What’s your skin type?
This will help us personalize your experience.

11 LGBTQ+ Beauty Brands to Support This Pride Month and Beyond

06_lgbtq-owned-beauty-brands_Thumbnail06_lgbtq-owned-beauty-brands_Header

In a world brimming with beauty, the vibrant spectrum of human identity and expression deserves not just recognition but celebration. With every flick of a makeup brush, swipe of lipstick, or dab of skincare, we have the power to embrace and amplify the diversity that makes us all beautifully unique—and brands are starting to catch on. In recent years, there has been a surge in LGBTQ+-owned and -founded beauty brands that offer not only unique and innovative products but also representation and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

In this era of inclusivity, these beauty visionaries have carved out their own niches, challenging conventions and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be beautiful. From glamorous palettes that unleash your inner artist to skincare concoctions that restore and rejuvenate, these LGBTQ+-owned and -founded beauty brands epitomize the kaleidoscope of creativity, innovation, and self-expression that knows no boundaries.

While Pride Month may provide a spotlight for these trailblazers, our commitment to supporting them extends far beyond a single month on the calendar. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, join us as we embark on a journey that celebrates beauty every day of the year, and discover the stories behind these remarkable LGBTQ+ pioneers in the beauty industry.

1. DEW OF THE GODS

Studio portrait of Ryan Dubs

Step into the ethereal world of DEW OF THE GODS, a captivating beauty brand founded by LGBTQ+ visionary Ryan Dubs. Inspired by the celestial essence of mythology, this brand merges ancient wisdom with contemporary innovation, creating a divine collection of products (including DEW OF THE GODS Ultratonic Watermelon Extract Toner, which you might get in your June BoxyCharm) that transcend traditional boundaries. With a dedication to inclusivity, DEW OF THE GODS celebrates the spectrum of identities, harnessing the power of beauty to embolden and empower individuals from all walks of life. From their opulent packaging to their carefully curated color palettes, each product whispers a tale of self-expression and authenticity.

2. TOYFACTORY™

Ryan Dubs selfie with face mask on

Welcome to the visionary realm of TOYFACTORY™, another trailblazing beauty brand founded by DEW OF THE GODS’ Ryan Dubs, which merges the artistry of makeup with cutting-edge technology. At the core of TOYFACTORY™'s ethos lies their data-driven approach to smart makeup, revolutionizing the way we experience beauty. With a focus on innovation, this brand blends vegan, clean, skin-first ingredients curated by skincare experts. Each formulation not only delivers unparalleled color payoff (we love TOYFACTORY™ Dollpaint Gel Eyeliner Duo Kit in Black & Brown, which is featured in June’s BoxyCharm), but also nourishes and pampers your skin, elevating your glam to new heights.

3. MOBEAUTY

Studio portrait of drag artist Mo Heart

Guided by the expertise of drag artist extraordinaire Mo Heart, this brand encapsulates the transformative power of makeup and skincare. With a commitment to accessible luxury, MOBEAUTY presents a range of affordable, solution-based products that deliver remarkable results while keeping simplicity at the forefront. Drawing on the intersection of beauty and innovation, each creation is meticulously crafted to elevate your skincare routine and enhance your natural radiance. We love their MOBEAUTY Flawless Coverage Cosmetic Blender Set, which you could cop in your June BoxyCharm).

4. CONTEXT SKIN

Portrait of CONTEXT SKIN founder

Immerse yourself in the allure of CONTEXT SKIN, an LGBTQ-founded beauty brand with a commitment to both purity and efficacy. Each product is formulated to offer anti-aging solutions that truly deliver, nourishing your skin with the goodness of natural ingredients. As a go-to source for healthy beauty, CONTEXT SKIN invites everyone to indulge in their transformative experience. With a resolute dedication to authenticity and quality, CONTEXT SKIN stands tall as a beacon of clean, natural beauty, radiating a timeless allure that transcends conventional boundaries. Keep an eye out for the Liquid Lacquer in Come Clean or Tears Are Falling in your upcoming BoxyCharm.

5. FORMULA Z COSMETICS

Portrait of Zach Dishinger holding a makeup brush

Prepare to unleash your inner beauty rebel with FORMULA Z. The brainchild of founder and CEO Zach Dishinger, the brand is making waves as an inclusive, LGBTQ-founded beauty brand that celebrates diversity like no other. With a vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, FORMULA Z disrupts the beauty scene with its boundary-breaking makeup and skincare creations. This brand is a fierce advocate for embracing individuality, ensuring that their products are a force of empowerment for everyone regardless of gender, race, or culture. From the fearless color palettes (we’re looking at the Happy Stick Dual Ended Liners from June’s Glam Bag!) to the skin-transforming skincare, FORMULA Z unleashes a wave of self-expression.

6. JVN HAIR

Studio portrait of Jonathan Van Ness

Ready to slay the hair game? Look no further than JVN HAIR, the product line created by the fabulous and fearless Jonathan Van Ness. This LGBTQ-founded beauty brand is here to transform your tresses into a work of art while keeping it all clean. With JVN HAIR, everyone can discover their best hair self and strut with confidence, exuding that inner glow. JVN HAIR is on a mission to give you hair that's not only stunning but also healthy (JVN HAIR Nurture Deep Moisture Mask is an IPSY member fave!). Whether you're rocking vibrant hues, sleek locks, or bouncy curls, JVN HAIR has got your back. Keep an eye out for the brand in June’s IPSY Shop.

7. KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY

Studio portrait of drag artist Kim Chi

Introduced as a contestant on the iconic RuPaul's Drag Race, Kim Chi has amassed a global following of 1.8 million. With KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY (available in the IPSY Shop this June), you can now dive headfirst into the vibrant, glittery world of drag-inspired beauty. This LGBTQ-founded brand brings you show-stopping cosmetics that allow you to express your truest self, no matter how fierce, fabulous, or extra you want to be—you might have even received their stunning KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Thailor Bronzer in a past Glam Bag. We also love that the brand is also a proud supporter of the Trevor Project, a champion for LGBTQ+ mental health and suicide prevention. With each purchase, a portion of the proceeds goes towards this important cause, because beauty goes beyond the surface.

8. LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY

Portrait of Francelle Daly applying lip gloss

Ignite your creativity with LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY, created by the makeup artist Francelle Daly. This LGBTQ+ brand is all about celebrating the wild and wonderful world of personal style and extreme beauty. With LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY, it's all about embracing your unique essence and expressing it with fearless confidence. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: Love yourself, love your craft, and love your beauty. They believe in the transformative power of makeup as a tool for self-expression and the reinforcement of a positive self-image. With a wide range of products that push the boundaries of creativity and individuality (we’re loving their Eyeshadow Trio in Rave N' Roll, which you might get in your June Glam Bag), LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY invites you to take pride in your makeup craft.

9. OLEHENRIKSEN

Portrait of Ole Henriksen

Take your skincare game to new heights with OLEHENRIKSEN, the clinical Scandinavian skincare brand founded by the visionary LGBTQ+ icon, Ole Henriksen. This brand is all about loving yourself and your skin. Promising to deliver joy and results in every bottle with their transformative skincare products, OLEHENRIKSEN is here to help you achieve that lit-from-within complexion, aka the #OleGlow. From their iconic Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, which is packed with vitamin C goodness, to their indulgent Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer, each product is designed to bring out your skin's natural beauty. With OLEHENRIKSEN, self-care becomes a delightful ritual, and your skincare routine turns into an empowering act of self-love.

10. ONE/SIZE

Studio portrait close-up of Patrick Starrr

Known for his infectious energy, incredible talent, and unbreakable individuality, Patrick Starrr has taken the beauty industry by storm. With his line product line ONE/SIZE, Starrr brings his expertise and passion for self-expression to life, creating a brand that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and unapologetic self-love. From mesmerizing eyeshadow palettes (like the iconic ONE/SIZE PATRICK STARRR Visionary Eyeshadow Palette) to flawless foundations, each ONE/SIZE product is a testament to Starrr's dedication to empowering individuals to express themselves authentically and boldly.

11. VOLITION BEAUTY

Studio portrait of VOLITION BEAUTY founders

Founded by two brilliant beauty industry insiders (with nearly 40 years of combined experience) and longtime friends, VOLITION BEAUTY is shaking up the status quo like never before. Tired of the same old overpriced products and exaggerated claims, they set out to create something extraordinary. Their vision? To build a beauty company that goes beyond products and instead focuses on empowering people. At VOLITION BEAUTY, it's not about pushing unnecessary items onto consumers—it's about celebrating individuality, embracing authenticity, and redefining beauty on your own terms. With their innovative approach and audacious spirit, they're on a mission to transform an entire industry. Keep an eye out for the brand in an upcoming Icon Box.

Want in on all the IPSY fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member (hi, fam!)? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

About the author
maddie-aberman-headshot-3 (1)
Maddie Aberman
Maddie is the senior manager of editorial at IPSY. She’s been covering beauty and wellness for more than nine years. Her work has appeared in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Popsugar, Women's Health, Good Housekeeping, and Seventeen, among other publications.
Share Article
Article Last Updated May 31, 2023 12:00 AM