Every June, members of the queer community and allies alike search for LGBTQ+-owned brands to support. But we all know the goal is to support our own all year. There are so many queer-owned brands across all industries for us to support financially. Here are some brands you might not have heard of, let alone know they are owned by members of the alphabet mafia.
I tried out products from eight LGBTQ+-owned brands to give Tagg readers an inside look at some of what our community has to offer.
https://www.ulta.com/brand/polite-society
Using only vegan, non-toxic, and quality skin-care ingredients, Polite Society is run by the same glam duo who started Too Face. With this new brand they encourage beauty lovers to be “polite and opinionated, fierce and feminine, bold and beautiful, clean and controversial.”
What I tried: More than a Pretty Face Foundation
I loved this foundation. It is described as a “natural, luminous soft filter finish that is buildable, medium to full coverage,” and honestly, I think that is a perfect description. As someone with sensitive combination skin who hates the weight of most foundations I am very picky when it comes to complexion products. I found this foundation to be weightless with a skin like finish, but could tell it could easily be built up. After trying More Than a Pretty Face for a few weeks, I look forward to experimenting with many more of their products!
https://www.nosebestcandles.com/
Nose Best Candles are a proud POC-, queer-, and woman-led candle start-up born in Harlem during quarantine. They now operate out of Brooklyn with an array of different scented candles. Their mission is to “remix your senses” by providing you a multi-sensory experience with each handcrafted candle. Each of their candles comes with a curated Spotify playlist and a signature mocktail recipe. Made with 100% natural soy wax, cotton wicks, and toxic-free fragrance blends anyone can enjoy these!
What I tried: “Drag Brunch”
“Drag Brunch,” is a special scent that Nose Best launched for pride season. It filled my living room with a light and sweet citrus scent that lifted my spirits. The “Drag Brunch” playlist was full of songs you would imagine any diva would want to lip sync to. These candles create a full synesthetic experience to fit anyone’s vibe. With names like “Safe Word,” “Mountain Daddy,” and “Little Spoon,” you are sure to find the perfect candle for you.
https://www.equatorcoffees.com/
Started by life partners Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell in their Marin County garage in 1995, Equator is now a national coffee company with their own cafes and a robust wholesale business. Their website offers tips and tricks to brew the best coffee at home, an opportunity to purchase whole coffee beans, and all of the equipment you need to make a latte in the mountains with your girlfriend.
What I tried: Medium dark roast
Equator’s signature roast is mellow, lusciously smooth, and had notes of chocolate, cedar, and apricot. I’d recommend it with oat milk and a touch of sugar. Check out a local cafe near you, or order some goodies from their website.
https://www.ulta.com/brand/beekman-1802
Beekman 1802 was started by couple Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent RIdge making goat milk soap at their kitchen table. They now offer goat milk products ranging from whipped body cream to luxurious facial treatments.
What I tried: Oh! Mega Milk Fermented Barrier Boosting Facial Oil
This product is meant to transform dull dry skin into hydrated, radiant skin.Goat milk is rich in omega fatty acids and the fermented plant oils increase omega fatty acid content by 90 times. This product is described as a rich facial oil, but milk is definitely a better description. As I applied a thin layer after my facial serum, It felt rich and luscious on my skin. It was truly a wonderful way to end my nighttime routine. With ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin C, I was not surprised to wake up with a glowing complexion!
https://www.automicgold.com/
Automic Gold was started by Al Sandimirova, an indigenous, queer, non-binary refugee. They are the CEO and jewelry designer of this beautiful luxury brand. Automic aims to offer gender neutral pieces for people to embrace their unique style. They are incredibly size inclusive with ring sizes ranging from 2 to 16. You can find everything from simple hoops to engagement rings and nameplate necklaces.
What I tried: Line Ring
As a plus-sized person, I am so happy to wear pieces that fit how I truly want them to. I have so many friends in larger bodies who appreciate their jewelry and have supported AG for years!
https://peridotrobes.com
A queer-owned, fat-positive, accessible clothing company!? Sign me up! Periodt robes were created to offer high-quality robes to people of all sizes. They make all of their robes in Los Angeles in fair-wage sewing rooms, as well as support small businesses with all their own business needs. Marina says, “If you’re infinifat, BIPOC, disabled, or really just going through a rough time, email Marina@peridotrobes.com. And if we have one lying around, we’d be happy to send it to you. Send a full body pic with your height, send your measurements, or just tell us what size your favorite outfit is!”
What I tried: The Classic Kush
I can not recommend these robes enough! They are so soft, comfortable, and cover my size 22 body!
https://freckbeauty.com/
Remi Brixton, founder and CEO started Freck with just the faux-freckle product that changed the beauty world! Now they offer clean skincare and all sorts of makeup products. Freck has become a cult favorite due to their vegan and cruelty-free products.Their products are inspired by the vibrancy of East LA, where Brixton calls home.
What I tried: Cheekslime
Before I even started writing this article I have been obsessed with their cheekslime, which is an ultra pigmented mult-use product. While I mainly use it for cream blush, it works all over the face. The shade fielding is perfect for that sunkissed tint which I use almost daily. Their products support looks like “no makeup makeup” to bold and editorial. I can’t wait to see how this brand grows.
https://thecandypushers.com/
This company gets a special shout-out because it is located minutes from my place. If you’ve been on the internet lately, gummy candies of all varieties have been everywhere—from candy salads filled with nerds, gummies, and sour patch kids to the coveted Swedish candy. This local lesbian-owned business offers all kinds of sweet confections! I go regularly for all their unique sour gummies, as well as their homemade fudge. They offer handcrafted truffles, sugar free candy, and even hold events in their brightly colored space. Call the shop to ship some new favorites anywhere in the US!
What I tried: What haven’t I tried?
I go to Candy Pushers for every occasion: to fill gift bags for my friends, to zhuzh up birthday presents, and any time I’m simply having a craving for something sweet. I’ve tried their gummies, chocolates, truffles, and hard candies—and they are all absolutely delicious.
