Who better to create a makeup line than the people who use them on a day to day basis on a variety of skin tones, textures and colours? Makeup artists who create their own brands are incredibly successful in their ventures because they know the products they need to invent based on what the market is missing. Which is why their carefully created lines eventually become cult classics. Here’s the second set of brands worth investing in.
Surratt Beauty
Created by Troy Surratt, a makeup artist who trained under Kevin Aucoin, Surratt Beauty was inspired by Japanese beauty products and techniques. This resulted in a wonderfully curated collection of products that are housed in sleek, lightweight and refillable packaging.
Products you need to try: The Expressioniste Brow Pencil in Raven (₹2,603), Prismatique Eyes (₹2,475) and the Relevee Lash Curler (₹1,955). Available on net-a-porter.com.
Pat McGrath Labs
Considered to be the most influential makeup artist in the world by Vogue, British MUA Pat McGrath is known for her innovative use of colour and texture as well as setting trends, season after season. Pat McGrath Labs started with the Gold 001 (consisting of an eyeshadow pigment, spatula and mixing medium to create an absolutely stunning foiled gold) and has now expanded to eyeshadow palettes, singles and lip products.
Product you need to try: The Mothership II – Sublime Palette (₹8,135) consisting of neutrals and jewel toned eyeshadows perfect for Indian skins Available only on patmcgrath.com.
Fiona Stiles
In 2016, Fiona Stiles released her fully stocked range of makeup products starting from foundations to eyeshadows, sculpting palettes and lip products.
Products worth trying: The Sheer Sculpting Product (₹1,825) in Medium/Dark is absolutely silky, and sheer, as the name suggests. It helps create contour and dimension in several light layers, leaving the skin looking naturally sculpted.
The Radiant Aqua Eye Veil (₹1,440) is a smudge proof cream eyeshadow, which can be sheered out for daily wear or amped up for nights out. Available on ultabeauty.com.
Lorac Cosmetics
After working with every famous name in the industry, from Cindy Crawford to Nicole Kidman, makeup artist Carol Shaw found herself wishing for products free of silicone, fragrance, SPF, etc. Eventually, she created her own line, Lorac Cosmetics.
Products you need to try: The Lorac Pro Palette (₹3,076) is a classic that rivals the Urban Decay Nakeds. The Lorac Pro Matte Lip Crayons (₹1,330) last all day without drying out the lips. Available on nordstrom.com.
Beauty Blender
When Makeup Artist Rea Ann Silva was sick of working with disposable makeup sponges which never quite blended the product in perfectly, she set out to create her own. The Beauty Blender (₹1,300) is now a cult classic product, available on beautybay.com.
While I have discussed brands created by Kevin Aucoin, Charlotte Tilbury and Natasha Denona before, an update on the list seemed necessary. After all, new brands pop up ever so often, but good, reliable brands are here to stay.
This column is your fortnightly dose of products, brands and how-tos from the world of beauty