Beacon Awards 2023

 

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Winners

  • 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 viral overshares might win likes—but truly exceptional brands go beyond the algorithm. The smartest social players use their platforms to spark connection, foster community, and stay authentic in a space that’s always shifting. In a world where one misstep can spark a backlash and one TikTok can sell out an entire SKU, these brands showed up, stayed true, and stood out.

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    • Best Packaging

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      Refillable, functional, and impossibly chic—great packaging is more than just a pretty face. It protects the product, elevates the unboxing moment, and becomes a physical expression of a brand’s identity, all the while executing a noble mission. Whether it’s a sculptural glass jar or a cleverly designed carton, this is the packaging that made us pause, admire, and maybe even keep the empty.

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    • Inclusivity Champion

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      Inclusivity can be niche, driven by a desire to serve overlooked communities—or it can be expansive, aiming to reflect the full spectrum of today’s beauty consumer. However it manifests, we applaud the brands making inclusivity a guiding principle, not a marketing tactic.

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    • Sustainability Champion

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      Building a better beauty industry means building a better world. These brands are proving that sustainability and innovation can go hand-in-hand, from reducing waste to rethinking ingredients, packaging, and supply chains.

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    • Product Innovation

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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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      In beauty, impact isn’t just about transformation on the outside. The most inspiring brands see their business as a vehicle for broader change—whether that means championing mental health, advancing racial equity, supporting local communities, or amplifying underrepresented voices. These brands don’t just write checks or run campaigns; they make giving back a part of how they create, operate, communicate, and lead. For them, philanthropy isn’t a side project—it’s an extension of their purpose.

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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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      A first impression doesn’t just introduce a brand—it sets its trajectory. The most successful launches do more than drop products; they establish a point of view, signal purpose, and ignite curiosity. From the visual identity to the voice, from the initial assortment to the rollout strategy, everything must click into place to create early momentum and lasting impact. These brands nailed that high-stakes moment, landing with clarity, cohesion, and cultural resonance.

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    • Best Brand

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      Building a beauty brand takes guts. Growing one takes grit. But to thrive over time—amid shifting trends, fierce competition, and evolving consumer expectations—requires something more: vision, adaptability, and unwavering purpose. These brands have done just that. They’ve scaled with intention, stayed true to their core values, and continued to lead with creativity, community, and commercial strength.

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    • Indie Deal

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      Securing funding as an emerging brand is no small feat. With limited resources, little room for error, and everything still to prove, only a few manage to cut through the noise. These brands did just that—capturing the attention (and capital) of investors by showing they had something truly special. Whether through product innovation, market insight, or mission-driven focus, they demonstrated the potential to create long-term value and shape the future of the industry.

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    • Reference Deal

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      In dealmaking, comparables are more than just data points—they’re guideposts. They shape expectations, influence strategy, and often define what’s possible. The most iconic transactions become the benchmarks others aspire to, studied by investors and founders alike. To be the deal that others reference, emulate, or try to reverse-engineer is a rare accomplishment. It means you didn’t just close a deal—you set a new standard for what success looks like.

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    • Best Campaign

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      The best campaigns don’t just grab attention—they shape perception and spark action. They take a powerful, often complex idea and distill it into something clear, resonant, and unforgettable. Then they bring it to life across channels, touchpoints, and formats—each execution reinforcing the message while expanding its reach. By the end, you can’t help but notice it, feel it, and be moved by it. These are the campaigns that didn’t just make noise—they made impact.

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    • Product Launch – Skincare

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      Skincare is the biggest category in beauty and the hardest to break through. With shelves saturated and consumers more informed than ever, standing out requires more than just good ingredients. It takes strategic clarity, a clearly defined need, and a launch that captures attention and builds trust. These standout skincare launches did exactly that—filling a whitespace, generating authentic buzz, and giving consumers a reason to lean in and, ultimately, buy in.

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    • Product Launch – Cosmetics

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      Cosmetics have the power to transform not just how we look, but how we feel—in an instant. But in a space as trend-driven, SKU-intensive and saturated as color, making a lasting impact requires more than great pigment. These launches stood out by filling a clear gap in the market and pairing bold product innovation with thoughtful execution—from smart social strategy and earned media to organic community buzz. These are the cosmetic products that didn’t just show up—they made a statement.

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    • Product Launch – Wellness

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      Wellness is one of the hottest—and most loosely defined—categories in beauty and personal care. It’s a space crowded with hype, half-truths, and fleeting trends, where brands must fight to be taken seriously. To stand out, a product must do more than promise results; it must introduce a thoughtful, credible solution to a need that may not even be fully recognized yet. These launches cut through the noise with clarity, purpose, and proof—inviting consumers to try something new, and trust it enough to make it part of their lives.

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    • Product Launch – Personal Care

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      Personal care is one of the most essential—and often most overlooked—corners of the beauty and wellness world. Many of its categories have seen little innovation for decades, dominated by functional, commoditized products. To stand out here requires more than novelty: it demands a clear value proposition and the ability to convince consumers that a better solution is worth the premium. Sometimes, the challenge is even greater—tackling needs that have long gone unspoken in categories that are taboo or hard to talk about. These launches broke through by pairing real innovation with empathy, empowering consumers without shame and elevating the everyday.

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    • Product Launch – Haircare

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      Haircare has become one of the most exciting frontiers in beauty innovation. What was once limited to shampoo and conditioner now spans scalp health, styling science, hair growth, color technology, and holistic hair wellness. Today’s consumers expect more—better performance, cleaner formulas, and real solutions to long-standing challenges. These launches are leading the charge, combining scientific advances, cultural insight, and elevated experience to redefine what haircare can deliver.

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    • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance

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      Once an afterthought in beauty, fragrance and home essentials have now claimed their own spotlight—ushering in a new era where scent and setting are central to self-care. From sensorial room sprays to sophisticated candles and skin-adjacent perfumes, this category blends emotion, memory, and mood with design and utility. The best launches in this space don’t just smell amazing—they tell a story, elevate a space, and evoke feeling. These products filled a whitespace and captured consumer imagination through sharp positioning, thoughtful storytelling, and launch strategies that made discovery irresistible.

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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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      What sets a true entrepreneur apart isn’t just the boldness of their vision—it’s the grit to keep pursuing it when the odds are stacked against them. In beauty, where trends shift quickly and competition is fierce, the ability to persist, adapt, and lead with purpose is what transforms a good idea into a lasting brand. These individuals have captured the attention of consumers, retailers, investors, and peers alike—not just for what they’ve built, but for the way they’ve built it: with creativity, resilience, and unwavering drive.

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    • Industry Icon

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      The beauty industry runs on entrepreneurial energy—whether it’s coming from an indie founder or a global executive. But true icons go beyond personal success. They lead with vision, inspire with action, and uplift others along the way. Their impact isn’t just measured in milestones, but in the lasting influence they have on the people and the industry around them. It’s that rare combination of trailblazing achievement and generosity of spirit that earns them iconic status.

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    • Seed + Small Growth Investor

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      Spotting a breakout brand before the rest of the world takes more than capital—it takes conviction, imagination, and the willingness to embrace the unknown. These investors saw something special in early-stage companies others might have overlooked. They looked beyond what was currently “hot” and placed bold bets on a different future. With their support—financial, strategic, and emotional—these investors helped lay the foundation for brands to not just grow, but thrive. They’ve embraced the messiness of early stages, guiding founders through teething pains with patience, insight, and a belief in what’s possible.

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    • Growth Investor

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      The best growth investors aren’t tourists in the beauty industry—they’re true believers. They’ve committed meaningful capital across multiple investments, building a track record of helping brands scale without losing their edge. These investors know that money alone isn’t enough. They bring the right mix of discipline and empathy, guiding brands through the complexities of growth while respecting the creative instincts that made them special in the first place. They offer more than funding—they offer partnership: advising without overreaching, supporting without suffocating, and always keeping the long game in sight.

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    • Brand Builder

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      Not every brand-shaping force is a founder. Some of the most impactful leaders step in after the early chapters have been written—amplifying what’s already there and unlocking what’s yet to be imagined. These executives build on a brand’s foundation with clarity, vision, and skill, elevating its potential and expanding its reach. They honor the brand’s roots, but aren’t bound by them—helping transform promising businesses into breakout successes.

      • Ari Bloom

        Co-Founder & CEO,

        A-Frame Brands

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      • Debi Theis

        Beauty Executive & President,

        Henry Rose

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      • Heidi Merris

        President,

        Violette_FR

        Learn More

      • Jeanine Stanislaus

        Founder & CEO,

        STANhouse

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      • Yasmeen Gharnit

        Senior Content & Art Director,

        Glow Recipe

        Learn More
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  • Retail Honorees

    • Brand Booster

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      With a thriving community both IRL and online, this retailer isn’t just a point of distribution—it’s a launchpad. For emerging brands, getting on these shelves can mean reaching an audience that would otherwise take years to access. But it’s not just about scale—it’s about support. This retailer empowers its partners with more than shelf space: they offer insight, guidance, and feedback that helps brands sharpen their positioning, improve their execution, and grow with intention. By combining deep consumer reach with a true spirit of collaboration, they help young brands evolve faster, connect deeper, and unlock their next stage of success.

      • Honoree

        Ulta Beauty

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    • Audience Educator

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      In a sea of beauty options, this retailer isn’t just here to move product—they’re here to move people. Their mission goes beyond transactions; it’s about transformation. They view their customers holistically, aiming to support them not just with great products, but with the knowledge and tools to make informed, empowered choices that lead to real results. Through ingredient education, tutorials, founder stories, and in-person or digital activations, they meet consumers where they are—guiding them every step of the way. For brands, they’re a trusted partner who can translate a complex sell, demystify a routine, and help customers connect deeply with a product’s value. Education isn’t an add-on here—it’s the foundation.

      • Honoree

        Beautyologie

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    • Assortment Innovator

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      This retailer doesn’t chase trends—and they don’t stock newness for newness’s sake. Instead, they operate with a clear and confident vision: to curate an offering that is innovative, inclusive, and truly impactful. They have the discipline to pass on fleeting fads, the courage to champion bold ideas before anyone else, and the humility to keep evolving. Their assortment reflects not just what’s now, but what’s next—serving as a source of inspiration for other retailers, a mark of credibility for emerging brands, and a signal to investors of where the market is headed. They’ve built a reputation as the gold standard for what’s worth discovering in beauty and wellness.

      • Honoree

        Luminous

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    • Service Maven

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      “That Girl” regimens may dominate TikTok, but these independently owned spas and service providers are built for more than just the moment—they’re built for loyalty. Consistently delivering a standout experience that keeps clients coming back is no small task. It requires orchestrating dozens of moving parts: expert practitioners, advanced tools, the perfect products, and a finely tuned environment. It’s a delicate dance of doing what’s necessary with just enough “wow” to make it unforgettable—without ever feeling overdone. These providers are trusted experts who curate every detail with intention, creating transformative experiences that feel deeply personal, in the right place, at exactly the right time.

      • Honoree

        Glowbar

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  • Best Social Media
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    Fazit

    A Word From The Nominee

    With over 100 million views on TikTok, Fazit is committed to driving the beauty narrative forward through a skin positivity movement on social media. By focusing on the relatability, authenticity, and realism of different skin concerns, we aim to empower individuals to embrace their unique skincare journeys. Recognizing that the beauty industry can often foster unattainable standards, we strive to combat feelings of inadequacy among those grappling with different skin concerns, which significantly impacts mental health. In our mission to challenge beauty norms, we proudly share graphic patch peel videos of bumps and blemishes, personal stories, and stunning images showcasing ALL skin types. Through our viral content, we encourage individuals to embrace their authentic selves, fostering a community where everyone can feel seen, accepted, and beautiful in their own skin.

    Who They Are

    Fazit is a skincare patch brand that embraces progress over perfection. Their innovative patches target bumps and blemishes such as acne scars, ingrown hairs, pimples, pores, and more!

  • Best Social Media
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    Le Mini Macaron

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m thrilled that Le Mini Macaron has been nominated for Best Social Media by The Beauty Beacon Awards, is one of the preeminent awards in our industry! Being recognized by our peers, especially in a competitive and dynamic category like Best Social Media, really means the world. Our social team has nailed viral video after viral video and poured their creativity into category-breaking content that is both on-brand and trendsetting. We have created a niche for Le Mini Macaron and are proud to be THE nail brand known for on-the-go manicures, showcasing DIY manis on planes, trains and cars. I’m so honored on behalf of my team for this recognition of their tremendous work this past year!

    Who They Are

    Le Mini Macaron is the first 15-minute affordable gel manicure designed for use at-home and on-the-go, with their unique macaron LED lamp and salon-quality 3-in-1 (base coat, color & top coat) gel polish. Founded in 2015 by Christina Kao and Francois-xavier Humbert, the brand is self-funded, currently in over 30 markets with 100 unique shades, nail stickers, treatments and more. In the US, aside from their own .com, the brand has distribution with top retailers including Target, Ulta, Nordstrom and Amazon with no signs of slowing down. Top international retailers include Sephora France. During the pandemic, revenue tripled when people weren’t able to go to the salons. Post-pandemic the brand still sees 2x growth YoY, finding unique ways to push the nail category forward to remain not only relevant, but at the forefront of setting trends. With a socially-savvy in-house team, a collective of compelling content-creating influencer ambassadors and an engaged private Facebook group, they consistently churn out viral TikTok/Reels videos on their own and on other content creators’ pages. Le Mini Macaron is proud to have won several beauty awards from mainstream media outlets, including Cosmopolitan, NewBeauty and Glam.com.

  • Best Social Media
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    Moira Cosmetics

    A Word From The Nominee

    Beyond ecstatic and deeply humbled to be nominated for the Best Social Media Beacon award! This recognition is a testament to the power of connection and the incredible support of our amazing followers. It's an honor to share Moira’s journey on social media, and this nomination fuels our passion to create even more meaningful content. Thank you for believing in Moira Cosmetics on this exhilarating ride! Together, we're shining brighter than ever before!

    Who They Are

    To impact everyone around the world in positive, powerful, and lasting ways.

    SIMPLICITY

    The modern individual is constantly connected. They have high expectations for themselves as their career, social and personal fulfillment. Beauty doesn't have to be one more thing to manage. Instead, it can be a breath of fresh air to their day. Modern life isn't always easy but Moira is one easy thing in your routine that makes everyday better.

    CONFIDENCE

    No matter what type of face, eyes, or lips you have, we give strength to everyone’s best features so they can love their unique, beautiful look. Rather than enlisting in a beauty regime, you can become confident in showing off your own natural glow. Discover the freedom to be the best version of you with Moira. The makeup everyone can use.

    DESTINY

    The essence of existence must go beyond busy schedules and the hustle of everyday life. You have dreams and a life filled with purpose but following your destiny is not the only option. You can shape confidence and style with Moira. Let Moira highlight the beauty inside you while you focus on building your beautiful destiny.

  • Best Social Media
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    MONDAY Haircare

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're so thrilled to be nominated for Best Social Media in the 2023 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards, among other brands we love doing incredibly exciting things. For us, social is where we connect with our community, see and hear what's important to them, what products they're using, what they're loving in the beauty space and beyond. It's a daily reminder of why we do what we do—and why we love it.

    Who They Are

    MONDAY Haircare is an award-winning beauty brand aimed at making premium-quality haircare more accessible. We don't believe that people should have to pay more for products that align with their values, such as being cruelty-free and sustainably minded. Our little pink bottles have won several beauty awards, have thousands of 5-star reviews and are found in over 30 countries with more than 80 of the world's biggest retailers.

  • Best Social Media
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    Subtl Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    Social media marketing is such an important pillar in our brand and community so it's a huge honor to be acknowledged for something we are so passionate about.

    Who They Are

    Giving you an entire makeup routine in the palm of your hand, the Subtl Beauty makeup stack is compact, portable, and fully customizable to meet the needs of your busy, on-the-go lifestyle.

  • Best Packaging
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    BYOMA

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for this award. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. When it comes to our packaging, sustainability is an on-going priority which is why our skincare comes in fully recyclable in household waste. We eliminated excess like shrink wrap & cardboard boxes and our square shape means we ship easily & efficiently, minimizing our carbon footprint. In addition, we have launched refill products for core skus. Being recognized by Beauty Independent is an honor as we continue to dedicate resources and research to further our BYOMA mission to be the leader in sustainable, accessible, approachable and attainable skincare.

    Who They Are

    Barrier-boosting skincare, driven by science, powered by actives for the ultimate skin-compatible solution. Clinically proven, dermatologist-approved formulas boost, build, balance, brighten for your best skin day.

  • Best Packaging
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    DEON LIBRA

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a brand, our mission has always been to remind Black people that they are worthy of everything good in this world—from simple things like luxury beauty + wellness products to complex things like longer lives and generational wealth. We always say DEON LIBRA is the hip-hop of wellness—it feels good, looks good, and is rooted in soul and our collective experiences. We committed to not settling for anything early on in our brand-building process—especially our brand aesthetic and packaging. That meant learning to trust ourselves and the process and leaning into our vision. It took 2 years to see our custom packaging come to life.

    As a first-time founder and the visionary behind the DEON LIBRA aesthetic, being nominated for BEST PACKAGING reminds me to stay the course and most importantly, trust myself. It is proof that I am walking boldly through my ancestors' wildest dreams and that love is always the answer. DEON LIBRA was founded through my grief after losing my father and my insurmountable love for him and Black people. Everything I do is through and with love, for Black people.

    I hope DEON LIBRA inspires Black folks, LGBTQ+ folks, and women to bet on themselves. I hope it pushes investors to bet on Black founders. I hope anyone who interacts with DEON LIBRA, through product or community, knows without a shadow of a doubt that they are loved and worthy. Black folks deserve the freedom and longevity that is so easily accessible to our non-Black counterparts. Feeling good is as much of a birthright as looking good. All people deserve that luxury and we're building DEON LIBRA to deliver that.

    Who They Are

    DEON LIBRA is an adaptogenic stress care brand formulated to support the body’s natural ability to handle stress and activate lasting healthy skin. We believe skincare is most effective when we address the root cause of our skin concerns first—our stress. The goal is a stress-less lifestyle. Not a stress-free one. Our flex is an inside-and-out approach to stress management that doesn’t diminish but emphasizes the beauty that is Blackness. This is stress care by us, for y’all.

  • Best Packaging
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    Dr. Sebaa Skin Co.

    A Word From The Nominee

    Just as insatiable efforts go into curating our ethereal skincare formulas, our artwork is a layered companion to these dreams—a space to wander, play, and further connect with nature. And just as we merge traditional herbal medicine with modern science, our artwork holds space for curiosity and healing to be found in nature's treasures with a touch of surrealism that keeps you in a state of awe and delight. The goal is to return to nature as a dwelling space of healing and beauty. Vote for us and help us to further share our world with the world!

    Who They Are

    Dr. Sebaa Co set out to make skincare better—bridging time-tested ancient remedies with modern dermatology to craft near-magical formulas that put skin health first. Both curative and preventative, Dr. Sebaa Co's premise rests on the principle of BEAUTY THAT HEALS because that which brings healing cannot help but beautify.

  • Best Packaging
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    Kim Chi Chic Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    I believe your face is a canvas to create art. Whether it's subtle or out of this world, makeup can elevate the way you feel about yourself. With the right mug, I feel invincible and confident!

    It's been an amazing journey of self-discovery. A journey that has led me here. It's been a dream of mine to introduce the world to fun products that won't break the bank. Whether your aesthetic is neutral or glittery colored rainbow, I've got something for you!

    So come inside, take a seat and enjoy the ride on my rainbow colored labor of love, #Kimchichicbeauty.

  • Best Packaging
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    Scorpion & Toad

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am so thrilled that Scorpion & Toad has been nominated for best packaging as it puts the spotlight on our amazingly talented artists. Our glass hand-blown vessels are carefully crafted by expert artisans and entirely made in the USA. Each beautifully colored bottle will have its own unique color patterns and striations - you are truly purchasing a piece of art to house your skincare.

    Who They Are

    Scorpion & Toad is an artist collective and a home for the true aesthete. Our team creates luxurious, effective skincare in double-sized handblown vessels.

    We believe that self-care is a sacred artform, and from our careful selection of the finest ingredients to the curation of our hand-crafted vessels, we share that art with you.

  • Best Packaging
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    Viktor Michael

    A Word From The Nominee

    It is such an honor to be nominated for the prestigious Brand Packaging Beacon Award. By investing in extensive research, we have developed packaging solutions that not only protect and preserve the product but also enhance the overall customer journey. Our packaging reflects our dedication to quality, sophistication, and attention to detail, leaving a lasting impression on customers. Voting for Viktor Michael means supporting a brand that prioritizes both the form and function of its product and packaging, ensuring a remarkable and satisfying experience for every customer right from the very moment they hold our products in their hands.

    Who They Are

    Viktor Michael is the first in a new class of luxury recovery care, proven to reduce post-injection side effects and downtime by up to 50%.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    A-Frame Brands

    Who They Are

    A-Frame Brands is a Los Angeles-based celebrity brand incubator that leads with a unique, ‘problem-first, talent-second’ mindset, identifying issues that affect underserved communities before partnering with like-minded, representative talent to build scalable, socially responsible brands. A-Frame focuses on serving historically overlooked groups, starting with people of color, who are also responsible for 11% of total beauty spending – bringing a more racially-equitable brand landscape closer to reality. A-Frame has launched brands that address everything from lower survival rates of Melanoma in individuals with melanated skin to baby care formulated for children of color who are more prone to skin concerns such as eczema, cradle cap, and acne.

    A-Frame follows an anti-performative allyship approach, prioritizing diversity as a daily business practice – 97% of the A-Frame team comes from historically underrepresented groups, with 31% identifying as Black or African American, 90% identifying as a person of color, and over 85% identifying as women of color.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Flower Me Good

    A Word From The Nominee

    Being nominated for this award is a burst of recognition that we are very grateful for. Our constant focus on inclusivity from product sourcing to formula development is something we're passionate about. As a young company we truly need your support. Your power can elevate us to the next level! Flower Me Good was born from community outreach and as we grow we intend to multiply and focus the efforts of entrepreneurs, educators and creators from under-represented backgrounds. Empower us to shine through for positive change!

    Who They Are

    Flower Me Good is an effort of dedication and discernment: cheerful, holistic skin care made with a synergy of the very best fruit butters, rich natural oils and prime aromatics. Flower Me Good stands for resilient, radiant, balanced skin without compromising on ingredients or ethics.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Hue

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are excited to be nominated because when interviewing hundreds of shoppers about their experience shopping online for beauty and fashion, almost all of them said the same thing - I want to see the products on someone like me. Shoppers expect to feel represented when viewing brands’ product advertising, and struggle to assess how the product will work for them when they only see brand models or over-stylized brand content. Hue’s inclusive user-generated video integration on brands and retailers’ ecommerce empowers every shopper, regardless of skin tone, age, gender and more, to feel represented when shopping online. Our content creators represent a wide range of skin tones, body types, ages, and style preferences, with the intention of mirroring customer demographics in real life. For example, we launched recently with two brand partners, Laura Geller and Wrinkles Schminkles, who target the mature demographic, who commonly are not represented in mainstream beauty. Hue’s focus on diversity and inclusion runs much deeper than our corporate values; it is core to who we are as a brand and as three women of color founders.

    Who They Are

    Hue is on a mission to empower every shopper to feel represented in the online beauty shopping experience. An AI-powered shoppable video platform for e-commerce brands and retailers, Hue provides short form user-generated video reviews from a vetted community of over 2,000 real people across skin tones, skin types, body types, and more, allowing shoppers to assess how the product will work for them. Hue handles all aspects of their tech integration from sourcing creators to embedding the UGC videos directly onto the brands website. Their technology is shown to drastically improve the metrics that matter for brands and retailers, including conversion, sales and time spent on the site. Hue’s recent accolades include ELLE’s 2022 Future of Beauty Awards winner, Forbes 30 Under 30 2023 List for Retail & E-Commerce, New York Fashion Tech Lab accelerator and receiving Unilever Prestige and Women’s Wear Daily’s Project Connect Grant. Hue currently works with dozens of brand partners including but not limited to Credo Beauty, Live Tinted, Laura Geller, MAKE Beauty, Good Weird, Surratt Beauty, and LAWLESS Beauty with dozens more in the pipeline in the beauty and fashion spaces like Thirteen Lune, Ceremonia, 111SKIN, Lion Pose and more.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    Mora Cosmetics

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a visibly Muslim woman beauty founder, I am honored to represent a beauty brand that serves my beautiful community. Beauty is within all of us, but true beauty comes from inclusion!

    Who They Are

    Mora Cosmetics is one of North America's first halal, clean, vegan makeup brands. Mora means a pearl in Farsi. Like a pearl, we believe beauty is a precious part of a person's day.

    Mora Cosmetics is the distilled life work of women who want to bring cosmetics that nourish beauty, not mask it. Like the beauty of a pearl, we see the beauty that already exists in us all. We seek to simplify beauty routines by offering multitasking high-performance beauty products.

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    People of Color

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're excited to be nominated for the Inclusivity Champion award because inclusivity is what our brand was founded on. For us, this is not a campaign, a box to check, or a trend. This is who we are.

    Who They Are

    People of Color is a non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free nail polish brand made to complement the various shades of brown skin as the first thought, not an afterthought. It's our mission to celebrate and represent people of color from all over the world by collectively sharing our stories, our way through nail polish. People of Color makes “nail polish for people of color and those who live in color”, because we all live in a world of color!

  • Inclusivity Champion
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    SISTERWOULD

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled and honored to be nominated for the Inclusivity Champion at the 2023 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards. Inclusivity is a fundamental value for us. We believe that beauty should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, ability, or any other characteristic. By voting for us, you are supporting a brand that prioritizes accessibility, celebrates diversity, and strives to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals of all backgrounds. Join us on our mission to reshape the beauty landscape into a more inclusive and empowering space and vote for SISTERWOULD.

    Who They Are

    SISTERWOULD is a haircare brand with high-performing skincare ingredients for your hair and scalp. A brand that also focuses on inclusivity through innovative tactile ingredients and accessible packaging design with universal braille and a tactile imprinting system.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Love Not War

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're are absolutely thrilled to be nominated in the Sustainability Champion category of 2023 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards! Back when Love Not War first launched we made a commitment to ensure sustainability remained right at the centre of everything we endeavoured to do and so to be recognised for this is such an honour in itself. Big thank you to the team at Beauty Independent!

    Who They Are

    Love Not War is the creator of the world's first range of sustainable vibrators using recyclable materials in the company's custom build, green powered factory. As a brand, Love Not War has placed sustainability right at the centre of everything including how all of the toys are not only rechargeable but also come in two separate parts, the head and the battery base. The base is completely interchangeable with all of the heads in the range meaning you only need one base to power multiple toys in one. They also offer a repair and recycle scheme for their toys as well as offering carbon neutral shipping.

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Parrotfish

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am excited to be nominated because I have built Parrotfish around something I love and am endlessly passionate about. I have combined my love for artistry, the environment, clean ingredients, and self-care into a unique and meaningful experience for others. I pour my heart and soul into every aspect of the brand, from the carefully selected ingredients to the artistic presentation of each product. When you vote for Parrotfish, you are not only supporting a small business but a vision, a mission, and a commitment to make a positive change in the world.

    Who They Are

    A collection of sustainable, zero waste, plant-based and palm-oil-free shower steamers, shampoo, conditioner and soap bars for a healthier planet and a healthier you!

  • Sustainability Champion
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    Ries

    A Word From The Nominee

    I founded RIES as a woman of color and frequent traveler who found the lack of sustainable, design-friendly travel containers truly haunting. Creating a functional product that addresses circularity and accessibility in beauty has been the realization of a decades-long dream.

    We are so honored to be recognized by Beauty Independent for our innovative design. Every part of our patented refillable pump design was considered for its sustainability -- from our magnet-free recycled plastics to our dishwasher safe modular design, our bottles were created to limit product exposure to the elements while remaining reusable for decades.

    As the first refillable travel bottle brand to launch at Sephora, our small-but-mighty team has helped usher in a new era of rethinking plastic waste in the beauty industry. Recognition from the Beacon Awards helps push our initiatives to new audiences and continue to innovate and combat waste in the industry.

    Who They Are

    Ries is a sustainable packaging and beauty brand redefining the relationship between beauty and travel. Ries makes the only refillable, reusable travel-size bottle designed for beauty.

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    Sitch Haircare

    A Word From The Nominee

    At Sitch, we are honored to be recognized and nominated for the Sustainability Champion Award. Our commitment as an indie beauty brand goes beyond just creating exceptional haircare products. We believe "What's good for us should also be good for our planet."

    Combined with our decades of experience in the industry and our vision for the future, we aimed to deliver quality hair products made with high-performance ingredients that have been responsibly sourced and packaged in cool, sustainable packaging.

    Winning this award would help set us on a path to lead others in the industry to think deeper and do better for the sake of our world. Thank you.

    Who They Are

    Cool, Clean, and Sustainable. Sitch is the first professional haircare range that is 100% refillable. From sourcing and packaging to ingredients and design, the life cycle of Sitch has been thoughtfully considered.

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    The Conscious Beauty Group

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am absolutely delighted that The Conscious Beauty Group has been recognised for its sustainability efforts and that we've been nominated in the Sustainability Champion category. Sustainability has been at the core of our business since day one - it has framed every decision we've made across all three brands - WE ARE PARADOXX, SUPERNOVA and Mini Humans, and has given us a focus and determination to impact genuine change within the beauty and personal care industry in order to protect our planet for future generations.

    Who They Are

    The Conscious Beauty Group is on a mission to drive genuine change in the beauty and personal care industry with regards to sustainability and reducing dependence on plastic, and is the force behind Plastic Free Beauty Day, an annual awareness day on June 17th that aims to educate on the harmful effects of plastic pollution.

    The Conscious Beauty Group comprises WE ARE PARADOXX - the ‘cool & clean’ sustainable beauty brand with a cult following thanks to its edit of natural, vegan and high performance hair and body products, SUPERNOVA - the hair tools brand behind the world’s first patented attachment-free, 3-in-1 hair straightener, wave wand and curling tong; and Mini Humans - the personal care brand that is good for baby, good for the planet. The company is passionate about sustainable, clean, conscious beauty, and has a clear focus on driving this message globally, offering consumers high performance products without compromising on eco-credentials.

  • Product Innovation
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    Enchantment Gel

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    As doctors, we know that sexual health is an integral part of overall health. We are eager to share our Enchantment Gel after years of research. This is the first and only arousal gel to have its efficacy (blood flow to the clitoris) quantified by ultrasound, with findings published in a medical journal.

    Who They Are

    CERĒ is the first sexual wellness brand founded by an Ob/Gyn, with a suite of pleasure products and tools developed by doctors. CERĒ's Enchantment Gel is the first of its kind, created by physicians and published in a medical journal. The proprietary formulation features a science-backed amino acid blend of l-arginine and l-citrulline, which was extensively studied to increase blood flow, warmth, and pleasure. It is specially formulated for women to enjoy solo or partner play and is safe for use with CERĒ's line of female-first pleasure tools. Dr. Amir Marashi (CERĒ Founder) and Dr. Kimberly Lovie (Harvard and Yale-trained chemist, engineer, and sonographer) developed the Clitogram, the first clitoral ultrasound protocol, to evaluate the efficacy of their formulations. Using their knowledge of anatomy, they also developed the Lalalena, the first vibrator shaped like the clitoris.

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    Robot Manicure

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for leading the way in beauty innovation with the world’s first and only AI powered manicure robot. By bringing automation to beauty services, we are on a mission to make self care more accessible. Our robot delivers high quality nail color in minutes at an affordable price. It’s been incredible to see customers delight in experiencing robotics for a real world application that saves them time and money. We are honored for the recognition by Beauty Independent supporting our breakthrough contributions in the space.

    Who They Are

    Clockwork has built the world's first and only robot manicure.

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    Molecular Hero Serum

    A Word From The Nominee

    Mother Science is delighted and privileged to receive this nomination. True molecular innovation is rare, and discovering Malassezin required a mix of curiosity, scientific rigor, and passion. There has been little advancement in hyperpigmentation products over the past years and through thorough research and rigorous testing, Mother Science discovered a groundbreaking active ingredient known as Malassezin. As a biotech beauty brand that originated from a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific exploration, our commitment remains unwavering in pushing the limits of skincare through science. This is only the beginning of Mother Science's journey.

    Who They Are

    Mother Science is a revolutionary biotech beauty brand creating next-generation skincare solutions. The brand launched on May 9, 2023 with its first product, Molecular Hero Serum, which is powered by Malassezin, a breakthrough, patented ingredient that is a 10x more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin C. The brand is co-founded by husband-wife duo, Mike Einziger, founding guitarist of the rock band Incubus, and renowned violinist, Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger. The couple never intended to start a skincare brand, but their serendipitous discovery of Malassezin led to the inception of Mother Science. Both Mike and Ann Marie have always been enthralled by science. Mike studied the history of physics at Harvard and Ann Marie majored in biology at the University of Virginia and later taught high school physics and chemistry before her career as a rock violist. In 2016 while on tour, Ann Marie developed a harmless skin condition that caused lightened patches of skin on her back. She had a hypothesis: could whatever caused the lightened patches be used to intentionally reduce the look of dark spots on her face? Through their research, they identified Malassezin, a naturally-occurring molecule found on skin with dramatic brightening and dark spot benefits. The couple assembled a team of leading scientists, and over the course of six years, through biotechnology, they were able to harness the benefits of Malassezin for the first time in history. Mother Science patented Malassezin globally and is the first to use this novel ingredient. Molecular Hero Serum dramatically reduces the appearance of dark spots and sun damage, and brightens skin with results starting in two weeks. It also smooths skin texture and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Product Innovation
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    Precision Lash Robot

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are so excited to show the world how cutting-edge technology can be used to assist and augment human skills & artistry, making "Fast Fabulous" beauty services available to all.

    Who They Are

    LUUM is making fast, fabulous lash extensions available to everyone. Our lash artists use precision robotics and A.I. to apply stunning lashes quickly, safely, comfortably, and affordably — now at Ulta Beauty in select locations!

  • Product Innovation
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    Sun Gummy

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for the Beauty Independent Beacon Awards in the category of Product Innovation. At Embody, we're passionate about disrupting the status quo of skincare. Why? Because we believe the beauty industry should be simple, effective, and enjoyable for all. Traditional skincare routines have had us layering product after product onto our skin, but we dared to imagine a different way. A way that feeds our skin from the inside out, simplifying routines and amplifying results.

    Our newest creation, the Sun Gummy, represents this vision perfectly. It's not just another supplement; it's a game changer. Complementing your daily topical sunscreen, this gummy is designed to bolster your skin's resilience against environmental factors, while enhancing its natural beauty. We've packed it with powerful antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients like Polypodium Leucotomos Extract, Selenium, Vitamin C, and Lutein, creating a formula that protects your skin's health from the inside out like never before.

    The Sun Gummy, like all Embody products, is the culmination of our belief in skincare you can eat, skincare that works from within. It's an innovation we're incredibly proud of, and it showcases our dedication to creating a more convenient and effective approach to skincare.

    Who They Are

    Eat your skincare | Embody makes effective (& oh so delicious) skincare gummies that tackle skin concerns from the inside out. The 10-step routine is long, boring, and expensive. Our gummies go deeper than the surface to nourish your skin with the nutrients it needs to do its thing, naturally. Toss your topicals, edible skincare is here!

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    Trinity+ Device

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're honored to be nominated in the category of Product Innovation for the 2023 Beauty Independent Beacon Awards! As the pioneers of microcurrent technology, we've been innovating for 18 years and continue to be at the forefront with a holistic and tech-forward approach to client customization.

    Who They Are

    NuFACE® is the #1 prestige skincare device company that revolutionized at-home skincare with microcurrent technology. FDA-cleared NuFACE Microcurrent Technology goes beyond traditional skincare - to the MUSCLES - for instant results with zero downtime.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    FRÉ Skincare

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for the 2023 Philanthropy Champion Award. This nomination is especially inspiring and uplifting for our incredible team, customers, and community of Ambassadors who volunteer their time to empower women and girls through sport. We have always wanted to be a brand that lights the way for others to make a significant social impact, and being nominated inspires us for the future. Vote for FRÉ, and join us! We are an Active Beauty Movement with a mission to share a healthy, positive vision of beauty with the world.

    Who They Are

    FRÉ Skincare
    Let’s Glow Together!

    FRÉ was founded with a passion to disrupt the beauty industry and create a new approach to business that helps solve the social and environmental issues of our time. It is the calling of our generation to bring together business, social, and environmental impact. Our mission is to strive for excellence on this path and light the way for young entrepreneurs.

    We bring innovation to every part of our journey, from creating patented skincare formulas, to building an Ambassador community of wellness leaders who actively volunteer to turn our mission into reality.

    Our skincare solutions provide the most advanced protection against UV radiation, and take suncare to the next level by also treating skin from the long-lasting effects of UV damage. Our products are powered by our Anti-UV Damage Patent: Argania Active Complex™️. This innovative 100% natural formula combines the oil, leaf-extract, and stem cells of the resilient desert argan tree.

    Over the years we have formed a powerful Active Beauty Movement of wellness leaders and activists with a mission to share a healthy, positive vision of beauty that empowers people and gives back to the community. Our team and Ambassadors volunteer to empower girls from underprivileged backgrounds through sport and to build supportive communities for mothers. For every set sold, we plant an argan tree in Morocco to economically support the incredible women who harvest argan oil and fight argan deforestation. To date, we have planted 63,000 trees.

    We believe that when women are strong, the world is strong!

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    Hope Fragrances

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are most excited to be nominated for this award because the very core of the brand is based on giving back and a philanthropy model. The brand would not exist without its charity aspect. Giving back to our community and the opportunity to spread our important mental health message is interwoven as a marketing objective. The message of the brand is seamless. “Buy HOPE and give back,” since 100% of net profits go to depression research at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation.

    Who They Are

    Audrey Gruss is Founder and Chairman of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), which she established in 2006 in memory of her late mother Hope, who battled clinical depression for decades. HDRF’s mission is to fund pioneering international scientific research into the origins, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of depression and its related mood and other emotional disorders, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. Additionally, in 2017, Audrey created the Hope Fragrance Collection, a line of fragrances that donate 100% of net profits directly to the Hope for Depression Research Foundation.

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    MMSkincare

    A Word From The Nominee

    MMSkincare is honored to be considered for this award, as philanthropy is at the heart of our brand. Philanthropy and skincare are two of Dr. Marmur’s great passions in life, and she hopes to continue intersecting the two, providing accessible skincare tools for all ages and groups of people.

    Who They Are

    MMSkincare was created by Dr. Ellen Marmur, award winning cosmetic and dermatologic surgeon, teacher, researcher, and Professor at Mount Sinai. Dr. Marmur founded Marmur Medical and MMSkincare in alignment with her philosophy of Preservation Aging®, which believes in graceful aging, and highlights Dr. Marmur’s holistic approach to cosmetic dermatology. MMSkincare’s mission is to bring biology back to beauty using LED light. MMSkincare’s clinically proven system is the first of its kind: no other skincare brand delivers such authority, experience, research, and science with beauty and technology for your skin. Moreover, MMSkincare is the world’s only system to harness the power of visible light to our skin cells and brain pathways, with dynamic ingredients and LED therapy.

    MMSkincare was born from philanthropy. Dr. Marmur is a skin cancer survivor herself, having had recurrent basal cell carcinoma on her face and early melanoma on her knee. Her passion for volunteerism and philanthropy started at a young age and was sparked to new heights in 2014 when she founded Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! Dr. Marmur was inspired to create a light-activated skincare and wellness system after observing the ecosystem of plants and light at different altitudes and hemispheres. Moreover, her work and expertise in blue light, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy medicines allowed her to create a skincare system that is backed by true science. Additionally, MMSkincare’s line of sun protection, Sasha Suncare, is the world’s only teenage brand of sun protection that is 100% philanthropic and mindful of the environment, creating a line of reef safe sunscreen. Dr. Marmur is humbled and proud to have been recognized with several humanitarian awards and Presidential Awards from the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Marmur has just recently been named Chair of the Philanthropic Relations Committee for the American Academy of Dermatology.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    Novara

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    Being nominated for this award fills us with immense pride and reaffirms our dedication to meaningful change. By voting for Novara, you contribute to a movement that transcends skincare, empowering individuals to embrace their own well-being while fostering compassion for others.

    Who They Are

    At Novara, we firmly believe in the power of skincare to transform lives. Not only do we nourish the skin, but we also nurture an individual’s sense of self-worth. We have embraced a vision where beauty intertwines with compassion and purpose, creating a harmonious blend of self-care and social responsibility.

    As we strive to craft products that embody purity and efficacy, our philanthropic endeavors reflect our core values of empathy, resilience, and hope. Novara stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a world where clean beauty and philanthropy seamlessly converge.

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    Raw Sugar Living

    A Word From The Nominee

    I believe consumers today, support companies whose story they want to be part of, so why not make it a great story? To me, our story begins with purpose. Our early brand mission was and still is to make CLEAN products more affordable for ALL – and invoke a feeling of self-love. This passion continues to inspire all of us at Raw Sugar today. We are always evaluating ways to do it better; always improving upon our brand mission to reduce our footprint wherever we can. However, it’s not just about packaging and ingredients, it’s also about giving back and creating change. All of these are pillars of Raw Sugar that moves us forward. Our team is honored to be recognized by the team at Beauty Independent for our efforts in leaving this world a bit better than we found it. We look forward to all that is to come on the Raw Sugar journey and as always, remain eternally grateful for our customers and supporters who have helped continue to make our work and mission possible.

    Who They Are

    Raw Sugar Living is a Personal Care Brand providing products made with good-for-you ingredients at an affordable price. We stand for the real, raw authenticity of being human. For the respect of our planet and each other. Our mission is "Clean For All" because we believe everyone deserves products that make them feel clean, beautiful, empowered, and loved from the outside in. Raw Sugar is all about clean living and living clean and we never compromise on our commitment to using organic extracts and maintaining the integrity of our formulas.

    We have a do-no-harm philosophy and never test on animals, are mindful of harmful chemicals and are constantly seeking new ways to protect our planet and use less virgin plastic. Our signature eco-friendly white bottles are made from 30% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastic with a full commitment to 100% PCR by 2030.

    The Raw Sugar Initiative was launched with a single bar of soap and a philosophy that people are only as beautiful as they feel – and it’s hard to feel beautiful if you don’t feel clean. It’s the reason we’ve donated over 16 Million bars of soap and other clean essentials to families around the world and why we partner with organizations like Eco-Soap Bank working to save, sanitize and supply leftover soap to those in need, and Water For People to make clean water available for underserved communities around the world. Each purchase makes our continued contributions possible.

  • Philanthropy Champion
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    WYOS

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated as a Philanthropy Champion because we truly believe in our cause of advancing the mental health conversation, but also believe that brands can enter into philanthropic conversations with the consumer in new ways. Our Pledge of Values requires no purchase–instead we ask our community to agree not to ghost, be respectful of others and show gratitude, for each member that signs we donate $1 to the Maddhappy Foundation dedicated to moving mental health forward. We believe we can all be better characters in our own stories and hope that by driving awareness of how we behave versus purely driving purchase, that we are building a meaningful community and are very grateful to be recognized for it.

    Who They Are

    WYOS began because personal care felt impersonal. Products on the market lack portability, and avoiding waste is nearly impossible. That’s why WYOS created a personal care line for the hair & skin that is simple, mess-free and fun to use when and where you want. Although the WYOS story starts with the products, it runs deeper than that. WYOS, which stands for Write Your Own Story, is all about building community with shared values of progress, gratitude, and respect. The WYOS Pledge of Values (POV) encourages mental health awareness and to treat others with kindness and respect. With each pledge, WYOS donates $1 to the MadHappy Foundation – no purchase required!

  • Brand Launch
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    ATWATER

    A Word From The Nominee

    I identified a gap in the market for clean, customizable products that not only catered to men's skincare needs but also fostered a sense of community. That's how ATWATER came into existence, with the primary focus of addressing the top concern among men: achieving healthy-looking skin without any heavy feeling.

    We are incredibly excited to be nominated and acknowledged in the Best Brand Launch category. Your vote would mean a lot to us as it demonstrates support for my passion project - ATWATER! Thank you for your consideration and ongoing support!

    Who They Are

    Founded by industry veteran Chris Salgardo, ATWATER is dedicated to giving men a modern alternative to his grooming regimen with clean, high-performance products that work. The brand is on a mission to simplify his daily routine with simple, high quality products that boost his confidence and help him to look his best as he moves through life.

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    Epres

    A Word From The Nominee

    We hope that the nomination will inspire others to innovate. With innovation comes progress and progress is what drives us into a better future.

    Who They Are

    Crafted by world-renowned material scientist Eric Pressly, PH.D, epres is the future of high performance haircare. epres' patented one-step bond repair technology delivers professional-level, consistently superior results. epres takes a thoughtful approach to hair-repair science, delivering maximum results with efforts to improve impact to the planet.

  • Brand Launch
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    Fara Homidi

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am thrilled to be nominated for Independent Beauty’s Brand Launch award! Fara Homidi beauty is the culmination of my life’s work, 25+ years of makeup artistry. I felt there wasn’t a brand that combined clean beauty with artistry-forward formulations and elevated design. I also couldn’t find any luxury cosmetics that were considerate of complexion- in a way that would speak to how my friends and I looked. We are a diverse bunch from all over the world and we like to take care of ourselves with the best products available to us. Leading the makeup on runways, campaigns, and editorials, I’m fortunate to work with many incredible models with different skin tones. I am leveraging that access to develop the Fara Homidi shades and textures in order to inform and perfect my products. It was important that my launch campaign had a non-compromising high fashion sensibility, which hasn’t been done in beauty. With diversity being a huge pillar for my brand, we featured boundary breaking Paloma Elsesser along with Beyoncé Ambrose and Camilla Deterre, showcasing the products on three very different complexions.

    Thank you again for the nomination. As a small team of three, with four years of working behind the scenes prior launch, this means everything!

    Who They Are

    Fara Homidi is a luxury cosmetics line created by a world-renowned makeup artist. It is clean makeup without compromises, complexion considerate, made to perform in stunning packaging. Fara Homidi wholeheartedly supports the concept of Slow Beauty: creating products that have been lovingly crafted using sustainable methods and intelligently sourced ingredients. Fewer, better products.

  • Brand Launch
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    Julie

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We launched Julie with the goal to change the conversation around emergency contraception and make it as accessible as possible to those who need it most. Our approach to this space is deeply rooted in education, access, and relatability. By challenging the stigma and shame so commonly associated with emergency contraception, we're creating a better morning after for a new generation.

    Who They Are

    Julie is an FDA-approved emergency contraception for a new generation. Created with a purpose to change the conversation around emergency contraception and the belief that everyone deserves access to products that support their sexual wellbeing, each detail of the brand is crafted to replace stigma and shame with learning and acceptance.

  • Brand Launch
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    Pavise

    A Word From The Nominee

    Pavise is a groundbreaking skincare brand founded by MIT and Harvard educated scientist, Sophie Bai. Sophie's has discovered dozens of patented molecules that help treat various cancers, and one of her discoveries is at the core of Pavise. The proprietary DiamondCore has revolutionized SPF to create the first fully transparent zinc sun protection formula.

    Who They Are

    Pavise's mission is to be a catalyst for suncare innovation. We have and continue to invent groundbreaking, never-before-seen molecular technologies that pave a new path in full-spectrum UV protection for all skin tones. We redefine your relationship to suncare by fundamentally transforming your experience through a reimagining of the most stringent objections to wearing sun protection. Our diamond-augmented zinc oxide contains a DiamondCore® that gives it a uniform molecular size and shape in contrast to other mineral filters, yielding a transparent, luxurious finish for all skin types with no white cast. This uniform zinc oxide structure also offers superior broad-spectrum protection because of superior light scattering capabilities, which form a more even, stronger shield over skin.

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    Perfumehead

    A Word From The Nominee

    It is an honor to be nominated, especially with so many meaningful brands launching this past year. We are proud of the brand we have built and motivated more than ever to inspire the perfumeheads in all of us.

    Who They Are

    Perfumehead is a luxury brand founded in Los Angeles by Daniel Patrick Giles with a mission a explore The Osmocosm through beautiful fragrances and fascinating stories. Perfumehead challenges our common perceptions of scent, romanticizes our lives, and inspires us to use fragrances as a medium for discovery. As our auteur of scent, Giles pens an olfactory screenplay, staging an ensemble cast of cultural muses - art, film, music, books, lovers, places and poetry. His debut collection is an ode to his home and creative muse - Los Angeles.

  • Best Brand
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    Allies of Skin

    A Word From The Nominee

    Being nominated for the Best Brand Beacon Award is an honor for Allies of Skin. It recognizes our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence in the beauty industry. We are excited about this nomination because it validates our relentless pursuit of creating skincare products that deliver on their promises and enhance the well-being of our customers.

    We believe people should vote for us because we have consistently pushed boundaries, challenging conventional norms to redefine skincare. Our products are thoughtfully crafted with highly concentrated, supercharged formulas that help you achieve maximal results, in minimum steps.

    At Allies of Skin, we deeply value our community of Allies and are grateful for their unwavering support. Voting for us means supporting a brand that is dedicated to empowering individuals to feel good in their skin.

    Who They Are

    Allies of Skin is a multi-awarded trailblazing skincare brand founded by Nicolas Travis. Using clinically proven actives to craft science-led formulas, Allies of Skin potent products do more with less – and they’ve earned serious A-list fans: Hailey Bieber, January Jones, Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo & Kaia Gerber – who announced, “Everything I use is Allies of Skin; I don’t use anything else.” Allies of Skin is next-level skincare that delivers results in fewer steps, designed for every lifestyle.

  • Best Brand
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    Elix

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our mission at Elix has always been to spread knowledge on how our periods are a vital sign for our health so we can feel our best (naturally) EVERY day of the month by living in sync with the rhythm of our cycle. I’m so beyond proud of the Elix team for this nomination and for continuing building a world where we no longer have to suffer through disruptive and painful period symptoms.

    Who They Are

    Elix is the first tech-enabled platform to deliver personalized Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by combining centuries of knowledge, medicinal herbs, and clinical research to empower self-healing. Beginning with menstrual and hormone health, Elix brings an East meets West approach to underserved and stigmatized areas of chronic care.

  • Best Brand
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    Foria

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're incredibly honored to be nominated for the category of Best Brand in the prestigious Beauty Independent Beacon Awards. Beauty Independent has always been a huge supporter of our work and we're ecstatic to be considered as an industry leader by their team. Foria is on a mission to make pleasure accessible to all by addressing long standing gaps in the sexual wellness market, and supporting sexual wellness at every stage of life - from menstruation through menopause. We're proud to make formulas that set the standards for clean ingredients, innovation, and efficacy. And we hope that by bringing more pleasure, education and connection to our community, we can enrich bodies, minds and relationships inside and outside of the bedroom.

    Who They Are

    Foria is an innovative sexual wellness company that makes life-changing, all-natural, organic formulas for intimacy, period relief and daily wellbeing. Rooted in the belief that pleasure is your nature, Foria sets the standards in the sexual wellness space for clean, innovative, and highly effective formulas. With award-winning products, Foria supports intimate experiences across every stage of life to bring more pleasure to more people.

    Foria believes that pleasure and connection sit at the heart of wellbeing. Designed to fill long standing gaps in the sexual wellness market, Foria’s products are specifically designed for the female body. Guided by the wisdom of plants, Foria intentionally selects botanicals to solve real needs and deliver meaningful results. Foria’s products are sustainably made from seed to shelf, with a commitment to organic & regeneratively farmed ingredients and low impact packaging. Every product is made domestically in the USA, with mother nature in mind every step of the way.

    Offerings include Awaken, Foria’s hero arousal oil, a luxurious Sex Oil lubricant, relaxing Bath Salts, tension-easing Salve and Suppositories, and much more. Most recently, as part of Foria’s mission to close the pleasure gap and make pleasure and wellness accessible to all, the brand has expanded its line to include botanical CBD-Free products: including an arousal oil with botanicals and a sensual breast oil.

  • Best Brand
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    Jolie

    A Word From The Nominee

    Jolie has been able to improve the skin and hair of over 100k customers in just 21 months. The water we shower in is fundamental to the way our skin and hair looks and Jolie is the #1 filtering shower in the world. It's an honor to be nominated for Best Brand and humbling to have so many satisfied customers.

    Who They Are

    Jolie is a beauty wellness company that purifies your water for better skin, hair and wellbeing.

  • Best Brand
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    Provence Beauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    At Provence Beauty, we believe you can have it all: exceptional ingredients, sustainable practices, effective formulas, immaculate vibes—all for $25 or less. We’d be thrilled to receive your vote so we can continue to introduce more people to our next-generation products and shift the way we see prestige beauty overall.

    Who They Are

    Provence Beauty is a French-inspired skincare line that’s making traditional French formulas modern, accessible, and fun for the next generation. The ones who are asking for more: clean ingredients, effective formulas, sustainable practices, approachable prices, and immaculate France-meets-LA vibes.

  • Best Brand
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    Youthforia

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're excited to be nominated for Best Brand because we're creating something really fun and special at Youthforia. We have an amazing growing community that's been watching us grow the brand from Day 1. They've been with us through all of the tough moments in the journey and are there to celebrate with us through all of the special moments.

    Who They Are

    Youthforia creates makeup you can sleep in. It is best known for creating BYO Blush, the world’s first color changing blush oil that went viral on TikTok and kicked off one of the biggest trends in makeup. After launching in 2021, Youthforia appeared on Shark Tank and became Mark Cuban’s first makeup deal. Youthforia is sold on DTC, Amazon and in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Credo Beauty, Thirteen Lune and Revolve.

  • Indie Deal
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    Adwoa Beauty

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am excited to be nominated for a brand deal because as a Black woman owned business and our history of being un​der​funded, this is an important category, acknowledgment and award. particular​l​y to have raised $4m in our seed round. I am excited that it will encourage other founders like me to seek funding and stay the course!

    Who They Are

    Clean haircare for textured hair.

  • Indie Deal
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    Nopalera

    A Word From The Nominee

    Nopalera was founded to fight the Euro-centric beliefs that products from Western Europe with French and Italian names are worthier of higher price tags and conversely, things made with Mexican hands should be cheaper. This nomination validates that we are accomplishing what we set out to - to celebrate and elevate Latin@ culture in this space. Voting for us is recognizing the beauty and richness of Mexican culture.

    Who They Are

    Nopalera is Mexican Botanicals for Bath & Body on a mission to celebrate and elevate Latin@ culture. We take our inspiration from the nopal (cactus) for its cultural symbolism, resilience, sustainability, and versatility.

  • Indie Deal
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    True Botanicals

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored to be recognized as Best Indie Deal! As we navigated the challenging fundraising environment of 2023, it was important for us to not only find capital, but to find an investor who shares our values around transparency and sustainability. We knew we had found the right partner in Tiffany Obenchain and Andrea Freedman of NextWorld Evergreen, whose deep expertise in clean beauty and ESG will be instrumental in helping True Botanicals execute on its strategic vision. Tiffany and Andrea join our new Independent Board Member Margarita Arriagada to form our first all-women Board of Directors.

    Who They Are

    True Botanicals is a luxurious, consciously crafted skincare brand on a mission to deliver clean and sustainable products that are clinically proven to work at the highest standards. We ethically source vegan ingredients from the vibrant intelligence of nature, without any toxins or fillers, ever. Each product delivers potent concentrations of plant actives that are known for their nourishing vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidant properties. Every scoop, spritz and slather is a sensorial, indulgent experience that can make an extraordinary difference for your skin, as well as the planet.

  • Reference Deal
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    Hero Cosmetics

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    Beauty Independent is super special to me. BI has followed the Hero journey from the very beginning giving the brand a voice. The BI community is so amazing and filled with colleagues, friends, and peers and to be recognized by this group is truly an honor! The Hero story is undeniably amazing - a mix of hard work and good fortune that got us from launch to exit in 5 years. We built a fast-growing and profitable business, an amazing team, differentiated and effective products and I hope our success can inspire others to also build amazing brands and businesses. I hope everyone votes for Hero in recognition of the entire team and what we have achieved to take the brand into the next chapter and beyond.

    Who They Are

    Hero is a functional skincare brand focused on acne-prone skin. Since launching in 2017, the brand has grown from a startup with a single product to an established skincare care brand with a portfolio of products to address the full lifecycle of acne breakouts. One box of Hero’s award-winning Mighty Patch acne patches is sold every 2 seconds and the brand has sold 1 billion individual patches across 14,000+ retail locations and online retailers, including www.herocosmetics.us. Hero provides your skin the tools it needs to fight on its own so you can take back control and reveal the hero inside.

    Why They Won
    This deal really stood out from others this year. Everyone—whether you are a brand founder, investor or banker— will look at Hero Cosmetic’s $600 million deal with Church & Dwight and think of it as the “new standard”.
  • Best Campaign
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    Beekman 1802

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are beyond excited that Beekman 1802 has been nominated as a Best Campaign nominee! As a smaller brand, we need to continually find unique ways to compete and stand out in the market, and unexpected collaborations are a key part of our strategy. When it came time to launch of Oh! Mega Milk Fermented Facial Oil, we wanted to challenge normal to oily skin consumers to try an option (fermented milky oil) that gave them all the glow – without the grease. This sparked our campaign, “Time for an Oil Change” … and of course, the first place you think of when you think of an oil change is Jiffy Lube. Seriously, what’s more unexpected that going to get an oil change at Jiffy Lube and finding a pop-up spa experience with a range of services and product experiences? We hope you find this campaign fun and inspiring too!

    Who They Are

    About Beekman 1802
    Beekman 1802 was born in 2008 when founders Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge moved to the historic Beekman farm in rural Sharon Springs, NY. There they found a tightknit community and 100 goats looking for a home. With one act of Kindness and the discovery of nutrient-dense goat milk, they quickly became a skin health company synonymous with efficacious goat milk products that moisturize, exfoliate, and nourish the skin's microbiome. With their Clinically Kind® approach to skincare that is clinically tested, scientifically proven, and made for sensitive skin, they have long proven that There's Beauty in Kindness.

  • Best Campaign
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    Black Radiance

    A Word From The Nominee

    To say that we are honored to be nominated for Beauty Independent’s Beacon Award for our 30 years of Black Radiance® Campaign 2023 would be an understatement. We are ecstatic beyond measure to be recognized by this industry nod! We do not take this acknowledgment lightly. It means everything to our team and everyone involved behind the scenes of the campaign. Especially the pioneers who believed in the possibilities of offering a diverse and inclusive beauty line called Black Radiance® long before others realized there was a need to cater to women of color.

    Voting for Black Radiance® serves to solidify our brand mission of offering diverse beauty colors and shades that enable our customers to engage in self-expression, powerful play, and storytelling daily. Thank you again for the honor.

    Who They Are

    Black Radiance® is proud to celebrate thirty years of uplifting the inner beauty and outer allure of women of color. Black Radiance® excels as the #1 trusted brand that amplifies black voices and celebrates heritage and perspective worldwide – as well as in the community.

    Innovation and inclusivity dominate our narratives. Driven by desire and cultural realities, Black Radiance® is on-trend with the latest technology to offer a diverse range of colors and tones that uplift unique ethnic shades to enable powerful play and storytelling – daily.

    In the Black Radiance® beauty-verse, we embrace ‘essential over excess’. Our luxurious formulations are cruelty-free, economical, and multi-functional. Our product line is representational of various cultures and serves a broad spectrum of emerging new looks.

  • Best Campaign
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    Coconu

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be nominated for the Best Campaign category with our groundbreaking initiative, "Tackle the Taboo.” Our campaign aims to break down the stigma surrounding sexual wellness products and empower individuals to embrace their sexual health without shame or judgment. Through accessible education and a wealth of resources on traditionally taboo health topics, we strive to normalize these experiences and foster open discussions. We invite everyone to vote for us to support the mission of educating and empowering individuals, regardless of age or background, and create a more inclusive and informed society where sexual well-being is embraced and celebrated.

    Who They Are

    Coconu is committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives by offering 100% safe and organic personal care products. The company was founded in 2012 when they took a closer look at the available personal lubricants ingredient list and could not find a product that met their standards. The company continues to make the world a better place, one tube at a time, with natural ingredients their customers can trust and a “good, clean, healthy, fun” attitude toward what happens in the bedroom. With a brand personality as clean and fresh as the ingredients they source, Coconu is dedicated to helping people increase their capacity for connection, intimacy, and pleasure.

  • Best Campaign
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    Daniel Alain

    A Word From The Nominee

    Daniel Alain is deeply honored to be nominated for the "Best Campaign" award for our recent #sHairyourjourney campaign. Daniel Alain's #sHairyourjourney initiative holds incredible significance as it encourages women to share their personal stories of hair loss, shedding, and baldness, creating a platform for support and empowerment. By raising awareness and fostering understanding, we can break the silence surrounding these experiences. Daniel Alain believes that every woman's voice matters, and by voting for this campaign, you're not just supporting countless of women on their hair loss journey but also joining a movement that embraces authenticity and celebrates resilience. Together, let's inspire others to embrace their unique beauty, no matter what challenges they face. Join Daniel Alain in making a difference and casting your vote today.

    Who They Are

    At Daniel Alain, we are devoted to spreading awareness of women’s hair loss so you and millions of other women like you can feel empowered to stand together and regain self-confidence. One of the best ways to support one another is through the power of sharing our stories, which is why we launched the #sHAIRyourjourney campaign.

    Founded in 2004, Daniel Alain is the world's leading hair loss and hair enhancement company. With a focus on providing a 360-degree solution to women's and men’s hair loss, no matter what stage of the journey, Daniel Alain is actively engaged in research and development of medical and cosmetic products for the treatment of hair loss. The Daniel Alain portfolio includes FOLLEA Luxury Wigs and Hair Enhancements, INTACT Anti Hair Shedding Treatment, the Minoxidil Response Test (MRT) and much more.

  • Best Campaign
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    JUNOCO

    A Word From The Nominee

    The beauty industry has, for too long, upheld standards as impeccably perfect as fine china — airbrushed, over-photoshopped, and devoid of the beautiful reality of human skin. But a new generation is now challenging this narrative, seeking authenticity over artificiality. They want to see wrinkles, pores, and true diversity and representation when it comes to their skin.

    At JUNOCO, we're not just joining this movement; we're pushing it to the next level. Our mission is to celebrate the reality of skin, and to embrace its unique “imperfections”. Our #ToBeHuman campaign is an embodiment of this commitment, championing real skin and boundless beauty.

    We've got big plans for JUNOCO, and we're thrilled to have you be a part of it with your vote.

    Who They Are

    JUNOCO is creating for anyone with a body 一 skincare that is cleaner, sustainable, and made for everyone. Representing real people, real skin, and real bodies is core to our mission. #TOBEHUMAN

  • Best Campaign
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    LUNA MAGIC

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are beyond excited for "24/7 by Luna Magic" be nominated for Best Campaign. Why 24/7? “24/7 by Luna Magic” is a collection of photos and videos capturing everyday women working overnight shifts in NYC and taking the spotlight to prove that the beauty of nightlife exists beyond the bars, clubs, and parties.

    Real beauty isn’t about brand names or celebrity faces, it’s about tapping into the authentic you. Say adios to beauty as defined by celebrities and unrealistic standards. And hola to beauty that makes you feel confident and strong in your own vibe.

    Who They Are

    LUNA MAGIC is a fast-growing indie beauty & lifestyle brand founded by sisters Mabel and Shaira Frías. By combining their passions for beauty and lifestyle, The Frias Sisters created a vibrant brand that celebrates their mutual love for their multicultural heritage, culture and music—in living color.

    LUNA MAGIC was founded in Los Angeles with a mission to introduce high-performance cosmetics, bold flavor, diversity, inclusivity and vibrancy to the beauty industry. We're inspired by the rich cultures and music of the Caribbean & Latin America, the hustle and bustle of NYC and glamor of Los Angeles. The brand is currently distributed at Target, CVS and Walmart retail stores nationwide.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Aeonia Eye Refresh

    A Word From The Nominee

    We’re honored and pleased to be acknowledged for our hard work and innovation. We have researched our proprietary ingredient for over 5 years, and dedicated extensive time to carefully curate the Eye Refresh formulation. The research, data, and results speak for itself.

    Who They Are

    Delavie Sciences harnesses the power of nature to develop skincare that transcends any offering in the current market, giving customers truly one-of-a-kind skincare products. Working with top scientists, research institutions, and world-class universities, Delavie is able to change the lives of customers and the future of their skin. Of life, for life.

    Delavie co-founder, David Sinclair, is a distinguished geneticist with an expertise in longevity. David has worked closely with Delavie to produce a cutting-edge and efficacious age defying skincare line.

    Utilizing Bacillus Lysate, patented and proprietary Space Certified Technology™, Delavie Sciences went to the final frontier (and back!) to find a solution to combat the visible signs of aging experienced by all skin types.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Body Care Lotion

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled and excited about this nomination. This is a major milestone for our small but mighty team, and we feel incredibly happy to introduce Lendava to a wider audience! Lendava was inspired by Engineer Priscila Fadul, who sought efficiency in every aspect of business and aimed to bring that philosophy to skincare.

    Lendava utilizes the essential, proven ingredients necessary for skin function without unnecessary steps. It prioritizes skincare with the right approach because, as Priscila often says, achieving a healthy complexion doesn't have to be complicated when you have the right formula.

    Who They Are

    Lendava is Beauty of Efficiency. It focuses on making effective, streamlined and responsible skincare products with evidence-based actives, biotech ingredients and refillable packaging.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our mission at Vacation is to infuse a “Willy Wonka” sense of fun into the sunscreen aisle, and no product of ours better demonstrates that goal than our Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse! Our entire team worked tirelessly to make this product a reality. We’re thrilled to receive recognition of that work through the Beacon Award nomination, and we so appreciate the ongoing support of this incredible community.

    Who They Are

    Vacation® Inc is an award-winning sunscreen company from Miami USA on a mission to make sunscreen fun. Founded by Marty Bell, Lach Hall, and Dakota Green, the trio work 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 “Leisure-Enhancing” SPF 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® Inc launched in June 2021 and quickly became a viral sensation, beloved for its lust-worthy products and nostalgic 360-degree brand world inspired by the sun-soaked days of 1980s beach culture.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    GLOFacial

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a clinical skincare brand we believe that Tools + Topicals = Max Results and healthy, glowing skin begins with high-quality ingredients, performance tools, and great skincare practices. Known for our patented, award-winning GloPRO Microneedling tool, we knew we could reimagine the hydration facial and offer the same great results you'd get from your facialist - all from the comfort of home. We don’t all get to live like celebrities who have access to amazing facials every week, but we should have access to amazing technology that delivers real results and it should be as easy as opening up your bathroom cabinet. Our Glofacial Tool is gentle but effective - flushing out impurities while delivering skincare right into your pores for a beautiful glow - all in 1 treatment. Also included is a 415nm LED Blue light to keep skin clear and happy when you need it most. Its efficacy and versatility make GloFacial a must have!

    Who They Are

    Female-founded, people-minded, BeautyBio strives to empower through skincare because we believe beauty can change the world one confidence boost at time. We source the most potent ingredients and pair them with effective ingredients to bring you a clinically formulated collection of skincare. Topical benefits are multiplied when combined with our award-winning, patented at-home tools that deliver real results, all backed by science.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Good Night Mr. Wu Lip Mask

    A Word From The Nominee

    I wanted to launch Jason Wu Beauty because I am obsessed with beauty! After launching my first fragrance, I had this beautiful dream to create Jason Wu Beauty and marry everything that I love. The vision for my beauty brand echoes impeccably refined femininity which is the hallmark of Jason Wu.

    I design with the Jason Wu woman in mind and have always embraced femininity and strength in my designs. I am passionate about beauty products that perform and are up to par with all other designer labels. With Jason Wu Beauty you can create countless soft yet, glamorous looks to enhance your natural beauty and release your inner icon. You will feel beautiful, confident, and completely yourself, all while obtaining a sense of glamour.

    Who They Are

    Jason Wu Beauty is founded on the idea that beauty should be effortless and chic.

  • Product Launch – Skincare
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    Slug Balm

    A Word From The Nominee

    As proponents of skin wellness & hydration, we're excited to amplify the practice of slugging, one of the best ways to achieve plump, juicy, healthy skin. We've created a system of high-quality, easy-to-use, efficacious products within a special brand world that we invite people to join as part of their skincare journey.

    Who They Are

    From the founders behind acne patch brand Starface, Julie Schott and Brian Bordainick, comes Futurewise—a brand that launched the first-ever system of products dedicated to slugging. Futurewise offers three products that make up a system for slugging, which includes Slug Boost, a hydrating essence mist; Slug Cream, a barrier repair moisturizer; and Slug Balm, a silky, non-sticky occlusive. With these products, Futurewise focuses on foundational skin health, core to which is a strong skin barrier and deep hydration, while aiming to bring joy and optimism to skincare through its approach to creative branding.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    Back From Vacay Bronzer

    Who They Are

    Good Weird is a new, genderless approach to beauty. We make multipurpose products that make it easy for everyone to explore beauty and put their best face forward. Whether you’re looking to cover up a zit or optimizing your whole routine, we’re here to help you look good, feel better, and stay weird. It’s good to be weird.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    Surfproof Setting Spray

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are excited that Surfproof Setting Spray was nominated in the product launch - cosmetics category because the formula brings next gen innovation to the category. People should vote for Surfproof Setting Spray because a decade ago, Wende Zomnir created the setting spray category and now she has created a new, clean, long-lasting formula with sprayable skincare benefits and a super fine mist for improved application in sustainable packaging.

    Who They Are

    Founded by industry icon, Wende Zomnir (the creator of Urban Decay) and her partner-in-crime, Jenna Dover, caliray is made of clean formulas, dirty minds and sexy sustainability. It's a California-centric beauty brand that fuses makeup and wellness - creating expert-level products that are easy to use.

    Caliray marries performance-clean formulas with laid back looks, joyride vibes, and recyclable, mother-loving' packaging. The brand’s products serve up taco Tuesday energy and golden hour magic with their best-selling hero Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara, viral So Blown Blurring Face Primer (sold out 7+ times), and newly relaunched Freedreaming Skin Tint (15 shades). To note, the brand is also clean + planet positive at Sephora.

  • Product Launch – Cosmetics
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    The Effin Liner

    Who They Are

    I believe your face is a canvas to create art. Whether it's subtle or out of this world, makeup can elevate the way you feel about yourself. With the right mug, I feel invincible and confident!

    It's been an amazing journey of self-discovery. A journey that has led me here. It's been a dream of mine to introduce the world to fun products that won't break the bank. Whether your aesthetic is neutral or glittery colored rainbow, I've got something for you!

    So come inside, take a seat and enjoy the ride on my rainbow colored labor of love, #Kimchichicbeauty.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Chill Chews

    Who They Are

    Inspired by the elements of nature — think: the sun, the earth, and the sea — and powered by advanced biohacking technologies, HigherDOSE’s offerings are designed to ignite well-being through the recovery, relaxation, detoxification, healing, and glowing benefits of Infrared light, PEMF therapy, red light therapy, and crystals. HigherDOSE is on a mission to ignite vitality – by reconnecting you to the healing power of nature and supercharging your self-care with the hottest wellness tools.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Complete Belly Reset

    A Word From The Nominee

    We’re honored and excited to be nominated because this can help us carry out our mission and transform the lives of women who feel like they lost control over their lives, bodies and health.

    Who They Are

    Happy Mammoth empowers women to live their best lives — by helping them solve stubborn hormonal and gut symptoms. Happy Mammoth believes that every woman deserves to be happy, energized, and feel amazing in her own body... But sometimes various health issues get in their way. Happy Mammoth is here to help them solve these issues with custom-made natural formulas loved by over 1.2 million women in 33 countries.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Himalayan Salt Body Paddle

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am excited to be nominated because I love Beauty Independent's perspective of this Award. I love the fact that they go deeper into understanding the brands and that they can be a leading voice in a big and oversaturated market of very unusual and result-oriented treatments, and products. Leading the way to supporting the people at home who are struggling with skin issues.

    Who They Are

    Pietro Simone has dedicated over 20 years of continuous research, applying his extensive knowledge to the evolution of the cosmetic market offering to create a ground-breaking, multi-dimensional, result-driven luxury skincare regime through advanced bio-recognisable and high percentage of cutting edge active ingredients & compounds to treat, condition and support the intricate skin ecosystem whilst managing the ageing process. Pietro Simone Skincare pillars hold at the forefront scientific skincare, biotechnological peptides, meristematic cells culture, protein, amino-acids, vitamins, marine extracts, antioxidants to create an intelligent skincare focusing on surpassing specific skin needs. His passion and dedication met science with the patented creation of the powerful Italian Bella ComplexTM, a scientific elixir of five regional Italian active ingredients which protect against oxidative stress, photo-damage and protein glycation.

    This advanced scientific synergy with a profoundly focused methodology & brand philosophy results in an intense anti-ageing, anti-oxidizing and brightening of the epidermis revealing a rejuvenated and refined skin resulting in a loyal list of skincare experts, celebrities, socialites and influencers.

    Through the unison of the Pietro Simone scientific skincare approach and specific facial methodologies, a 360 degree skin experience is achieved via the creation of his signature techniques such as the Organic Cotton Thread Exfoliation, the Dry Massage and the introduction of various cutting-edge technologies and ancient skin traditions to unveil a ground breaking skin transformation. The unrivalled cumulative results of his powerful formulations and treatments combine to embrace the highest evolution in skincare and targeted results.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Love Sesh Lubricant

    A Word From The Nominee

    When you walk the aisle of skincare, beauty, haircare and sunscreen you see amazing brands formulated with functional ingredients intentionally designed with health and performance in mind. The personal lubricant aisle is different. In a category where white-labeling outdated formulas created for male pleasure is pervasive, no one has truly re-invented this category in the most important way, through ingredient-focused vagina-healthy formulations. Playground is the first plant-based lubricant designed to improve pleasure and go beyond lubrication to lock-in moisture, sooth, hydrate and balance the PH while feeling and smelling and looking amazing. It took endless years of formulating and extensive safety-testing to achieve FDA approval on this first-of-a-kind formula. We care deeply about what goes in our bodies and are committed to creating clean, safe and healthy intimacy products that women deserve.

    Who They Are

    Playground is the next generation’s sexual wellness brand creating science-based, functional products that improve sexual pleasure and health. Playground’s innovative products are cleanly-derived and made from proprietary FDA-cleared formulations clinically-tested to be vagina-healthy and pleasure-enhancing. Co-founded by Christina Aguilera and supported by a world-class Sex and Wellness Council, Playground champions every woman to enhance her sexual experiences and bring more bliss in the bedroom.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Nightcap Sleep Gummies

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    No one is pushing snooze on this new sleep product! Move over Ambien, Juna's revolutionary Nightcap Sleep Gummies incorporate a science-backed blend of functional botanicals like a microdose of phytomelationin from St. John's Wart and 72 trace minerals of magnesium for superior shut-eye. Best yet, they taste like they were formulated by a chef... oh wait, they were!

    Who They Are

    Juna is a modern wellness brand formulating products to optimize, mood, digestion and sleep by harnessing the power of plants. Clinically formulated, science-backed.

  • Product Launch – Wellness
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    Take the Edge Off

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled and honored to be nominated as the best product launch in the wellness category. Wellness at Apothékary is at the core of everything we do. We are deeply passionate about helping individuals achieve lasting well-being.

    Take the Edge Off™, a white wine alternative formulated with potent botanicals, offers an innovative solution for calming and tension reduction. Featuring powerful nervine herbs, Take the Edge Off can help ease feelings of stress in the moment and invite more bliss.

    By voting for Apothékary, you are supporting a brand that combines Western modern medicine with Eastern ancient traditions, backed by science & natural ingredients, that get you well -- for good.

    Who They Are

    Apothékary we takes a contemporary, 360 approach to herbal medicine. By applying the rigor of  Western modern science and combining it with Eastern ancient traditions, Apothékary aims to not just address the symptom but get to the root cause of health issues.

  • Product Launch – Personal Care
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    Body Acid Serum

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am so happy our Body Acid Serum has been nominated for a Beauty Independent Beacon Award! This product truly deserves to be celebrated for its supreme innovation, biocompatibility and high performance. Body Acid Serum is a much needed product in the body care space.

    I hope people vote for this product because of how truly unique and effective it is.

    Body Acid Serum’s ability to gently and consistently slough away dead skin is absolutely remarkable. Body Acid Serum is the ultimate in gentle-high performance results for all skins including sensitive. With its high nutrient formulation consisting of fresh, in-house made botanical extracts like Rose, White Tea, Goji Berry and Acai along with Algae and Hyaluronic Acid - Body Acid Serum has proven itself a winner with two awards already this year! "Best Body Exfoliator" 2023 Cosmopolitan Magazine Clean Beauty Awards and "Best Body Serum" 2023 NewBeauty Magazine Awards.

    Thank you so much for everyone who votes for this product and for supporting small, indie beauty brands and our original, bespoke, innovative product development!!

    Who They Are

    Josh Rosebrook is an integrity-founded skin, hair and body care company on a mission to strengthen skin health and support the vitality of the person within.

    We create bio-designed, research-driven products that harness advancements in cosmetic science and sustainable practices to bring you optimum performance formulations with potent botanical and biomimetic ingredients.

  • Product Launch – Personal Care
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    Hydrogel Vajacial Mask

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to have our Hydrogel Vajacial Mask nominated for product launch in the personal care category! This product marks a new level of self-care for down there and is truly the first of its kind. Since launch, we've helped over 25,000 people experience a vajacial for the first time, which means they are also experiencing an effective 10-minute solution to hair removal irritation. This product launch continues to further drive our mission of boosting confidence and we are so excited to be recognized for that!

    Who They Are

    Bushbalm Skincare is the leader in bikini line skincare. Approved by medical experts and loved by estheticians, Bushbalm products care for your most intimate areas while making you feel confident in your skin. The brand started on the founding couple’s honeymoon and has evolved into a clean, plant-derived skincare line that targets areas and concerns that are commonly ignored. Think the bikini line, underarms, and concerns such as ingrown hairs, dark spots, etc.

  • Product Launch – Personal Care
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    KP Body Scrub

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored that our mission to celebrate all bodies is being recognized by such an esteemed group of people in our industry. For too long, the hair and skin below our necks has been treated as an afterthought—and that thought just didn’t square with us. Why should we be ashamed of what naturally grows on our bodies? Why are we settling for mediocre products we have to stash underneath the sink, made by people who don’t celebrate our individual grooming choices? A vote for KP Body Scrub sends a message that all bodies are deserving of elevated care, and no skin or hair concern is too taboo, or too niche to be thoughtfully considered.

    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 ingrowns from head to toe. Welcome to a new era of body care.

  • Product Launch – Personal Care
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    LED Whitening Toothbrush

    A Word From The Nominee

    SNOW is excited to be nominated in this new product launch category. We believe beauty begins with a healthy whiter smile. We are dedicated to providing the most effective and ethical ingredients that not only help you get a whiter smile but are safe for even the most sensitive teeth. We are leading the industry in innovation by bringing cleaner, enamel safe ingredients to whitening. Meet your most confident smile with SNOW!

    Who They Are

    SNOW® has disrupted the stale oral care industry offering premium, ethical products that deliver professional level results at-home. The future of oral care has never looked brighter. Merging with beauty & tech, SNOW® is leading the way to prove why oral care is the first step in building a healthy & confident beauty routine.

  • Product Launch – Personal Care
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    The Body Retinol

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are humbled to be nominated for The Beacon Award by The Beauty Independent. Nécessaire is a pioneer of skincare for the body and first to deliver on the concept of facial-brade efficacy neck down. As The Beauty Independent holds a particular eye for what's next in beauty, the recognition for The Body Retinol matters greatly. We are thankful for their inclusion of us.

    Who They Are

    Nécessaire believes personal care is self-care and self-care is a necessity. The brand designs the personal care items we truly need – the necessary – that are good for our health and support our wellness. Randi Christiansen decided to start in body care because she felt body care was an after-thought, not the first thought. She felt they could infuse real skincare ingredients and benefits into body care and help to redefine the industry. As she likes to put it: Treat Your Body Like Your FaceTM.

  • Product Launch – Personal Care
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    Vitamin C Body Oil

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    I'm extremely honored and humbled by this nomination for TRONQUE's Vitamin C Body Oil. I deeply admire what the Beauty Independent team produce and to be nominated for a Beacon Award is a true privilege.

    TRONQUE is proud to bring this potent, youth preserving, powerful product to customers who may never have experienced Vitamin C beyond their face.

    The TRONQUE Vitamin C Body Oil is a revolutionary, phenomenal product that has changed people's lives.

    Who They Are

    TRONQUE is skincare for the body. The luxurious, clean, high-performance body care brand offers multifunctional, science powered products for all your body's skincare needs. Using biotech, patented, rare native New Zealand and natural ingredients, this body care brand is rooted in delivering face-worthy results, without any questionable ingredients.

  • Product Launch – Haircare
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    DYEposit

    Who They Are

    Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Good Dye Young is a vegan & cruelty free semi permanent hair color and hair care company started by Grammy award winning artist Hayley Williams of the band Paramore and Celebrity Hair Stylist Brian O'Connor. GDY is an extension of Hayley and Brian's shared passion to provide a brand that breaks down that wall of just being a company, and creating a community you can be a part of, empowered by tools that encourage your freedom of self-expression. Good Dye Young's mission cultivates a safe and inclusive community that values vibrant self-expressions and creativity. They also make bad ass hair products.

  • Product Launch – Haircare
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    Hair Mask & Boosters

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled beyond words that Florae has been nominated for the Beauty Independent Award as a new health and beauty brand. This nomination serves as a powerful validation of our unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment to delivering exceptional products and experiences. At Florae, our mission goes far beyond traditional beauty standards. We are driven to redefine those standards, promote overall health and self-care, and truly make a positive impact in people's lives. Your vote for our nomination holds tremendous significance; it fuels us to continue our mission and expand our influence even further. Florae was born out of a deep desire to merge the scientific rigor of my medical background with my personal hair journey as an Afro-Latina woman with textured hair. It embodies the celebration of innovation and serves as a rallying point for supporting a brand that prioritizes women's well-being and empowers them to embrace their unique beauty!

    Who They Are

    Florae is a personalizable hair wellness brand that offers clean, plant-powered, scientist-crafted formulas that truly care for your hair as thoughtfully as you do!

  • Product Launch – Haircare
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    Haircare Line

    A Word From The Nominee

    Overlooked and underserved by the general market, textured hair is not "one size fits all." We are excited to be nominated for the best haircare launch of 2023 because it demonstrates the power behind the OurX- that this consumer deserves the same innovation and range of options that exist within the general market.

    Who They Are

    OurX is a data-tech platform with a mission to bring personalized, high-performance innovation to the underserved textured hair consumer. OurX provides an individualized system of personalized regimens, one-on-one hair coaching, education, and community support to take the guesswork out of hair care.

  • Product Launch – Haircare
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    Mars Sand Dry Shampoo

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m excited to be nominated by an accomplished board who support innovation and raising the bar of clean beauty. In addition to being natural and Leaping Bunny-certified vegan and cruelty-free, we at Luna Nectar are continuing our Water Conservation Mission with waterfree hair density formulations, which reduces our water consumption and produces more potent results.

    Who They Are

    Luna Nectar is a Canadian sustainability-driven haircare brand rooted in Eastern rituals and committed to restoring stressed-out hair back to balance with 100% all-natural, vegan formulas. Their water-free formulations use centuries-proven adaptogens backed by science to restore natural and skin textures, while also reducing their water footprint. Luna Nectar's products, such as the Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum and Atmosphere Hair Density Serum, have gained industry recognition and are the world’s first-ever water-free formulations that activate hair density. As a certified Plastic Neutral brand, Luna Nectar also actively contributes to preserving the planet by offsetting more plastic than it produces and participating in a circular recycling program.

    Luna Nectar is Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and trichologist-approved.

  • Product Launch – Haircare
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    Restore Scalp Serum

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    Our new SEEN Restore Scalp Serum features our Epidermal Rebalancing Technology, to address the key factors that contribute to scalp health, including the skin’s barrier, microbiome, and hydration needs. As our first corrective product, it helps relieve dry scalp and reduce the appearance of flaking while soothing and calming the scalp.

    SEEN's mission is to help people feel seen for their best self. Breakouts, eczema flares, or scalp issues can cause people to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. All SEEN formulas are dermatologist-designed to deliver optimal benefits for the hair and skin without causing clogged pores, contributing to irritation, or compromising sensitive skin. Our commitment to clean beauty is driven by a desire to protect consumers from potentially harmful chemicals that could have a detrimental impact on their skin and health. SEEN products are clinically proven to be non-comedogenic, non-irritating, free of many of the top contact allergens and irritants, and safe for sensitive skin. So people can have greater peace of mind that the products they use won't cause skin issues.

    Who They Are

    SEEN® is a luxury skin-caring hair and skin care line developed by Dr. Iris Rubin, a Harvard-trained dermatologist. Hair care products regularly touch the skin and can be full of ingredients that can clog pores, leading to breakouts. Shampoo rinses down the face, chest, and back in the shower, and conditioner and styling products, by design, leave a residue that can transfer to the skin from hair, a pillowcase, or towel. SEEN’s patented formulas are a game-changer for hair and skin care, clinically proven to be both non-comedogenic and non-irritating. SEEN’s scientific advances stem from ingredient selection and from optimizing and balancing ingredients to minimize clogging of pores. SEEN products use good-for-skin additives and many natural ingredients. They are color-safe and formulated without sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, dyes, gluten, or animal testing.

  • Product Launch – Haircare
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    Restyling Powder Gel

    A Word From The Nominee

    It’s both humbling and amazing to be nominated for a 2023 Beauty Independent Beacon Award! The Refig team and I are very excited about how even being considered for this award helps shine a light on the idea that you don’t have to compromise when it comes to hair care: clean, eco-friendly products can also be high performing, easy to use and fun!

    The Refig’s styling powder is a plant-based powder-to-hair gel. To use it, just simply sprinkle a tiny amount onto wet hands, rubs hands together to create gel, and apply the gel to hair. As there is no water inside, a shaker that comfortable fits in the palm of your hands is the equivalent of several tubs of traditional gel and can easily travel with you in your carry-on or gym-bag.

    Who They Are

    The Refig is the no B.S. solution to wash-and-goes hair. Our products are surprisingly simple and naturally effective.

    We’re on a mission to cut the B.S. out of your routine. We made our products to be quick and easy to use, have ingredients you can feel good about and be in an eco- and travel-friendly format. In short, The Refig is refiguring the way hair and personal care is made and used, from the plant up!
    Our curly hair product line features solid bar conditioner and shampoo as well as a plant-based powder-to-gel styling product.

    The brand is inspired by the founder's personal journey with having an auto-immune condition while also navigating a busy personal and professional life.

  • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance
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    Dedtergent

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're so excited to be considered for The Beauty Independent Beacon Awards! DedCool is a long time fan of the publication and editors, and it would be an extreme honor to stand alongside shapeshifters in our industry.

    Who They Are

    Founded in 2016, DedCool was inspired by generations of beauty expertise. Fragrance was Carina’s passion from the very beginning. Growing up alongside her mother as a beauty formulator, with a lab as her playground, it was natural for Carina to create DedCool. Her love of scent and a general rejection of the way the fragrance industry operates lit a fire under Carina to create her own scents that were an extension of her personal aesthetic. DedCool is on a mission to reshape the way fragrance is defined and experienced and reimagines fragrance by intermingling scent across mediums into otherwise mundane products from laundry detergent to car fresheners, and much more so that scent is practically applied in your everyday life.

  • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance
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    Dulce

    A Word From The Nominee

    I created DULCE because I wanted to make a very literal vanilla scent. I was inspired by the more mainstream vanilla perfumes of the 90's that reminded me of my first days in LA and a hopeful feeling that anything is possible and just beginning! Taste evolves with time and for me, I want to wear whatever makes me feel happy in the moment. Dulce feels good and sweet, and can be layered with anything.

    Scent is very personal, and I hope Dulce evokes a sweet memory for everyone who wears it.

    Who They Are

    By/ Rosie Jane was founded in 2010 by celebrity makeup artist Rosie Jane Johnston, a native Australian who has made her home in Los Angeles. Each fragrance, formulated by Rosie herself, is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates and phosphates and housed in recycled and recyclable packaging. Her perfumes and body care products are refreshingly simple and ideal for daily wear using the highest quality fragrance oils. By/Rosie Jane launched with their signature scent - Leila Lou - and since then has expanded into personal care products and into retail stores like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Thirteen Lune.

  • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance
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    Eau de Parfums

    A Word From The Nominee

    Beauty Independent has become one of my most valuable resources since launching Nette a little over two years ago, and I’m so honored to be nominated for the Beacon Awards! They are true experts in the beauty space and know all the established and emerging players inside and out, so it’s a delight to be recognized in this way. We worked hand-in-hand with the amazing Sephora team on our fine fragrance category for close to two years and we are so proud of the five launch fragrances that became the final product—we use the absolute best, most beautiful ingredients available that are scientifically proven to have mood-and-emotion-boosting benefits like upping feelings of confidence and mindfulness. And we are so careful about sourcing—our bottle caps are 100% PCR, our cello wrap is made of corn (not plastic), and our paper is the most sustainable option we could find. Also, many of our fragrance ingredients are upcycled! All of this is why it took so long to launch, but it was worth every extra minute to come to market with something that I can stand behind with the fullest conviction.

    Who They Are

    We’re a female-founded luxury fragrance and lifestyle brand helping our community Take Good Care™ through products that are best-in-class, boundary-pushing, innovative, transparent, clean, and sustainable.

  • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance
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    Nostalgia Eau de Parfum

    A Word From The Nominee

    With Ourside, we’re combining our unique experiences with familiar ingredients to create unexpected fragrances. Our formulations are also ethically conscious and as an allergy sufferer, created using the most thoughtful ingredients. I strongly believe we are bringing a new, alternative point of view to consumers with our bold, conscious formulations. Luxury fragrances have long been imagined by a consistent small subsect of the industry and I think by tapping my unique background with local creatives and manufacturers we are able to craft an elevated, distinct experience in a responsible way.

    Scent has had such a profound impact on me throughout my life, starting with my mom’s story of visiting Tunisia and smelling midnight blooming jasmine for the first time. I’ve long loved the power of scent and fragrance as self-care, whether it’s the smell of my mother burning candles, my sister cooking and baking, or my dad’s cologne. Smells are how I try to remember, calm myself, and energize myself. Scent is a language that everyone can understand, but few have the opportunity to speak. Ourside is our voice.

    Who They Are

    Deliberately designed for non-conformers, free thinkers & eternal dreamers, Ourside is the unconventional luxury fragrance house that surfaces untold stories, reawakens the senses and reignites your spirit. The line was created by, Keta Burke-Williams, a young, female entrepreneur with a Harvard Business degree, who was selected as one of eight BIPOC brands that are members of Ulta Beauty’s inaugural MUSE Accelerator 2022 program cohort, Tower 28 Clean Beauty Summer School 2020 and Credo for Change 2021 (amongst other accolades!) Cruelty-free, vegan friendly and made in the US for the conscious luxury customer, Ourside fragrances are responsibly made, showing that the $57B category should invite more black voices into its ranks. The line has sold out repeatedly since its January 2023 launch and is available at Credo Beauty brick + mortar doors as well as CredoBeauty.com.

  • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance
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    Room Deodorant

    A Word From The Nominee

    It’s a huge honor to be nominated for the Beauty Independent’s Beacon Awards - we’re so excited! We hope you vote for us because Homecourt is leading innovation in the next category of beauty: homecare, by disrupting the mass, commoditized household products industry with a luxury beauty brand philosophy. Our mission is to inspire transformation from house to home and infuse luxury into the everyday with our award-winning collection of “beauty products for the home.” What sets us apart is our fine fragrances (typically reserved for eau de parfum), skincare-grade ingredients, non-toxic formulas, and aesthetic, sustainable packaging (made from 100% post consumer recycled materials).

    Who They Are

    Homecourt is a first-ever collection of fine-fragrance infused, skincare-inspired, and sustainably designed homecare products from the mind and nose of Courteney Cox. The brand is the culmination of Courteney’s lifelong passion for architecture and interior design, as well as her obsession with home organization and cleanliness. Homecourt is based on Cox’s long-held belief that caring for one’s own space is a transformative act, and that forging rituals around cleaning and maintaining the things we love can be a pleasure.

  • Product Launch – Home + Fragrance
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    Vanilla Embers

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We're incredibly excited and honored to be nominated for the prestigious Beauty Independent Beauty Beacon Awards. Beauty Independent has been a publication that we've always admired and leaned on for industry news and insights as we set out to build our brand.

    We developed the concept of EAUSO VERT as the coexistence of clean fragrance and luxury, with incredibly unique, long-lasting, and genderless scents. It was so important to us to be really intentional in the design of the brand - everything from packaging to formulation to community, while opening the conversation of transparency and sustainability within the luxury-fragrance category.

    Who They Are

    EAUSO VERT is a female, and Latinx-owned clean fragrance brand bringing responsible luxury to eco-chic consumers, formulating with the highest standards that exist within beauty, all while staying true to contemporary, shelf-worthy design.

  • Entrepreneur
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    Carly Stein Kremer

    Founder,

    Beekeeper’s Naturals

    A Word From The Nominee

    Myself and Beekeeper’s Naturals are disrupting the healthcare industry by leveraging the ancient ingredient propolis in groundbreaking formats to provide clean, effective alternatives to traditional medicine. Combined with our sustainable approach to beekeeping, we are on a mission to Save The Bees, through prioritizing the health of a declining species. To date, Beekeeper's Naturals has sold 2M bottles of our hero, Propolis Throat Spray. We are the fastest growing brand in the Immune Support Category top 30 at mass retail, #1 in Cold and Flu category on Amazon, and with triple digit YOY growth, have expanded from 5,000 retail locations to over 18,000 in the US and Canada.

    Who They Are

    Carly Stein Kremer is an innovator on a mission to disrupt the medicine cabinet. She founded Beekeeper’s Naturals to bring the ancient ingredient propolis to the masses in a sustainable and accessible way. Recognized as a game-changing entrepreneur in Forbes' 2019 30 Under 30 list, she’s leveraged this powerful ingredient in groundbreaking formats to provide clean and effective alternatives to traditional medicine.

    Above all else, Carly works tirelessly to raise awareness about the declining bee population while building a complex supply chain to help grow the world’s most important pollinators—the bees. She works exclusively with sustainable, small-scale apiaries to prioritize third-party tested pesticide-free health and wellness products. She also partners with UC Davis, the leading bee research institution by donating 100% of the profits from BKN’s merch to to raise awareness and support pollinator protection. This passion led her to be featured in Allure and Vogue, along with numerous podcast appearances to share the importance of bees in our daily lives.

    After years of living with an auto-immune condition, she discovered propolis while traveling abroad and recognized its healing potential. In 2017, everything changed. She left her career at Goldman Sachs to pursue full-time beekeeping and start Beekeeper’s Naturals. To date, the company has sold over 2M bottles of best-selling Propolis Throat Spray and is ranked #1 in the Cold and Flu category on Amazon. Carly is committed to innovating solutions for everyday health issues and transforming proactive wellness.

  • Entrepreneur
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    Éva Goicochea

    Founder,

    Maude

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    As a Latina in a category that historically has not been treated as a part of wellness and beauty and also been homogenous, I am honored to be nominated so that I can continue to foster the next chapter of intimate care and build an inclusive future—for all people.

    Who They Are

    A former legislative aide in healthcare and early in startups, Éva Goicochea is the Latina founder of maude, an inclusive modern sexual wellness company launched in 2018 that has been heralded as “redefining the sex essentials industry for modern consumers" by Forbes and has been featured in 1800+ pieces of press including The NY Times, Fast Co., and Vogue. In 2023, it was the first sexual wellness brand ever launched in-store in Sephora US. To-date, Eva is one of only 10 Latinas in consumer goods to raise over $10 million in venture funding.

  • Entrepreneur
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    Liah Yoo

    Founder,

    KraveBeauty

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am absolutely thrilled to be nominated for the prestigious Entrepreneur Beacon Award. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication I have poured into building KraveBeauty, but it also serves as a testament to the incredible team and community that has supported me throughout this journey.

    KraveBeauty envisions the future of the industry to be more intentional, transparent, and inclusive. Your vote for me endorses a movement towards a more responsible and empowering beauty landscape.

    Who They Are

    Liah Yoo is a renowned beauty influencer, skincare expert, and entrepreneur. She gained popularity through her YouTube channel, where she shares skincare tips that empower her viewers with knowledge coupled with the experience she gained while working at Korea's largest beauty conglomerate. She has an international social media reach of over 2 million followers and built her credibility by helping hundreds of people achieve clearer and healthier skin by sharing her unconventional acne-fighting tips based on her own skincare journey.

    Liah founded KraveBeauty in 2017, known for its intentional, sustainable approach. KraveBeauty’s philosophy promotes slowing down the fast-fashion-like beauty industry. Liah's impact extends beyond digital platforms, and she continues to empower people worldwide to develop a positive relationship with their skin.

  • Entrepreneur
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    Rachel Liverman

    Founder & CEO,

    Glowbar

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am incredibly honored to be nominated for the 2023 Beacon Award’s Entrepreneur Category. This recognition symbolizes the tireless efforts and unwavering passion that our entire Glowbar team has poured into reimagining traditional expert skincare and empowering individuals to feel their most confident selves.

    A vote for me will not only acknowledge our accomplishments so far but also help spread the word about Glowbar so that we can grow our movement of great skincare for all.

    Who They Are

    Rachel Liverman is the Founder and CEO of Glowbar, a new skincare concept disrupting the spa industry with no-frills, 30-minute, customized, and solution-oriented treatments at $65. As a third-generation licensed esthetician, Rachel struggled to find an effective, accessible, and trustworthy source for consistent facial treatments administered by expertly trained estheticians. She channeled this passion into finding a solution and working with the first accredited esthetics school in the country (founded by her grandmother and now owned by her mother), The Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, to research consumer and esthetician challenges before officially launching Glowbar in June 2019. Rachel is now reinventing professional skincare by developing approachable facial treatments and an aesthetically designed algorithm that eliminates consumer anxiety, overwhelming treatment menus, and the need for expensive add-ons.

  • Entrepreneur
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    Sandra Velasquez

    Founder,

    Nopalera

    A Word From The Nominee

    Beauty Independent was the first publication to write about Nopalera and bring visibility to the brand. They have since continued to help me expand my network through their initiatives to help indie brands. To be recognized by the best in the industry is a full circle moment.

    Who They Are

    Sandra Velasquez is the Chicana founder of Nopalera, a culture forward Bath & Body brand powered by the Mexican nopal cactus. Velasquez launched Nopalera in the middle of the pandemic from her Brooklyn apartment with no outside funding or savings while working three jobs and raising her daughter. The brand can be found in Nordstrom, Credo, and over 400 boutiques nationwide. She is the winner of the Valde Latinx Entrepreneur Grant, the Clean Beauty Summer School Pitch Grant, and won Latino Start-Up of the year at the L’attitude Match Up Conference. In January 2023 she appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 where she infamously turned down two offers by standing in her worth. After bootstrapping for two years she raised 2.7 Million in a seed round at the end of 2022. Velasquez hosts The Nopalera Podcast and is a frequent speaker at entrenpreneur events.

  • Entrepreneur
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    Shani Darden

    Esthetician,

    Shani Darden Skincare

    Who They Are

    Considered the secret behind Hollywood’s most flawless faces, expert esthetician Shani Darden sets herself apart with her results-oriented approach to skin care. Her passion for simple, yet effective solutions has earned her clients’ trust and respect in a town where beauty, health, and wellness standards are high.

    Shani trained as an esthetician under a leading dermatologist, eventually going out on her own. She developed a passion for creating products she could not find, sending clients home with custom-made formulas between visits. Her Retinol Reform® serum quickly built a huge celebrity following. Today, Shani is sharing her proven formulas and trusted expertise so people everywhere can achieve their best skin.

    In June 2019, Shani opened her first flagship studio in Beverly Hills where she treats clients, develops high-performance formulas and shares her expertise with her followers on social media.

  • Industry Icon
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    Dave Kimbell

    CEO,

    Ulta Beauty

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    I am incredibly honored by this recognition. As a people-first leader and champion for inclusivity, I have made it my mission to use the power of beauty as a force for good. I’m proud of the efforts we’ve made to ensure beauty is for everyone and greatly value the opportunity to further my impact in meaningful ways.

    Who They Are

    Mr. Kimbell has been Ulta Beauty’s Chief Executive Officer since June 2021. Previously, he served as Ulta Beauty’s President from December 2019 until June 2021, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer from March 2015 until December 2019 and Chief Marketing Officer from February 2014 until March 2015. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, he was Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at U.S. Cellular since February 2011. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Kimbell served as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Seventh Generation, a producer of environmentally friendly household products. From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Kimbell held various positions at PepsiCo, Quaker Food Division, including Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Kimbell held a number of brand management roles in the Beauty Division of The Procter and Gamble Company from 1995 to 2001.

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    Ju Rhyu

    Co-Founder & CEO,

    Hero Cosmetics

    A Word From The Nominee

    Beauty Independent is super special to me. BI has followed the Hero journey from the very beginning giving the brand a voice. The BI community is so amazing and filled with colleagues, friends, and peers and to be recognized by this group is truly an honor! The Hero story is undeniably amazing - a mix of hard work and good fortune that got us from launch to exit in 5 years. We built a fast-growing and profitable business, an amazing team, differentiated and effective products and I hope our success can inspire others to also build amazing brands and businesses. I hope everyone votes for Hero in recognition of the entire team and what we have achieved to take the brand into the next chapter and beyond.

    Who They Are

    Ju Rhyu is the Co-Founder and CEO of skincare giant Hero Cosmetics. Under her leadership, Hero Cosmetics annual revenue reached nine figures in under five years and the brand was acquired by Church & Dwight for $630M. Due to her leadership and success in the beauty industry, Ju has been given numerous accolades, but she was most recently named to WWD Power List, Glossy 50, CEW Female Founder Awards, Create & Cultivate 100, and Hero Cosmetics was featured on the 2022 Inc 5000 List at #132 and in Fast Company’s 2022 Brands That Matter.

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    Mary Berry

    Founder & CEO,

    Cosmos Labs

    A Word From The Nominee

    Contract manufacturers are incredibly powerful stakeholders in the indie sector and I'm thrilled to be nominated as an industry icon!

    Who They Are

    I’m Mary Berry, Founder + CEO of Cosmos Labs. I started in the beauty industry in 2006 making sugar scrubs in my kitchen from ingredients I sourced at Whole Foods. Along the way, I switched from making my own brand, b.pure to manufacturing for other brands. In 2016, my first manufacturing company, Texas Beauty Labs got its first big break, we were the first manufacturer for Native Deodorants. I sold Texas Beauty Labs in 2019 and started Cosmos Labs in 2022. I like to say - there is most likely something made from one of the manufacturing plants I have owned, in your bathroom cabinet!

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    Nancy Twine

    Founder,

    Briogeo

    Who They Are

    Nancy Twine has carved her own unique path in the business world. Pivoting from her first career as a VP at Goldman Sachs, she sought a different life filled with inspiration and purpose. Tapping into her mother's roots in natural product formulation, she created Briogeo — the clean, high-performance hair care line that pioneered the "skinification" of hair movement. At the age of 29, Nancy became the then-youngest African-American woman to launch a product line at Sephora, and the brand has gone on to win dozens of awards for innovation, including the most Allure Best of Beauty Awards in the prestige hair care space.

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    Rose-Marie Swift

    Founder,

    RMS

    Who They Are

    A pioneer of the clean beauty movement, Rose-Marie Swift is the founder and the spirit of the brand.

    A master makeup artist for over 30 years, her lightbulb moment was realizing that cosmetics could be made with better, safer ingredients while simultaneously making women more beautiful.

    Bold, authentic and unwavering in her quest for innovative clean ingredients that perform, she launched RMS in 2009 to clean up the industry and set a higher standard for beauty.

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    Sheena Zadeh-Daly

    Founder,

    Kosas

    Who They Are

    Growing up in 90s Southern California, Sheena was inspired by all of the color, culture, edge, and excitement that surrounded her—from graffiti-filled streets to skater culture to grunge rap on the radio. This rule-breaking spirit, and obsession with fresh thinking, is a huge part of what Kosas is today. Since she was young, Sheena’s had a passion for innovating and creating. She studied Biological Sciences in college—loving chemistry, formulating, and ingredients—and has always dabbled in art. Her deep connection and sensitivity to color led her to study color theory in a portrait painting class. She was surprised by all of the different shades that went into creating a human skin tone, and she wanted to bring this color and depth into creating the ideal lip shade. She was obsessed with getting the color just right—and it was in her studio mixing up possible lipstick shades that Kosas was born in 2015. Sheena took this passion for innovation and reimagined what a beauty brand could be. She wanted makeup that was next-level clean and actually supported her skin’s total health. She wanted it to feel better than anything else—so lightweight, smooth, and comfy it melts right into the skin. She wanted good makeup, not no makeup, that has incredible payoff and made her feel her best. And it all had to be quick and easy, not using a million products and full of complicated steps. Sheena created the beauty brand she was always searching for, but could never find. She named it Kosas, which is the philosophy of the five layers of the self. Sheena believes that the physical is just one layer, and there’s so much more to beauty than just what’s on the surface. Ultimately, she just wants to help people feel their most comfortable, confident, liberated selves—free from any pressure about doing makeup a certain way.

  • Seed + Small Growth Investor
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    Access VC

    A Word From The Nominee

    Access VC is honoured to have been nominated for the Seed/Small Growth category at this year's awards. Access is committed to facilitating universal access to better health and wellness by investing in the brands of tomorrow that are solving today’s overlooked and under-served areas through outstanding innovation. We are therefore delighted to be considered by an organisation that holds such similar values and standards of excellence.

    Who They Are

    Access VC is the venture capital arm of global CPG company Reckitt. Access invests in the next generation of growth-stage purpose-driven brands in health and wellness companies, that align to Reckitt’s “Fight for Access” to better health, hygiene and nutrition. Access VC recently became the first B Corp™ Certified CVC (corporate venture capital) and is committed to doing VC differently; lifting others up, prioritising purpose, and finding strength in diversity.

  • Seed + Small Growth Investor
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    New Incubation Ventures

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are looking to shape the future of beauty. Innovative products. New business models. Iconic brands. We partner with disruptive founders, innovators and creators to support and fund beauty's newest frontiers. We're honored to be nominated for the 2023 Beacon Awards alongside an impressive cohort of changemakers, and view the nomination as an affirmation of our work.

    Who They Are

    About NIV

    New Incubation Ventures (NIV) is the strategic early-stage investment and incubation arm for The Estée Lauder Companies. NIV partners with forward-thinking founders and entrepreneurs to create, fund and support the best-emerging beauty brands and new business models to shape the future of beauty and build an actionable pipeline of diversified brands and new engines of growth for the ELC portfolio.

    About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

    The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of outstanding luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD.

  • Seed + Small Growth Investor
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    True Beauty Ventures

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are thrilled to be recognized by the indie beauty community for supporting the growth and development of early stage beauty brands. We created TBV to fill a whitespace where many emerging growth brands were seeking smart capital, but few institutional investors with true sector expertise were willing to fund them this early on in their journey. We are thrilled at what we’ve accomplished in just three years. From building a portfolio of 14, to launching a mentorship program that has already helped 9 mentees and now raising a second fund to continue supporting the beauty industry. We are proud of the impact we have already made.

    Beauty is our business; it is all we do. To be recognized and nominated by our peers in this industry is such an honor and incredibly humbling. We are motivated every day to make a lasting impact in the beauty industry with more than just our dollars invested. Our passion and sole dedication to this space is what drives our business and fuels our active participation in the indie beauty industry.

    Who They Are

    True Beauty Ventures is a beauty and wellness dedicated emerging growth fund that was created to provide not just capital to indie brands in this space, but also true partnership and sector expertise. True Beauty uniquely leverages decades of institutional beauty investment and operating experience, deep industry knowledge, and a vast beauty ecosystem to help beauty brands at all stages of growth realize their true potential.

    True Beauty also proudly accelerates the success of female founders and funders. As a proud Latina co-led investment fund with an 80% female investment team and 73% female and/or BIPOC brand founders, True Beauty believes that more equitable access to capital and investing in diversity creates greater opportunities and delivers stronger returns.

  • Seed + Small Growth Investor
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    Willow Growth Partners

    A Word From The Nominee

    At Willow, we are grateful and honored for the recognition of this nomination, and excitedly, we’re just getting started. We started Willow to back founders at the earliest growth stage, a pivotal moment in the CPG start-up lifecycle, to fuel increased accessibility, efficacy, and sustainability among consumer brands. An award from the esteemed Beauty Independent not only elevates Willow's brand but also all of those in our portfolio. We champion our brands and founders, the true stars at Willow, and relish the opportunity to highlight them on a global platform. We are excited that this nomination may introduce and attract more amazing founders and brands to Willow, potentially helping us find our next new and exciting brand investments and partnerships!

    Who They Are

    Willow invests in entrepreneurs building the next generation of innovative consumer brands and the technologies that power them. We invest early growth capital in innovative and values-led consumer brands doing $1M-$5M in revenue, with a strong path to profitability, and compelling margin profiles and unit economics. We believe in true partnerships, working closely with visionary founders and supporting them every step of the way.

  • Growth Investor
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    Prelude Growth Partners

    Who They Are

    Prelude Growth Partners is a growth equity firm that supports brands made for the new modern consumer. Prelude Growth partners with founders and CEOs to provide deep category experience, value-added operational support and a broad network to power the high potential, fast-growing consumer brands of tomorrow. Prelude Growth seeks to make investments across branded consumer categories including beauty, personal care, food & beverage, baby, pet, health & wellness and other consumer product, service and technology companies. Investments include: Sol de Janeiro, Naturium, Summer Fridays, Westman Atelier, dpHUE, Skin Pharm, MadeGood, Banza, Blueland, So Good So You, Bachan's, 8Greens, and Fly By Jing.

  • Growth Investor
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    Sandbridge Capital

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We view being nominated for an award of this caliber as valued recognition of our authentic commitment to the special brands and their mission driven founders with whom we are so fortunate to partner. While it is always gratifying to be recognized, we never seek out acclaim or undue attention for our platform. When our brands do well, we quietly do well alongside them, never out front. This approach has served us quite well over the years through wonderfully enduring relationships with passionate founders collaboratively building exceptional global beauty brands.

    Who They Are

    Sandbridge Capital is a global investment firm that partners exclusively with high growth brands, including Youth to the People (acquired by L'Oréal), ILIA (acquired by Courtin-Clarins), Thom Browne (acquired by Zegna), Peach & Lily, U Beauty, r.e.m. beauty, Ceremonia, Henry Rose, Madison Reed and DedCool, among others. Since its founding with the backing of an iconic group of consumer industry operators, Sandbridge has been strategically partnering with beauty, luxury, and health and wellness brands.

  • Growth Investor
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    Stride Consumer Partners

    A Word From The Nominee

    stride Consumer Partners has a deep and unique understanding of passion brands and the consumer space. At Stride, we pride ourselves on our operational expertise and our ability to support our partners on their journey as they take decisive steps toward delivering on their vision. The future of this industry is going to be built by brands like Patrick Ta Beauty and Skinfix – and they are emblematic of the types of teams we seek out as investors.

    Who They Are

    Stride Consumer Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in partnering with talented and dynamic founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to build the next generation of great consumer brands. Stride operates as a partner to passion brands, bringing deep operational and consumer investing experience to dynamic growing companies in select sectors. We are growth hackers; we have hands-on experience operating within consumer companies and driving results alongside the management teams with which we partner.

  • Brand Builder
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    Ari Bloom

    Co-Founder & CEO,

    A-Frame Brands

    Who They Are

    Ari Bloom is the co-founder and CEO of A-Frame Brands, where he is focused on building scalable, socially responsible brands designed to meet the everyday needs of underserved communities. With over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Ari has played an integral part in the birth of brands, the launching of new business units, and turning around distressed companies. The consummate “Dot Connector,” Ari has a strong reputation for simply making things happen - quickly and efficiently.

    At A-Frame, Ari has positioned diversity at the forefront, with the majority of the team being composed of women and people of color. A-Frame focuses on solving problems in partnership with a national celebrity who co-owns the brand. The firm's growing portfolio includes Proudly, a baby care brand for diverse families with Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade; Kinlo, a suncare brand for melanin-rich skin with Naomi Osaka; and Loved01, a personal care and skincare brand with John Legend.

    Ari is a business and technology advisor for CFDA and has guest lectured at Harvard, NYU, Parsons, and FIT covering business and the retail industry. He also co-founded Wise Sons Deli with his brother Evan. He received his BA in Economics from Brandeis University, and his MBA from Harvard Business School.

  • Brand Builder
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    Debi Theis

    Beauty Executive & President,

    Henry Rose

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m honored to be nominated amongst other visionaries in the brand builder category. At Henry Rose we pride ourselves on transparency, which is one of my core beliefs as a leader. Transparency allows you to build trust, both with customers and teams. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the incredible mentors and teams I have been so fortunate to work with along the way. As a brand builder, I immerse my teams into the brand, helping everyone to understand all of the KPIs and mentor them to grow along with business.

    I have a unique background of building robust product innovation and commercialization pipelines, stewarding new brands and products from concept to high-volume sell-through, and championing the development and execution of analytics-based, trend-driven strategic business plans that drive strong top- and bottom-line growth. Execution is everything, and impossible to do right without a good team behind you.

    Who They Are

    Debi Theis is a highly accomplished beauty executive and the President of Henry Rose, a genderless fine fragrance brand founded by Michelle Pfeiffer.

    With diverse experience ranging from established brands approaching $1B in annual sales to B2B contract manufacturing/private label, direct-to-consumer, and private equity-backed beauty brands, she has held executive positions with Avon, Mana Products, Ann Taylor, Victoria’s Secret Beauty, and Estée Lauder.

    Debi is known for introducing operational and financial rigor into all facets of product development, retail merchandising, brand marketing, creative, planning, and store operations; optimizing organizational structures; and establishing workflows and cross-functional synergies to deliver sales-driving product newness and accelerating speed to market while improving margins.

  • Brand Builder
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    Heidi Merris

    President,

    Violette_FR

    A Word From The Nominee

    I’m proud of the team we’ve built and how open they are to taking leaps of faith, learning, failing, re-learning and adjusting - because they know their value and trust where we’re going. A growth strategy is nothing without the team that executes it. I’m not just leading a brand, I’m leading people and a positive work culture that aligns with Violette_FR's brand values of self-care - that ultimately translates to our community and is the secret to our success.

    Who They Are

    Brand love builds trust, and from there the emotional connection helps sustain. For over 20 years Heidi Merris has worked with some of the best makeup artists and founders in the beauty industry to help build that connection and grow brands, from start-up through high-growth across categories, channels, and global expansion. Throughout, Heidi Merris focuses on expressing each brand’s story authentically, and lead collaboratively with intention to make sure the product, content, connections, and experiences are meaningful to our community.

  • Brand Builder
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    Jeanine Stanislaus

    Founder & CEO,

    STANhouse

    A Word From The Nominee

    It's an honor to be recognized by such an established publication like Beauty Independent. My career journey has been far from conventional but what has always remained consistent is my eagerness to learn, grow, listen and bring forth representation. I feel these traits have benefited me more then I could ever imagine and in light has enabled me to work with and help build the stellar and strong brands that I work with today. I could not be more ecstatic to be nominated amongst such amazing individuals!

    Who They Are

    Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jeanine Stanislaus is a public relations professional who specializes in media relations and strategic communications. She landed her first public relations position in 2013 at BOLD PR, where she worked with beauty industry giants Sephora, Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs Beauty, KVD Beauty and Ole Henriksen, to name a few.

    After leaving the agency in 2017, she brought her communications skills to her father's dental practice located in the heart of Brooklyn. There, she built awareness of the business through strategic marketing and public relation tactics.

    After a hiatus from the beauty industry, Jeanine returned in 2021. Today, she is the Founder & CEO of STANhouse, Inc., a boutique PR agency based in Brooklyn and has gained the reputation of building media awareness for a number of beloved BIPOC, Women-owned beauty brands that strive to bring forth change and representation to the beauty world.

  • Brand Builder
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    Yasmeen Gharnit

    Senior Content & Art Director,

    Glow Recipe

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    Throughout my entire career, I have strived to empower and inspire others to embrace their truest, most creative selves. I am honored to be nominated for Brand Builder among such impressive peers.

    Who They Are

    Yasmeen Gharnit is a branding expert with an editorial background who specializes in creative campaigns and social media. As the Senior Content & Art Director at Glow Recipe, she oversees all imagery, video, and social media for the brand.

  • Brand Booster
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    Ulta Beauty

    Winner

    Who They Are

    Ulta Beauty is the nation's largest beauty retailer with over 1,350 stores with full-service salon offerings across 50 states. With more than 25,000 products from over 600 well-established and emerging beauty brands in store and at ulta.com across cosmetics, fragrances, skin care and hair care, the possibilities are beautiful.

    Why They Won
    Ulta Beauty is the pinnacle of retail distribution for many brand founders with more than 1,300 doors and a loyal customer base made up of gen Zers and Millenials, earning it top marks for bringing awareness and scale. The retailer is supporting emering brands through its Muse accelerator and Sparked program allowing it to identify and raise up the next big brands.
  • Audience Educator
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    Beautyologie

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    This nomination means so much to me! I created Beautyologie for conscious consumers to have a place to find ethically sourced products that use the beauty industry as a force for good. Skincare and cosmetics, like food, are most often made up of plants. Just like our food system can promote unfair labor practices, the same goes for our skincare ingredients. The products we use on a daily basis are made up of ingredients from all around the world. From Ghana and India to Peru, people are sourcing the Argan, Shea, and Mica in our shampoo, face oil, and lip gloss. When fair trade practices are put in place, we can be assured the producers are being paid fair wages, there is gender equality in the workplace, and child labor is not an issue. With so many beauty products in the world, my goal is to have more people seeking out the ones doing more good than harm.

    Who They Are

    Beautyologie is a unique marketplace that offers fair trade, direct trade, and ethically sourced beauty products that benefit the farmers and producers around the world who source the ingredients.

    Why They Won
    This marketplace's focus on fair trade, sustainably sourced and conscious companies, and its inititatives making sure customers really understand what these terms mean and why it’s important in the beauty industry sets it apart from the pack.
  • Assortment Innovator
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    Luminous

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    We are honored to be nominated for Assortment Innovator as our brand and product assortment is a true reflection of our clients' values and approach to beauty. Through this assortment we honor the Luminous woman's desire for elegance, quality, simplicity and healthy, glowing skin.

    Who They Are

    Luminous is a New Jersey beauty service provider and boutique focused on serving women over forty. We offer high-end lash and brow services, as well as a luxury product assortment featuring hundreds of products and cult brands we’ve tested and curated specifically for the Luminous woman. Luminous works to win the trust between the woman who has been mislead by the beauty industry of old and is looking for rock solid, modern beauty recommendations and high level client service.

    Why They Won
    Luminous closely watches the emerging beauty scene and brings brands into assortment before they become widely distributed. It truly has its finger on the pulse of what's new, next and different making its product offering a breath of fresh air.
  • Service Maven
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    Glowbar

    Winner

    A Word From The Nominee

    Glowbar is incredibly honored to be nominated for the 2023 Beacon Award’s Service Maven Category. This recognition symbolizes the tireless efforts and unwavering passion that our entire Glowbar team has poured into reimagining traditional expert skincare and empowering individuals to feel their most confident selves.

    A vote for us will not only acknowledge our accomplishments so far but also help spread the word about Glowbar so that we can grow our movement of great skincare for all.

    Who They Are

    Glowbar is a new skincare concept disrupting the spa industry with no-frills, 30-minute, $65, customized, and solution-oriented facial treatments that have made it a breakout New York success. Glowbar has reinvented the facial experience, with its quick, effective, and approachable treatments and an aesthetically designed algorithm that eliminates consumer anxiety, overwhelming treatment menus, and the need for expensive add-ons. The experience includes an esthetician-led survey to better understand clients' needs and to determine a treatment plan which can include Dermaplaning, Chemical peels, Extractions, LED, Microcurrent, or High Frequency. Monthly memberships are $55 – which include one treatment per month and 10% of retail products – with standalone appointments also available for $65. Glowbar is working to make skincare inclusive to everyone and as attainable as we expect other traditional health services to be while standing by their mission of helping people feel confident in their skin.

    Why They Won
    Glowbar's membership service built around 30 minute, result's oriented facials makes it feel like a mix between a dermatology practice and a spa-- creating an ultra sticky customer base. Its straightforward approach allows for fast and affordable treatments catering to novice and experienced skincare enthusiasts and everyone in between.
Brand of the Year
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Find Out Who The Winners Are

Join us live October 11 - 1pm EST as we unveil the winners!

Read The Recap

Brand Report Beauty Independent Reveals 2023 Beacon Awards Winners Beauty Independent revealed 26 winners of the fourth annual Beacon Awards, including Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell, Maude founder and CEO Éva Goicochea, prestige haircare brand Adwoa Beauty and clean makeup brand Youthforia, during a virtual ceremony Wednesday. Among other... READ THE FULL ARTICLE →

Meet The Experts

  • Margarita Arriagada

    Founder + CEO,
    Valdé Beauty

  • Tina Bou-Saba

    Co-Founder & Managing Partner,
    Verity Ventures

  • Reuben Carranza

    Amika, Eva NYC, Ethique,
    Group CEO

  • Muffy Clince

    Director of Emerging Brands,
    Ulta

  • Andrew Davis

    Chief Commercial Officer,
    Voyant Beauty

  • Jennifer Goldstein Sullivan

    Co-host,
    Fat Mascara

  • Divya Gugnani

    Angel Investor + Founder,
    Wander Beauty

  • Janet Gurwitch

    Operating Partner,
    Advent International

  • Carol Hamilton

    Group President, Acquisitions,
    L'Oreal

  • Marcia Kilgore

    Founder,
    Beauty Pie

  • Stephanie Morimoto

    Owner & CEO,
    Asutra

  • Joël Palix

    Founder,
    Palix Unlimited

  • Vasiliki Petrou

    CEO,
    Unilever Prestige

  • Lisa Price

    President & Founder,
    Carol’s Daughter

  • Ju Rhyu

    Co-Founder & CEO,
    Hero Cosmetics

  • Carla Ruiz

    Sr. Vice President, Global M&A,
    Shiseido

  • Kelly St. John

    Founder,
    KSJ Collective

  • Angela Umelo

    Founder & CEO,
    Salt and Earth Labs

  • Rahama Wright

    Founder,
    Shea Yeleen

  • Nini Zhang

    Managing Director (Investment Banking),
    Bank of America

  • Wende Zomnir

    Founder,
    Caliray, Urban Decay

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