24 LGBTQ+ Founded Beauty Brands to Support This Pride Month and Beyond

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By Maddie Aberman
Published on May 29, 2024
Makeup and skincare products and tools from various brands on blue background
Makeup and skincare products and tools from various brands on blue background

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 catching on. In recent years, there has been a surge in LGBTQ+ 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+ 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
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 Ultratonic Watermelon Extract Toner and Amalfi Gold Hair Serum) 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
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 results (we especially love their Hylash™ Hyaluronic Serum Mascara), but also nourishes and pampers your skin, elevating your glam to new heights.

3. MOBEAUTY

Studio portrait of drag artist Mo Heart
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 Set It Up Setting Spray, which keeps our skin looking dewy and fresh all day.

4. CONTEXT SKIN

Portrait of CONTEXT SKIN founder
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. Their Dual Lip Pencils and Shimmer Eye Sticks are recent Ipster favorites.

5. FORMULA Z COSMETICS

Portrait of Zach Dishinger holding a makeup brush
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 you, Glamgasm Pro Artistry Face & Eye Palette!) to adorable and transformative skincare (like Iamsopretty® Pimple Patches), FORMULA Z unleashes a wave of self-expression.

6. JVN HAIR

Studio portrait of Jonathan Van Ness
Studio portrait of Jonathan Van Ness

Ready to slay the style 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… or head.

7. KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY

Studio portrait of drag artist Kim Chi
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, 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
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), LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY invites you to take pride in your makeup craft.

9. OLEHENRIKSEN

Portrait of Ole Henriksen
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 soothing staple Cold Plunge 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
Studio portrait close-up of Patrick Starrr

Known for his infectious energy, incredible talent, and unbreakable individuality, Patrick Starrr has taken the beauty industry—and our Icon Box and podcast Hitting Pan—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 blush palettes (we all love their Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palettes), 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
Studio portrait of VOLITION BEAUTY founders

Founded by two longtime friends and brilliant beauty industry insiders (with nearly 40 years of combined experience), 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 to products, like their Chocolate Macadamia Hydrating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid + Vegan Collagen, and their audacious spirit, they're on a mission to transform an entire industry.

12. EDDIE FUNKHOUSER

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_12

EDDIE FUNKHOUSER is where artistry meets inclusivity. Founded by makeup artist Eddie Funkhouser, this brand is a celebration of bold, expressive beauty that transcends boundaries. Their philosophy is simple: “Allow all people to be bold and find their inner rockstar.” With high-performance products that deliver professional results (like the Ultra Definition Eyeliner in Black), EDDIE FUNKHOUSER empowers individuals to play, experiment, and create looks that reflect their unique personalities. 

Use code IPSY30 for 30% off your order at eddiefunkhouser.com.

13. SONÄGE SKINCARE

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_13

Embrace the beauty of nature with SONÄGE SKINCARE, a brand that blends the best of science and botanicals to create luxurious, effective skincare solutions. Founded by Anisha Khanna, SONÄGE is rooted in the belief that healthy skin should be accessible to all. With a commitment to clean, cruelty-free ingredients, this LGBTQ+ founded brand offers a range of products that nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. From their deeply nourishing Vitality Nourishing Facial Oil to their glow-giving Saffron Energizing Vitamin Mask, SONÄGE SKINCARE transforms your routine into a ritual of self-care and wellness.

14. MALIN + GOETZ

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_14

Discover the minimalist magic of MALIN + GOETZ, a skincare brand that champions simplicity and efficacy. Founded by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz, this LGBTQ+ brand is all about balancing natural ingredients with advanced technology to create products that are gentle yet effective. With a focus on sensitive skin, MALIN + GOETZ offers a range of essentials, like their Ipster favorite Recovery Treatment Oil. Each product is designed to streamline your routine and enhance your skin’s natural beauty, making skincare a straightforward and pleasurable experience.

15. MISS FAME

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_15

Created by drag artist and model Kurtis Frank Dam-Mikkelsen (aka Miss Fame), this eponymous brand celebrates the art of drag and the power of makeup to elevate and empower. MISS FAME’s collection features high-quality, bold products (like the Crème and Powder Blush Duo) that allow you to create show-stopping looks with ease. Whether you’re looking for the perfect red lip or a dramatic eyeshadow palette, MISS FAME encourages you to embrace your most fabulous self and express your individuality with confidence and flair.

Use code ISPYXFAMEPRIDE for 20% off your order at missfamebeauty.com. Valid 6/1-6/30/24.

16. LUNAR BEAUTY

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_16

Founded by beauty influencer and entrepreneur Manny MUA, LUNAR BEAUTY draws inspiration from the mystical and the magical, offering a range of products that help you shine like the stars. With a commitment to inclusivity and creativity, LUNAR BEAUTY’s range includes richly pigmented eyeshadows, luminous blushes, and velvety lip products. The brand encourages self-expression and to make every user feel like their most radiant self. 

Use code LunarPride2024 for 25% off your order at lunarbeauty.com.

17. POLITE SOCIETY

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_17

Brought to you by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, the same creative geniuses behind TOO FACED, this LGBTQ+ founded brand is committed to creating effective, sustainable products that respect both your skin and the environment. With a focus on natural ingredients and ethical practices, POLITE SOCIETY makes everything from purifying cleansers and rejuvenating serums to show-stopping mascara, and each product is designed to enhance your skin’s health while minimizing your ecological footprint.

18. STEEL SKIN

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_18

Discover the strength of STEEL SKIN, a skincare brand that champions resilience and authenticity. Founded by John Steel, STEEL SKIN offers products that are as tough on the signs of aging as they are gentle on your skin (exhibit A: the brand’s powerhouse STEEL SKIN Power Retinol Eye Masks). With advanced formulations that incorporate potent antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, STEEL SKIN’s range is designed to protect, repair, and rejuvenate.

Use code IPSY for 25% off your order at steelskin.co. Valid 6/1-6/30/24.

19. KEVYN AUCOIN

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_19

Celebrate the legacy of a true makeup legend with KEVYN AUCOIN. Founded by the late, great makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, this brand is a testament to his philosophy that beauty lies within every individual. With products that range from the iconic Sculpting Powder to the Ipster fave The Volume Mascara, KEVYN AUCOIN continues to set the standard for high-performance makeup. Each product is formulated to enhance your natural beauty and to inspire confidence, allowing you to create looks that are as bold or as subtle as you want.

Use code KABPRIDE for 20% off your order at kevynaucoinbeauty.com. Valid 6/1-8/1/24.

20. ONEKIND

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_20

Elevate your skincare routine with ONEKIND, a brand that believes luxury should be affordable and effective. Founded by Matthew Taylor Ruggieri, this LGBTQ+ friendly brand offers clean, high-quality skincare at accessible prices. ONEKIND’s formulations are packed with potent botanicals and advanced ingredients that deliver visible results. Their potent products (like ONEKIND Aciddrops Overnight Resurfacing Serum) are designed to enhance your skin’s health and radiance.

Use code IPSY40 for 40% off your order at onekind.us. Valid 6/1-6/30/24.

*Cannot be combined with other discounts/offers, One per customer.

21. BYOMA

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_21

Step into the future of skincare with BYOMA, a brand that prioritizes barrier-boosting ingredients to enhance your skin’s natural defenses. Founded by LGBTQ+ entrepreneur Marc Elrick, BYOMA is all about minimalism and efficacy. Their products, such as the Clarifying Serum and the Moisturizing Rich Cream, are designed to be simple yet effective, providing your skin with everything it needs to stay healthy and radiant. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, BYOMA makes skincare straightforward and accessible for everyone.

22. ARTIST COUTURE

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_22

Unleash your inner artist with ARTIST COUTURE, a brand founded by celebrity makeup artist Angel Merino (aka mac_daddyy). Known for its high-quality, innovative products, ARTIST COUTURE is a celebration of creativity and self-expression. From their Love Sprung Palette to the versatile Liquid Eyeshadows, each product will inspire and elevate your makeup game. With a commitment to inclusivity, ARTIST COUTURE offers a diverse range of shades and finishes, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect match and create looks that reflect their unique style.

23. CLARK'S BOTANICALS

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_23

Experience the healing power of nature with CLARK'S BOTANICALS, a brand founded by Francesco Clark after a life-changing spinal cord injury left his skin permanently impacted. This LGBTQ+ friendly brand combines the best of botanicals with advanced science to create products that nurture and transform your skin. From their radiance-boosting 7-Acid Daily Glow Peel to the rejuvenating Ultra-Rich Lip Balm, the entire line is designed to enhance your skin’s health and radiance, making self-care a truly restorative experience.

24. NON GENDER SPECIFIC

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lgbtq-founded-beauty-brands_24

NON GENDER SPECIFIC is here to help you break free from traditional beauty norms. Founded by Andrew Glass, this LGBTQ+ beauty brand offers multi-functional products that cater to all skin types and all genders. With a commitment to sustainability and simplicity, NON GENDER SPECIFIC’s range includes powerful products like the Phytonutrient Concentrate and the Flooid Fragrance, designed to streamline your routine while delivering comprehensive benefits. Embrace a new era of beauty that transcends boundaries with NON GENDER SPECIFIC.

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