9 Indie Beauty Brands To Shop This Year

I love MAC as much as any beauty addict, but there are some killer brands flying under the radar, especially as of late. A whole world of quality products are out there waiting for you to explore, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, I got you. Here are the best indie beauty brands to shop in 2016 whether or not you resolved to support small businesses this year.

Back when I first began experimenting with makeup, it seemed that there were only a few big brands to shop: MAC, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, and Estee Lauder. Not only were these brands prominent, they were pricier than my budget liked. Although I still love buying products from this timeless beauty brands, there are tons of self-funded makeup lines out there worth your time and money, from YouTube artists like Jeffree Star and Jaclyn Hill, and lesser-known, affordable lines with great quality.

With the growth of YouTube beauty vloggers, consumers are being introduced to brands most of us have never heard before. Some are sold exclusively online, but thankfully makeup artists and bloggers keep us informed on what’s worthwhile and what we should skip on. I almost never buy a product without first watching a review from some of my favorite artists. There's another bonus to buying indie products — a lot of these unknown brands have impeccable sourcing, are animal cruelty-free, and are affordable without sacrificing quality. You also may be wearing something not many others will have!

Below are some of my favorite indie brands that I think you should add to your makeup collection in 2016.

1. Colour Pop Cosmetics

Colour Pop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadow in Game Face, $5.00, colourpop.com

These creamy, super pigmented eyeshadows are unbelievable for only $5. Plus, if you're a fan of YouTube beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights, you can purchase some of her custom colors with this company.

2. Dose Of Colors

Does of Colors Matte Lipstick in Bare With Me, $18.00, doesofcolors.com

Plenty of makeup artists and industry experts call these liquid lipsticks the best in the game.

3. Makeup Geek

Makeup Geek Duochrome Pigment in Insomnia, $12.00, makeupgeek.com

Makeup Geek is best known for their eyeshadows, which are super affordable and come in matte, shimmer, and duochrome shades.

4. Gerard Cosmetics

Gerard Cosmetics Star Powder in Marilyn, $29.00, gerardcosmetics.com

Gerard Cosmetics has lipsticks, glosses, brow palettes, and gorgeous shimmer highlights.

5. Jeffree Star Cosmetics

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Velour Liquid Lipstick in Jawbreaker, $18.00, shop.jeffreestarcosmetics.com

Jeffree Star is a makeup artist and YouTube vlogger who started his own lipstick line, which includes lip sugar scrubs. He has both wearable and wild shades for everyone.

6. OFRA Cosmetics

OFRA Cosmetics Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Miami Fever, $19.90, ofracosmetics.com

I love these comfortable lipsticks from OFRA that come in a huge range of colors.

7. Morphe Brushes

Morphe Brushes E44 Round Deluxe Buffer Brush, $16.99, morphebrushes.com

You'll never buy a high-end brush again after trying one of these. These brushes are great quality with an affordable price tag. How could you beat that?

8. Melt Cosmetics

Melt Cosmetics Dark Matter Stack, $48.00, meltcosmetics.com

These are a little pricey, but come with innovative packaging and gorgeously smooth formulation.

9. Sugarpill Cosmetics

Sugarpill Cosmetics Dollipop Pressed Eyeshadow, $12.00, sugarpillshop.com

If you love big color, you'll love Sugarpill Cosmetics! They have sparkle and bling, with high pigmentation.

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Image: Courtesy of Brands