Latest news with #Quickies
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Daré Bioscience and Rosy Wellness Launch First Phase of Patient-Focused Campaign to Support DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream
SAN DIEGO, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daré Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: DARE), a biopharmaceutical company with a sole focus of closing the gap in women's health between promising science and real solutions, and Rosy Wellness, a pioneering digital platform focused on providing lifespan support for women, today announced the launch of the first phase of a consumer awareness campaign to support the upcoming introduction of DARE to PLAY Sildenafil Cream. DARE to PLAY Sildenafil Cream is a breakthrough innovation: a topical formulation of sildenafil - the same active ingredient in Viagra® for men - developed specifically for women and clinically shown to improve genital blood flow and sexual response. Unlike other untested compounded products, DARE to PLAY is backed by clinical evidence and formulated to deliver sildenafil precisely where it can have its effect, closing a long-standing gap between promising science and real solutions for women. The campaign launches this week with the debut of new educational content designed to reach women where they are through their mobile devices with evidence based, engaging information about female sexual health. The campaign will include the release of an Arousal Collection and Quickie hosted on the Rosy platform that educate women about physical arousal and provide guidance on how DARE to PLAY may support women experiencing arousal concerns. Quickies are short-form video content designed to combat misinformation on social media. Each video is reviewed for clinical accuracy before approval and showcases content created by leading healthcare professionals (HCPs). With a library of over 700 videos, Quickies delivers accessible, trustworthy education in an engaging format. The Quickie featuring Dr. Sameena Rahman, a board-certified Ob/Gyn, sexual medicine expert, ACOG Fellow, and Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH), who currently serves as the Scientific Program Committee Chair on the ISSWSH Board of Directors, will help women understand the biology of arousal and what makes DARE to PLAY unique among current offerings. Collections are masterclass-style courses composed of short, interactive modules that deliver engaging, expert-led content. Each module includes knowledge checks to help users reflect on changes in their understanding and intentions, along with curated resources to guide them toward meaningful next steps. The Arousal Collection, which is also authored by Dr. Rahman, offers a deeper, guided journey through the topic of physical arousal and how it fits into the broader cycle of sexual response, what influences it, and how DARE to PLAY fits into a personalized approach to managing arousal challenges. Both tools are designed to combat misinformation and make expert-led sexual health education more accessible. 'These new tools represent a major step forward in closing the information gap in women's sexual health,' said Sabrina Martucci Johnson, President and CEO of Daré Bioscience. 'We are proud to partner with Rosy to deliver evidence-based, user-friendly content that empowers women to take charge of their sexual wellness and understand how DARE to PLAY may help.' 'This partnership is exactly the kind of innovation Rosy was built to support: combining expert-led education, cutting-edge research, and technology to reach women where they are. We're excited to support the launch of DARE to PLAY with tools that inform, engage, and uplift women navigating arousal concerns.' said Lyndsey Harper, MD, CEO and Founder of Rosy Wellness. The campaign launching this week is the first step in Daré's broader collaboration with Rosy Wellness, which will include healthcare provider (HCP)-focused awareness initiatives and support for DARE to PLAY customers. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing sexual health equity and ensuring women have access to both the information and solutions they need. For more information, please visit Daré is targeting DARE to PLAY Sildenafil Cream availability by prescription in the United States in the 4th quarter of 2025 as a compounded drug under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic ACT (FDCA). To join the product alert list and be among the first to know when DARE to PLAY Sildenafil Cream becomes available by prescription, please visit About Rosy Wellness Rosy is a leading women's health platform dedicated to empowering women with evidence-based resources, expert support, and community connection, starting with sexual health and expanding across the full spectrum of the health of women. Founded by Lyndsey Harper, a board-certified OB-GYN, Rosy addresses long-overlooked aspects of women's care through an accessible digital platform that combines personalized education, self-guided tools, community, and health coaching. Whether tackling issues like sexual dysfunction, menopause, migraine, or emotional well-being, Rosy provides judgment-free, medically backed support designed for real life. By combining evidence-based support with user-friendly technology, Rosy is redefining how women take charge of their health and experience more fulfilling lives. About Daré BioscienceDaré Bioscience is a biopharmaceutical company driven by a mission to challenge the status quo, making women's health a priority. Daré believes that innovation does not have to start from scratch. The company's goal is to bring to market as soon as practicable innovative evidence-based solutions that address decades of unmet needs in women's health and enhance outcomes and convenience, primarily in the areas of contraception, sexual health, pelvic pain, fertility, infectious disease, vaginal health and menopause. The potential products Daré identifies, in many cases, already have clinical proof of concept or existing safety data for the active ingredient that the company leverages. This provides optionality and flexibility, in many cases, in how Daré seeks to bring solutions to market in ways designed to optimize access for women in a fiscally responsible manner. The first FDA-approved product to emerge from Daré's portfolio of women's health product candidates is XACIATO™ (clindamycin phosphate) vaginal gel 2%, a lincosamide antibacterial indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in female patients 12 years of age and older, which is under a global license agreement with Organon. Visit for information about XACIATO. Daré's portfolio also includes potential first-in-category candidates in clinical development: Ovaprene®, a novel, hormone-free monthly intravaginal contraceptive whose U.S. commercial rights are under a license agreement with Bayer; Sildenafil Cream, 3.6%, a novel cream formulation of sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in an oral erectile dysfunction drug for men, to treat female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD); and DARE-HRT1, a combination bio-identical estradiol and progesterone intravaginal ring for menopausal hormone therapy. To learn more about Daré's full portfolio of women's health product candidates and mission to deliver differentiated therapies for women, please visit Daré Bioscience leadership has been named on the Medicine Maker's Power List and Endpoints News' Women in Biopharma and Daré's CEO has been honored as one of Fierce Pharma's Most Influential People in Biopharma for Daré's contributions to innovation and advocacy in the women's health space. Daré may announce material information about its finances, products and product candidates, clinical trials and other matters using the Investors section of its website ( SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. Daré will use these channels to distribute material information about the company and may also use social media to communicate important information about the company, its finances, products and product candidates, clinical trials and other matters. The information Daré posts on its investor relations website or through social media channels may be deemed to be material information. Daré encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review the information Daré posts in the Investors section of its website and to follow these X (formerly Twitter) accounts: @SabrinaDareCEO and @DareBioscience. Any updates to the list of social media channels the company may use to communicate information will be posted in the Investors section of Daré's website. Forward-Looking Statements Daré cautions you that all statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, in some cases, can be identified by terms such as 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'design,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'could,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'seek,' 'should,' 'would,' 'contemplate,' 'project,' 'target,' 'objective,' 'on track,' or the negative version of these words and similar expressions. In this press release, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Daré's go-to-market strategies; Daré's plans and timing for making its proprietary formulation of sildenafil citrate available by prescription in the U.S. as a compounded drug via Section 503B of the FDCA; the ability of DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream to provide a solution for women experiencing difficulties with sexual arousal; the market opportunity for the product and its ability to gain market acceptance; and the potential benefits of Daré's collaboration with Rosy Wellness and the consumer awareness campaign relating to DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream. As used in this press release, 'first-in-category' is a forward-looking statement relating to the potential of a product candidate to represent a new category of product if it were to receive marketing approval for the indication for which it is being developed because Daré believes it would address a need in women's health that is not being met by existing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved products. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Daré's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to: Daré's ability to raise additional capital when and as needed to execute its business strategy and continue as a going concern; Daré's reliance on Section 503B-registered outsourcing facilities and other third parties to bring DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream and other solutions to market as compounded drugs or as consumer health products and facilitate access to such products and the risk that those third parties do not perform as expected; the risk that the FDA could stop permitting Section 503B-registered outsourcing facilities to compound sildenafil or other drug substances in the proprietary formulations Daré intends to bring or brings to market; the degree of market demand and acceptance for DARE to PLAY™ Sildenafil Cream and other products Daré brings to market; Daré's reliance on third parties to manufacture and conduct clinical trials and preclinical studies of its product candidates and commercialize XACIATO™ (clindamycin phosphate) vaginal gel 2% and future products, if any; the risk that the current regulatory pathway known as the FDA's 505(b)(2) pathway for drug product approval in the U.S. is not available for a product candidate as Daré anticipates; Daré's ability to achieve the product development and other milestones required for it to receive payments under its subaward and grant agreements; the potential for termination of the subaward and grant agreements before Daré receives additional payments; the limits on Daré's ability to sell stock under its equity line arrangement at times it may desire to raise additional capital; Daré's ability to develop, obtain FDA or foreign regulatory approval for, and commercialize its product candidates and to do so on communicated timelines; failure or delay in starting, conducting and completing clinical trials of a product candidate and the inherent uncertainty of outcomes of clinical trials; Daré's ability to design and conduct successful clinical trials, to enroll a sufficient number of patients, to meet established clinical endpoints, to avoid undesirable side effects and other safety concerns, and to demonstrate sufficient safety and efficacy of its product candidates; Daré's dependence on third parties to conduct clinical trials and manufacture and supply clinical trial material and commercial product; the risks that positive findings in early clinical and/or nonclinical studies of a product candidate may not be predictive of success in subsequent clinical and/or nonclinical studies of that candidate and that interim data or results from a particular clinical study do not necessarily predict the final results for that study; the risk that the FDA, other regulatory authorities, members of the scientific or medical communities or investors may not accept or agree with Daré's interpretation of or conclusions regarding data from clinical studies of its product candidates; the risk that development of a product candidate requires more clinical or nonclinical studies than Daré anticipates; the loss of, or inability to attract, key personnel; the risk that developments by competitors make Daré's product or product candidates less competitive or obsolete; difficulties establishing and sustaining relationships with development and/or commercial collaborators; failure of Daré's product or product candidates, if approved, to gain market acceptance or obtain adequate coverage, pricing and reimbursement from third-party payors; Daré's ability to retain its licensed rights to develop and commercialize a product or product candidate; Daré's ability to satisfy the monetary obligations and other requirements in connection with its exclusive, in-license agreements covering the critical patents and related intellectual property related to its product and product candidates; Daré's ability to adequately protect or enforce its, or its licensor's, intellectual property rights; the lack of patent protection for the active ingredients in certain of Daré's product candidates which could expose its products to competition from other formulations using the same active ingredients; product liability claims; governmental investigations or actions relating to Daré's products or product candidates or the business activities of Daré, its commercial collaborators or other third parties on which Daré relies; the effects of macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical events, and major changes and disruptions in U.S. government policies and operations on Daré's ability to raise additional capital or on Daré's operations, financial results and condition, and ability to achieve current plans and objectives; Daré's ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq's continued listing requirements and continue to have its common stock listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; cybersecurity incidents or similar events that compromise Daré's technology systems or those of third parties on which it relies and/or significantly disrupt Daré's business; and disputes or other developments concerning Daré's intellectual property rights. Daré's forward-looking statements are based upon its current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. For a detailed description of Daré's risks and uncertainties, you are encouraged to review its documents filed with the SEC including Daré's recent filings on Form 8-K, Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Daré undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. Contacts: Daré Bioscience Investor Relationsinnovations@ in to access your portfolio
Cosmopolitan
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Quickies Review: I Tried the Best Press-On Nails in 2025
I have visions of DIY manicures from my youth that were chipped, smudged, and uneven. Doing my nails myself is just not a skill that I possess as an impatient person with ADHD. It's fine, whatever! But it has led me to a lifelong love-hate relationship with the nail salon. I've done everything: Acrylics, gel manicures, shellac, gel extensions. They're all really expensive, take forever, and never last as long as I expect them to. And, of course, they always leave my nails so broken and brittle that I've got to start the cycle over again if I want them to look good. I hate it. So, I started wearing press-on nails almost exclusively. Last summer, as I was coming into my sexuality as a lesbian and seriously dating women for the first time, I felt like my nails didn't really match who I was anymore. I spent the majority of my teen and adult life always wearing long nails. Men thought long nails were sexy, I once read in a magazine (was it an old issue of Cosmopolitan? Perhaps!). They make your fingers look ~slim~ and ~petite~. But it just didn't feel right anymore, and I suddenly found myself looking for press-on nails that were short in length but had all the sick art I was saving on Pinterest. That's when I switched to (and fell in love with) Quickies, a press-on nail brand that offers a mix of shapes and lengths all in monthly design drops that mimic what you get in salons. Like most of us, Quickies founder Bailey Stanworth started experimenting with press-ons during COVID but was ultimately so unimpressed with the options that, unlike most of us, she created her own. She launched the brand in 2022 in Vancouver with the mission of finally making press-ons that rivaled what she got at nail salons. And with a name like Quickies, just know the branding is clear throughout: it's like if Sabrina Carpenter and Reneé Rapp had a lil press-on baby. It's horny and clever and queer. They wanna nail you! They want you to have a good press! Their tools are called "nail toys"! But it's not just about the nails. Stanworth has been adamant about making Quickies inclusive and charitable from day one. 'There's nothing wrong with being an exclusive cool-girl brand, but I didn't want that for Quickies,' Stanworth tells Cosmo. She's included everyone from her 97-year-old grandma to nonbinary models in imagery and donates $1 from every order to abortion funds and LGBTQIA+ organizations. Stanworth came out as queer just before launching the brand and says that for her and the Quickies community, there's a strong link between sexuality, nail art, and self-identity. 'I know it's just nails, but I get messages from girls who say Quickies really helps their confidence so much.' Worn by Ariana Maddix on the Love Island premiere episode, nbd 😜 Also available in medium almond! FYI: This is a part of the Katie Maloney x Quickies collab! In each lil bag of Quickies, you get 24 press-on nails, a mini nail file, and liquid nail glue. BTW, the actual bag that your nails come in is also reusable and is meant to make it easy to do your nails on the go or easily chuck in your bag for touch-ups. Stanworth says people use the zip pouch to hold medication, cords, jewelry, and cash. (I can attest to this—it's legit perfect for stuffing my vitamins into for weekend trips.) Before applying mine, I always give my nails a quick buff with the included nail file (or, recently, I've been using the large one since it launched). This really helps the press-on adhere to my nails for a lot longer, and I can tell a difference when I skip this step. Then, I'll find my fit (more on this below in my review). I always opt for a slightly larger nail than a smaller one to help avoid any premature lifting. Once my nails are picked out and ready, I take the glue and dab a little bit on the bottom of the inside of the press-on and drag it out to the edges. I really only focus on the lower third of the nail here, and I use much less than you think you need of the glue to avoid spillage once I stick the nail on. For a super secure nail, I'll also dab some glue on the upper third of my natural nail. Same story here: A teensy dot is enough. I'll immediately stick on the press-on nail, hold it for 30 seconds, and that's it. I've been testing Quickies for over six months, and since I tried them, I haven't stepped foot in a nail salon. I have everything I need in this lil pouch; why would I ever get them done again? Lemme explain. One set of Quickies lasts me a full seven days on average. That might not seem like a lot to you, but I've never in my life had a press-on nail not pop off for more than three days, let alone seven. I type at my computer for a living; I'm extremely hard on my nails and don't have the time or energy to baby my press-ons so that they last. But the Quickies glue, combined with the substantial-but-not-too-thick material of the nail, really holds on for dear life. I usually end up choosing to take them off and reapply a new set because I get bored, not actually because the nails have popped off. The longest I've had a set last is 12 days, which is unheard of for me with even a gel manicure, let alone a press-on nail. If you're used to press-ons, you might be wondering: What makes Quickies different? First of all, I find them significantly easier to apply. They fit my nails really well, and now that I've worn a bunch of sets, I pretty much know which nails work for me at this point. I still end up always dumping out the entire zip pouch, but I don't mind because it's way easier than the usual trays found in most press-on nail kits. There's also not nearly as much waste—usually, I toss out three of those damn plastic trays per one set of nails. With Quickies, I only have the one pouch that I almost always keep to hold my extra nails and glue. But I also just feel like Stanworth gets it on the design front. I don't want my press-ons to look like I'm wearing press-on nails, you know? A lot of the time, I just find that the options on the market are, admittedly, cringey and don't meet my standards, which is exactly the same reason she started the brand in the first place. These always match all the nail trends I'm reporting on and would have asked for at a salon anyway. Compared to every other press-on nail brand I've tried recently, Quickies is easily my go-to. The brand is conscious (reminder: $1 of all sales is donated to abortion and LGBTQIA+ funds), focused on sustainability, and owned and run entirely by Stanworth, a queer woman living in Los Angeles. But, like, most of all, the products are so freakin' good. I genuinely don't want to get my nails done anymore—a strong feat for someone who had a standing appointment at the salon once upon a time. I get hella compliments every time I have a set of Quickies on my hands, and people are so shocked when I say I'm wearing press-on nails. I've had so many people open up their Safari app and ask me to type in the brand name so they could purchase later. Friends of mine have texted me "thank you for showing me Quickies!" because they've become fans of the brand too. IDK, I'm kind of an influencer... Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that range from the floral French manicure trend to ranking the best drugstore mascaras. Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Our Favorite Beauty Brands Just Happen To Be Queer-Owned—Here's What To Shop From Them During Pride Month
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally transparent magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Cosmopolitan
04-06-2025
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
The Top LGBTQIA+ Beauty Brands To Shop in 2025, Per Cosmo Editors
It's officially Pride month, which means there's no better time to support and shop from LGBTQIA+ owned and founded brands (even though you should definitely be doing that for the LGBTQIA+ community isn't limited to 30 days, people!) To celebrate these incredible brands and founders, many of whom also give back to LGBTQIA+ charities, we're highlighting all things beauty. Think: a queer-owned press-on nail brand with the chicest designs (and brand founder) and unique summer fragrances that'll turn heads and rack up compliments wherever you go. Ahead, we've rounded up the best LGBTQ-founded beauty brands guaranteed to elevate your vanity and all your summer glam moments. "I think I tell someone to try Quickies press-on nails once a day, if not more," says beauty editor Beth Gillette. Prior to Quickies, founder Bailey Stanworth was constantly getting gel manicures, but had to stop when COVID shut down nail salons. Her answer was developing her own press-ons that were similar to the trendy designs she'd get done at the salon, which she eventually turned into a whole brand in 2021. "I really love how many different shapes and lengths are offered," Gillette continues. "The mini length is fantastic for me, since I like to keep my nails quite short—lesbian core, TBH." Plus, $1 of every single order is donated to LGBTQ+ foundations all year round. Quickies even launched a whole Pride collection, featuring new press-ons (like the Love is Love set that I'm currently obsessed with) and cute tees and tanks. "My faves overall, though, are the mini length sets, which I've pretty much exclusively worn for the past few months," says Gillette. Peace Out Skincare Peace Out is beloved for their overnight pimple patches, but I just want to note that the founders are the cutest couple I've ever met in my life. Enrico Frezza hails from Milan (thick Italian accent and all), and he and his husband, Junior Scott Pence, created the brand a decade ago to help acne-prone skin. Peace Out offers a bunch of different treatment patches, including Dark Spot Brightening Dots to Early Stage Pimple Patches that target baby blemishes (the Early Stage patches are a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award for their ability to shrink and calm breakouts). There's no better time to stock up on queer-owned Boy Smells than now. And no, it's not just because it's Pride Month. The cult-favorite brand can be credited for birthing a candle renaissance a few years back with their iconic LES scent and collabs with celebs like Kacey Musgraves. Recently, they launched a major rebrand featuring revamped scents and fresh takes on their beloved candles. Oh, and did we mention they're more affordable now? We love a thoughtful, consumer-forward glow-up. And for that, this is a brand to support well beyond June. If I'm gonna trust anyone with my face, it's gonna be Patrick Starrr. The celeb makeup artist and licensed aesthetician knows glam like nobody else—and his brand, One/Size, proves it. Home to Beyoncé's go-to setting spray, longwear complexion heroes, and makeup that always delivers, this line is made for everybody (hence the name). Whether you're going full drag glam or keeping it minimal, the formulas are that flexible. The viral On 'Til Dawn formula was also crowned best setting spray in Cosmo's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for its impressive staying power. It's a favorite of Gillette, she calls it her "going out secret weapon." Here at Cosmo we've loved Mara Beauty long before knowing founder Allison McNamara was queer. The Sea Sculpt Body Oil is a two-time Cosmo Clean Beauty Award winner. "It's great for smoothing, firming, and nourishing skin thanks to marine actives like kelp sea oil and plankton,' says beauty director Lauren Balsamo. The underlying theme of the entire brand is algae, which is infused into every product with a proprietary blend hand-collected in Ireland and France that's loaded with minerals and vitamins your skin loves. Cool, right? "Every product I've tested is fire, but my absolute favorite is the new Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence, which makes my skin sooooo glowy," says Gillette. David Yi is not only the author of Pretty Boys; a writer for Vogue, WWD, GQ, and more publications; and a GLAAD and Webby nominee—he's also the founder of Good Light (and an editor for the brand's media platform, Very Good Light). As a non-binary, queer founder, he's created a brand that works to also exist beyond the binary. All of the brand's skincare products, marketing, and imagery are gender inclusive. Also, 1 percent of all sales are donated to True Colors United, an organization focused on helping LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness. Winner of a Cosmopolitan Acne Award, the Alphabet Oil is fantastic for moisturizing skin without clogging pores. "I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I'm a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula." says Gillette. "After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn't clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it's made my skin seriously glowy and soft.' Obvi, we love that Undefined Beauty is helmed by an LGBTQIA+, Black founder... but we also really love that its big focus is on being a clean, conscious brand too. Their products make skincare feel simpler (you won't see complicated product names that don't explain what they'll do for your skin), all using a mix of plant-based botanicals and active ingredients that are proven to work. Super cool, though: They partner with female-founded, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ businesses across their supply chain. "I love the whole line," says Gillette, "but I'm partial to the sunscreens, specifically the SPF 50 Sun Serum." Beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson named their Sun Elixir one of the best SPFs for deep skin. "It's unlike anything I've tried—a broad spectrum chemical SPF 50 that's literally sheer magic on melanin-rich skin," she writes. "It glides on like silk, hydrates like a serum, and protects like a boss." Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons is known for his work on Khloe Kardashian, Madonna, Demi Moore, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey—you name the diva, he's probably worked on their hair. And on every single client, he's used his eponymous haircare line, complete with shampoos, conditioners, texture spray, curl cream, hairspray, and leave-ins. "I've been using this line since it first launched—when I was a baby beauty editor, no less—and it's become a mainstay in my fine hair routine," says Gillette. "My go-to is the Body Volume Blow Dry Hold Spray, which makes it look like I have genuinely double the amount of hair I actually have, and with the Aprés Sexe Texture Spray, it's a match made in heaven for a big blowout." Not to mention, Fitzsimons' brand is hella dedicated to giving back, especially to the trans community. They partner with the Trans Wellness Center and London LGBTQ+ Community Center by sending product donations, plus the brand also offers all of their retail partners pronoun training workshops for store associates. If you're looking to step into the world of all things at-home LED, Solawave is one of the best places to start (especially if you're looking to support a queer brand). I'm personally obsessed with the brand's Red Light Wand, which won a Cosmo Holy Grail Award (it's ideal for on-the-go LED and targeting small areas) and their innovative product lineup of eye, face, neck, and chest devices. The LED Eye Mask recently won a 2025 Holy Grail Award for its quick three-minute treatment time and ability to address crow's feet, puffiness, and dark under-eyes. Solawave makes once-pricey treatments that were only available during in-office appointments, actually accessible. And for that, we have no choice but to stan. Founded by two West End dancers, AKT London first launched a deodorant (it's a 2025 Clean Beauty Award winner) that was clean and truly effective for all-day activity. The brand has now expanded into all types of bodycare, including scrubs and washes, elevating our shower experiences immensely. Balsamo is obsessed with the brand's new scrub, saying that it "makes my skin so soft and smooth and is a delight to use in the shower." Not to mention, every product smells incredible too, so I'd even argue the products can double as a signature scent. Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You'll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it's usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
