable, portable makeup. Featuring clean, vegan, premium formulas made in the USA. Subtl offers stackable makeup from bronzer, concealer, eyeshadow, highlighter, blush, powder, and lip, to innovation in brush storage and cleaning, all in the palm of your hand. Subtl offers a sustainable solution with replenishable pans so you can refill with your favorite shades or swap out new shades seasonally. This is the not-so-subtle future of beauty, where quality formulas, simplicity, and portability meet you wherever you are.

  • Indie Deal
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    The 7 Virtues

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for the Beacon Awards. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating clean, sustainable fragrances that empower and inspire. By voting for us, you support a mission that goes beyond beauty, helping to promote peace, period equity, and social change. As our founder Barb Stegemann says, 'Self-love and self-care are not indulgences, they are necessities.' Together, we can make a difference, one scent at a time.

    Who They Are

    Founded in 2010 by activist and wellness author Barb Stegemann, The 7 Virtues is a socially conscious fragrance brand that stands for clean, sustainable, and ethical beauty. Inspired by a mission to promote peace and prosperity, the brand sources fair-trade essential oils from nations rebuilding after war or strife. Each fragrance is vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic, reflecting a commitment to both the environment and consumer health. With its mantra "Make Perfume Not War," The 7 Virtues empowers consumers through luxurious, long-lasting scents while supporting social causes such as period equity and gender equality.

  • Indie Deal
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    Ultra Violette

    A Word From The Nominee

    I think it is really important to acknowledge the many facets that go into making a successful global brand. All too often the 'investor' contribution isn't mentioned or isn't seen as a positive collaborator in the story of the brand's evolution. We are certain our partnership with Aria will be a real string to our bow in achieving our objectives.

    Who They Are

    Ultra Violette is a next-gen SKINSCREEN brand that delivers high powered sun protection with real skin care benefits. Founded in Australia in 2019 by two beauty product developers, Ultra Violette's range challenges the norms of the sun care category by delivering product and a brand that slots right into the prestige beauty market. Being born in Australia with some of the harshest sun on the planet, and a meeting the incredibly high bar of testing and performance, Ultra Violette has rolled out to 28 markets globally and has its sights set on the USA in 2025.

  • Reference Deal
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    K18

    A Word From The Nominee

    We spent a decade mapping and testing every amino acid sequence expressed in the human keratin genome to create a product that reverses hair damage from the inside out. Because our science borrows from nature to do the heavy lifting, we are able to deliver an elegant, simple solution and truly holistic hair repair! We're excited to see customers and hairstylists excitement about the brand and can't wait to continue to deliver on innovative technology!

    Who They Are

    This Viral Hair Care Superstar Is Actually A Synthetic Biology Company. K18 Hair's success is spearheading a larger trend in the $570 billion beauty industry: the disruption of traditional ingredient manufacturing through synthetic biology. By using living systems as factories, biotechnology can produce sustainable alternatives to natural ingredients in controlled environments through sustainable processes. Compared to plant extracts, biotech ingredients are more reliable, with higher efficacy and purity. They can also be created sustainably and locally without the need for complicated and increasingly risky supply chains.

  • Best Campaign
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    4AM SKIN

    A Word From The Nominee

    The Every Body campaign is groundbreaking in it's push towards reproductive rights across such a large swath of beauty brands and it felt even more special to make a brand new limited-edition version of our best-selling Overtime Undereye Masks specifically for the campaign! We were so happy to see the beauty community come together and specifically to work with Saie, a brand and team, that felt so authentically aligned with 4AM.

    Who They Are

    4AM SKIN is a research-backed, minimalist skincare brand that creates all-in-one products luxurious enough to take the place of your entire routine. Good skincare does not need to come at the expense of enjoying life’s guilty pleasures: which is why we made skincare easy enough to do at 4AM.

  • Best Campaign
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    D.S. & DURGA

    A Word From The Nominee

    The launch of Perfume Quest represents a massive opportunity for the fragrance community. For the first time, the viewer gets to see a perfumer's process on screen, all delivered with with an authentic, witty voice.

    Who They Are

    D.S. & DURGA was founded by David ( a.k.a. D.S.) & Kavi ( a.k.a Durga) Moltz in 2008. We started from scratch and did it our way (more Sid than Sinatra). We were pioneers in the DIY Brooklyn movement and began by turning things we loved into scented stories of cowboys, landscapes and folk songs - all packed into hand-stamped boxes in our Bushwick apartment. Attention to detail and the importance of human hands are still vital to our process today.

    D.S. & DURGA is one of the only fragrance brands with an in-house perfumer. Our scents are carefully crafted narratives with a sensory experience that extends beyond the nose.
    David taught himself how to make perfume by immersing himself in all things fragrant. He is dedicated to translating grand narratives into scent. Each fragrance is conceived & constructed by him exclusively. Kavi approaches her work like the architect she was trained to be. Thinking in angles, light, shadow, and texture, Kavi seeks clarity in form and function. She builds buildings for our scents, cities for our universe.

    Our perfumes are made in New York City - formulated in Brooklyn and bottled in the Bronx. Each perfume has a playlist, story, photos, & films. D.S. & DURGA aims to create fragrances that live on the level of great music, painting, and literature. A perfume is a world you can return to over and over again – a keyhole into far off places - material and imaginary. Perfume is armchair travel.

  • Best Campaign
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    Jolie

    A Word From The Nominee

    “We’re excited to be nominated because it validates not only the importance of water but also the connection to water we all have, whether in relation to our skin and hair or another aspect of culture (specifically with this campaign – food, drink, flowers). A vote for Jolie helps further the fact that clean water is a key ingredient for better skin and hair as the quality of our water tends to be the root cause for many of these issues. Needless to say, showering is an activity we do every day without thinking, and filtering your shower water is not a trend that is here today and gone tomorrow. Voting for Jolie as Best Campaign reinforces the necessity of starting with clean water as Step Zero for your best skin and hair.”

    Who They Are

    Jolie is a category-creating beauty and wellness brand behind the Jolie Filtered Showerhead. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for 2024 and co-founded by Ryan Babenzien and Arjan Singh, Jolie started a beauty and wellness movement focused on ‘Step Zero’ of beauty routines centered around an essential daily ritual—showering. Their sleek, one-size-fits-all showerhead removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from shower water, combating skin and hair issues such as acne, eczema, hives, rashes, overall dryness, damaged hair, change in hair color, and hair loss, at the source. Available directly through their website and top beauty retailers, luxury department stores, and premium hair salons nationwide, Jolie is leading a movement towards cleaner shower water.

  • Best Campaign
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    Tan-Luxe

    A Word From The Nominee

    Tan-Luxe and Paris Hilton are both synonymous with innovation and luxury in their respective fields. Tan-Luxe has built a reputation for its revolutionary approach to self-tanning, while Paris Hilton is an iconic figure known for her trendsetting influence and entrepreneurial ventures. By joining forces, they combined their unique expertise and credibility, creating a collaboration that garnered significant attention from both the beauty industry and pop culture.
    The timing of the collaboration was impeccable. With consumers increasingly seeking high-quality, customizable beauty solutions, THE FUTURE collection addressed a growing demand in the market. The collaboration offered a fresh perspective on self-tanning, blending advanced skincare technology with Paris Hilton's signature style, appealing to a diverse audience seeking effortless, yet effective, beauty solutions. Additionally, the authenticity of the collaboration played a crucial role in breaking through the noise. Paris Hilton's genuine passion for spray tanning, coupled with her personal endorsement of Tan-Luxe's products, lent credibility to the partnership. This authenticity resonated with consumers, who were drawn to the collaboration's genuine commitment to delivering exceptional results. We are so excited at the opportunity to nominated for the 2024 Beacon Awards and honored to be considered.

    Who They Are

    Tan-Luxe is a pioneering brand in the beauty industry, revolutionizing the concept of self-tanning with its innovative products. Established with a mission to provide effortless, customizable, and natural-looking tans, Tan-Luxe has garnered a loyal following worldwide. At the core of Tan-Luxe's ethos is the belief that tanning should be personalized and effortless. Their range of products caters to diverse skin tones and preferences, offering a tailored approach to achieving the perfect tan. Whether it's a subtle glow or a deep bronzed look, Tan-Luxe provides solutions that empower individuals to enhance their natural beauty. Tan-Luxe has completely changed the way people think, feel about and use self-tan. As the first self-tan brand to launch customizable, clear formulas, they have raised standards and set new precedents within the industry.

  • Best Campaign
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    The Lip Bar

    A Word From The Nominee

    "We are extremely honored and thrilled to be nominated for the Beacon 2024 Awards! This recognition validates the passion and dedication poured into every product we create at The Lip Bar. Our brand campaign and partnership with Mielle was a testament to sisterhoods creating legacies. Both of our brands found success thanks to the queens in our communities uplifting us as Black women entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. We strive to empower through beauty, challenge conventions, and to redefine standards. Your vote would not just celebrate our journey but endorse a vision where beauty knows no bounds!" - Melissa Butler, CEO and Founder of The Lip Bar.

    Who They Are

    Launched in 2012 by The Lip Bar Founder and CEO Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar is a pioneering vegan, cruelty free, non-toxic and intentionally inclusive maximum impact, minimal effort beauty brand. Developed in Butler’s kitchen while working on Wall Street with just one bold collection of lipsticks, today The Lip Bar offers 26 SKUs of products and tools, all individually developed to perfection. The Lip Bar continues to develop easy to apply, solution-oriented products. Tapping into its customer needs and on the forefront of representation for all, the brand has created a niche for itself with its popular ‘Fast Face’ product bundles, and since then expanded into several categories including skincare, lip oils, and more. By 2023, The Lip Bar became the number one Black beauty brand in Target nationwide, with additional retail availability the brand’s flagship TLB Store in Detroit, on www.thelipbar.com, Target.com and Target stores, Walmart, CVS.com and over 3,000 CVS stores nationwide.

  • Best Campaign
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    Unbound

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are delighted that Unbound’s Thunderthrust campaign has been nominated by Beauty Independent for the Beacon Awards. For the past twelve years, we have championed the need for equal representation, questioning why erectile dysfunction ads are prevalent while vibrators and lubricants face categorical bans. Campaigns like Thunderthrust highlight the persistent disparities and strengthen our commitment to ensuring all gender identities have equal access to tools that enhance sexual health. This recognition fuels our resolve to continue advocating for updated advertising policies that eliminate gender bias for sexual health products.

    Who They Are

    Since 2012, Unbound has delivered over 700,000 body-safe, better-designed sexual wellness products to Babes all over the world. Our goal has always been to champion the discovery and enjoyment of our bodies by providing affordable tools for pleasure and relatable sex education.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Dark Spot Corrector

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored to be nominated on behalf of our Dark Spot Corrector, which originated from our dream of creating science-backed solutions to the overlooked needs of melanin-rich skin. For too long, eurocentric ideals led to a lack of dermatological understanding of skin of color—that our skin has different needs, and requires products that (literally) didn’t exist before. Vote for clinically effective skincare made by—and for—all brownkind.

    Who They Are

    brownkind is dedicated to preserving the inherently youthful appearance of brown skin in every shade. With a deep understanding of the dermatological science of melanin-rich skin types (in all tones, from the lightest expression of melanin to black), brownkind seeks to redefine the standard of skincare for the unique concerns and signs of aging for melanin-rich skin.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    E.Q. Clear Skin Collection

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are beyond thrilled and honored to receive the nomination for the Product Launch of the Year in Skincare for The 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards. This early recognition is a testament to the hard work that went into creating our formulations and the launch of our new brand. A vote for us supports the use of an innovative approach to deliver plant-based ingredients and to elevate the standard of science-driven skincare with clinically tested results.

    Who They Are

    MARK Los Angeles is a skincare brand founded by Mark Menning, PhD, world-renowned pharmaceutical scientist and Dee Khalsa, hospitality, spa and wellness expert.

    We are emerging pioneers in the skincare industry. Delivering an innovative approach that unlocks nature's medicinal chemistry to target skin conditions and promote optimal skin health.

    Introducing a new paradigm in clean, science-driven skincare, our transformative, clinically-tested, clean formulas, infused with powerful plant flavonoids, are designed to penetrate deep into the epidermis through our innovative Transdermal Flavosomes (XDF™) delivery system.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Lilac Facial Polish

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our brand's mission is articulated in our commitment to bring together the best of nature and science. We aim to integrate natural active ingredients seamlessly with advanced technologies like plant stem cells and liposomes. All our solutions are formulated to be effective, but delicate enough for the most sensitive skin types.

    Who They Are

    elvis+elvin is a luxury beauty brand based in New York since 2014. Product range including Skin Care, Hair Care, Body Care, Makeup and Perfume. We own our Lab and Manufacture that all the products are made in USA by in- house.
    Our brand's mission is articulated in our commitment to bring together the best of nature and science. We aim to integrate natural active ingredients seamlessly with advanced technologies like plant stem cells and liposomes. All our solutions are formulated to be effective, but delicate enough for the most sensitive skin types.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Luminous Eye Corrector SPF 41

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're thrilled and honored to be nominated for the best product launch in the skincare category! Our dedication to creating high-quality, innovative skincare products that truly make a difference is at the heart of everything we do. This nomination is a testament to our commitment and passion. We believe in the power of great skincare to boost confidence and enhance natural beauty. Your vote not only supports our mission but also helps us continue to bring exceptional products to more people. Thank you for believing in us and for your support!

    Who They Are

    DRMTLGY is a medical grade skincare company based in the Los Angeles Area. We believe that all products should be backed by science. We also believe that you don't have to sacrifice safety for providing skin care products that actually work. We follow two simple rules: 1) It can't be bad for you and 2) It has to work. Experience the benefits of our in-house crafted skincare, backed by over 21 years of manufacturing heritage.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Mattifying Milk

    Who They Are

    Enhanse was born from EV Bousis's vision to destigmatize men’s skincare and to simplify men’s grooming routines with fact-based, shame-free and effective luxury self-care for men without the luxury price point. With a no-nonsense approach to boosting men’s confidence, skin performance and longevity, Enhanse delivers innovative and proven skincare ingredients in tandem with discreet color correcting and skin-enhancing agents to provide results-oriented, purpose driven products. Enhanse offers high-performance and clean solutions that are paraben-free, gluten-free,fragrance-free and cruelty-free, perfect for all skin types and lifestyles. The formulas are non-comedogenic, free of silicones and parabens, providing gentle care without clogging pores.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    The Energist Multi-Defense Cream SPF 50

    A Word From The Nominee

    Noble Panacea is incredibly excited for their newest launch to be nominated for this award! The Beacon Awards celebrate those pushing the beauty industry forward, both in excellence and in the spirit of unparalleled innovation. Noble Panacea’s founder, Sir Fraser Stoddart, understands that “with creativity comes enormous beauty.” At Noble Panacea, Thinking Beautifully informs all we do; the brand is all about innovation, self-empowerment, positivity, goodwill and embracing authenticity by unlocking the power of nature, beauty and truth through scientific precision and ingenuity. Noble Panacea’s newest launch, the Multi-Defense Cream SPF 50, reflects the brand’s foundation in science, technology, innovation, sustainability, and philanthropy.

    Who They Are

    Noble Panacea was founded in 2019 on the ambitious research of Sir Fraser Stoddart, currently Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Hong Kong University and a member of faculty at Northwestern University since 2008, where he also sits on the Board of Trustees and is the Director of the Center for the Chemistry of Integrated Systems. Sir Fraser was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his lifework research of molecular motion. He has since overseen the development of Noble Panacea, which directly utilizes that Nobel Prize-winning research. The result is five first-to-market ranges of skincare products – The Absolute, The Brilliant, The Exceptional, The Elemental, and The Energist – that deliver unparalleled efficacy through Organic Super Molecular Vessels™ (OSMV™). The now-patended OSMV™ is the brand's foundational component- a radically new method of protection and delivery for active ingredients, constructed of biodegradable, renewable organic materials that serve to protect fragile actives, improving penetration of ingredients by 200% through the incredibly tiny molecule size (a single OSMV is 10,000 times smaller than that of a skin cell) and ability to gradually release ingredients over time, for the gentlest and most effective skincare performance ever.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    Good Gloss

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated within the Best Launch category with Good Gloss. With an initial sneak peek behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week in February, Good Gloss launched in March to great anticipation. Good Gloss is a custom-formulated gloss that is designed to provide comfortable, non-sticky wear while also delivering intense moisture to the lips with nine stunning, medium-coverage shades. Infused with high-quality ingredients like sunflower oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acids, this product nourishes and naturally creates the look of full, plump lips.

    Jason Wu Beauty is a luxury brand with affordable prices – we pride ourselves on creating outstanding products that are accessible to all. We celebrate the beauty of individuality, encouraging consumers to embrace their true selves and beauty through clean, high-proforming products. By being recognized for this nomination, we are honored to continue creating products that follow this standard and make all feel beautiful.

    Who They Are

    Jason Wu Beauty is a clean, result-driven cosmetics brand rooted in the idea that beauty should be effortless, chic and accessible to everyone. Founded in 2021 by cosmetics industry legend Toni Ko and fashion designer Jason Wu, the namesake beauty brand draws inspiration and artistry from the world of couture fashion, and reimagines it for luxury color cosmetics. The award-winning, multi-use products for eyes, lips, brows, and face are infused with skin-loving ingredients, free of harsh chemicals, and proudly cruelty-free so that all are encouraged to embrace their beauty – both inside and out. Jason Wu Beauty is available at Target, Target.com, JCPenney, select CVS stores, in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart and online at JasonWuBeauty.com and @JasonWuBeauty’s TikTokShop.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum

    A Word From The Nominee

    Mario Dedivanovic launched his namesake beauty brand in 2020, marking his 20th year as a makeup artist. MAKEUP BY MARIO is a curated collection of go-to beauty essentials designed to recreate signature techniques with effortless application and is bridging the gap between beauty lovers and professional makeup artists.

    Mario’s purposeful products and high-quality formulas were inspired by his personal favorites throughout his own career. As a respected authority who has built a global following, he has taught and popularized the best-known makeup techniques of the last decade and ignited viral trends that have inspired and forever altered the beauty landscape. He continues to be a visionary, innovating at the leading edge of the beauty industry.

    Who They Are

    Mario Dedivanovic launched his namesake beauty brand in 2020, marking his 20th year as a makeup artist. MAKEUP BY MARIO is a curated collection of go-to beauty essentials designed to recreate signature techniques with effortless application and is bridging the gap between beauty lovers and professional makeup artists.

    Mario’s purposeful products and high-quality formulas were inspired by his personal favorites throughout his own career. As a respected authority who has built a global following, he has taught and popularized the best-known makeup techniques of the last decade and ignited viral trends that have inspired and forever altered the beauty landscape. He continues to be a visionary, innovating at the leading edge of the beauty industry.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    Strawberry Rococo Cloud Lip Cream

    A Word From The Nominee

    It is such an honor to be recognized by Beauty Independent, especially as Flower Knows has just entered the U.S. market. This is an exciting time for the brand, and we are thrilled to be recognized by a trusted industry outlet for our unique perspective on beauty.

    Who They Are

    In a world where fantasy intertwines with reality, FlowerKnows came into existence in 2016, drawing inspiration from the innermost desires of every dreamer's heart. Right from the outset, our vision was nurtured by the soft whispers of fairy tales and the strokes of timeless art. Each creation we meticulously craft serves as a canvas, intricately adorned with care and brimming with affection, narrating a tale that infuses a touch of enchantment into everyday life.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    Sunny Serum

    A Word From The Nominee

    Sunny Serum is a universal instant face bronzing serum for a dewy, bronzed, glowing complexion that washes off. Formulated with powerhouse ingredients such as Niacinamide, Squalane, and Jojoba Oil, this lightweight, easy-to-blend serum is the easiest way to achieve a buildable, instant glow while hydrating and nourishing skin. Blending the world of makeup and skincare to create something for every day that looks great and your skin loves. We are so excited to be nominated for the 2024 Beacon Awards and truly honored to be considered

    Who They Are

    Isle of Paradise revolutionized the sunless industry by creating the world’s first color-correcting self-tanning range. Then, the brand expanded into Body Care and released two ranges with one of a kind, efficacious formulas with irresistible scents. Now, the brand has created something like never before – a true skincare-meets-makeup hybrid that can be worn four ways.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    The PLASMA Lip Compound

    Who They Are

    Simplified, technology-driven, and science-proven, U Beauty is a clean, multifunctional line designed to streamline your daily regimen for maximum benefit. Via SIREN Capsule Technology, U Beauty delivers superior skincare comprehensively and efficiently, without the likelihood of irritation. Instead of releasing powerful actives to the entire skin surface, U Beauty's SIREN Capsules precisely target the delivery of active ingredients by identifying areas with high concentrations of oxidative damage and free radicals.

    U Beauty is the brainchild of Tina Chen Craig, the founder of Bag Snob and an established beauty and style authority. In creating U Beauty, Craig wasn't simply propelled by a need to streamline her routine, optimize her skincare, and cut down on cosmetic confusion. She was motivated to make an impact. Today, this female-founded company boasts a team that possesses a unified mission: Create fewer-but-better products that produce real results while minimizing time commitment and waste.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are on the mission to disrup conventional beauty by innovating entirely new categories, tech-infused formulas and transformational results that become unforgettable game-changing experiences for REAL people in REAL life.

    Who They Are

    A trailblazing beauty innovation house, Wonderskin pioneers groundbreaking cosmetic advancements through its exclusive laboratory. At the heart of its innovation lies the patented 'Wonder Blading' technology, which has not only propelled the company to the forefront but also birthed entirely new categories within the cosmetic industry. Setting itself apart, Wonderskin specializes in crafting high-performance makeup and skincare products driven by innovation for exceptional results. With a forward-thinking approach, the company focuses on creating novel products rather than duplicating existing ones, ensuring it delivers the future of beauty to you today.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Best of Berberine

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're thrilled to be nominated in the wellness category for our Best of Berberine supplement, the first clean label certified option on the market. Best of Berberine supports healthy glucose levels, weight management and metabolism with a clinically studied dose of 1200 mg of pure Berberine.

    Who They Are

    HUM Nutrition is on the forefront of wellness.
    Rooted in science and backed by clinical research, our vitamin formulations are as unique as your wellness goals!
    HUM’s targeted solutions help you achieve and maintain peak wellness throughout all life stages. It starts with cleansing and optimizing digestive functions, followed by micronutrients personalized to your needs. The result? Less bloat, healthier weight, clearer, more radiant skin, increased energy, fuller hair.
    We set the industry bar on clean, clinical and sustainable—and we’ve been doing it since 2012. All our products are formulated with clinically tested actives and adhere to the strictest quality and clean standards that are supported by independent 3rd parties. To help you separate fad from fact, we offer health intelligence on our blog, social media channels and free RD nutritionist advice via 1:1 messaging on our website.
    Our commitment to your wellness includes the wellness of our planet. HUM was the first-ever vitamin brand to use certified recycled ocean-bound materials in its bottle packaging. Every HUM bottle is made from upcycled 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic™, which has saved over 20 million bottles from entering our ocean.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    BodyBio Calm

    A Word From The Nominee

    "Founded in 1998, BodyBio is a family-owned and operated business with a core mission of enhancing health at the cellular level. We've maintained our superior reputation for three generations by prioritizing science and research to create top-quality, pure, and non-oxidized products that top healthcare practitioners worldwide can and do trust. We are excited to be nominated for an Independent Beauty Beacon Award and to have the opportunity to bring our philosophy and mission to more people to improve their health, one cell at a time."

    Who They Are

    BodyBio advocates for the reduction of bodily pollution through intake of natural, healthy fats and improved nutrition, incorporating healthy bioactive lipids and minerals into our everyday lives.

    BodyBio originated as a professional supplement brand in the late 1990’s selling only to physicians. Today, by expanding into the DTC market we’ve reached over 150,000 people’s lives in the last year alone. We continue to foster education for healthcare professionals for over 35,000 practitioners worldwide through webinars, conference speaking engagements and 1:1 training sessions with BodyBio’s health care team. Our online wellness community made up of nearly 7000 members support individuals around the world facing health challenges, encouraging an ongoing group dialogue about health innovations, alternative treatment methods and sharing of personal experiences to help them explore paths to a healthier life.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Intimate Wellness Collection

    A Word From The Nominee

    The Intimate Wellness is Wellness Collection includes four brand new products designed to aid in post-natal and perimenopause symptom relief - created with input from the brands new plusOne Wellness Collective (an expert panel of esteemed Gynecologists, Urologists, Pelvic Floor Surgeons, Sex Therapists and Sexologists). We created this collection to further our mission of destigmatization and education around sexual wellness.

    Who They Are

    plusOne is revolutionizing sexual wellness one intimate moment at a time. Our mission is clear: break down barriers and shatter outdated taboos by empowering intimate wellness for every body.

    Crafted by Beacon Wellness Brands, plusOne stands at the intersection of beauty, wellness, and empowerment. Our journey began with a vision to redefine intimacy, while making it accessible without compromising quality and experience.

    At plusOne, we’re not just selling products; we’re paving the way for a more inclusive and fulfilling sexual health discovery. By offering a range of beautiful, high-performance, and affordable essentials, we’re putting the power back in your hands – or wherever you prefer it to be.

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    Metabolism Ignite

    A Word From The Nominee

    Beauty independent is the ultimate authority in predicting what the future of beauty and wellness will be. To be recognized for a Beacon award for bringing rigorous science to a beauty and wellness category that has been overlooked - metabolic health - is a huge honor. We seek to serve our clients and their most important health needs and appreciate Beauty Independent for recognizing us.

    Who They Are

    Veracity is dedicated to optimizing metabolic health through holistic, drug-free solutions with clinically proven results.

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    Youth

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our commitment to authenticity and sustainability has resonated globally, securing our presence in major beauty retailers worldwide. This dedication has not only attracted discerning consumers but also positioned Imaraïs Beauty as a trusted and influential brand in the
    beauty and wellness industry. Our products fill a critical gap in the wellness market, meeting the growing demand for clean + clinically-efficacious solutions that promote beauty from within. We have also executed carefully orchestrated social campaigns, garnered key
    media placements, and earned organic reviews, effectively engaging and motivating consumers to learn more about our products. At the end of the day, Imaraïs Beauty is more than a brand; it's a movement towards holistic, science-backed beauty and
    wellness.

    Who They Are

    Imaraïs Beauty is a pioneering beauty brand dedicated to providing clean + clinical plant-based ingestible beauty products to consumers all around the globe.
    With a commitment to authenticity and sustainability, Imaraïs Beauty has successfully established its presence in major beauty & luxury retailers such as Boots, Shoppers Drug Mart, Holt Renfrew, Saks, The Vitamin Shoppe, and more.
    The brand continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its consumers, consistently delivering outstanding results backed by science and success.

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    Bikini & Body Scrub

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored and humbled to be recognized by such an esteemed group of people in the industry! Beia was created to provide skincare solutions for intimate concerns such as KP, odor and dryness in an elevated, luxurious way to look, feel and be your best self. We believe beauty and pleasure are not mutually exclusive, and a vote for Beia is a vote for promoting confidence in the bedroom and beyond.

    Who They Are

    Beia is premium vegan skincare that addresses concerns that affect our confidence before, during and after intimacy. By addressing these common issues like unwanted odor, uncontrollable sweat, and body blemishes, we want you to feel comfortable in your own skin—and experience the pleasure you deserve.

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    BYOMA Body Collection

    A Word From The Nominee

    BYOMA BODY is here to disrupt and democratize the bodycare category in the same way we revolutionized skincare – bringing best-in-class barrier care and skin-compatible science below the neck. This is accessible, affordable, and approachable barrier care for the rest of you – targeted, clinically efficacious, sensorial formulas for your best body.

    Who They Are

    Meet BYOMA. Science backed, solution-focused, skin barrier care. Founded by Marc Elrick. BYOMA’s clinically proven, dermatologist-approved formulas are each infused with a complex tailored to formula function– The brand has developed a Tri-Ceramide Complex, Prebiotic Complex and Barrier Lipid Complex which can be found in every formula.
    Handpicked active ingredients boost, build, balance, and brighten for your best skin day, every day. BYOMA is breaking beauty barriers as they build an inclusive community and a more sustainable future.

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    Happy Ending Mushroom Chocolates

    A Word From The Nominee

    Alice is honored to be recognized in the personal care category as we grow our offerings. The mushroom space is full of misconception and we are thrilled that this nomination sheds light onto the adaptogenic space considering functional mushrooms as an important part of a daily wellness routine.

    Who They Are

    Alice is a female-founded company created by Lindsay Goodstein, a creative director, community-builder, and former pharmaceutical executive who has spent years studying mushrooms, and Charlotte Cruze, a food scholar and wellness authority who has built inventive, forward-thinking food brands. The duo spent two years collaborating with homeopathic doctors, formulators and generational chocolatiers to develop naturally indulgent treats that highlight the power of mushrooms.

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    Ingrown Deodorant

    A Word From The Nominee

    For too long, underarm care was often overlooked. Ingrown Deodorant changed that by providing beautiful, clean care for your underarms, however you choose to groom. We are so excited for Ingrown Deodorant to be recognized as an elevated, innovative solution in a very crowded category! A vote for us would be an acknowledgement that it’s time the beauty industry provided more effective, inclusive personal care for every body, and everybody.

    Who They Are

    Fur is a celebration of all bodies, all over. Founded by women who believe in a more inclusive definition of beauty, we believe every inch of your body deserves equal and easy care. Our line of clean, beautiful body care gently and effectively hydrates skin, softens hair, and eradicates ingrown hairs from head to toe. Whether you think the bush is back, skin is in, or life is best lived somewhere in between, know that body hair care is our passion—and obsession.

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    Meltoway Hair Dissolving Cream

    A Word From The Nominee

    It's such an honor to be nominated for this award because it's chosen by industry peers and people that we greatly admire. It means the worlds to us that our hard work and dedication to creating innovative products is not just loved by our customers, but by those who share the same passions. People should vote for the Meltoway collection because it really is a reinvention and an evolution for products that have been around for decades.

    Who They Are

    The Meltoway collection by Wakse is an assortment of sensorial hair removal creams that are designed to ignite the senses and add a bit of indulgence to your self care routine. Packaged and in beautiful bottles and vibrant colors, Meltoway completely reinvents the hair removal experience we've known for years and transforms it into a delightful experience that delivers painless results.

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    California Classic Hair & Body Perfume

    A Word From The Nominee

    Rizos Curls is excited to be nominated again for a Beacon Award. In 2020, winning Entrepreneur of the Year was such an honor. Now, to be nominated in the Product Launch category for haircare is a testament to the hard work and innovation our team has put into every product launch. At the end of 2023, we expanded into the perfume/fragrance category with the California Classic Hair and Body Perfume, which is also a Nordstrom exclusive. California Classic was a true labor of love because Rizos Curls product has a unique and amazing scent, which everyone asked for it in fragrance form. However, I wanted to make sure to formulate it with non-drying ingredients, which we were able to make the perfume safe for the hair, body and scalp with sugarcane alcohol.

    Who They Are

    Founded in October 2017, Rizos Curls is an award-winning clean hair care brand creating products that embrace and celebrate the beauty of curls, coils and waves everywhere. The brand is known for their natural ingredients and proven results, with formulas that define, enhance, repair and nourish curls. Rizos Curls is free of harsh chemicals, silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free. The brand’s mission is centered on Curls, Community and Culture. The popular hair care brand has amassed a global following of more than 900,000 followers on social media, has shipped to over 57 countries and can be found nationwide at ULTA Beauty, Target and Nordstrom. To shop Rizos Curls, visit www.RizosCurls.com and follow Rizos Curls on Instagram at @RizosCurls, on TikTok at Rizos Curls and YouTube at Rizos Curls.

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    Cream Pomade

    A Word From The Nominee

    Thank you, sincerely, for the Product Launch - Haircare nomination for our Cream Pomade. We’re hair for this!

    We created Odele with the mission of uncomplicating and democratizing the beauty space with clean, premium, inclusive products for you and whomever you share your shower with. We’re Minnesota-proud, we’re female founded, we’re here with everything you need to get along with your hair, in display-worthy packaging, if we do say so ourselves, and at an accessible price point to boot. We’re Target Clean, qualify for all five pillars of Ulta Conscious Beauty, dermatologist-tested, Leaping Bunny certified, and our free-from list is lengthy: Silicone-Free, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Formaldehyde-Free. This is why we say Odele is all the things.

    As for our Cream Pomade, we could wax on and on about that (see what we did there?). The luxe matte finish of our malleable, medium-hold Pomade keeps your hair looking like your hair—just better than when you woke up. Cream Pomade helps sculpt short hair in need of a little direction, or on longer hair, create piecey, tousled looks. As with all Odele products, our Cream Pomade is vegan (no beeswax here!), gender neutral and meant to be shared. Bonus: No balm build-up after usage; Cream Pomade washes out of hair easily. This is truly a workhorse styling aid the whole family can benefit from.

    The groundswell of support and love that consumers, media and retailers alike have shown for Odele since we burst onto the scene in January 2020 has been nothing short of incredible, and to be honest, a little surreal. We are truly humbled and grateful for the consideration and the honor of the Product Launch - Haircare nomination.

    Who They Are

    Odele is a clean beauty brand for you + your people. Developed by hair type and texture, all products are cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologist-tested and pediatrician-tested, with a gender-neutral, 100% natural fragrance.

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    Moisturize + Shine Shampoo & Conditioner Set

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored to be nominated for our new solid haircare launch because this product embodies what Nopalera is about: listening to our customers, while making bold aesthetic high-performing products that do not damage the environment.

    Who They Are

    Nopalera champions Mexican Heritage through is clean collection of body and hair products powered by Mexico's nopal cactus.

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    Moisturizing Volume Spray

    A Word From The Nominee

    Fable & Mane is thrilled to be nominated in the product launch haircare category for Moisturizing Volume Spray. This spray is unique in many ways - it is heat activated and protects up to 450°F, gives long-lasting fullness and soft, hydrated volume. This spray is powered by plumping Rice Amino Acids and Wheat Starches, fortifying Onion Juice and moisturizing Apple Extracts. With such special and a divine ingredients, the scent of Indian jasmine sambac and sandalwood will transport you to hair nirvana.

    Why You'll Love It:
    - Provides soft, weightless volume at the roots
    - Plumps strands for thicker and fuller-looking hair
    - Non-sticky, non-drying formula
    - Adds heat protection up to 450°F
    - Silicone-free, vegan and cruelty-free
    - Color-safe

    Who They Are

    Fable & Mane is a modern haircare brand powered by potent plant based Ayurvedic ingredients co-founded by siblings Akash and Nikita Mehta. During a time of stress, co-founder Nikita was reminded of the power of the Indian tradition of hair oiling. Drawn back to her roots for a solution to her hair thinning, she recalled a time when her grandmother would massage her head with handcrafted blends of plant oils so effective for long, thick, and lustrous hair of Indian women.

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    Amber Vanilla

    A Word From The Nominee

    The 7 Virtues has pioneered innovation in multiple aspects of building a beauty brand, setting new standards for sustainability, social impact, and product efficacy. One notable innovation lies in our sourcing practices. We've forged partnerships with CPL aromas, experts in sustainable, raw, and natural ingredients, enabling us to expand our reach worldwide while ensuring ethical sourcing. Additionally, we've innovated in our product formulation, achieving a high 22% fragrance oil concentration in our perfumes, surpassing industry norms. This allows us to create long-lasting aromatherapy fragrances that not only smell exquisite but also harness the power of scent to elevate mood and well-being.

    The innovative practices of The 7 Virtues have had a profound impact on both our brand and the industry as a whole. By prioritizing sustainability in our ingredient sourcing and packaging, we've set a new standard for clean beauty brands. Our commitment to social impact has also garnered attention, inspiring other companies to integrate purpose-driven initiatives into their business models. Moreover, our high fragrance oil concentration has redefined expectations for perfume efficacy, offering customers a more potent and longer-lasting scent experience. Overall, our innovations have not only elevated our brand but have catalyzed positive change within the beauty industry, driving a shift towards greater sustainability and social responsibility.

    Who They Are

    The 7 Virtues stands at the forefront of the fragrance industry, not just as a brand but as a beacon of social and environmental consciousness. Founded in 2010 by Barb Stegemann, entrepreneur, author, and activist, The 7 Virtues embodies the ethos of her best-selling book, "The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen." Rooted in a mission of peace, the brand began with a poignant story of Barb's friend, a soldier wounded while on a mission in Afghanistan. Taking on his mission of peace, Barb sought to liberate women and girls in conflict zones by sourcing essential oils, such as legal orange blossom and rose, freeing Afghan farmers from the illegal poppy crop and preventing young girls from becoming opium brides. This philosophy of equality and empowerment expanded globally, touching regions like Haiti, Rwanda, The Middle East, India, and Madagascar. Today, The 7 Virtues has evolved into a clean perfume brand that not only sources sustainable oils but also upcycled ones. The brand's commitment to ending war extends beyond sourcing to empowering girls and women, particularly through initiatives to end period poverty with partners like Days for Girls and Charity Water. The DNA of The 7 Virtues lies in its unwavering dedication to empowerment, sustainability, and peace, making it more than just a beauty brand—it's a catalyst for positive change in the world.

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    Cherry Wonderland

    A Word From The Nominee

    "We are beyond thrilled and deeply honored to be nominated for The 2024 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards! At FOOPE Fragrances, we celebrate the unfiltered self, empowering everyone to express their individuality, achieve greatness, and contribute to a better world. This nomination reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and innovative, genderless fragrances that connect deeply with our community. Our journey is fueled by the power of authenticity and self-expression, and we are grateful for this recognition. We invite you to vote for FOOPE Fragrances—not just for our unique, high-quality products, but for the passion, values, and dedication that drive us every day." Femi Oloruntoba, Founder

    Who They Are

    Born in Toronto, Foope is a Canadian Fragrance brand breaking down barriers one scent at a time. It is our goal to create a world that celebrates your unfiltered self, empowering you to express yourself more, so you can achieve more

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    Eden Sparkling Lychee | 39

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're so excited that Eden Sparkling Lychee | 39 has been nominated for this award! This fragrance will instantly brighten your mood with a cocktail of mouthwatering fruity notes, including luscious lychee, tart blackcurrant and sweet candied violet. As this sparkling juice dries down, warm notes of sugared amber, delicious vanilla and sensual musk create a long-lasting and alluring scent trail.

    Who They Are

    Fueled by passion, Kayali was founded in 2018 by beauty mogul and fragrance fanatic, Mona Kattan. Translating to ‘my imagination’ in Arabic, Kayali is inspired by her rich Middle Eastern heritage and the sacred ritual of layering scents to help you create your mood. Mona collaborates with some of the world’s most renowned perfumers and sources the finest ingredients to create unique juices that are infinitely memorable, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. Each luxurious fragrance is an ode to true craftsmanship and tells a special story, from the addictive notes to the multi-faceted jeweled bottles.

    A global social media powerhouse, Mona’s obsession with fragrance has built an engaged community with more than 4 million combined followers. She’s appeared in the worlds leading publication in the likes of WWD, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, POPSUGAR, Allure, Marie Claire, Harpers Bazaar, and was named one of the most powerful women in the Middle East by Forbes!

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    I Am Her

    A Word From The Nominee

    FORVR Mood and their new launch of fine fragrance I AM HER, showed the power of Jackie Aina's following. Know as an expert amongst her audience in the fragrance world, Jackie's fans have been begging her to curate a line of her own. When she took down all the fragrances from her iconic perfume shelf and replaced it with one singular perfume everyone knew she had finally done it. Selling out at Sephora almost immediately the demand was palpable. We are so excited at the opportunity to nominated for the 2024 Beacon Awards and honored to be considered.

    Who They Are

    FORVR Mood is an award-winning luxury home and fine fragrance brand founded in 2020 by beauty maven and content creator Jackie Aina, alongside co-founder Denis Asamoah. The selfcare brand is dedicated to offering consumers elevated products at an accessible price point that enhance the everyday. FORVR Mood’s highly-anticipated debut candle collection garnered a pre-launch waitlist of over 45,000 and later entered Sephora stores in 2021. Most recently, the brand ventured into the world of personal fine fragrance with a collection that embodies Jackie's aspiration for allure, confidence, and femininity.

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    Scent Surrection Collection

    A Word From The Nominee

    The role science has played in the beauty industry has often been confined to utilitarian functions, neglecting its potential to spur creative innovation. Fragrance, historically rooted in storytelling and emotional appeal, offers a compelling avenue to redefine this narrative. By leveraging biotechnology, we've unlocked the ability to tap into new stories that were previously unimaginable. Scent Surrections, our collection of fine fragrances derived from extinct flower DNA, blends biotechnology with fragrance artistry to revive nature’s lost blooms – all while showcasing how science can be used to connect emotionally and access new dimensions of creativity.

    Join us in celebrating fragrance that goes beyond just scent; honoring the forgotten stories of nature’s past, while embracing the transformative power of optimism and creativity in every product experience.

    Who They Are

    We see the world for how it is today, with all of its frustrations, harms, and complexities. But we do not accept that the current state can not be changed.

    As a brand, we relentlessly reject pessimism and reclaim optimism, setting our minds to radical and cracking open present possibilities — letting them spill out and roll around, finding magic along the way as we unlock experiences never thought possible.

    Everything we create is a reminder of what humanity can do at its best and an invitation to be a force of our own invention.

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    Sunlit Blooms

    Who They Are

    DedCool is on a mission to reshape the way fragrance is defined and experienced through its genderless approach to scent. They believe everyone should have a signature scent that extends beyond a glass bottle. They offer everyday touch points throughout your life embedded with your signature scent. By embedding their fragrance into everyday essentials, DedCool scent is at your fingertips throughout the day in a variety of mediums and formats. With a focus on sustainability, DedCool’s products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and vegan, with their fragrances also being water-free.

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    Olivia Alexander

    Founder & CEO,

    Kush Queen

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am thrilled to be nominated for the Beauty Independent Beacon Awards, especially as a cannabis entrepreneur recognized beyond my usual sphere. The intersection of cannabis, beauty, and wellness has always been a passion of mine. This nomination signifies the growing acceptance and recognition of cannabis in the broader beauty and wellness industry.
    I believe people should vote for me because I have been committed to pioneering innovative solutions that blend the therapeutic benefits of cannabis with the transformative power of beauty and wellness products for nearly ten years. My work is driven by a desire to enhance well-being, promote plant-based wellness tools, and challenge conventional boundaries within the industry.
    By voting for me, you are supporting a vision that champions holistic health, embraces plant medicine, and seeks to educate and empower consumers about the benefits of sacred plant-infused products. Your vote will help amplify an independent voice and entrepreneur dedicated to redefining beauty standards and advancing the industry with creativity, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach.

    Who They Are

    Olivia Alexander, the visionary founder of Kush Queen, has transformed her brand into a multi-million dollar, multi-channel powerhouse, renowned for manufacturing the finest cannabis-infused products. The Kush Queen product line features award-winning bath bombs, pain relief lotions, wellness supplements, and skincare, all crafted with a commitment to quality and innovation.
    Olivia's journey began in 2006, working at her first dispensary, where she honed her expertise in social media, creative direction, and digital growth strategy, collaborating with numerous cannabis companies. Dubbed the "Queen of CBD" by the LA Times, Olivia has an exceptional ability to connect cannabis with community, health, and wellness.
    Identifying a gap in the market, Olivia set out to create a brand that seamlessly blends cannabis, wellness, and beauty. Kush Queen was born from her vision to offer products that redefine cannabis culture and promote holistic well-being. “I approach cannabis from a wellness perspective and want to create products that make cannabis more accessible and harness the true power of the plant,” she explains. Her dedication to normalizing both lifestyle and medical cannabis use is unwavering.
    Olivia’s influence and leadership have earned her recognition as one of the top women founders in the cannabis industry by Variety Magazine, Green Entrepreneur, and Ganjapreneur in 2020. She was also named Dope Magazine’s 2017 Social Media Influencer of the Year and praised as “The Mariah Carey of Weed” by ELLE. Kush Queen’s accolades include two Cannabis Cups, a second-place finish at the Emerald Cup, the Essence Best of Beauty Award, and the Refinery 29 Beauty Innovator Award.
    As a thought leader, Olivia addresses the broader impact of cannabis, stating, “Since cannabis is an emerging industry, people are so worried about compliance, funding, and marketing their product. All of those things are important, but so are the people who use the product. Other than the 18-35 white male stoner, most people’s cannabis experience has been invisible, not unlike their own personal narrative. When you see all types of people with differing beliefs and life paths seeing themselves in your brand, it strikes you like little else can, that you have done something more powerful than marketing a product.”
    In the past two years, Olivia has authored two books aimed at educating and empowering women to use cannabis. These books guide readers through the history of cannabis, practical usage, and personalized wellness strategies with the plant.
    Since its inception in 2015, Kush Queen has led the industry with first-of-its-kind innovations, including patent-pending nanotechnology developed by co-founder Michael Sawyer, resulting in topicals with true absorption and efficacy. The brand boasts a robust social media presence and a dedicated celebrity following, with fans including Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Olivia Wilde, Ariana Madix, and Chloe Grace Moretz. Kush Queen’s collaborations with Bellacures nail salons and fashion brand Alice + Olivia further cement its status as one of California’s most beloved brands.
    Olivia Alexander’s pioneering spirit and dedication to bridging cannabis with beauty and wellness make her an exemplary nominee for the Beauty Independent Beacon Awards. Your vote for Olivia supports a leader who is not only revolutionizing the industry but also championing inclusivity, education, and the true potential of cannabis.

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    Mario Dedivanovic

    Founder & CEO,

    Makeup By Mario

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m incredibly honored to be nominated for Entrepreneur Of The Year. This recognition reflects the hard work, passion, and dedication that has driven me throughout my career. From my early days as an aspiring makeup artist to launching Makeup by Mario, my goal has always been to empower individuals to look and feel their best through the art of makeup. This nomination celebrates not just my journey, but also the amazing team and community that have supported and inspired me. I’m beyond grateful for your vote which celebrates the beauty of entrepreneurship and creativity.

    Who They Are

    The youngest of four, Mario was born and raised in the Bronx by his parents—Albanian immigrants from Montenegro. After graduating high school, Mario and his mother went to Manhattan where he found a retail job at Sephora as a fragrance consultant in the Flatiron District.

    Mario discovered a passion for makeup artistry after his first day, when a woman asked for his help selecting a lipstick. Soon after, he was hired by two singers he met at Sephora to create their makeup for a cabaret show. He was only 17 and did not have a formal makeup kit, so he took a Nike shoebox from his closet filled with products from Sephora and did their makeup for $25.  In  those early days at Sephora, Mario set a goal that would drive the rest of his career—he would become a professional makeup artist with the dream of one day having his own line.

    He is now one of the most acclaimed, followed, and influential makeup artists in the world known for creating the most flawless version of an individual's natural beauty. From education to social media to innovation, Mario is a visionary and pioneer at the leading edge of the beauty industry. Having taught and popularized the best-known makeup techniques of the last decade, Mario has ignited viral trends that have inspired and forever altered the beauty landscape.

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    Mona Kattan

    Founder,

    Kayali

    A Word From The Nominee

    I'm truly honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award! I've been working to create fragrances that make people feel beautiful and powerful for many years now, and to be considered for Entrepreneur of the Year is a true pinch-me moment. Thank you to Beauty Independent for recognizing my efforts and the success of my team!

    Who They Are

    Mona Kattan Entrepreneur Fueled by passion, I founded Kayali in 2018. Translating to "my imagination" in Arabic, Kayali is inspired by my rich Middle Eastern heritage and sacred ritual of layering scents to help create your mood. I now collaborate with some of the world's most renowned perfumers and source the finest ingredients to create unique juices that are infinitely memorable, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. My obsession with fragrance has created an engaged community with more than 4 million combined followers. "Photo 16-03-2023, 11 24 54 AM (1).tiff (https://airtable.com/app9Sg5HGyOyf5piE/tblDK47J0MDGp8LVC/recfEX5WQNYHk3Fz7/fldRcxMmeP0cGxTH1/attXXlvgwcwW6AhBy)" I'm truly honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award! I've been working to create fragrances that make people feel beautiful and powerful for many years now, and to be considered for Entrepreneur of the Year is a true pinch-me moment. Thank you to Beauty Independent for recognizing my efforts and the success of my team! 6/6/2024 4:00pm

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    Sarah Kugelman

    Founder,

    Gloss.com, skyn ICELAND & All Golden

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am honored to be nominated by my industry peers and recognized for my contributions to the beauty industry. Launching my third beauty company has given me the opportunity to reflect on the significant milestones that have shaped my journey. With gloss.com in the 90s, I was fortunate to be at the forefront of the digital revolution. With Skyn Iceland, we were able to introduce a new era of wellness and spark the eye patch trend. Now, with All Golden, I am passionate about addressing ageism and reaching out to women who have often been overlooked by both the beauty industry and society. It’s been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the chance to make a meaningful impact.

    Who They Are

    As a serial entrepreneur Ms. Kugelman has built two successful beauty brands that have become synonymous with key inflection points in the beauty industry – digital and wellness.

    In 1999, Ms. Kugelman revolutionized the beauty industry by creating the first beauty website, gloss.com, a multimedia beauty brand for which she raised $25 million in venture capital and grew to over 100 employees. Sarah sold gloss.com to The Estèe Lauder Companies in 2000.

    In 2005, Ms. Kugelman founded and was CEO of the global skincare brand skyn ICELAND, Solutions for Stressed Skin. It was one of the first clean, indie skincare brands and she grew it into a $25 million global beauty brand. In June 2022, the company was acquired by Impala SAS a multibillion-dollar French company.

    Currently, she is crafting her third beauty brand ALL GOLDEN, a skincare and hair care line targeting a new inflection point – aging for women over 45. With this brand she is committed to changing the cultural conversation and combatting ageism. By developing an innovative,technologically ground-breaking product line and creating a community that elevates and celebrates women, she is planning to target major white space.

    Sarah has an M.B.A. in Marketing and International Business from Columbia Business School and a B.A. cum laude from Tufts University. She currently sits on the Tufts’ Derby Entrepreneurship Center Board with the goal of advancing female entrepreneurship. She is also a 2023 Columbia Business School mentor in the high impact EC-America program exclusively for Latino entrepreneurs. She lives in New York City with her 17-year-old daughter

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    Amy Liu

    Founder & CEO,

    Tower 28 Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am thrilled to be nominated for the Beauty Independent Beacon Awards, an acknowledgment of the journey Tower 28 has embarked on to redefine clean beauty and champion inclusivity in the industry. Since the day we launched, every step of Tower 28's growth has been guided by a commitment to authenticity, innovation, and compassion.

    I'm so proud of the movement we've created at Tower 28, one that celebrates diversity and empowers people to embrace their sensitivity: from our dedication to crafting products that are safe for all, to our ongoing work with our mentorship and grant program Clean Beauty Summer School.

    Your vote is a pledge to stand with us in our mission to champion inclusivity, redefine beauty standards, and spread the word that #ItsOkayToBeSensitive.

    Who They Are

    Amy Liu is the Founder and CEO of the best-selling clean beauty brand Tower 28. After graduating from the University of California at San Diego, Amy embarked on a brief stint in consulting and later went on to receive an MBA in entrepreneurship from The University of Southern California. Amy then led a successful 20 year career as an executive in the beauty industry, helping build some of the fastest growing prestige companies in the space, including Smashbox, Kate Somerville and Josie Maran Cosmetics. But as a longtime eczema sufferer, she couldn’t enjoy the best part of working in the beauty industry: trying out all the products! She saw this challenge as an opportunity, and so in 2019 Amy launched Tower 28: a beauty company that’s designed for sensitive skin, and made for all. Tower 28 is the first beauty brand to adhere to the National Eczema Association’s guidelines, making formulas that are 100 percent clean, vegan, accessible, and free of every known skin irritant.

    Amy’s pioneering work in the industry, including spearheading the annual mentorship program Clean Beauty Summer School in 2020, which supports the growth of minority-owned small beauty brands and content creators, has not gone unnoticed. Since launching Tower 28, Amy has received accolades including the USC Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the CEW Visionary Award, the Create & Cultivate 100 List, WWD’s 2023 Power Brands, Inc’s 2023 Female Founders 200 List, and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Greater Los Angeles Award, and regularly participates as a teacher and mentor with the Sephora Accelerate incubation program.

    By adhering steadfastly to Tower 28’s mission (sharing a reminder that #ItsOkayToBeSensitive along the way), Amy has grown Tower 28 into a household name, beloved by countless customers, makeup artists, tastemakers, and celebrities alike. Amy lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her husband Victor and three children, where they enjoy the beach culture that inspires Tower 28.

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    Katherine Power

    Founder & Chairman,

    MERIT Beauty & Versed

    A Word From The Nominee

    “It’s an honor to be recognized as a Beauty Independent Beacon Award nominee. This recognition is a testament to our teams' hard work and innovation, which are the true backbone of the brands. I believe in the power of reimagining consumer products to serve today's consumers better, and I am excited to continue this journey as well as support future entrepreneurs and executives building out their careers.”

    Who They Are

    Katherine Power is a serial entrepreneur and investor focused on building category-leading businesses. With a distinct talent for finding white space, Power has taken age-old industries and reimagined them with data-informed, digital-first business models built for the modern shopper. Power has founded four successful brands (Who What Wear, Versed, Avaline, MERIT), each of which speak to her unique expertise around accessibility and ingredient efficacy. She is also a Partner at the seed-to-growth venture capital firm Greycroft, where she uses her unique insights and abilities to identify the next generation of leading consumer brands. Her groundbreaking approach to commerce and media has earned her recognition on Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, Adweek’s Creative 100, and Inc.’s 20 Young Entrepreneurs to Watch lists.

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    David Chung

    Founder & CEO,

    Farmacy Beauty, iLabs, The Rootist

    A Word From The Nominee

    “I am incredibly honored to be nominated for the 2024 Beacon Industry Icon of The Year Award. The beauty industry is an extraordinary place to awaken innovation, collaborate with others, and leave a meaningful impact on the world. As I reflect on my experience in the space, the most important thing that I have learned is you are nothing without your reputation. When I focused on under-promising and over-delivering, everything else fell into place. Thank you to Beauty Independent for this recognition. It is an honor to be nominated in this category among so many other impressive nominees.”

    Who They Are

    David Chung is a serial entrepreneur with over thirty years of experience in beauty and skincare R&D innovation, contract manufacturing, and premium brand building.

    Chung began his entrepreneurial career in fashion and beauty distribution at the age of 25. Chung opened his first business, a brick-and-mortar fashion retailer called Nova Imports and became an exclusive distributor for Italian designer Emilio Pucci (mid-1980s).

    Expanding into beauty, Chung launched more brick-and-mortar retailers called Mona’s in New Jersey and Cosmetic World in California (1990).
    Inspired to create his own products, Chung launched 3LAB, a high-tech, award-winning skincare collection that quickly became a top-selling brand at Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York (2003).

    Identifying the need for innovation in manufacturing, Chung established his first R&D facility, Englewood Lab, in New Jersey, which provided quality skincare formulas and R&D services to over one hundred renowned brands (2005). Chung took the company public on KOSDAQ (2016); Chung sold his controlling interest to Cosmecca Korea (2018).

    Chung is recognizable for creating Farmacy Beauty, a clean, farm-to-face skincare brand that launched exclusively with Sephora (2015). It rapidly became a top-selling brand, with Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm becoming the no. 1 cleanser for the foremost retailer. Chung sold Farmacy Beauty to Procter & Gamble (2021).

    Chung established The Beauty Bank to incubate new-to-market skincare and wellness brands (2023).

    Seeing the mental wellness category transform, Chung acquired Amare Global® The Mental Wellness Company® to create innovative mental wellness products and bring much-needed expertise in R&D, brand-building, supply chain, information technology, and overall operational excellence to the brand (2023).

    The Beauty Bank launched its first brand: The Rootist – biological hair care for the roots + scalp + hair – exclusively with Sephora North America (January 2024).
    Today, Chung has two state-of-the-art beauty innovation and contract manufacturing centers, Innovation Labs, Inc. (iLABS), in New Jersey and South Korea. iLABS offers cutting-edge R&D, quality manufacturing, and turnkey services for skin, body, hair, and OTC sun care products. Chung formed Morae Packaging, a US packaging service company with a glass factory and injection mold facility in South Korea, to manufacture quality glass and plastic components to further deliver on turnkey services and improve speed to market for leading and independent beauty, wellness, and fragrance brands (2020).

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    Jane Iredale

    Founder,

    Jane Iredale

    A Word From The Nominee

    It’s been 30 years since we launched the first clean makeup line to the professional world. We’ve seen the ripple effect transform the makeup industry. To be acknowledged as a pioneer is a reward I never expected. Thank you.

    Who They Are

    Jane was a casting director, producer and writer in the entertainment industry for 25 years. She won an Emmy and a Peabody Award for her work on PBS, and later was nominated for a Tony Award for the script she wrote for a Broadway musical. During this career she saw how professional artists were struggling to keep their skin healthy because of the amount and type of makeup they were wearing for stage, television and theater. She was inspired to create a makeup foundation that was good for the skin and began out of the kitchen of her house in Austerlitz, NY in 1994. The brand began with one product, Amazing Base, which was a foundation, concealer, sunscreen and finishing powder all in one. It’s success with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aestheticians led to Jane creating more products that were good for the skin. Eventually, jane iredale THE SKINCARE MAKEUP became an accepted part of the beauty industry.

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    Huda Kattan

    Founder & CEO,

    Huda Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    I'm thrilled to be nominated for such a prestigious award from Beauty Independent! My goal is to always empower my community to take risks and follow their dreams, which is exactly what I did when creating Huda Beauty.

    Who They Are

    As founder and CEO of Huda Beauty, one of the fastest-growing beauty brands worldwide, I am proud to call myself an entrepreneur, internationally recognized beauty authority, trained makeup artist and content creator. A life-long passion for beauty led me to enroll in a prestigious makeup training school in Los Angeles where my passion grew as I built a roster of A-List celebrity and royal clientele. Soon after, I launched my beauty blog HudaBeauty.com, and soon after that a YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages under the same name. In 2013, I founded Huda Beauty with the help of my sisters Mona and Alya Kattan which has grown into the beauty empire that it is today!

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    Monique Rodriguez

    Founder & CEO,

    Mielle Organics

    A Word From The Nominee

    “I’m incredibly honored to be nominated for the Industry Icon Award. At Mielle Organics, we are proud to be a Black-founded and woman-led company addressing the diverse needs of individuals. Mielle has become the fastest-growing textured hair care brand, fulfilling a dire market need for more diverse products on the shelf. The road to this milestone has been challenging but despite the obstacles we remained committed to our mission and the vision God placed in our hearts.”

    Who They Are

    Monique Rodriguez is the Founder & CEO of Mielle Organics, one of the fastest growing hair care brands in the multicultural category. In 2021, she became the first Black woman to raise a non-controlling 9-figure investment, over $100M, in a deal with Berkshire Partners. In 2023, she made history again when Mielle was acquired by Procter & Gamble in an unprecedented acquisition, the largest exit ever for a Black Female beauty founder, in which she will continue to serve as CEO of the company.

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    NewBound Ventures

    A Word From The Nominee

    We have a deep passion for the beauty and personal care industries and are thrilled to be recognized for our impact in this dynamic space. We are honored to have been nominated for a Beauty Independent Beacon Award in the category of Seed/Small Growth Investor, and are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on and share how we support this vibrant ecosystem. We are also grateful for the work that Beauty Independent does to foster innovation and celebrate excellence within the industry. We are excited to continue our journey of empowering visionary brands and contributing to the vibrant future of beauty.

    Who They Are

    NewBound Ventures is a thesis-driven firm dedicated to consumer-centric investing. Calling on 80+ years of cumulative industry experience, NewBound partners with passionate entrepreneurs who are redefining how the world consumes products, services, and content. Our strategic approach prioritizes investing in innovative technologies and category-defining consumer brands, underpinned by rigorous due diligence and a commitment to strong business fundamentals. NewBound has a dedicated investment thesis within beauty and personal care, having recently exited its early investment in K18 (Biomimetic) to Unilever, and is an active investor in The 7 Virtues, Iris&Romeo, and Mother Science.

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    Top Knot Ventures

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m humbled to be recognized by Beauty Independent as a nominee for the seed/small growth investor for the 2024 Beacon Awards. I’ve been investing in early-stage consumer for the last decade, with beauty a new focus area where I’ve delivered enormous impact across my portfolio of six beauty businesses I’ve had the privilege of investing in. I’ve led and participated in inaugural funding rounds, played a key role in recruiting top talent, advised on strategy for new business development, and in some cases I’ve even stepped in to contribute in a fractional finance or operations capacity. There’s nothing I won’t do for the founders I’ve invested in, and I’m grateful to be recognized for my efforts in propelling early-stage beauty founders forward.

    Who They Are

    Leveraging my background in investment banking, private equity and venture capital I work directly with founders on advisory assignments relating to capital raises (both equity and debt), sale considerations, business development and overall strategic planning. I also directly invest in early-stage consumer businesses, and I will consider independent board positions, if no conflicts exist with my other current investments. My role is to be a key resource to founders - especially first-time founders - as they navigate unfamiliar, yet pivotal milestones in their growth trajectory.

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    XRC Ventures

    A Word From The Nominee

    “We have deep respect and admiration for Beauty Independent's content and editorial team, and we’re humbled to be considered for this award. Launched in 2022, XRC Ventures’ Brand Capital Fund invests in Seed to Series A consumer product brand startups in beauty, personal care, and health and wellness categories. To make our investments, we ingest lots of market data, proprietary input from strategic acquirers with whom we work closely, and a rigorous diligence process to select ‘winners’ in the sub-categories we're investing in. Our fund investments, in Solawave and Naked Sundays, have grown over 100%+ in revenue since our investment in Q4:22 and Q1:23, respectively.

    Lastly, our founders and their results speak for themselves. We work closely with our founders as board members to advise on strategy, recruit other board members and key executives, help prepare the CEO to be board-ready, work on budgeting and the financial model, ensure goal setting is in place, and provide guidance as they enter retail. One of our measures of success is the trust the CEOs have with our team - we are the first call when a critical event arises - and that's something we're very proud of.” - XRC Ventures General Partner, Brand Capital Fund, Diana Melencio.

    Who They Are

    XRC Ventures is an NYC-based venture capital firm and startup accelerator focused on early stage startups in retail tech, consumer goods, and consumer healthtech. Since 2015, we’ve invested in 140+ startups, including Billie, Solawave, Naked Sundays, Barb, MINU and others (see all startups here + media kit here).

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    CULT Capital

    A Word From The Nominee

    CULT Capital is honored to be recognized as a Beauty Independent Beacon Award Nominee, celebrating our commitment to empowering visionary brands that redefine beauty standards and enhance consumers' lives. This nomination validates our dedication to fostering innovation, authenticity, and meaningful impact in the beauty industry. We are thrilled to continue championing transformative brands and driving positive change alongside our partner brands.

    Who They Are

    CULT Capital specializes in discovering, funding, and scaling emerging cult consumer brands. We partner with visionary founders who are dedicated to improving consumers' lives in meaningful ways. Leveraging our extensive expertise in the beauty sector, we offer invaluable insights and guidance to founders, enabling them to scale authentically. Our approach emphasizes cultivating strong, transparent, and collaborative relationships with our partner brands. Notable investments in the beauty industry include Act+Acre, Lawless Beauty, Subtl Beauty, and Supergoop!

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    Prelude Growth Partners

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated. We are passionate about supporting tomorrow's iconic, powerhouse brands!

    Who They Are

    Prelude Growth Partners is a growth equity firm that supports brands made for the new modern consumer. By partnering with founders and CEOs, Prelude Growth Partners provides deep category experience, value-added operational support, and a broad network to power the high potential, fast-growing consumer brands of tomorrow. Prelude Growth Partners seeks to make investments of $10 million to $50 million in each company.

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