If you haven't heard about this NYC-based brand yet, you will soon. Every OCC product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gives amazing results. The standout? Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars, $14.50. The glamorous hybrid between a lip gloss and lipstick has infiltrated every pro makeup bag. Celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles says, "They are the most intensely pigmented lip products I've ever seen, which is why they're a real go-to in my kit." And the best part is you don't need to be a pro to apply it. Makeup artist Sabrina Mae says, "They go on like a lip gloss but have a matte finish. All you need is a tiny drop for an intense, beautiful lip."
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Koh Gen Do
First, BB Creams -- the Asian skin care sensation -- exploded in the U.S. Now, there's another Japan-imported skin care item about to make it big. Tokyo-based company Koh Gen Do is known for their all-natural, ultra-moisturizing formulas, and although the brand now includes hair and body care products, Stiles says their must-have product is still the Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, $62. "The coverage is buildable and very flattering. I use it all the time," she says. Stiles' second favorite item is their lip colors. "Their soft pinks and peaches are perfect daytime colors and look great on all skin tones."
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Inglot
If you've ever complained about your lipstick or eyeshadow fading, your problems are now solved. Inglot, a Polish-based brand, is all about uber-rich hues. "They have all of the beautiful neutrals as well as the eye-popping shades similar to those from NARS and YSL, but at a fraction of the price," says Stiles. "Plus, you buy all of the eyeshadows, $12, individually, so you can build you own palette. You know you never use all the colors in a quad shadow," says Stiles. Even better: Since the products are really pigmented, a little goes a long way.
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Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics
Most of us want our makeup to have skin-nourishing ingredients along with some SPF protection. With Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, you get both. The double-duty items benefit your complexion and look flawless. Mae says her top pick is the Natural Mineral Foundation, $42. "They are a great alternative to the regular liquid foundations, have good coverage, and are healthy for your skin," she says. "Plus, they leave a perfect matte finish without drying you out."
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Jouer
Hollywood is the epicenter of the stars, so it's no surprise that Stiles ended up finding some awesome locally-based makeup companies. She says she instantly fell in love with Los Angeles-based brand Jouer years ago and it's been a staple in her kit ever since. "I love their flattering lip glosses and their cream Cheek Tints, $20, especially Peony," she says. But the product she can't live without is definitely the Luminizing Moisture Tint, $38. "I use it to achieve that little bit of glow for an evening out, or I mix it with other foundations to make them luminous. It's also gorgeous on the body."
CoverGirl. Maybelline. MAC.
These are brands that every makeup-wearing girl knows and loves. We've been saying, "because I'm worth it" for years and have stayed loyal to the brands ruling our drugstores and department stores for good reason: They have tons of cult-classic items that have wowed us since we bought our first lipstick. Hey, it's easier to go with a label you trust than some underground brand you've never heard of, right?
But when you take a peek into a pro makeup artist's stash, there are always a few surprises along with the expected Dior mascara and NARS blush. In fact, their favorite picks are oftentimes the products none of us have heard of. The neon-colored lip gloss that'll stay on for hours, the No. 1 foundation from Japan, and the mouth-watering eyeshadow colors -- all from the best underground brands that make some truly mind-blowing products. These products are not only fun, but they even help fake better technique -- so much so that the pros typically stay tightlipped about their finds.
Just for you, we coaxed it out of them (it took some macaroons) and found out which underground brands and stellar products we should be stocking up on. See which budding companies will be the next big names in beauty.
