Sure, we love Sephora and Ulta for their amazing selection of beauty brands, but sometimes something more niche and curated provides a nice change of pace. Whether you’re bored with the big-name brands and want something new and exciting to try, you’ll find it at one of the retailers here. We've included some of our favorite New York City hotspots (don't worry, they ship everywhere) alongside some globally minded online retailers. We have a feeling they’ll be your best-kept beauty secret.
The Dreslyn
This online retailer epitomizes minimal chic. Alongside a very carefully edited selection of designer clothes are an equally edited array of primarily natural brands with appropriately minimal packaging.
For more information, visit: https://www.thedreslyn.com/
Shen Beauty
Nestled in a cozy neighborhood in Brooklyn, this beauty outpost is a great stop for the indie beauty lover. In addition to stocking major brands like By Terry and Eyeko, Shen loves to bring on new, up-and-coming brands, so you can always stay ahead of the trend. Plus, stop by for a beauty treatment —their facials are beyond lovely.
315 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
For more information, visit: http://www.shen-beauty.com/
Credo
Clean beauty is Credo’s credo. (Sorry, we had to make the joke.) But if natural, effective beauty products are what fuel your stash, then this is a store you can feel good about shopping at. A few clicks on the site will show you how to do the “Clean Beauty Swap” to sub out harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients for pure, natural ones that’ll make you look good — and be good for you.
9 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
For more information, visit: http://credobeauty.com/
Space NK Apothecary
Originally from Great Britain, this retailer specializes in carrying all the best in luxurious niche beauty. Whether you’re looking for the next buzzy gadget or stocking up on Diptyque candles, you’ll find it all here.
Multiple locations.
For more information, visit: https://www.spacenk.com/us/en_US/home-us
Glow Recipe
It’s no secret that Korean beauty is hot right now. Look to this online retailer for some of the most innovative — and yes, very cute — products to try out. In keeping with traditional Asian standards of beauty, the focus is primarily on skincare, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing; after all, there might not be a better site out there to snag Korean sheet masks, overnight masks and BB creams.
For more information, visit: http://www.glowrecipe.com/
Catbird
A corner of the office, waiting for a special visitor #GhostRose
You might not think of indie jewelry darling Catbird as being a hotspot for beauty, but their in-house line of candles and perfume is not to be overlooked. Alongside delightfully delicate jewelry are some of the best under-the-radar beauty brands, like Grown Alchemist and Rodin.
219 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
For more information, visit: https://www.catbirdnyc.com/