3 minute read
The Lockdown Lowdown: The Fresh-Faced Brands
The Lockdown Lowdown:
The Fresh-Faced Brands of the Pandemic
Siobhan Macdonald
During lockdown this year, it led to many of us re-evaluating our shopping habits. More people have pledged away from using big businesses like Amazon, to supporting smaller, independent business. As a result of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown, over 750,000 businesses were forced to close according to UK Tech News. However, it’s not all doom and gloom – lockdown saw a surprising and inspiring retail transformation of the United Kingdom with over 85,000 business launching online stores according to research from Growth Intelligence. If you’re looking for somewhere new to shop for cosmetics, accessories or clothes we’ve got the list below of the latest lockdown start-ups you should know about.
Perl Cosmetics
Photograph / Instagram / @pearlcosmetics
Perl Cosmetics, created by Isobel Perl during lockdown after she lost her corporate job in March 2020. Isobel always had a dream to launch a UK based organic skincare brand. Ingredients are so important, which is why Isobel takes special care explaining every ingredient that goes into the mask: pearl powder because it’s rich in amino acids and stimulates collagen to illuminate skin, aloe vera because it’s high in antioxidants leaving skin soothed and calmed, pomegranate because it’s high in ellagic acid and regenerative properties, elderberry because rich in vitamins A,B and C with skin toning properties, kaolin clay as it has a neutral pH level and detoxifying properties, and raspberry because it’s full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 and highly nourishing.
Noe Knits The Crafty Wee Bee
Photograph / Instagram / @noe.knits
Noe Knits is a student ran England based small business created during lockdown by Noe Banks Martin. Noe started off knitting pompom earrings before moving into scrunchies, hats, crochet bags, bandanas, hair clips and tops. Each item is hand-made and ranging in style from sunflower patterned tops, to fruit themed earrings. If you want a bright and unique addition to your wardrobe, look no further.
Wiltshire Masks
Photograph / Instagram / @wiltshiremasks Wiltshire Masks is another lockdown founded business starting in June 2020 by Helena Wiltshire. The business aim is to provide an eco-friendly and stylish form of protection during these uncertain times in the pandemic. All masks are re-useable and machine washable, featuring two layers of fabric for extra protection and to provide a barrier between you and others following the governments recommendation. You can find Wiltshire Masks online at www.wiltshiremasks.com or on Depop.
Photograph / Instagram / @_.the.crafty.wee.bee_ Grace launched The Crafty Wee Bee back in June 2020 where she focuses on making bespoke, handmade jewellery. All her items are handmade with clay or resin and made to order. She’s open to custom orders as well, so when shopping if any item is sold out or you want something different message Grace for something custom. Jewellery places start at £3.50 and all designs are available on etsy.com.
RE.BORN Swimwear
Photograph / Instagram / @re.bornswim Georgia Braithwaite is the founder of RE.BORN Swimwear, an eco-friendly sustainable swimwear brand focusing on recycled and re-purposed fabric. Pieces are crafted from recycled plastic bottles diverted from landfill and material used are off-cuts and dead stock generated by larger companies that allow start-ups to utilise their waste product. RE.BORN are going to be a pioneer in the sustainable fashion field, launching on September 18 2020.
