As a beauty editor, not a day goes by where I don’t peruse the “new arrivals” section of popular beauty retailers or check up on industry happenings on Trendmood. I’m dedicated—obsessive even—to spotlighting brands filling white space in an oversaturated market. This unsolicited bit of personal background brings me to LYS Beauty, a cosmetics line founded by beauty industry expert turned entrepreneur Tisha Thompson. As of February 19, her line will be the first Black-owned clean cosmetics brand to launch at Sephora.
After 15 years of working in the industry as a makeup artist and then a VP of marketing at the clean beauty brand PÜR, Thompson decided to start her own brand in 2019. In an exclusive interview with GRAZIA, Thompson shares the driving force behind the line. “I want to make clean beauty approachable and readily available for everyone,” says the beauty pro over email. “Unfortunately, people who look like me have been habitually overlooked in this space. I take great pride in implementing the change we all hope to see.”
“LYS” is an acronym for “Love your self,” a message that resonates with Thompson, whose resume evidences her desire to help others look and feel their best. “It’s a gentle reminder to protect the relationship that you have with yourself,” Thompson explains. “Throughout my life, I’ve seen how makeup and beauty products are a catalyst in helping people reach a new level of confidence, whether it’s someone with troubled skin or a busy mom who wants simple, everyday products to feel like herself.”
“Every time someone uses my line, I want people to connect with their most confident and unapologetic self.”
No matter your skin tone, texture, or concerns, the brand has you covered thanks to its skin-first approach. “I have combination, blemish-prone skin, so I’m constantly looking for ways to enrich my formulas with skincare benefits and ingredients that are proven to promote a healthier-looking complexion,” says the founder. Thompson’s personal habits transcend to her cosmetics. In line with Clean at Sephora’s regulations, LYS Beauty products are free of sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more (full list here). Instead, they’re rich in skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
Clean beauty is notoriously pricey, but Thompson set out to ensure that prices were accessible. The upcoming Sephora launches range from $12 to $22, accomplished without sacrificing luxury aesthetic. “Creating something unique that has a luxurious look and feel was so important to me,” says the founder. “You will notice the Delta symbol (which means change) scattered throughout the brand’s visual elements, which is an intentional nod to our brand messaging, reminding people that they can positively change the relationship they have with themselves.”
In the rare case that you haven’t done so already, keep scrolling for a look at all of the LYS Beauty products launching at Sephora this month.
Available in five shades.
Available in four shades.
Available in six shades.
Available in 35 shades.
A lip treatment that doubles as lip gloss.
Minimizes the appearance of pores and excess oil.
