Mel Brooks Slated to Reprise Role in 'Spaceballs 2'
Summary
Nearly four decades afterSpaceballswarped into cult classic status, the long-rumored sequel is officially a go, and to the immense delight of fans, comedy legend Mel Brooks is confirmed to reprise his iconic role as Yogurt. The announcement, made just this week, has sent shockwaves of excitement through the entertainment world, promising a return to the satirical brilliance only Brooks can deliver.
Set for a theatrical release in 2027 withAmazon MGM Studios,Spaceballs 2will see the 98-year-old maestro not only back in front of the camera as the wise, merchandising-obsessed Yogurt (a parody of Yoda), but also serving as a producer. Brooks himself unveiled the news with a characteristically humorous social media teaser, featuring aStar Wars-esque opening crawl that brilliantly skewers Hollywood's current obsession with endless sequels and reboots. His direct message at the end, 'After 40 years we asked what do the fans want… but instead, we're making this movie,' perfectly encapsulates the irreverent spirit of the original.
The excitement doesn't stop with Brooks' return. In a move that has further electrified fans, Rick Moranis is also reportedly set to come out of a lengthy retirement to reprise his role as the hilariously villainous Dark Helmet. Moranis's absence from live-action films for almost three decades has made his potential return one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Adding to the returning cast, Bill Pullman will be back as Lone Starr, the charming rogue equivalent of Han Solo.
New talent is also joining the ranks, with Josh Gad confirmed to lead the cast, co-write the screenplay (alongside Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez), and co-produce. Keke Palmer is also slated for an as-yet-unspecified role, bringing fresh energy to the ensemble. Josh Greenbaum (known for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) is set to direct.
The originalSpaceballs(1987) perfectly lampooned theStar Warssaga and other sci-fi tropes, building a devoted following over the years. With the landscape of cinematic franchises having exploded since its debut,Spaceballs 2is perfectly poised to deliver a fresh wave of satirical commentary on the blockbuster era. For those who believe the Schwartz is still strong, this sequel promises to be a comedic force to be reckoned with.
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Los Angeles Times
12 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
‘Spaceballs 2' is coming! Wait, what was so cool about the original ‘Spaceballs'?
'Spaceballs 2' is incoming, director Mel Brooks confirmed Thursday on social media, 38 years after the original 'Spaceballs' crashed onto the space-opera scene. Hey, what's a few decades between friends, amirite? Given that three-quarters of the current moviegoing audience was not even born 38 years ago, a person might wonder why they should care about a 'Spaceballs' sequel. Well! We. Have. Answers. The sequel will have a director and that director is not Brooks, perhaps because Brooks is 98 years old. Plus the jokester hasn't directed a movie since 1995's 'Dracula: Dead and Loving It.' But Brooks was, indeed, the auteur behind 'The Producers,' 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein,' so he might make it in Hollywood someday. Tell the folks at CAA: 'Spaceballs 2' could be the boost his resume needs. The news so far, according to Variety, is this: Brooks will be back as Yogurt — just plain Yogurt — and Josh Gad will star. Perhaps he'll star as Outerspace Olaf, a mercenary snowman who likes warm hugs and thinks a space princess is a person worth melting for. Gad, Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez are writing the script, and Josh Greenbaum ('Barb and Starr Go to Vista Del Mar') will direct. Please don't argue. It's a known fact that Everybody loves Bill Pullman. The 'Spaceballs 2' team loves Bill Pullman so much that, according to Variety, in addition to inviting him to reprise his character from the original comedy, they have also cast his son Lewis Pullman in a role to be named later. Let's hope the elder Pullman's Lone Starr has eased into retirement and Pullman the Younger gets to play a younger version of the Luke Skywalker-scented hero. Exactly! There's still room to improve! ''Spaceballs' might have been much funnier and more inventive on a much smaller budget,' The Times said in its 1987 review of the movie. 'Occasionally the expense pays off, as in the wonderful opening shot of an insanely elaborate starship that sweeps over us against inky infinity, going on and on ... and on and on! But sometimes the elaborate jokes just clang and clunk, as when Lone Starr jams the Spaceballs radar with real jam — and no peanut butter.' That sounds like an argument for half the budget, double the jokes and a variety of Uncrustables at the craft services table. The year 2027 is so close, yet sounds so far, far away. It also will mark the 40th anniversary of the release of the original 'Star Wars' movie, which was once known simply as 'Star Wars,' not 'Star Wars: Episode 4 — A New Hope.' As the glorious celebrations of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Yoda, Obi-Wan and the gang ring out in Hollywood in 2027, 'Spaceballs 2' should land next to them with a resounding fart. A resounding fart joke, at least. Maybe two. Sure, Rick Moranis will be back for 'Spaceballs 2,' per Deadline, reprising the role of Dark Helmet, the villain whose voice resonates and booms when his helmet is down and turns squeaky and annoying when the mask is raised. And Keke Palmer, who was born in 1993, will reportedly have a part as well, though no clues have been given as to who or what she'll play. Just don't have Palmer play Jar Jar Binks' father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate, please, because Dark Helmet already spent that punch line on Lone Starr back in 1987. Jar Jar was, of course, the duck-billed breakout star, sorta, of 1999's 'Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.' Don't click that link, just take our word for it. That said, you know there just has to be a Jar Jar Binks gag or two in 'Spaceballs 2.' Read aloud with me now: Mesa no tink so, you say? Ex-squeeze me, but yousa be wrong. Terrible tings goen happen if Jar Jar remains nothing more than the most annoying and unnecessary CGI character ever to please George Lucas. Give the Gungan some gas to go with that pidgin English and anything could happen. In our post-#MeToo landscape, rife with 'you can't say that' sensibilities, some 'Spaceballs'-style gags might fall flat. Then again, as The Times said in its 1987 review of the original film, 'This is a multimillion-dollar extravaganza satirizing other multimillion-dollar extravaganzas — which begins to seem a bit like attacking a President by hitting him over the head with another President.' Given that in the occasionally dystopian 2020s, hitting presidents over the head with other presidents is no big deal, the new film might make perfect sense, even if it doesn't improve one bit. Then again, will Yiddish gags play to the keffiyeh-clad youngs? Or will the jokes simply bomb? Only 'Spaceballs 2' will tell.
Forbes
15 hours ago
- Forbes
Hurry: 32 Last-Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas That'll Arrive By Sunday
Father's Day is this Sunday—but there's still time to show Dad how much he means to you. We found tons of exciting (and thoughtful) gifts guaranteed to arrive by June 15, from Amazon Prime-eligible items to subscription boxes you can order same-day. Our top last-minute Father's Day gift ideas include a supportive pair of Brooks Glycerin 22 Running Shoes, Loop's versatile silicone earplugs to muffle unwanted sounds and our favorite noise-canceling wireless headphones from Bose—but order them now so he'll get them on time. Crunched for time? These last-minute Father's Day gifts will ship ASAP but are still meaningful. When selecting a last-minute gift, consider your dad's interests, splurge-worthy items and those he wouldn't think to buy for himself—and make sure there's overnight or one-day shipping available. For example, foodies will appreciate Harry & David's Summer Grilling Gift Box (which you need to order today so it ships overnight), while avid birders will get plenty of use from Birdsnap's Smart Bird Feeder (which will arrive by Sunday if you're a Prime member). So hurry: Check out our favorite last-minute Father's Day gifts and find the perfect one that you can add to card today. And for more last-minute gifts, we also curated the best Father's Day gifts and the best subscription boxes for dads. Amazon Whether Dad prefers walking or running, this supportive sneaker will help propel him forward and keep his feet well-positioned as he moves. My brother and I gifted my dad a pair of supportive sneakers for Father's Day last year, and he uses them every day. (The Glycerin 22 shoes are also a top pick in our guide to the best men's running shoes.) Amazon Forbes Vetted supervising deals and coupons editor, Kara Cuzzone, recommends the Aura Digital Picture Frame, which displays photos and videos directly from your phone. 'It's really easy to set up, and the whole family can add pictures to it via an app, so you can share old memories and new pictures even if you're not together physically. Plus, the picture quality is super crisp,' says Cuzzone. Amazon This wireless meat thermometer ensures Dad's favorite BBQ won't be over- or undercooked and is incredibly easy to use. The set includes two color-coded probes with individual sensors (four different sensors total, including three internal and one ambient temperature sensor) and a 'booster' that displays the temperatures on a bright LCD screen, making it easy to monitor the cooking process. The device connects via Bluetooth, and the app sends alerts, estimated cooking times and more. Amazon Help Dad whip up delicious breakfast sandwiches with this fun device from Hamilton Beach. All he has to do is layer his favorite bread on the top and bottom with an egg (plus other ingredients and toppings) and wait for the countdown timer to alert him that it's ready. Amazon This digital watch by Casio has a cool, retro look, and the smooth resin band feels light and comfortable on the wrist. It's a stylish accessory for work, golf outings, lunch with friends and more. Plus, it has a 20-bar water resistance rating and can withstand sudden impacts (like being dropped) without damage. Amazon Whether Dad is a workout enthusiast or could benefit from a targeted massage to help him relax, the TheraGun Therabody Mini is a practical gift that he's sure to use often. It comes with three attachments, and its portable size makes it easy to throw in a gym bag or luggage. Amazon If he's a coffee (or tea) drinker, the Ember mug will ensure his cup of joe is never cold. It provides up to 80 minutes of heat—or all-day warmth when placed on the charging coaster—and has an auto sleep feature and handy LED indicator lights that alert you when your drink is at the desired temperature. Amazon Recommended by our home editors as one of the best fire pits on the market after several rounds of testing, the Breeo Smokeless 24-Inch Fire Pit is great if Dad loves entertaining or spending time outside. The smoke-free fire provides warmth without any lingering odors. Amazon I bought my dad a Yeti travel mug two years ago, and he talks about it every time I come home to visit. The mug's base fits perfectly into cupholders, so he can bring it with him when he's running errands, and the leak-resistant lid prevents the contents from sloshing out. My dad also loves that it's dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Amazon If Dad is a fan of aviator-style sunglasses, there's no better gift than a pair from American Optical, the iconic brand that designed the first pair for the U.S. military 90 years ago. These durable, timeless specs are made to military specifications, which includes impact-resistance and 100% UVA/UVB protection. Goldbelly New York City has a vibrant food scene, and this creative gift box (it serves 8 to 12 people) contains some of the city's most iconic dishes. Highlights include a pastrami sandwich kit from Eli Zabar, a coal-fired pizza from John's of Bleecker Street, an assortment of pre-baked bagels from Zucker's and a cheesecake from Junior's. Harry & David This well-organized box of savory spices and sauces will help Dad whip up delicious meals throughout the summer. The bundle by Harry & David contains four different sauces and a bold Peppercorn spice rub, and it's available to ship now (last-minute gifters might want to bookmark this option). Amazon Add a little flavor to his food with this fiery trio of Hot Ones hot sauces and a heat guide so he can work his way up to more intense varieties. The varying flavors and heat levels—from the milder Classic to the intense The Last Dab XPerience—will keep things interesting. All that's missing are crispy chicken wings. Amazon Dad can use this collection of savory sauces in several different ways: drizzle them over dumplings, use them as a marinade, stir them into noodle dishes or use them as a dipping sauce for crispy fried chicken. The possibilities are endless, and there are three flavors to experiment with (spicy sweet soy, ginger soy and Sichuan sesame soy). Crowd Cow Updates writer Fran Sales gifted a Crowd Cow surf-and-turf bundle to her dad (a true carnivore who's been trying to eat more healthily), and she says the whole thing was a hit—not just with Dad, but with the entire family. The key to the brand's fresh, delicious offerings are its partners: ethical farms, fisheries and producers, which ensure you receive only the highest-quality products, whether that's pasture-raised beef or free-range organic chicken. Your dad can redeem this gift card on the Crowd Cow website. Amazon If he spends a lot of time in the backyard, this smart bird feeder by Birdsnap is packed with cool features to level up his birdwatching. It uses AI to identify bird species, and the high-definition, wide-angle camera captures birds in real time, even at night. Ticketmaster If your dad is hard to shop for, consider a Ticketmaster gift card so that he can choose from thousands of events ranging from concerts to sporting events to comedy shows. 'I got my dad US Open tickets last year, and they were a big hit,' says Cuzzone. 'He's a huge tennis fan but had never been to the Open, so I got tickets for us to go together, and he hasn't stopped talking about it since.' Amazon This traditional Japanese watercolor set is a winning gift if he's creative or just looking to pick up a new hobby. 'I bought this paint set for my dad last year, and he loved it,' says Thomas. 'The colors are rich, and come in a beautiful package, so you don't need extra wrapping if you're running out of time and have to send it directly.' Uncommon Goods 'One of my dad's favorite gifts I've ever gotten him is this custom viewfinder,' says Forbes Vetted updates writer Claire Epting. 'It's delightfully nostalgic, and the personalization process was straightforward and fun.' It comes with a unique code to redeem your customized photo reel online. Epting advises ordering it in advance to ensure the viewfinder and the photo reel arrive in time for Father's Day. fossil Our top bifold pick in our guide to the best wallets for men, this compact and well-organized wallet makes an excellent gift that Dad will use daily. 'The material is flexible and smooth to the touch, while the stitching around the edge of the wallet prevents loose strings from sticking out,' says our tester, Forbes Vetted content strategy analyst Luke Frangis. Universal Yums If Dad has an adventurous palate, this subscription box offers popular snacks from different countries, including South Korea, Greece, Pakistan and more. 'I got my stepdad a subscription to Universal Yums a few years back, and he still talks about some of the snacks he discovered. It's extremely last-minute friendly and just a fun way to try something new every month,' says Jordan Thomas, assistant deals editor at Forbes Vetted. Atlas Coffee If Dad starts each day with a cup of coffee, treat him to this customizable Atlas Coffee Club subscription. You can select the coffee type (ground, whole bean or pods), brew method, roast preference and number of bags per shipment. Bespoke Post If you're not sure what to get the father figure in your life, go for a subscription box from Bespoke Post, which caters to various interests and hobbies, from mixology to clothing. It earned the top spot in our guide to the best subscription boxes for men, and we like that it highlights goods from small businesses and lesser-known brands. MasterClass Whether interested in honing his writing skills or learning more about the business world, MasterClass offers a wide range of sessions to help the father figure in your life learn and grow. Classes from entrepreneurs and experts like Mark Cuban and Stephen Curry are added monthly, and he can watch on his TV or phone instantly. Amazon These multi-use earplugs are crafted from flexible silicone (they come with four ear tip sizes so Dad can find the best fit) to muffle unwanted noises and help him sleep, relax or focus on work. The portable case is also easy to slip into a backpack or pocket so he can bring these on the go. Amazon Whether he's trying to drown out sounds on his morning commute or zen out after a long day at the office, these wireless noise-cancelling headphones by Bose are an excellent gift. They have 24 hours of battery life, rich audio quality and plush ear cups that feel comfortable even after hours of wear. (After our extensive testing, they were rated the best wireless headphones overall.) Amazon Last year, I bought this Amazon Fire TV streaming stick for my dad (an avid movie watcher), and he absolutely loves it. It's easy to install and navigate between apps, and the picture quality is crisp and clear. Amazon Kiehl's is a top-rated skincare brand known for its gentle yet effective formulas, and we appreciate this giftable set that includes two essential products for all skin types. The gel face wash cleanses without stripping skin, and the moisturizer contains vitamin C, which can improve Dad's skin tone and texture over time. Amazon Help Dad unwind after a long day with these hydrating eye masks. Standout ingredients include caffeine, which increases circulation and can reduce puffiness, niacinamide and green tea. Amazon Shaving cream is an essential that Dad will use regularly. This 2-pack is formulated without fragrance and includes hydrating (and soothing!) ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and aloe leaf juice. Amazon If Dad is big into self-care, he may have heard of hygge, the term for a unique aspect of Danish culture that means the feeling of contentment you get from absolute comfort. These slip-ons from Danish brand Glerups, which are made from 100% wool from both New Zealand and Denmark, embody this concept to the fullest, thanks to the comfy but breathable uppers, foot-shaped design and sturdy rubber soles. Updates writer Sales gifted this to a friend a few years ago, and he ended up wearing them both indoors and out (and she borrowed them frequently, too). Cozy Earth My Dad is always looking for comfortable garments that he can wear to work and on the weekends, and I plan on gifting him these pants for Father's Day. The nylon-spandex blend is both stretchy and soft, and it comes in three lengths to ensure the best fit. If you're ordering from Amazon, the color Eclipse arrives before Father's Day, but Jet Black takes a bit longer to ship.
Cosmopolitan
18 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
48 LGBTQ+-Owned Brands to Support in 2025
Pride Month comes and goes every June, and like clockwork, companies drop Pride collections and collabs and stick their hands out for our dollars. Some are more thoughtful than others. Some incorporate an element of giving back to the queer community. Many don't. It's getting stale, and we're here to remind you that there are so many LGBTQ+ founders out there who are doing the work all year round. These brands offer products that are made for the queer community, by the queer community, providing solutions that address issues we face every day. Think: gender-affirming underwear, art prints to declare your home a safe space, garments that match your evolving expression, and even some of that rainbow-clad Pride merch, but with historically-accurate oomph. We particularly appreciate all the LGBTQ+ leadership in the beauty market—so much so we dedicated an entire roundup to our favorite LGBTQ+-owned beauty brands, which offer products and tools to help queer folks present their most authentic selves to the world. You've likely heard of many of them without even realizing they were LGBTQ+-owned, like Solawave, Peace Out Skincare, and Malin + Goetz. And then there are the movers and shakers, like Quickies press-on nails, Barb texturizing pomade made for short hair, or fragrances that are way more imaginative than archetypal perfumes or colognes. And yes, there's an entire section for candles because us queers simply can't live without them. Turn your attention to these 48 brands when it comes time to shop for Pride and beyond. (Gift ideas? Unmatched!) Many of them have give-back initiatives that are detailed below, and best believe we'll keep this list updated as we try more new brands. Al Sandimir, founder of Automic Gold, is a metalsmith and jewelry designer dedicated to making ethical, comfortable, and size-inclusive fine jewelry. All of their pieces are made with real gold and are mostly dainty, minimal styles that you can wear every day. Shop at Automic Gold Brandon Blackwood is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The designer is known for his accessibly-priced luxury handbags that have adorned the arms of celebs like Saweetie, The City Girls, Oprah, and Kim Kardashian. And that's on range! Shop at Brandon Blackwood Shop at Nordstrom Twin sisters, DJ duo, and eyewear designers Coco and Breezy Dotson are a force to be reckoned with. Their brand has been around since 2009, stocking luxury sunglasses that ooze cool-factor and individuality. Look no further for your statement sunnies for Summer '25. Shop at Coco & Breezy Shop at Amazon London-based Kurt Geiger is known for designing rainbow-hued handbags and footwear all year long. The brand just dropped its summer campaign featuring Emily Ratajkowski, showing off this year's boho, Route 66-inspired collection. Shop at Kurt Geiger Shop at Nordstrom Ash & Chess is run by queer and trans couple Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham. Their greeting cards are hilarious, and their T-shirts show your support of trans youth loud and proud. They are also the authors of Queer Tarot: An Inclusive Deck & Guidebook and they own the brick and mortar Everywhere Shop in Kingston, NY. Shop at Ash & Chess Cutesy enamel pin lovers, look no further for your Pride goodies. After tentatively closing her shop, we noticed that Bianca, a queer latine designer based in Queens, New York, is back. Choose from pins, patches, stickers, and even washi tape for all your stationery needs. Shop at Bianca's Designs Austin, Texas-based Emily Bryn designs T-shirts (and more) with the goal of 'showing the person across the street that they're safe with you.' That's a mission we can get behind. Her shirts are sourced secondhand and then screen-printed with her design, so each one is entirely unique. Shop at Emsbrynart Lisa Congdon is a lesbian artist who makes all sorts of stationary, home decor, and prints adorned with her queer-inclusive artwork. Welcome guests to your home with this 'You Belong Here' print. Shop at Lisa Congdon Patrick Church is a multi-media artist who reinterprets his paintings onto clothing (you might recognize his 'All Over You' print, which had a chokehold on gay Instagram for a minute). I'm personally a big fan of his swimwear. Shop at Patrick Church There are so many celebrity beauty brands out there, but Halsey's About-Face impressed Samantha Olson, assistant news editor. "My rule of thumb for reviewing celeb brands leads back to one question: Would I love and use these products if the A-lister wasn't attached? With About-Face, I 100% would. The Performer Foundation has a gorgeous satin and skin-like finish that lasts me 12+ hour days, and it comes in 45 shades with different undertones. The brand's Glitter Fix Eye Paints not only stand the test of time, but stun in shifting shades even in the darkest rooms. And the Matte Fix Lip Pencil is one of my all-time favorite liners because of its creamy and easily blendable formula that has minimal transferring." Shop at About-Face Shop at Ulta Alder New York is a queer- and woman-owned vegan skincare brand that launched in 2016 to offer clean skincare products that work for all gender expressions and skin types. They make everything from serums to face masks and facial tools, but I'm a big fan of the classic body bar soap. It has 1% glycolic acid and crushed jojoba seeds for gentle exfoliation. Alder New York's products are verified by the EWG (Environmental Working Group). Shop at Alder New York Introducing my daily hair styling product: Barb pomade. I've been using this for years to shape my baby mullet. The brand recently extended its product line to include a salt spray and a styling cream. I used the salt spray for the first time after a Pilates class—it revived my hair for the day and gave me tons of texture. Shop at Barb Fun fact: Beekman 1802 was founded by husbands Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, who have starred in their own reality show and competed on The Amazing Race. The brand has been featured on Oprah's Favorite Things numerous times—she loves the goat milk formulas that are gentle on sensitive skin. 100% of profits from this year's Pride collection will go to the Ali Forney Center to support at-risk LGBTQ+ youth in New York City. Shop at Beekman 1802 Shop at Amazon Byoma's products are designed to support your oh-so-fragile skin barrier. The price point is accessible, too, which we really appreciate. We named their Moisturizing Gel Cream ($15) as one of the best moisturizers to achieve glass skin. Shop at Byoma Shop at Amazon If you're ready to experiment with faux freckles, look no further than Freck Beauty. Founder Remi Brixton literally built a brand around her OG freckle pen. Reviewers say their faux freckles look natural and blend well with makeup. Shop at Freck Beauty Shop at Amazon Ghost Democracy was founded by Rex Chou, a beauty industry veteran who, after seeing how things worked behind the scenes, knew he could offer customers a higher standard of clean ingredients at a more affordable price. Beth Gilette, Beauty Editor, is a fan of their Softglow Facial Oil, calling it 'the face oil for people who think they hate face oil.' She says it is featherlight, absorbs into skin quickly, and doesn't feel greasy. Shop at Ghost Democracy Shop at Amazon Good Light is a 'gender-inclusive' skincare brand. Their bakuchiol serum—a retinol alternative—was named our favorite for sensitive skin. Our writer even pointed out that she 'tested this when my skin was going through a bout of major irritation and it didn't exacerbate any of my redness or itchiness one bit.' Their Alphabet Oil has also won a Cosmopolitan Acne Award. Pride Month or not, the brand donates 1% of sales to True Colors United, an organization that works to end youth homelessness. Shop at Good Light Shop at Ulta Queer Eye's resident beauty expert, Jonathan Van Ness, is, first and foremost, a hairstylist. So it made sense when they launched their haircare brand in 2021. The air dry cream is one of my personal ride or die styling products, and our editors have named the brand among the best shampoo for fine hair and the best hair oil for shine. Shop at JVN Hair Shop at Sephora Kim Chi's stamped makeup made her a standout on RuPaul's Drag Race season 8. So, like any smart businesswoman would, she launched a brand. She even manifested it in her season finale. Six years later, KimChi Chic Beauty is stocked in select CVS stores and on Period! For Pride this year, she dropped nostalgic collab with Caboodles. She also makes cutesy beauty tools like this light-up handheld mirror. Shop at KimChi Chic Beauty Shop at CVS You've definitely seen Malin + Goetz out in the wild, and probably didn't even realize it's LGBTQ+-owned. While the brand is most well-known for its body care, I'm here to put you on to its home fragrance. This tomato scent room spray is insanely accurate: It smells like the residue left on your hands after picking tomatoes off the vine. Tomato girl summer anyone? Shop at Malin + Goetz Shop at Amazon Mara has a secret ingredient: clinically-tested algae sourced via wild collecting in France and Ireland. Their Sea Sculpt Body Oil won the 2025 Clean Beauty Award for best body oil. 'The unique blend of marine actives, like plankton and algae, help to improve skin texture, while antioxidants like moringa and kelp seed oil make skin nice and smooth,' says Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. Shop at Mara Beauty Shop at Sephora Lauren Gruber, associate commerce editor and one of our resident fragrance aficionados was impressed by Moodeaux. "From the first time I smelled PunkStar, a smoky rose fragrance with a leathery kick, I knew I was hooked. The brand's ethos is all about self-expression through scent, and it truly shows with its line of mood-boosting eau de parfums and fragrance oils." Best of all, Moodeaux funds grants for emerging Black-owned fragrance brands and Black perfumers—no easy feat for a small brand. Shop at Moodeaux Shop at Urban Outfitters Gloria Noto founded her eponymous brand when she was ready for a change after working for years as a celebrity and fashion makeup artist. She created minimalist, multi-use, and gender-inclusive products that she wasn't seeing in the market at the time, like the Agender Oil, which conditions skin and hair. All year long, a portion of DTC sales from this multi-use oil will be donated to organizations like The Okra Project and the Transformative Freedom Fund. Shop at Noto Botanics Shop at Revolve When the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 was asked what setting spray they use, about half of the cast name-checked One/Size Beauty's On 'Til Dawn setting spray. Oh, and Beyoncé's makeup artist used it during the Renaissance Tour (rain shows included!). I rest my case. Shop at One/Size Beauty Shop at Sephora Look, we love a cute zit sticker as much as anyone, but Peace Out is here to deliver results. Sarah Maberry, fashion and luxury commerce editor, is a fan: 'Peace Out's products go beyond cute packaging. The brand's acne healing dots are so effective they've become an essential in my nighttime beauty routine.' Shop at Peace Out Skincare Shop at Sephora Both Maberry and Gilette were quick to recommend Quickies when I asked for their fave LGBTQ+-owned brands. 'As someone who has tried dozens of press-on nails brands, I say with full certainty that Quickies are some of the best,' says Maberry. 'People are always amazed to hear the nails they just complimented are press-ons. Everyone always assumed I spent triple digits at a nail salon to achieve such decorative looks.' Plus, Quickies donates $1 of every order to LGBTQ+ foundations all 12 months of the year. Shop at Quickies Viral fragrance brand Snif also impressed Gruber. She says they 'create trends instead of following them,' citing the brand's croissant and maple syrup perfumes, and collabs with content creators like Monet McMichael. And since every single scent is under $70, they're a budget-friendly way to get out of your fragrance comfort zone. Shop at Snif Shop at Ulta You probably already know Solawave's red light therapy wand, but maybe you didn't know they were part of the fam. I recently tried a red light mask for the first time, and the thing is, it requires consistency. The magic of Solawave is that you can easily take it—and use it—anywhere. Also, the brand's LED eye mask won a 2025 Holy Grail Award. Shop at Solawave Shop at Amazon The mononymous Tanaïs describes their fragrances as 'surreal, psychedelic, sultry scentscapes.' Color me intrigued! Their perfumes are formulated from oils, resins, and raw materials sourced from locations near to the founder's heart, like their homeland of Bangladesh, and are designed to transcend gender. For instance: Mati (pictured above) captures the essence of a particular monsoon season by distilling rain-soaked clay in sandalwood. Shop at Studio Tanaïs Drag superstar Trixie Mattel is one of the biggest acts to come out of the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise. She's broke through to the mainstream, with a hotel renovation show (Trixie Motel) on HBO Max, a pop culture recap show (I Like To Watch) with Katya Zamolodchikova on Netflix, and four studio albums. Before all of that, she founded her cosmetics company, Trixie Cosmetics, to bring unapologetically bold and fun makeup to the market. Shop at Trixie Cosmetics Shop at Urban Outfitters Boy Smells fragrances are designed to combine traditionally masculine and feminine notes for a "genderful" experience. The brand aligns itself with queer culture through its fragrance names and packaging, like the cult-favorite Cowboy Kush and Citrush, which looks like a poppers bottle. They make fragrances for home and body, but we're partial to their candles, which put them on the map. Shop at Boy Smells Shop at Sephora Trans and queer couple Al Rose and Ab Gibson started Queer Candle Co. as an after-work project out of their apartment in 2018. Seven years later, they've got a new space in Philadelphia, and it's a full-time gig. They hand-pour clean fragrances, like orange grove (just launched for summer) or their zodiac collection, and decorate the wax with physical elements of the scent. The also offer soy wax melts for flameless warmers. They contribute 10% of profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project all year long. Shop at Queer Candle Co. Pride is heavy this year, as there are hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ (particularly, anti-trans) bills floating through state and federal legislatures. Express your frustration by displaying one of Radiant Light Candle Co.'s vessels in your home, which are emblazoned with slogans like "Normalize throwing bricks" (a reference to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, of course) and "Queer people are: resilient, powerful, beautiful, empowered, and sick of this sh*t." After all, Pride is, and always will be, a protest. Shop at Radiant Light Candle Co. The New Savant's candles would make a great gift for any queer folk in your life. They have such creative and joy-inducing scents, like Sapphics in the City, a fruity green scent which a hint of spice from chili and juniper, or Mixed Feelings, a mélange of floral and fruit with notes of lychee, jasmine, and steamed rice. The brand was founded by former (and OG) YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen. Shop at The New Savant Christian Siriano is to Project Runway as Kelly Clarkson is to American Idol. The Season 4 winner went on to become the show's biggest success story. He's been placing people of all genders and body types on his runways for years and has dressed countless LGBTQ+ celebrities for monumental moments, bringing representation to the red carpet. He has collaborated with numerous brands to bring his creations to a wider audience, most recently with Azazie on a bridal/bridesmaid collection. Shop at Christian Siriano Shop Azazie Collab Christopher John Rogers, or CJR, is one of the most prolific American designers of his generation (and he's got CFDA awards—plural—to prove it). He launched his brand through his senior thesis at Savannah College of Art and Design in 2016, and quickly became a force in fashion thanks to his unmistakably bold (often rainbow-hued) prints and dramatic silhouettes. He's dressed Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Kamala Harris—some of the most powerful women in the world. Shop at Christopher John Rogers Shop at Saks Collina Strada is, in its own words, "a platform for climate awareness, social awareness, change, and self-expression." The brand was founded by Hillary Taymour, who has said in interviews that Collina is her alter ego. Taymour is a leader in sustainable fashion and her brand has experienced organic customer growth and awareness as a result. Her exuberant, fluid collections are inspired by animals and nature—the Spring/Summer 2025 runway show was titled "Touch Grass." Shop at Collina Strada Shop at Nordstrom Conner Ives, a 2020 Central Saint Martins graduate, has been cutting his teeth in fashion for more than a decade (Adwoa Aboah wore one of his gowns to the Met Gala in 2017). He is also the mastermind behind that 'protect the dolls' T-shirt that went viral this year. It's $75, and all proceeds from the shirt are donated to Trans Lifeline. Shop at Conner Ives Kingsley Gbadegesin is a Nigerian-born designer based out of New York. After stints at Versace and Loewe, he founded his own brand to recalibrate his creations around the "Black, Queer, Femme body." Shop at Shop at Ssense Kirrin Finch makes menswear-inspired apparel designed for a range of female, androgynous, and non-binary bodies. The brand was born out of Brooklyn-based couple Laura Moffat and Kelly Sanders Moffat's struggle to find well-fitting clothes that aligned with their personal style. Shop suits, button-down shirts, ties, pants, and wedding attire. Shop at Kirrin Finch Brooklyn-based Luar was founded by Raul Lopez in 2011 (Luar is Raul spelled backwards—you're welcome), garnering due acclaim in the past few years thanks in part to its focused effort on handbags. Beyonce attended the brand's FW24 show wearing a metallic silver Ana bag to watch her nephew Julez (Daniel J. Smith Jr.) make his runway debut. Beyond accessories, the label's roots are in subverting classic sportswear styles. Shop at Luar Shop at Ssense I've been obsessing over Palomo Spain's subversive collections for years (and recently, finally purchased my first piece). The house pulls inspiration from designer Alejandro Gómez Palomo's native region of southern Spain, where it is based today, and London, where he studied fashion. His collections often convey a queer narrative. "All of Heaven's Parties," the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, asked why intrinsic emotions like lust and desire are so often deemed sinful, and imagined what they might look like in divine paradise, staging the show in a cathedral. Shop at Palomo Spain When I dream up my queer wedding day, Tanner Fletcher is involved. Along with their perfectly coquettish ready-to-wear collections, they're known for bespoke suits, gowns, and creative garments somewhere in-between, that put queer couples at the forefront. Shop at Tanner Fletcher Shop at Ssense Telfar Clemens needs no introduction. He created the "Bushwick Birkin," the bag that had us all refreshing stock and setting Instagram drop notifications during COVID lockdown. The bag has taken many different forms since, from an Eastpak backpack to an Oprah-approved puffer bag. My favorite of the moment? Telfar's collab with Melissa, easily the most stylish clear bag choice for stadium concerts. Shop at Telfar Shop at Amazon For some Pride with a capital 'P' merch that's march-ready but not putting $$$ into the hands of a corporation, turn to The Phluid Project. We're big fans of this 'Can't Spell Stonewall Without the T' shirt. Plus, your purchase also supports The Phluid Foundation, which has raised over $1 million to support front-line workers at LGBTQ+ grassroots organizations. Shop at The Phluid Project TomBoyX makes underwear that anyone can feel comfortable in, regardless of gender expression. From the beginning, they've dedicated special attention to the waistband, to make sure it's silky soft and won't roll or dig in. The brand was founded in 2013 and they've gotten more popular and expanded their line to accommodate customers' needs since, including safer alternatives to binders. Shop at TomBoyX Shop at Amazon Wildfang is one of the most accessible and reliable gender-neutral clothing brands that I've found. I love the workwear-inspired pieces, like these jumpsuits or this utility skirt. Shop at Wildfang Shop at Nordstrom Woxer creates gender-affirming underwear and base layers for queer bodies. Essential work! They focus on perfecting fabric blends to meet customer needs, like their signature modal for comfort and breathability or flex active for confidence at the gym. The brand recently launched its first swim collection including a bike short silhouette trunk, and fun fact: Most models on the site are real customers. Shop at Woxer Shop at Amazon
