Most Improved Indie Makeup Brands Of 2016 So Far...

Progression and growth is always noted!

Melt Cosmetics

Melt Cosmetics / Via Twitter: @meltcosmetics

Melt Cosmetics is only 2 years-old, but they have made significant progress with their ship and handling. Offering free shipping to customers who order over $75 worth of products. Their shipping speed and packaging has greatly improved. Additionally, they have continuously expanded their line of products, coming out with 3 new high quality eye shadow stacks and 2 new lip products this year. In 2016, customers now have the option of purchasing their eye shadow stacks in singles. Finally, Melt has been doing very well with restocking their sold out items within weeks. I look forward to seeing what they do before the holidays and in 2017!

Give Me Glow Cosmetics

Give Me Glow Cosmetics / Via givemeglowcosmetics.com

Give Me Glow started as a duping liquid lipstick line on Etsy. When the owner decided to make her own website, she reformulated the liquid lipsticks, improved the packaging. GMG has greatly expanded their range of colors from grey/nudes to split pea greens. There is something for everyone to love. Additionally, she expanded into highlighters, pressed glitters, and vivid lip paints. They have done a great job with restocking products quickly and significantly improving the aesthetic of their Instagram and website.

Colourpop Cosmetics

Colourpop / Via colourpop.com

Colourpop is one of the most popular indie brands of 2016 because of their low prices and high profile collaborations. However, things weren't always perfect for the California company. I'm happy to say that they have offered a shipping option for international customers. They have also introduced a new matte liquid lipstick formula. I would consider their satin lippies to be one of the best beauty releases of 2016. I look forward to seeing them improve the metallic lip formula, expanding their color range in the satin lippies, and releasing more MatteX colors for 2017!

Makeup Addiction Cosmetics

Makeup Addiction Cosmetics / Via dealspotr.com

Makeup Addiction Cosmetics is one of the makeup lovers' best kept beauty secrets. Since the start of 2016, the UK brand has added 2 new eye shadow palettes and 2 new highlighting palettes to their collection. They have done a great job with offering different shipping specials to international customers. Makeup Addiction Cosmetics has also worked to expand their global retailers as well. The formula of their Vintage and Meadow eye shadow palettes far exceed the Flaming Love palette. The mattes are a lot easier to blend and those rich shimmers don't crease as much. I look forward to seeing what new pigments and brush sets they release next year.

Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics / Via dailymail.co.uk

Kylie Cosmetics caught a lot of flack in the beginning for its extremely high prices and high profile owner. However, I've noticed that Kylie Cosmetics has worked to develop a better shade range for different skin tones. The once liquid lipstick brand has now expanded into eye liners, eye shadow palettes, and lip glosses. They also have improved their restock time on sold out items. Customers now get the option to purchase liquid lipsticks separate from their matched lip liners, which significantly lowers the price. Additionally, they have a new shipping policy that offers free shipping to domestic (USA) and international customers after purchasing products that reach a certain price. I look forward to Kylie Cosmetics stabilizing the formula of their liquid lipsticks to be more consistent and making more sturdy packaging for its eye shadow palettes.

Next Year Look Out For...

Lime Crime: This brand seemed to be doing well and staying drama free this year until rust and mold rumors started about their newly released Super Foil Shadows. Thankfully, They have offered a "no-fuss" return policy for customers. I look forward to testing the new formulated Super Foils and seeing what other products they release.

Coloured Raine: This black owned business has made incredible strides this year with new releases of their liquid lipsticks and highly coveted eye shadows singles. In 2017, I hope to see an expanded shade range of their single eye shadows and a free shipping option for customers.

Juvia's Place: This company blew up on social media for their high quality, yet affordable products. However, issues with bad customer service continues to be a topic of discussion for the new brand. I'm looking forward to seeing how they improve their image and what products other than eye shadows and brushes they release next year.

Lunatik Cosmetics: This vegan brand just turned 4 years old. I appreciate that they market towards the creative and usual makeup lovers. However, their new releases have not been exciting. Next year, I hope to see an improved eye shadow formula.