GREAT BRITISH beauty

Whatever your political stance, there’s no doubt that we’re living in uncertain times; we’ve been on tenterhooks waiting to hear the outcome of the Brexit deal for what feels like forever, and small business owners will be feeling the pressure around this.

We’re still in the dark as to how Brexit will pan out, but chances are you might have already felt the shockwaves, with the weakening value of the pound causing the price of some overseas products to soar. With this in mind, we’re shining a light on some of the best beauty brands the UK has to offer.

“Brexit is likely to lead to a change in regulations, slowing down the importing of products and also putting additional charges and taxes on to products that are being imported,” says Iain Wood, sales and marketing director of The Edge Nail & Beauty.

Supply chain

“Selecting a British brand will give you certainty of supply, removing the ambiguity of whether your current distributor will be able to maintain consistent inventory in the future or even continue to supply at all,” adds Matt Taylor, brand and education manager for aromatherapy skincare and spa brand Eve Taylor.

“Imagine the distributor of your long-standing product range announcing the discontinuation of the brand in the UK due to Brexit.

“This would take away your choice of changing in your own time and force you into a freefall of selecting a new range based on quick availability.”

CACI International managing director Dean Nathanson adds: “By choosing a British supplier, there’s no risk of them losing distribution rights or of the parent company not having any representation in the UK.”

If you’re considering a change in supplier (due to Brexit, or any other reason), we invite you to get acquainted with some of the most exciting beauty brands to come out of Great Britain, from household names to up and coming companies.

3D-lipo

Launched: 2010

HQ: Rugby, Warwickshire

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: 3D-Ultimatepro After 20 years in the aesthetics industry, managing director Roy Cowley felt there was a gap in the market for a non-surgical device that treated fat reduction, cellulite and skin tightening, so 3D-lipo was born. Since then, the company has launched numerous combinedtechnology machines for both face and body.

01788 220451 3d-lipo.co.uk

Aqua Natural

Launched: 1989

HQ: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Aqua Natural Strip Sugaring Aqua Natural manufactures its products using a special blend of sugar syrups, making them gentle on skin, and giving smooth, consistent application. It’s completely water soluble and 100% biodegradable. Plus, it’s registered with the Vegan Society and approved by Cruelty Free International – ideal for vegan clients.

01933 441818

aquanatural.co.uk

Aromatherapy Associates

Launched: 1985

HQ: Brentford, Middlesex

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil Aromatherapy Associates hand blends essential oils and pure botanicals to create a range of body and skincare products with therapeutic effects on the mind, body and soul. The brand was founded on the belief that a quality aromatherapy experience holds the key to better overall wellbeing.

020 8569 7030

aromatherapyassociates.com

Apraise

Launched: 2014

HQ: Inchinnan, Scotland

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Professional Eyelash and Eyebrow Tint Dark Brown Apraise offers an Eyelash and Eyebrow Tint that promises long-lasting, vibrant colour and luminous shine to transform clients’ lashes. Colour pigment technology and beeswax fuse together to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. The company also sells Power Serum, Eye Cream and Eye Serum.

0141 814 1420

apraise.co.uk

Ashmira Botanica

Launched: 2016

HQ: Wellington, Somerset

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Mulberry Peelable Wax Ashmira Botanica aims to turn your clients’ waxing appointments from a chore to a treatment to enjoy, with mandarin and basil-fragranced wax that applies thinly and dries quickly, promising to limit ingrown hairs and redness.

01823 428588

ashmirabotanica.com

BC Softwear

Launched: 2001

HQ: Maidenhead

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Healthy bathrobe BC Softwear was founded by Barbara Cooke, which is where the BC of BC Softwear comes from. The company manufactures and supplies bathrobes, towels and slippers to 26 countries worldwide. Many spas and salons choose bespoke embroidered bathrobes and towels which are designed, and hand finished, by the embroidery team.

0845 210 4000

bcsoftwear.co.uk

CACI International

Launched: 1992

HQ: Hertfordshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Synergy System Known as the non-surgical face lift, CACI develops machines that aim to deliver instant visible results and to help clinics, spas and salons to increase both revenue and client retention, as well as attract new customers. Hero device Synergy combines multiple technologies including microcurrent and LED.

020 8731 5678

caci-international.co.uk

Crazy Angel

Launched: 2010

HQ: Inchinnan, Scotland

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: 9% Spray Tan Solution Owned by Professional Beauty Solutions, Crazy Angel offers professional and home-use tanning products. The Instant Airbrush tan is a particular favourite with influencers thanks to the instant glow, which continues to develop over two to four hours.

0141 814 1410

crazy-angel.co.uk

BeautyLab

Launched: 2001

HQ: London

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Glyco-Wash 5% BeautyLab London specialises in researching ground-breaking ingredients and pioneering formulations to produce beauty products that meet the demands of today’s consumer. Each skincare formula, abundant in natural actives, oils, gemstones, peptides and proteins, aims to re-activate and re-educate the skin functions, delivering both instant and long-term benefits.

0345 217 1360

gerrardinternational.com

Crystal Clear

Launched: 1995

HQ: Liverpool

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Crystal Clear Skin Repair Founded by Sharon Hilditch MBE to offer a gentler form of skin resurfacing, Crystal Clear quickly became recognised as a market leader in microdermabrasion. Since then, the brand has expanded to offer a wide range of technologies including oxygen, IPL and nitrogen plasma, as well as skincare.

01517 097227

crystalclear.co.uk

Dermaco

Launched: 2009

HQ: Gloucester, Gloucestershire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Dermaco PRO VX Manufacturing both both machines and skincare, Dermaco offers technologies including microdermabrasion, ultrasound, microcurrent, cryotherapy and LED. The company also offers a trade-in for old machines, helping its accounts stay up to date with the latest tech.

01666 503570

dermacoskincare.co.uk

The Edge Nail & Beauty

Launched: 1999

HQ: Basingstoke

Manufactured in the UK?: 80% in the UK

Best-seller: Active Nail Tips The Edge is a multi-system professional nail care brand. It has more than 1,500 products, with wholesale stockists all over the UK. The products, which include polishes, tips, nail tools, brushes, nail wraps and glitters, are used in nail salons and by mobile nail technicians.

01256 840840

edgenails.co.uk

Elemis

Founded: 1990

HQ: London

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Recognised worldwide, Elemis has developed a field-to-face outlook for its products, having forged relationships with British growers for 30 years, to get quality natural oils, extracts and ingredients. The brand was founded by Sean Harrington, Noella Gabriel and Oriele Frank, all of whom are still directors.

020 7907 2724

elemis.com

Dermalux

Launched: 2012

HQ: Warrington, Cheshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Flex MD The Dermalux systems were designed to offer innovative and technically advanced LED phototherapy treatments. It’s hero Flex MD device is portable and delivers blue 415nm, red 633nm and near infrared 830nm via single wavelength LED’s to ensure precision and optimum optical power.

0845 689 1789

dermaluxled.com

Eve Taylor London

Founded: 1983

HQ: Peterborough

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Soothing Aromatic Serum (No.1) Launched by aromatherapist Eve Taylor, the brand draws on more than five decades of formulating experience for products that are designed to be natural, affordable and effective. The majority of raw ingredients are sourced from UK-based companies, offering customers the benefit of parity pricing without the risk of sharp increases from exchange rate fluctuations.

01733 260161

eve-taylor.com

Flexi Skin London

Founded: 2019

HQ: Notting Hill, London

Manufactured in the UK?: Packaging yes, product no

Best-seller: The Cleanser Promising to mimic the results seen from advanced facials, the brand was founded by Gilly Potter, owner of London Salon Angelica Retreat, who wanted her clients to be able to continue the benefits of in-salon facials at home. Tools include cleansing brush The Cleanser, along with a microneedling device and rose quartz roller.

07792 399195

flexiskinlondon.co.uk

HD Brows

Founded: 2008

HQ: Leeds

Best-seller: Pro Pencil If you know any brow-lovers, chances are they’ll have tried HD Brows. The bespoke eye treatment took the world by storm when it launched, offering training that’s accessible to all, before diversifying into a broad product range so customers could maintain their brows at home.

0113 224 7908

hdbrows.com

Heaven Skincare

Launched: 1994

HQ: Shifnal, Shropshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Age Defiance Cream With her eponymous range, Deborah Mitchell wanted to create skincare that was organic, natural and resultsdriven. The collection was developed to promote a healthy, radiant complexion and combat issues such as acne, open pores, rosacea and eczema. Other hero products include the black and silver Bee Venom Masks.

01952 461888

heavenskincare.com

Gaia Skincare

Launched: 2016

HQ: Truro, Cornwall

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Face Serum Created by Diane Nettleton, who runs Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall in Devon, Gaia Skincare is led by the brand philosophy “your wellness, naturally.” Blending plant actives and essential oils, each ingredient has been chosen for the beneficial properties it offers the mind and body.

0845 565 1167

gaiaskincare.co.uk

Hive of Beauty

Launched: 1993

HQ: Renfrew, Scotland

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes, the majority

Best-seller: Warm ‘Honey’ Wax Hive of Beauty caused a buzz in the industry with the launch of The Beehive, a wax heater accompanied by honey waxes. A full depilatory range followed, with the vegan Warm ‘Honey’ Wax remaining a firm favourite with therapists 17 years later.

0845 450 4802

hiveofbeauty.com

INK London

Launched: 2013

HQ: Rossendale, Lancashire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: iLac Gel Polish Professional nail care brand INK London is proudly cruelty free. The company sells direct to its accounts, resulting in lower prices and direct communication. In addition to iLac, its products include builder gels, lamps, brushes, dip systems, tools and tips.

01706 260069

inknails.com

Lash Perfect

Launched: 2006

HQ: Loughton, Essex

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Ultimate Pro Adhesive System Founded by director Beverly Piper, a beauty expert with more than 25 years’ experience, Lash Perfect has gained a reputation for innovative professional lash and brow training, treatments and products, as well as products for eye care. Its many treatments include lash extensions, microblading and brow lamination.

020 8500 9028

lashperfect.co.uk

Lashus

Launched: 2019

HQ: Leeds

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Lift & Fix Lotion Developed by Sweet Squared, which has long distributed US nail brand CND, Lashus was launched as a lash lift brand, before expanding to add extensions to its offer. The products have been developed with as much emphasis on lash health as on high-performance treatments and products.

0333 000 7000

sweetsquared.com

Katherine Daniels

Launched: 2013

HQ: Bedfordshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Partly

Best-seller: Total Skin Repair Concentrate Created by skincare experts Kirsti Shuba and Donna Tait, Katherine Daniels creates salon-strength products and treatments, designed to enhance the way skin works and enable therapists to treat the cause of clients’ skin concerns, as well as the visible symptoms.

01767 682288

katherinedaniels cosmetics.com

Lynton Lasers

Launched: 1994

HQ: Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Lynton Lumina Any salon that offers laser treatments will be familiar with Lynton Lasers. The British-manufactured brand prides itself on its award-winning postpurchase support and training network. Its bestselling Lumina device offers 24 treatments, including hair removal, multi-colour tattoo removal, anti-ageing skin treatments and skin resurfacing.

01477 536977

lynton.co.uk

Medik8

Launched: 2009

HQ: Elstree, Hertfordshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Hydr8 B5 Advanced skincare brand Medik8 has been built on the principle of CSA: vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, then vitamin A by night. Working to a philosophy of “nature-biased chemistry”, Medik8 develops every product from scratch.

03330 142434

medik8.com

Nail Gaga

Launched: 2011

HQ: Bedworth, Warwickshire

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Precision Acrylic Powder in Cover Pink Nail Gaga is a family-run business with products created by nail techs, for nail techs, tried and tested daily in the salon environment. The range covers all systems, with the goal to provide a personal shopping experience with an underpinning knowledge for aftercare and advice.

02476 010202

nailgaga.co.uk

Nouveau Lashes Ltd

Launched: 2005

HQ: Pontefract, West Yorkshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes, mostly

Best-seller: LVL Lash Lift Nouveau Lashes has been transforming lashes since its mid-noughties launch, helping clients make the most of their eyes and lash artists build their careers. The treatments elevate natural lashes or extend them, while the retail products provide daily care for lashes and the delicate eye area.

01977 655098

nouveaulashes.com

Mii

Launched: 2011

HQ: Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Smoothing Face Prep After successfully introducing Jessica natural nail care to the professional UK market in the ’90s, British beauty entrepreneur Susan Gerrard further pursued her passion for beauty and spa by creating her own cosmetics brand, Mii. The brand now includes lines for make-up, brows and tanning.

0345 217 1360

gerrardinternational.com

Opatra

Launched: 2014

HQ: North Finchley, London

Manufactured in the UK?: Partly

Best-seller: Aqua Spectra Opatra was founded with the aim of turning scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations into potent skincare solutions. It creates devices to help skin look firmer and brighter and offers a lifetime warranty on its machines. As well as salon equipment, the brand manufactures several handheld devices.

020 7998 5708

opatra.pro

Outback Organics

Launched: 2010

HQ: Wellington, Somerset

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Bush Balm Based in the Somerset countryside, Outback Organics offers a range of botanical skincare and waxing solutions with a distinctive Aussie twist. Many of the botanical products contain either organic tea tree oil or lemon myrtle oil – two of nature’s strongest known antiseptics, making them fabulous natural remedies.

01823 663322

outbackorganics.co.uk

Premier Software

Launched: 1994

HQ: Cannock, Staffordshire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Salon by Premier Software Premier Software has spent 25 years developing software specifically for the hair and beauty industry. Premier listens to clients’ requests and prides itself on responding to industry trends in order to keep its software up to date for both independent salons and larger multi-group clients.

01453 466580

premiersalon.co.uk

Pure Nails

Launched: 2010

HQ: Gillingham, Kent

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Halo Gel Polish Pure Nails was launched to offer affordable, on-trend nail products, geared to the needs of UK techs. The brand has a range of colour and builder gels, electricals and tools, and is influenced by customer demands when it comes to new colours and products.

01634 671122

purenails.co

Plasma Elite

Launched: 2017

HQ: Croydon

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Plasma Elite II Pen Plasma Elite says it plasma pen is the only one totally created by a British company. Its surgical plasma device has FDA approval. The company is run by three industry experts, each with 40 years’ experience – Fran Hayter, Dawn Forshaw and Bridgette Softley.

07378 956138

plasmaelite.com

REM

Founded: 1920

HQ: Lancashire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Dream Pedicure Chair REM’s furniture is designed to bring style to salons. Available in leather fabrics and laminates, the company creates bespoke furniture on request to help reflect the style and personality of a salon. As well as chairs, trolleys and electricals, the offer includes nail bars, receptions desks and pedi-spa units.

01282 619977

rem.co.uk

SBC

Launched: 1990

HQ: Needham Market, Suffolk

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Collagen 3-in-1 Cleanser SBC Skincare is inspired by nature, designed by therapists, developed by in-house chemists and enhanced by consumer feedback. The brand offers collections of bespoke and results-driven skincare and treatments, using globally sourced sustainable ingredients. It offers treatment skincare kits for facials, electrical treatments, manicures, pedicures and waxing.

01449 727070

sbcskincare.co.uk

Sienna X

Launched: 2004

HQ: Worcester, Worcestershire

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Spray Tanning Solution Range 2019 saw Sienna X add another string to its bow, introducing a skincare line to its product offering. Best known for tanning solutions, the brand is a favourite among celebrities, and prides itself on developing high-performance vegan-friendly formulas.

0333 600 1200

sienna-x.co.uk

Spa Find & Sea Magik

Launched: Spa Find in 1981, Sea Magik in 2018

HQ: Kent

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Spa Find Heavenly Hydration Mineralising Body Lotion This family-run spa business offers experiential treatments and products based on the healing properties of mud, salt and seaweed. Its Spa Find skincare products blend natural de-ionised water with Dead Sea minerals and organic plant extracts, while Sea Magik includes mineral salts, organic seaweeds and essential oil blends.

01580 211055

seamagik.com/spa-partners

Scentered

Launched: 2014

HQ: Dorset

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes (mostly)

Best-seller: Mindful Mini Tin Co-founded by entrepreneur Lara Morgan, Scentered was created to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers looking for portable aromatherapy and essential oil solutions to help them practice mindfulness on the move. The range contains 100% natural aromatherapy balms, candles and body care products in six blends: Sleep Well, De-Stress, Focus, Be Happy, Escape and Love.

0345 217 1360

gerrardinternational.com

Tantruth

Launched: 2001

HQ: Inchinnan, Scotland

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: The Professional 9% Containing innovations in tanning technology, Tantruth provides more than just a bronzed, healthy glow. With moisturising and regenerative ingredients such as avocado, vitamin E and shea butter, the benefits of skincare are present in its tanning formulas. It offers spray tan solutions and professional equipment as well as home-use products.

0330 123 1907

tantruth.co.uk

Temple Spa

Launched: 2000

HQ: Littlehampton, West Sussex

Manufactured in the UK?: 95% UK, 5% in Switzerland and Italy

Best-seller: Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream Temple Spa is a British brand with a focus on skincare, treatments and experiences with wellbeing at the heart. The brand combines botanicals with derma-science actives to create results-driven products. It has a huge number of SKUs with lines for face, bath, make-up, aromatherapy and more.

01903 719429

templespa.com

The Gel Bottle Inc

Launched: 2015

HQ: Brighton

Manufactured in the UK?: No

Best-seller: Extreme Shine Top Coat The Gel Bottle Inc is a femalefounded and run company. Its vegan gel polishes are highly pigmented, and while they weren’t initially intended for mass distribution, customer demand has seen popularity skyrocket in the past five years. Last year, the company launched spin-off consumer brand Peacci.

0333 772 0965

thegelbottleinc.com

Wax:one

Launched: 2018

HQ: Leeds

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Hot Wax Wax:one is a UK-based and manufactured brand, developed by Sweet Squared in partnership with waxing professionals. Collectively the team has beauty industry experience spanning decades. Client comfort and simplicity is at the heart of Wax:one, with just one Hot Wax and one Strip Wax that are suitable for all skin types.

0333 000 7000

sweetsquared.com

Vitage

Launched: 1998

HQ: Basildon, Essex

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Revitalising Daily Cleanse The Vitage range is a pioneer in the antioxidant skincare market, created and endorsed by skincare experts. The range continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of customers and the professional market, championing the latest skin-innovations.

03333 201918

vitage.co.uk

Waxu

Founded: 2015

HQ: Nottingham

Manufactured in the UK?: Yes

Best-seller: Express Hot Wax Beads Waxu was created by waxing specialist Gemma Cafferkey with the aim of revolutionising the way clients think about hair removal, devising products that create a longlasting and comfortable waxing experience, in the hope that clients will look forward to their hair removal appointment rather than dreading it.

07470 987420

waxu.co.uk