These beauty brands aren’t just totally homegrown, they’re inspiring proof of what passionate entrepreneurship can create. Here are some lessons any budding girl boss can take from them.
Allies of Skin
What it is: A well-edited and gender-neutral skincare line. Each product is adaptogenic, so it works synergistically with your skin to adapt its function to your skin’s specific needs.
Why it has cred: It’s the first local skincare label to be listed on international high-end online retailers like Net-A-Porter. The company broke even in seven months, making $700,000 in its first year.
Girl boss lesson: Success does not happen overnight.
“Don’t let a “no” get you down. Keep looking for that one “yes” as that’s all you need to get things started.” Nicolas Travis, Founder of Allies of Skin
Signature product: 1A All-Day Mask, $109. Fortified with peptides, antioxidants and antiinflammatories, this product combines the potency of a leave-on mask with the fuss-free application of a moisturiser.
BloomKIT
What it is: A beginner-friendly and intuitive line of makeup brushes.
Why it has cred: Founder Roseanne Tang started teaching makeup classes for noobs.
Girl boss lesson: Getting started is the hardest part.
“At the start, I constantly felt like I was walking on a tightrope. But when I finally received the stock, I realised people can achieve more than they ever imagined.” Roseanne Tang, Founder of BloomKIT
Signature product: Ultimate Full Kit, $110, an eight-piece makeup brush set that comes with tutorials on how to sculpt your face and apply eyeshadow.
FRANKSKINCARE
What it is: An organic luxury skincare line. All ingredients are paraben- and cruelty-free.
Why it has cred: Everything is made in small batches – a laborious process to ensure the products can stay free of preservatives and chemical stablisers.
Girl boss lesson: A good business idea is one that provides a good solution to a real problem.
“I was shocked by how much toxic chemicals I was slathering on my face every day. I knew I wasn’t alone, and that’s why there’s no mystery to our products.” Cissy Chen, Founder of FRANKSKINCARE
Signature product: Juicier Luxury Face Oil, $58. This lightweight facial oil is packed with 11 top grade organic ingredients to prevent premature ageing, promote skin cell renewal and curb a shiny T-zone. Use it in place of your serum or moisturiser.
Faux Fayc
What it is: A cosmetic line that is designed for South East Asian women.
Why it has cred: The company broke even in six months with just one product.
Girl boss lesson: Don’t be afraid to take on the big guys.
“It’s a constant struggle for us to get people to step out of their comfort zone to try our products for the first time. Usually, Singaporeans prefer the big brands, but we’re determined to create a local brand Singaporeans can be proud of.” Eileen Poh, Co-founder of Faux Fayc
Signature product: Fauxlash Mascara Duo, $39. Addressing Asian women’s problems of short and sparse lashes, this smudge-proof mascara provides a dramatic finish, with a 300 percent increase in length and thickness.
Text Cheong Kamei.
