Highlighting 5 Women-Owned Beauty Brands

In this post, we are  excited to highlight five of our favorite beauty brands led by visionary female founders. Each of these brands not only empowers women through their products but also through their philosophies that redefine beauty and inspire women globally.  

1. Rhode

Rhode, founded in 2022 by Hailey Bieber, is known for its clean and minimalistic approach to beauty. Hailey Bieber, who is a model, entrepreneur, and social media star, started Rhode with the intention of creating a skincare brand that promotes quality ingredients and sustainability. It’s particularly known for its products that help with skin hydration and nourishment, such as its Peptide Glazing Fluid and Lip Treatment Balms. Rhode encourages the idea that beauty doesn't have to be complicated and that women should feel comfortable in their own skin. In addition to skincare, Hailey uses her platform to promote messages of confidence and self-love, reminding women to prioritize their well-being and feel empowered by their natural beauty.

2. Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty is a cosmetics brand founded by Selena Gomez in September of 2020. Selena created Rare Beauty with a clear mission to redefine beauty standards, encouraging people to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. The brand stands out for its focus on inclusivity and diversity offering a wide range of shades for all skin tones. The products themselves are known for being easy to use and lightweight, providing natural, everyday makeup looks. Selena is a big believer in giving back, so part of the brand’s proceeds are directed toward The Rare Impact Fund, which is dedicated to supporting mental health services for underserved communities. Through both her personal journey and the brand’s message, Selena encourages women to embrace their true selves, flaws and all.

3. Ouai

Ouai is a hair and skincare brand founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin in 2016. She created Ouai with a goal of offering high-quality, easy-to-use hair products that were accessible and effective for everyone, regardless of their hair type. Ouai’s products are known for their clean ingredients, with many of them being sulfate-free and cruelty-free. In addition to haircare, Ouai has expanded into body care and fragrance, still maintaining the same simplicity and quality. Overall, Jen Atkin and Ouai empower women by helping them feel confident in their own skin (and hair), while making high-quality effective hair care routines.

4. Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury is a luxury makeup and skincare brand founded by Charlotte Tilbury herself, a renowned British makeup artist, in 2013. The brand quickly became known with its high-performance, glamorous makeup and skincare products designed to help people create flawless, radiant looks. The brand’s iconic products, like the Magic Cream and the Airbrush Flawless Foundation, have been widely praised for their ability to provide a flawless finish while still enhancing natural beauty. Charlotte’s mission is not only to create beauty products but also to inspire and empower people to embrace their unique beauty, feel glamorous, and shine.

5. Glossier

Founded in 2014 by beauty blogger Emily Weiss, Glossier launched with just four products: a moisturizer, a face mist, a skin tint, and a lip balm. Weiss envisioned a beauty brand whose sweatshirt people would want to wear (see below). A key part of the brand’s identity is simplicity—instead of overwhelming customers with countless options, they offer a curated collection, often just one version of each product. More than just a makeup brand, Glossier champions female empowerment by redefining beauty standards. Through inclusive marketing, an emphasis on self-expression, and a celebration of natural beauty, Glossier encourages women to embrace their authentic selves rather than striving for unattainable ideals. Through their minimalistic and simple brand and products, they give women the tools to enhance, rather than mask, their natural features.