With so many beauty brands available, it’s often hard to know which ones are truly worth their weight. Often, we just follow the crowd, opting for what’s popular over what’s the most effective. Luckily that needn’t be the case anymore. Here, our team of Beauty Editors have rounded up our list of the best lesser-known brands that you need to know about.

Bex Beauty

Created by Balqees, the globally renowned Gulf celebrity and influencer, Bex Beauty blends innovation and colour technology to create cosmetics that withstand harsh and humid weather. The line is manufactured in Italy and presents 13 shades of foundation – formulated specifically for Arabian skin tones – smooth and creamy lipsticks and high-performance, pigmented eyeliner.

By Mina Al Sheikhly

Drawing inspiration from the traditional beauty rituals of Morocco, By Mina Al Sheikhly combines tradition with science to create a range of highly effective products that not only work but spark joy through the way they feel, smell and work. Her range of mascaras work to lengthen and define lashes, while nourishing them with their unique formulas. In addition, their unique brushes ensure that the application is smooth and clump-free.

Stila

For over a quarter of a century, Stila has been creating innovative make-up that lasts. From its smudge-free, six-hour wear liquid lipsticks to its multifunctional blush compacts, the brand has perfected the art of lasting make-up at affordable prices. Always on-trend, their collections, including the latest range of liquid glitter eyeshadows, give you maximum impact with minimal hassle.

Hourglass

This vegan, cruelty-free make-up brand is known for its commitment to reinventing luxury cosmetics. Their cutting-edge formulas are packed with active ingredients, and result in high-performing products that transform. The brand is steadfast in its belief that beauty and integrity should be synonymous, and donates 1% of annual profits from hourglasscosmetics.com to the Nonhuman Rights Project, a U.S. organization that works to secure fundamental rights for animals.

La Bouche Rouge

La Bouche Rouge, which literally translates to “red lips” is a French beauty company founded by Nicolas Gerlier. The brand is known amongst beauty lovers for its nourishing lipsticks and elegant, environmentally conscious refillable plastic-free packaging. More recently they have extended the range to include eyeshadows, eyeliners and brow pencils to rave reviews.