How They Got Famous
Find Out Why They're Famous
Caudalie | Benefit | SK II | Nioxin
From wondrous ingredients to hilarious startup stories, these four beauty brands have made it to the big leagues on the strength of their unusual approaches to problem-solving. So if you're looking to correct dull skin, thinning hair, or pale lips, they've got the goods for you!
The Icon: Vinoperfect Radiance Serum
Ever wondered why Caudalie products are all packaged with a grape motif? Simple: it was founded by vineyard owners. After years of throwing away the grape skins, stems, and vines in her winemaking process, Mathilde Thomas was told that she was actually "throwing away treasures." She decided to do her research. When she discovered the healing powers in the sap of the grapevine stalk, Vinoperfect Radiance serum was born.
Why do we love it?
It turns out that grapes do lots of amazing things. The compound in grapevine sap, for example, erases dark spots on hands and face to reveal a radiant new complexion. Caudalie patented the molecule as ViniferineTM, and now it exists as an entire collection of bestselling products that fans are obsessed with. But Caudalie didn't stop there. Fuelled by nonstop research, Caudalie was also the first to use polyphenols and resveratrol in a cosmetic product, leading to equally successful product lines.
What else is cool?
In 2006, the brand became an early adopter of the all-natural movement. Knowing that women were increasingly seeking out cosmetics free of preservatives, the brand decided to cut out all parabens, phthalates, SLS, mineral oils, phenoxyenthanol, and animal-derived raw materials from its products. This means even sensitive skin can use it worry-free!
The Icon: Bene Tint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain
With its retro, pop-art packaging filled with cheeky nods to the American 50's, Benefit is an instantly recognizable brand. But its most famous product, Benetint, has an even more iconic story. Originally called 'Rose Tint', it was developed for an exotic dancer who needed a nipple stain. From there, sales took off. Pretty soon, it was the company's best-selling product, with over 10 million bottles sold to date.
Why do we love it?
With a gentle rose scent and a deep, strong tint that's nearly bulletproof, this stain is super versatile. Use it on your lips, and it will last through your business lunch and cocktail hour. Use it on your cheeks, and it won't budge until you're ready for bed. In fact, you probably won't have to take it off at all, since the stain sinks into skin to become a shockingly natural-looking flush.
What else is cool?
So many products are awesome, we can barely name them all. For starters? The Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara is a fan favourite that produces deliriously long lashes. If you're in need of a pore-minimizing primer, turn to the Porefessional for an uber-smooth base. Lastly, since Benefit cares enough about eyebrows that they made the Guinness World Record for most eyebrow waxes performed by a team, we can't leave out their award-winning Goof Proof Brow Pencil - it's the easiest way to a perfectly-defined arch.
The Icon: Facial Treatment Essence
If you haven't heard of PiteraTM by now, you need to read this. In the 1970's, Japanese scientists from SK II came across a weird phenomenon: elderly sake brewers blessed with remarkably smooth, youthful hands. The secret, it turned out, was in the fermenting sake they worked with daily. Inside this mixture, scientists discovered Pitera, a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that could rewind the signs of time. And so they created the Facial Treatment Essence: a product made with 90% Pitera.
Why do we love it?
You probably won't believe it, but Pitera is actually a yeast. Not only does it help maintain moisture levels, but it also prevents dead skin build-up and carries essential saccharides and proteins to regulate oil production. The result? Clear, translucent skin that you'll only find on a baby's bottom. With head-turning results like that, don't hesitate to check out their entire Pitera-based regimen.
What else is cool?
If you've never tried sheet masks before, the SK II Facial Treatment Mask should be your point of entry. As the gold standard of sheet masks, it's richly soaked in Pitera for maximum benefits. You'll want to follow up afterwards with the Signs Up-Lifter as well, which will do the heavy-lifting in firming up your skin and adding the bouncy suppleness back into aging skin.
The Icon that started it all: System 3 Cleanser
Want a fuller head of hair? Nioxin is the hero you've been waiting for. Story time: As a child, Eva Graham watched her beloved father slowly go bald. Everyday he'd say, "If someone just found a way for a man to not lose his hair." Years later, when Eva became pregnant for the first time, she lost half her hair. To solve the problem, she created Nioxin, the first haircare brand totally dedicated to treating thinning hair. Her research into scalp care eventually led to the development of her 3-step Systems, including the bestselling System 3.
Why do we love it?
Pause and rewind back to a time (think the 80's) when women were going to the salon once a week and everyone was putting aggressive chemicals in their hair. This only made the scalp drier over time. By contrast, Nioxin's 3-Step System focused on the scalp as an extension of the face. Graham's systems all include a cleanser, revitaliser, and treatment, same as what you'd apply to your face. The result? Fuller, thicker, healthier hair that isn't just fluff and filler - hair literally grows back.
What else is cool?
Whether you have thick or fine hair, normal or chemically-treated hair, or visibly thinning hair, Nioxin has a system just for you. You can rest easy knowing they're full of scientifically-proven ingredients that target factors like scalp sebum, buildup, and other pore-clogging debris. We especially love the Intensive Therapy Hair Booster because it's like a serum for the scalp. So if you're looking for the most natural way to get the full and luxurious hair you want, look no further.
