Unicorn Glow is the makeup brand encouraging individuals to embrace their quirks. Founded in 2019 under cosmetics company W.blvd, the conglomerate responsible for brands like Soo’AE and L.O.C.K., the Korean-founded and owned brand adopts a vibrant and colorful aesthetic. EnVi spoke with the brand’s founder, John Lee, to learn more about Unicorn Glow.

Embracing “Unicorn” Glow

When it comes to makeup, everyone has a different approach to timeless combinations or ever-changing trends. Taking risks and trying new looks in a saturated industry, where so many people seem to be experts, can be daunting. Knowing that, Unicorn Glow’s brand mission is to empower beauty users of all levels. “Our mission is to help you discover and embrace your inherent beauty, rather than simply chasing societal beauty standards or following fleeting makeup trends,” Lee said. 

“The unicorn is a legendary creature that everyone has heard of, [and] yet it remains unseen. But each of us could draw our own unicorn,” the founder explained. The idea behind the brand’s playful name draws on the mythical unicorn and everything it represents.

With bold colors, simple packaging, and a range of practical products at affordable prices, Unicorn Glow is equipped with the qualities necessary to suit any consumer’s tastes. While the brand’s target audience is members of Generation Z and young millennials, Unicorn Glow’s inspiring view is meant for everyone. Regardless of age, race, or gender, self-expression — what Unicorn Glow calls expressing your “inner unicorn” — is highly valued across demographics. 

This inclusivity is reflected in Unicorn Glow’s team, which features members of diverse backgrounds and promotes active participation by members. “Here, everyone is encouraged to freely express their opinions and collaborate in developing product colors and groups without any limitations,” Lee told EnVi.

Better-For-You Products

“During the COVID-19 era, skincare and acne care took precedence over makeup. During this time, instead of introducing many types of products, extensive research was conducted on makeup products that excel in their functions while incorporating skincare ingredients,” Lee said.

GoogleTrends reports that searches for “skincare” have increased since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting a five-year peak in June 2020. The term “mascne,” a combination of “mask” and “acne,” hit its peak two months later, in August 2020. Presumably, a combination of skin irritation caused by increased mask usage and more at-home time for introspection led to more interest in skincare, as opposed to only pigmented beauty products.

Taking note of the trend, Unicorn Glow invested in product research and took the time to adapt some of its releases. “Fortunately, we have been able to launch hybrid products in late 2022,” Lee shared. “Those hybrid products such as [the] Glassy Lip Oil and Lash Serum are gaining popularity these days.”

For example, the Glassy Lip Oil acts like a high-shine gloss that can be applied on its own or atop a pigmented lip product. However, it also functions as a lip moisturizer thanks to the jojoba seed oil in its formula. The Sleek Serum Foundation, a lightweight foundation with buildable coverage, contains hyaluronic acid that helps the skin preserve its moisture for a hydrated, healthy look. “It’s a great choice for the clean girl makeup trend that’s been making waves among Gen Z and provides a makeup no-makeup look option as well,” Lee detailed.

The brand’s products are also certified cruelty-free, meaning that Unicorn Glow’s makeup is not tested on animals at any stage in the production process. As Unicorn Glow continues to grow, Lee shared that one of the team’s goals is to become a brand that prioritizes both health and the environment. “As a first step, we are proud to say that we do not test our products on animals, and we make every effort to minimize the use of animal ingredients.”

Designed in New York, Made in Korea

Unicorn Glow was initially founded by a Korean team, with the mission of bringing high-quality Korean formulations to a global audience — starting with the United States. With the rise of K-beauty worldwide, Korean skincare brands and products have seen increased popularity. Data reported by Statista shows that K-beauty brands are regarded as popular in many countries worldwide. Notably, K-beauty products have a large fanbase in India and the United Arab Emirates.

Lee noticed this rising popularity and decided to create products using the best of K-beauty for a global consumer base. Taking naturally-derived, skin-friendly ingredients from South Korea and turning them into the New York-based Unicorn Glow’s products has resulted in a cross-cultural brand that “embraces the excellent technology of Korea while reaching beyond its borders and expanding worldwide.” 
Products like the Sugar-Glazed Lip Tint seamlessly combine the best of both worlds. Minimalistic packaging with visually pleasing colors targets the Western consumer’s taste while the lip tint’s lightweight and glossy texture and its long-lasting, wearable color offerings are a signature of K-beauty essentials. “We design packaging that appeals to North American preferences while creating beauty products with exceptional features in Korea,” Lee said.

The brand’s founder hopes Unicorn Glow will grow even beyond the “K-Beauty” box. “From the beginning, our brand was not specifically targeted towards the Korean market, but rather aimed to be a brand that appeals to a broader global audience,” he explained. The difference lies in the brand’s presence — Lee wants Unicorn Glow to take flight across international borders without pigeonholing the brand into a conventional K-beauty mold.

Want to read more about AAPI-owned brands that are changing the beauty game? Learn about Cynthia Sakai and her brand, evolvetogether, here.

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Founded in 2017 by Youtuber Liah Yoo, the skincare brand Krave Beauty aims to bring minimalism back to beauty. In an industry filled with overconsumption and overproduction, the brand has sought out to help “#PressReset” to consumers’ beauty routines with a brand philosophy that focuses on replacing complicated and overwhelming routines with simple yet effective products.

Since its launch, Krave Beauty has maintained its philosophy of only releasing intentional products. So far, the brand has released two sets: the “Core Series,” and the “Supplemental Series,” adding up to seven products in total. EnVi takes a deep dive into the brand’s “Core Series,” which includes a water-based gel cleanser, a moisturizer, and a newly reformulated sunscreen.

Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

Krave Beauty’s Core Series starts off with a simple water-based gel cleanser. The Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser emphasizes its hydrating nature that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Infused with ingredients such as matcha, hemp seed oil, and sodium PCA, the skin is left feeling nourished and clean without feeling tight or dry.

The matcha appears as one of the first ingredients in the form of camellia sinensis leaf water (green tea) and reappears farther down the ingredient list in powder and extract form, providing exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the cleanser. Cannabis sativa seed oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is another key ingredient that provides the cleanser with fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6. These combined compounds work together to moisturize the skin and provide rich antioxidants. Lastly, sodium PCA acts as a humectant in the cleanser. Humectants help trap water in the skin, providing hydration and barrier-protective properties during the cleansing process.

With such hydrating ingredients, this cleanser will work for all skin types as a daily first cleanse, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Oat So Simple Water Cream

Squalane is the most moisturizing ingredient on the list and acts as the cream’s emollient. Not only will the squalane moisturize the skin, but it helps lock in moisture. Trehalose, a plant-based disaccharide sugar, that binds water into the skin, helping to retain moisture. Additionally, this ingredient has been shown to have cytoprotective properties that protect your skin from factors like UV radiation and smoke. The final ingredient to note is oats, formulated into the cream through Avena sativa meal extract. Oats are most notably known for their calming abilities to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.

For those with sensitive, acne-prone, and/or oily skin, the Oat So Simple Water Cream is a great lightweight option. Those with drier skin should pair this moisturizer with a thicker serum or an additional moisturizer.

Beet the Sun

In April 2021, Krave Beauty was swept up in an SPF manufacturing controversy alongside other Korean skincare brands where it was revealed that many sunscreens did not live up to their supposed SPF and PA ratings. Beet the Sun, known initially as “Beet the Shield,” was one of many sunscreens that failed to meet their SPF rating claim.

Over a year later, Krave made its comeback into the SPF game on February 23 with Beet the Sun, now reformulated and with a 63-page SPF report verifying its rating of 40 PA+++. The “40” refers to the sunscreen’s SPF rating which determines how much protection a person gets from Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, that are related to sunburns and potentially, skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends any sunscreen with at least an SPF rating of 30. Therefore, Beet the Sun’s rating of 40 provides adequate protection for most users from the sun’s harsh UVB rays. The “PA+++” determines the protection from Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, that are related to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles. The PA scale ranges from PA+ to PA++++ and with Beet the Sun standing at PA+++, its UVA protection is quite high.

It’s a chemical sunscreen that utilizes four UV actives: homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), and octocrylene (3%). Homosalate and octisalate protect the skin from UVB rays while avobenzone and octocrylene protect from UVB and UVA rays. Additionally, these UV actives won’t leave a white cast on the skin, making the sunscreen a viable option for all skin tones.

Other key ingredients in the sunscreen include propanediol, beetroot extract (beta vulgaris root extract), hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate).

Propanediol is an all-around ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, and emollient. As a solvent, it works with the other active ingredients to improve the product’s efficacy. As a humectant and emollient, it helps hydrate and protects the skin. Propanediol is the second ingredient listed, making its potency high. Further down the list is beetroot extract that provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits similar to Vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid is another humectant that makes an appearance; the molecule helps the skin bind and retain water to maintain moisture and boost hydration. Finally, vitamin E appears as tocopheryl acetate, helping the skin with barrier repair. Also, studies have shown that vitamin E works well in sunscreen to provide additional photoprotective properties.

Beet the Sun contains many skin-boosting ingredients in addition to the four chemical UV actives, making the sunscreen a good option for most skin types and tones.

Krave Beauty’s Core Series proves that there isn’t any need for an extensive and complicated skincare routine. While Krave Beauty has additional products like an oil-based cleanser or a barrier-repairing serum, these are considered “supplemental boosts” for the skin and can be found in the brand’s Supplemental Series.

Krave Beauty continues to promote minimalism in a culture filled with consumerism and overconsumption. Krave Beauty is also championing sustainability, emphasizing that “excess skincare isn’t just a problem for people, it’s also a problem for our planet.” The brand is promoting sustainable beauty through sustainable packaging, partnering with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Women’s Earth Alliance for philanthropy, and working towards Climate Neutral and Plastic Neutral certifications.

In an endless sea of beauty brands, Krave Beauty stands out for its simplicity and dedication to not only their customers but the planet as well.

Want more beauty content? Read about Jisoo’s and Anya Joy-Taylor’s ambassadorship with Dior Addict here

The post Beauty Spotlight: Craving Minimalist Beauty with Krave Beauty appeared first on EnVi Media.

From modeling gigs to front-row appearances, there’s no stopping Evan Mock’s fashion domination. The skater-slash-it-boy is now taking his influence to the beauty scene and adding another role to his already stacked resumé: Creative Director of Good Weird, a new genderless brand co-founded by Jon Wormser and Stephen Yaseen. 

All About Good Weird

Good Weird is the brainchild of self-proclaimed beauty aficionado Stephen Yassen and his longtime friend Jon Wormser. “One morning Jon called Stephen to complain after searching for a product to cover up a blemish — while there were endless options on the market, they felt like none were created with them in mind,” the brand explained. After realizing that most of the beauty aisle was full of brands that catered to demographics they didn’t identify with, the pair decided to create a brand that would resonate with everybody. 

In addition to Yassen — who acts as Chief Executive Officer — and Wormser — who serves as Chief Creative Officer — Good Weird appointed the model, actor, and skateboarder Evan Mock as Creative Director. The superstar will be collaborating with Good Weird for future campaigns, brand initiatives, and product releases. Upon the brand launch, Mock took to Instagram to share his excitement for this new role. “Being “Good Weird” is about being bold, putting yourself out there, and not conforming to the status quo. I’m excited to be a part of what’s to come and help redefine beauty for a new generation,” he wrote. 

Photos courtesy of Good Weird

A New Approach

Pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty, Good Weird takes a genderless approach with products that fall at the intersection of beauty and skincare. The brand prioritizes easy application, encouraging those who are just building a beauty routine and those who have felt intimidated by beauty products to explore beauty freely. For its launch, Good Weird is debuting three vegan, Leaping Bunny-certified, and paraben-free products.

Photos courtesy of Good Weird

Aiming to earn a place in everyone’s beauty routine — whether you’re an aficionado or a beginner — Good Weird is encouraging people to explore beauty and put their best face forward. With user-friendly products and an inclusive ethos, the brand is likely to become the go-to choice for those who want to “look good, feel better, and stay weird.”

Want to discover more beauty brands? Read everything about Kulfi Beauty, the brand celebrating South Asian culture, here.

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Since its launch in 2021, the South Asian beauty brand Kulfi Beauty has been making waves for Asian Americans in the beauty industry. In reference to kulfi, a traditional South Asian frozen sweet treat reminiscent of ice cream, Kulfi’s name is sweet, fun, and colorful — just like its products.

In August 2022, Kulfi Beauty officially went live on Sephora, becoming the first-ever South Asian makeup brand on the website. The company currently hosts three products on both its website and Sephora: an eyeliner, a concealer, and its newly added blush. All three products pay homage to brand owner Priyanka Ganjoo’s South Asian heritage with bright and inclusive colors flattering all skin tones, and fun, nostalgic shade names such as “Falooda Fizz” and “Purply Pataka.”

Each Kulfi Beauty product has received rave reviews, averaging a rating of 4.6 stars on Sephora. Both consumers and beauty journalists have praised the brand, highlighting their varying benefits and claims. Below is EnVi‘s deep dive into the eyeliner, concealer, and blush from the South Asian-led brand.

Underlined Kajal Eyeliner

Kulfi Beauty’s first-ever product was the Underlined Kajal Eyeliner. It was an instant hit, featured in both Allure’s 2021 and 2022 Best of Beauty Awards. The eyeliner boasts beneficial ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E. When applied on the waterline, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties while vitamin E is rich in antioxidants.

The Underlined Kajal Eyeliner pays homage to kajal — also known as kohl — an eyeliner traditionally used in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Kajal was originally used to protect the wearer from the harsh rays of the sun and from “Nazar,”  the evil eye. In more recent years, kajal has also become a beauty staple within these cultures. 

Upon launch, Kulfi Beauty campaigned the eyeliner with the phrase “Nazar No More,” not only in reference to kajal’s original purpose, but to promote empowerment and celebration of oneself. The campaign stressed celebrating one’s unique, individualistic self while breaking free from Eurocentric and patriarchal beauty standards. With claims such as “ultra-smooth, waterproof, smudge-proof, [and] drag-proof,” Kulfi’s Kajal Eyeliner sounds like the perfect product for the latest eyeliner TikTok trend — where users are putting heavy eyeliner around their eyes before washing it off, thus creating the perfect smudged eyeliner look. 

The Underlined Kajal Eyeliner is available at Kulfi Beauty and Sephora, in seven different shades.

Main Match Concealer

After the Kayal eyeliner, Kulfi debuted its first complexion product: the Main Match Concealer. It is a radiant concealer filled with skin-loving ingredients. The Main Match Concealer highlights four key ingredients: amla fruit extract, saffron flower extract, rosehip extract, and licorice root extract. Amla fruit, or Indian gooseberry, contains antioxidant and brightening properties, making the concealer perfect for brightening the under eyes. Saffron flower, an expensive spice revered by many cultures around the world, is used in skincare and makeup as an antioxidant. It helps with skin discoloration, dark spots, and UV radiation. Rosehip extract helps moisturize the skin which is especially useful for concealing areas like the under-eye. Finally, licorice root has anti-inflammatory benefits, which can possibly help with acne and inflamed areas. 

The Main Match Concealer is available in 12 shades at Kulfi Beauty and Sephora.

Mehndi Moment Blush

Kulfi Beauty’s latest product is their Mehndi Moment Blush, a cream-based and highly pigmented pop of color for the cheeks. Historically, makeup brands have catered to those with lighter skin tones. It isn’t any different for blush; many blushes struggle to appear on deeper skin tones. Whether it’s because the blush is too pale or there isn’t enough pigment to create a rosy glow, blush can be a difficult step in a makeup routine for people of color. 

Kulfi Beauty sought to solve this issue with their Mehndi Moment Blush promising a “highly-pigmented and long-lasting buildable cream blush that blends seamlessly into skin for a radiant flush of color.” The blush also pays homage to the art of henna, a South Asian practice traditionally drawn onto the body during celebrations. With blush being one of the quickest makeup products to fade, Kulfi Beauty promises their Mehndi Moment Blush will last just as long and stay as pigmented as henna.

The Mehndi Moment Blush can be purchased in five different shades at Kulfi Beauty and Sephora.

As an emerging beauty brand, Kulfi Beauty has established its name in the beauty industry with amazing products by people of color and for people of color. The brand’s advocacy doesn’t just end with Asian Americans. Kulfi Beauty is loud and proud in their support for mental health awareness. Kulfi’s blog hosts a variety of articles detailing stories and advice on life and mental health. Additionally, the brand has promised to donate 1% of all earnings to mental health organizations. While the stigma around mental health remains prevalent in South Asian and Asian American communities, Kulfi Beauty is doing their part by giving back and raising awareness. 

More than just a beauty brand, Kulfi Beauty is a ripple in a sea of white-dominated companies, and a voice for its community.

Looking for more beauty products to buy? Check out some of EnVi’s favorite red lip products here!

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