RetailMeNot's Favorite Female-Founded Brands

 

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8, RetailMeNot curated a list of their favorite female-founded brands to shop, below.

Beautycounter Gregg Renfrew, one of the founders of The Wedding List, launched this chemical-free beauty brand in 2013. The entrepreneur helped establish a list of 1,500 potentially harmful ingredients that the company avoids using in its personal care products—known as the “Never List”—and actively advocates for stricter guidelines and regulations in the cosmetics industry. Shop: Try the award-winning Counter+ No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil ($69), the best-selling Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream ($89) and the buildable and natural-looking Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation ($42 $29.40). For the entire month of March, sign up for emails and get 10% off your first order and free shipping on orders of 75+. Plus, get 1% cash back! Briogeo Nancy Twine founded this natural hair care company that has quickly become a favorite among women. Taking it back to the basics, Briogeo nurtures hair with ingredients that detoxify, hydrate and protect all types of hair—from curls to damaged strands. Plus, you’ll find the line at major beauty retailers like Ulta and Sephora. Shop: Take the hair quiz for your own custom routine, or shop award-winning favorites like the Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask ($36) and the Be Gentle, Be Kind superfoods banana + coconut value set ($56). Clare Paint Interior designer Nicole Gibbons founded Clare when she saw that no paint brands were offering an easy or convenient way to shop for paint. The expertly curated colors and Clare Color Genius help guide you to that perfect hue, while peel and stick swatches take all of the guesswork out of the process (with no mess or endless sea of paint chips!) Shop: New hues Meet Cute and Good as Gold. And get $5 off your order with code SHOPSMALL! Crate & Barrel Founded in 1962 by 23-year-olds Carole and Gordon Segal, the concept for furniture and housewares store Crate and Barrel was originally inspired by the inexpensive, simple and beautiful European products for sale they came across during their honeymoon in the Caribbean. They became interested in providing durable yet aesthetically-pleasing products at a reasonable price to young couples and began importing products to Chicago directly from Europe. With Briton Neela Montgomery now running the show as CEO, the brand now has 93 locations and 10 outlets in the U.S. and Canada. Shop: The rustic, classic Marin White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($116.95) and the Sheepskin Ivory 42″x72″ Throw/Rug ($159–$379) that’s guaranteed to transform any space. CTZN Cosmetics Founded by three Los Angeles-born, Dubai-raised, ethnically Pakistani sisters. Being very well-traveled entrepreneurs, they’ve always felt a connection to more than one location as "home" - which served as the inspiration for CTZN Cosmetics and their mission to unite all "CTZNs of the world" with an inclusive, genderless cosmetics line that is cruelty free, mostly vegan and features heavily inclusive marketing. CTZN Cosmetics is produced in Europe in accordance with EU guidelines on formulations. Shop: CTZN Gold, a universally flattering warm gold eye-shimmer ($25) in a jelly-like texture that dries as a powder once applied onto the eyelids. Suitable for all skin tones. Fabletics Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, activewear brand Fabletics emerged in 2013 as a response to a lack of stylish, high-quality gear at an accessible price point. The subscription-based company creates personalized outfits based on lifestyle and fashion preferences for a wide range of sizes and strives to spread body-positive messaging. Shop: The versatile Harlow Reversible Midi Sports Bra ($22.47 with VIP membership) and the supportive Oasis High-Waisted Pocket Legging (two for $24 with VIP membership). Glossier Starting her career as an intern at Teen Vouge, Emily Weiss first became known for her popular blog, Into the Gloss. In 2014, she turned her beauty website into Glossier, a beauty and skin care company that creates products based on feedback of what women really want. As Weiss states on the website, “As I interviewed hundreds of women, I became more and more aware of how flawed the traditional beauty paradigm is. It has historically been an industry based on experts telling you, the customer, what you should or shouldn’t be using on your face.” Shop: The top-rated Futuredew, a nourishing oil serum, and customer-favorite Boy Brow, which instantly thickens and shapes to create a fluffy, groomed brow. Get 10% off your first order, free shipping on orders over $30 and 1% cash back on your purchase! The Honest Company Actress and mom Jessica Alba founded this wellness brand in 2012 after finding a lack of “clean” household products and baby items that were safe for both her and her children. The company, which has four GH Seals and many products with a USDA Bio Preferred certification and EPA Safer Choice label, is focused on developing new formulas and high-performance products that are safe for everyone. Products include diapers, baby formula, makeup, skin care and cleaning products available on their site or at mega-retailers Target and Amazon. Shop: The award-winning Organic Beauty Facial Oil ($27.99), Conditioning Detangler ($5.95) that will leave your strands silky-smooth, and the Rose Blossom Wipes ($18.95 for 288), safe for the softest and most delicate bums. Get 20% off almost everything with code SPRING20 and 1% cash back on your order. The Honey Pot Bea Dixon started this natural, plant-based feminine care line in 2014 after suffering from bacterial vaginosis for months. The clinically-tested and gynecologist-approved products are developed by women and powered by herbs to cleanse, protect and balance your vagina—and are sold online and at large retailers like Target. Shop: The Organic Duo-Pack Tampons ($8.99), Menstrual Cup ($21.99) and Feminine Wipes ($9.99). Kate Spade Designer Kate Spade started her fashion career while working for Mademoiselle, where she noticed that the market lacked practical, stylish and affordable handbags—and decided to create her own. In 1992, she brought six prototypes made with Scotch Tape and paper to a New York manufacturer, and the rest is handbag history. Shop: The Margaux Medium Satchel ($298), the Dainty Bloom Satin Dress ($198) that’s giving us all the Clueless vibes and the Spade Flower Jacquard Stripe Everything Large Tote ($358). Shop now and get 5% cash back on your purchase! Orpheus Skin Founder Sara Kyurkchieva long suffered from hypersensitive and reactive skin, and always struggled to find a skincare product that was gentle yet potent, and wouldn’t agitate her skin. This led her to her search for a natural solution — after much time spent researching with her family for solutions, Sara discovered the rare Orpheus Resurrection flower. Sara’s family has 20+ years of experience in the personal care space and helped her turn this dream into a reality with Orpheus skin. Shop: Experience transformed skin that is visibly more youthful-looking with a replenished, firm, evenly-toned, and radiant complexion with the Resurrection Stem Cell Power Couple ($170). Outdoor Voices At just 25, Parsons School of Design graduate Tyler “Ty” Haney founded the athleisure company Outdoor Voices. The company’s guiding mission to “Get the World Moving” suggests using exercise and movement to help generate endorphins and make you happy—no matter your body type or fitness level. Shop: The sporty and flattering Exercise Dress ($100) and the TechSweat 3/4 Leggings ($88) made with breathable fabric and a waistband that’s designed to stay put. Plus, get 15% cash back! Parachute Parachute founder and CEO Ariel Kaye wanted quality home goods at an affordable price, yet couldn’t find any on the market. Enter Parachute, a brand that is focused on creating impeccable, quality bedding and home goods at an accessible price point. In addition, the socially responsible brand is part of the United Nations Nothing But Nets campaign, which sends malaria-prevention bed nets to those in need. Shop: The 100% Egyptian cotton Percale Sheet Set ($109–$149), the über-plush Classic Bathrobe ($99) and the Linen Venice Set ($359–$459) that includes a pillowcase set, fitted sheet and duvet cover. Proven Skincare Frustrated with finding products for her “difficult” skin, founder Ming Zhao teamed up with Dr. Amy Yuan to develop a personalized line of skin care that’s backed by scientific data. Together they created The Skin Genome Project—the world’s largest skin care database and winner of MIT’s 2018 Artificial Intelligence Award—to analyze the effectiveness of skin care ingredients, environment, scientific publications and other factors to select the best ingredients for your skin. Shop: Take the 3-minute Skin Genome Quiz to find your personalized products, and get free shipping and 1% cash back! Reformation After a visit to China motivated her to research the environmental impact of the fashion industry (one of the top polluters in the world), founder and CEO Yael Aflalo was inspired to start her (now incredibly successful) sustainable clothing brand, Reformation. The company, whose clothes are made in Los Angeles, has since taken off with fashionable clientele that includes celebrities, models and “It” girls. Committed to reducing waste, the brand has a five-year sustainability roadmap, and has partnered with companies like online consignment shop thredUP to help incentivize their customers to recycle and extend the life of their garments. Shop: The Ecostretch High Rise 3” Bike Short ($48), perfect for working out or WFH, and the gorgeous Sable Dress ($218), which is easy to dress up or down. Rent the Runway In 2009, Jennifer Hyman co-founded Rent the Runway with her Harvard Business School classmate Jennifer Fleiss with the genius idea to offer women rentable gowns and dresses for events so they didn’t have to buy them. With the mission to “make women feel empowered and self-confident every day,” the company expanded from renting designer gowns to include everyday outfits, maternity wear, accessories and more so that women can freely express themselves, feel their best and dress for success—all for a budget-friendly price tag. Shop: The A.P.C. Jayla Dress ($55-$70), MINKPINK Nikkita Stud Faux Leather Skirt ($30) and the beautiful nha khanh Amber Gown ($135-$150) for brides. SPANX Initially invented when she cut the legs off of her control-top pantyhose, SPANX founder Sara Blakely has since revolutionized the world of intimate apparel. Designed to help eliminate panty lines and compress and lift in all of the right areas, the company has grown to not only include shapewear but also bras, athletic wear, denim, hosiery and more. Shop: The Thinstincts® 2.0 Open-Bust Mid-Thigh Bodysuit ($88) and the Every.Wear Laser Wave 7/8 Leggings ($118). S’well Sarah Kauss started S’well in 2010 in an effort to rid the world of single-use plastic bottles. Over a decade later, the stylish and sustainable water bottles are some of the most popular on the market, and have expanded beyond into food, barware and accessories. Shop: The classic triple-insulated Azurite Marble Bottle ($35) that keeps cold beverages cold for 36 hours, and hot beverages hot for 18, the Teakwood Wine Tumbler ($25) and the Prep Bowl Set Eats ($20), perfect for meal-prepping for the week. Shop and get 1% cash back on your purchase! Tarte What began as a cheek stain in 1999 has since turned into one of the most successful cruelty-free, natural beauty brands. Pursuing a PhD in psychology at Columbia University, founder and CEO Maureen Kelly dropped out of the program to follow her true passion, creating beauty products with natural ingredients for real, everyday women. Tarte Cosmetics’ easy-to-use products are formulated from ingredients like Amazonian clay and vitamin C and E, and do not use parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances or gluten. Shop: The popular Shape Tape Concealer ($27) and the Tartelette in Bloom Clay Palette ($39) with 12 brightening matte and microshimmer eyeshadow shades—and get 20% cash back! Thinx Co-founded by Miki Agrawal in 2013 after a successful Kickstarter campaign raised $65,000 to make “a more thoughtful pair of underwear,” underwear brand Thinx initially became popular due to its edgy, taboo and feminist advertising campaigns. With Maria Molland now at the helm, the company specializes in “period panties,” a feminine hygiene alternative. The company also donates menstrual products to those in need, including young women, underprivileged communities and the homeless. Shop: The Super-High Waist ($42), which can absorb up to four tampons’ worth, or the Cheeky ($30), which holds one tampon’s worth. Plus, shop now and get 1% cash back on your purchase. ThirdLove Frustrated with a lousy, ill-fitting selection of bras, Heidi Zak decided to make her own bra. Teaming up with designer Ra’el Cohen, ThirdLove was born. The company—whose products also include underwear and sleepwear—was the first bra brand to offer half cup sizing. With double the amount of sizes as other brands, ThirdLove uses a Fit Finder quiz to recommend the ideal bra in 60 seconds as well as a mobile app that gives women the option to measure themselves at home to find the perfect fit. To date, the company has also donated over $18 million worth of bras to women in need. Shop: The bra that started it all, the 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra ($65), and the 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra ($65). Tory Burch A fashion designer, businesswoman and philanthropist, Tory Burch launched her fashion line and first retail store in 2004. Now with 250 stores worldwide, the company has grown into a fashion powerhouse with a portfolio that includes shoes, handbags, jewelry, watches, clothing, home goods and more. In 2009, she created the Tory Burch Foundation to support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs by providing access to education, loans and more resources. Shop: The stylish and cool T Monogram Jacquard Bucket Bag ($448) and the comfy Basket-Weave T-Shirt Dress ($228). Plus, get 4% cash back! Touchland Millennial entrepreneur Andrea Lisbona is setting out to disrupt the stale hand sanitizer industry with her innovative brand aimed at elevating everyday experiences, which has been in the works for more than a decade. Inspired by great innovators and the marriage of great function with great design, Andrea developed Touchland, a revolutionary brand of hand sanitizers that combine sleek, functional packaging with non-sticky, moisturizing, luxurious-feeling formulas that come in eight amazing scents. Shop: Power Mists, the first beauty-forward sanitizer designed to make your skin happy, hydrated and healthy ($12). Universal Standard New York–based Universal Standard was founded by Polina Veksler and Alex Waldman with the mission to disrupt the clothing industry by taking size out of the equation. After their initial launch sold out in just days, the two opened up a showroom and rolled out a highly anticipated denim line with an initial 1,700-person waitlist. The size-inclusive, high-quality clothing options (ranging in size from 00 to 40) now also includes basics, outerwear, suits, maternity wear, accessories and so much more, along with a “Fit Liberty” policy that offers free exchanges on products for a year if your size changes. Shop: The forever-cool Leeron Leather Moto Jacket ($445), the flattering Marne Bootcut Jeans ($90) and the super-soft and cozy Nicole Cashmere Blend Turtleneck Sweater ($240). Wildfang Founded in 2010 by Emma Mcilroy and Julia Parsley, who previously worked at Nike, Wildfang specializes in gender-neutral apparel, suits, feminist accessories and basics. The company makes a donation to select charities with every single purchase, and in 2018 helped raise over $400,000 for organizations that support reproductive, immigrant, women’s and human rights. Shop: The wardrobe-staple and perfectly-tailored Empower Tux Blazer ($188) and the forever-cool Essential Coverall ($188). Plus, you’ll get a free Wild Feminist tee (worn by the likes of Janelle Monae and Evan Rachel Wood) with all orders over $75.