INDIE BEAUTY | EXPO

by dailykongfidence

I had the opportunity of attending my first ever Indie Beauty Expo at Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island last weekend and had the most amazing time. Think beauty, think entrepreneurs, think passion.

So many incredible brands, too little time. Of the numerous brands that are represented by Indie Beauty Expo, Neiman Marcus featured 18 of beauty and wellness brands. It was amazing to see such an iconic, luxury department store like Neiman Marcus partner and support these up and coming independent brands.

Before we get into the brands and products I am obsessed with, if you haven’t been to an Indie Beauty Expo before, let me tell you why you should go. If you’re skincare obsessed like I am, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the founders of the brands, hear their stories on how they came to develop these products, learn about the ingredients that goes into them, how the products are made and what benefits they have. To hear these from the founders and see their passion and really connect with the brands is unbelievable. I wish I could have purchased every single product that was there because they literally all sound amazing. The general theme of many of these brands I encountered was that many of them are made with natural ingredients and many serve multiple purposes.

So let’s get into some of the products now, shall we?

/ Adsorb /

Being Asian, I am used to putting odd products on my face. Snail serum, snake venom and now ostrich egg yolk. Yes, you read that right. Adsorb is the leading Japanese skincare brand which uses the science of ostrich egg yolks as the key ingredient in its products. Ostrich egg yolks contain a high percentage of antibodies which gives ostriches the strongest immune system of any other species. By adding this ingredient to their products, they help to fight everyday stressors in life such as free radicals, pollutants and reverse the signs of aging. Have no fear though, the ostriches are pampered with organic diets at Adsorb’s farm and the yolks are extracted without harming the Ostrich. Each yolk supplies enough antibodies for 5,000 products!

From this line, I’ve been using the AntiBody Moist Essence Serum twice a day, morning and evening. What I love about this serum is that there is absolutely no scent. It’s light, not sticky and applies very easily. I’ve only been using it for a week so I can’t really speak to it’s effectiveness quite yet, but I definitely like the way it feels on my skin.

/ Circcell Skincare /

This was a brand that really resonated with me. The founder, Maya Crothers, is a walking advertisement for her products. Her skin is absolutely flawless and looks beyond incredible. What really drew me to this line is that Maya has a background in engineering and produces these products with science. I mean, she really knows her stuff from how vitamin C should be stored and how it loses its effectiveness if not in the proper packaging, how much weight hyaluronic acid holds and what product holds the highest hydration. She is passionate and it shows not only in the way her eyes light up when she talks chemistry, but in the way she develops her products.

I’ve been using the Fruition Brightening & Polishing Mask 3x a week and not only do I want to lick my face when I apply it, I love that it is uses 45% real fruit puree to exfoliate and brighten using the natural powers of super fruits. I really like the push dispenser so you only push out what you need and you aren’t sticking your hands into the entire jar. The mask is also gentle for even sensitive skin and I definitely see a renewed glow after I wash off the mask.

/ Meant /

Simple, clean, and easy. That’s basically what Meant is all about. The founder, Lindsay Knaak-Stuart, created this line after experiencing infertility and becoming aware of what she was putting on and into her body. She created products made with natural, organic ingredients that serve multiple purposes to minimize the products you use. Her Do-All Wash not only shampoos, it’s also a cleanser for face and body, her Do-All Conditioner can be used as a hair mask or shaving cream, her Wonder Polish doubles as a toning scrub or in shower moisturizer…you get my point. As a mom, this line is a lifesaver. I barely get five minutes to myself in the shower, so it’s nice to have products that serve dual purposes and look pretty in the bathroom.

My absolute favorite from this line is the Absolute Balm (no pun intended). The second I tested this on my hand, I was sold. It literally melts onto your skin due to the antioxidant-rich Shea, coconut and argan oils. And the smell! Oh my, notes of bergamot and grapefruit liven up the senses. I use it everywhere from all over my body to my cuticles and even the extra on the ends of my hair. Even my husband loves it (that’s how you know it’s a winner)!

/ Le Prunier /

You know a product is amazing when a brand only sells that one item. That’s the first inkling that the Plum Beauty Oil by Le Prunier is magical. Created by three sisters from a 100-year old family farm in California, Le Prunier Plum Oil is a luxury beauty oil that naturally fortifies and protects skin from sun damage (that alone is a winner in my book). It is also packed with anti aging benefits and is 8x more powerful than Argan oil and 6x more powerful than Marula oil in protecting from free radicals.

This oil is a little richer compared to the other oils I’ve used on my face, but it absorbs quickly and doesn’t clog pores. Unlike many oils, this Plum Beauty Oil is free of sulfates and or chemicals and it’s certified vegan. It has a slight scent (it is made of plums after all), but it goes away quickly after application. I squeeze a few drops onto my fingertips and rub together to warm it up. Then I gently pat it all over my face pressing it into my skin. I’ve been using it in the evenings as my only source of moisturizer (of course after essence and eye cream), but it is that hydrating that you don’t need anything else on top of it.

/ Real Her /

So this is a brand that literally tugged at my heart strings for a couple of reasons. One, my blog started as a way to spread confidence (hence the name Daily Kongfidence), to inspire those to find it in themselves and let it shine. Two, the founder Bill Xiang created this brand after having a daughter and realizing he wanted to do something for her to give her the affirmation to succeed in this society. Having two daughters of my own, I relate with this so much and truly believe that self love carries a long way for girls. And lastly, who doesn’t love products that speak to you, like literally, telling you that you are awesome, you are tough, that you define beauty, reaffirming that you can conquer the world?!

Being a nude lippie person, I instantly went for the I Am Awesome lip kit. This lip kit includes a “I Love Myself” lip liner, “I Am Awesome” liquid lipstick, and an “I Am Perfect” lip gloss to wear over the lipstick or on its own. The lipstick is matte yet hydrating and stays on all day. The gloss applies easily and isn’t too sticky. This is the perfect nude for almost every skin tone!

So there you have it, some of my favorite products from the Indie Beauty Expo. I have yet to use some of the other products and will be doing another review on the ones I truly love soon so stay tuned.

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34 comments

Briana March 17, 2018 - 12:23 pm

I’ll have to try this! I love trying out new products!

Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

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Courtney Hardy March 18, 2018 - 5:46 am

These beauty products sound really good.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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Open Kloset March 18, 2018 - 9:20 am

Hey Darling,
How are you?
Ohhhh So Amazing Beauty Products Darling, Never heard about them but Love the Packaging and Really sounds very Good.
Can’t wait for Your Next Review about how it works for you:)
Love Kisses
Karina

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Ting March 18, 2018 - 3:26 pm

I always love to read your skincare product review. There is so much information. Honestly I am not really good at taking care of my skin before I reached 45. Now all the aging signs starts to show up and I have to search the products that work for my skin. I love the Japanese skincare line so the adsorb sounds right up to my alley. Yes, we Asian are pretty adventure in terms of putting staff in our mouth or on our face. I am also interested in Circcell Fruiton. It sounds the founder really put a heart in her products. Thanks so much for sharing these products with us. I am going to make a stop at Neimans to check them out.

Xx
Ting

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Helen March 18, 2018 - 8:05 pm

These products look amazing! I would love to try it one day. Thank you for sharing this to us.

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Camille March 19, 2018 - 6:21 am

Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂 these brands sound amazing I will have to try their products!

Camille xo

http://www.cococami.blogspot.com

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Jenny Yang March 19, 2018 - 7:24 am

I’ve never heard of these brands before so thanks for the intro!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/

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Daily Kongfidence's top picks at Neiman Marcus event in Fashion Island - Indie Beauty Expo March 19, 2018 - 7:28 am

[…] Christine reviews brands such as Adsorb, Circcell, Meant, Le Prunier and Real Her. To read her in depth opinions, click here. […]

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Simone March 19, 2018 - 10:06 am

This plum beauty oil really got me hooked. Very easy to apply and it is important for me that it doesn’t clog pores, otherwise I’m suffering of impure skin. I definitely got to give this oil a try.

xx Simone
Little Glittery Box

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Alessa March 19, 2018 - 4:40 pm

I would love to try a lot of this products! so cute!!
Alessa Bernal

Please visit my Blog!
http://www.alessabernal.com/

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lesley kim March 19, 2018 - 9:19 pm

Hi Christine,
Thanks for your sweet comment! Anyway, this post sounds amazing, and my dream expo! I love beauty products and can never get enough of them. Adsorb is something I would actually try because I tend to think unique ingredients are effective. =)

Lesley-Kim

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Elizabeth T. March 19, 2018 - 10:50 pm

Thank you so much for sharing such in depth and thorough reviews for these products, Christine 🙂 Definitely going to check them out to see what I can incorporate in to my skincare routine! <3

XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/

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Darya March 20, 2018 - 2:21 am

I’m absolutely inspired by your selection of skincare products.
I always have problems when it comes to choosing the best treatment for me skin.
Definitely, have to try everything you mentioned above!

xoxo
Darya

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Dee March 20, 2018 - 10:32 am

Actually never heard of any of these brands before but they sound so promising! And the indie beauty expo sounds so interesting too I love knowing the backstory of how a brand came to be especially when it’s to do with skincare! The research behind it and what sets them apart from others. Btw I love the way you write always such a pleasure to read. X
http://Www.sydneystyleblogger.com

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Susanne - Bag at you March 20, 2018 - 1:19 pm

Need to try these products! They look amazing! Thanks for sharing babe! Xx Susanne

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Jessica March 21, 2018 - 8:04 am

Nice review dear. I’m really intrigued with Adsorb. Would love to try that on my skin. Thanks for sharing dear!

Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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Eva March 21, 2018 - 9:32 am

SUch a great experience to attending on the beauty Expo. Just finished also here in Italy our Cosmoprof Beauty Expo. Your shared products are really gorgeous. Love the first line with the ostrich and snake venom ingredients.
But wish to try all. I’m obsessed w the skincares. I’m using also the oil scrub from the shower but doesn’t show for my husband, because when is the good product him finish so my skincare or similars ;))
Xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com

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Jessi Malay March 21, 2018 - 10:39 am

This looks like such an amazing event babe!! I’m obsessing over those ‘Real Her’ products..the packaging is so cool!!

XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/dtla-plaid-blazer/

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Jacqueline March 21, 2018 - 3:24 pm

These all sound amazing. I’ve been meaning to try meant! I’ve tried Circell before but not the products you have here! Thanks for sharing love

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Vanessa March 21, 2018 - 4:08 pm

Such an amazing event girl! I would like to attend a Beauty Expo exactly like this one. because I’m always on the loop to find new good products to enhance woman’s natural beauty. I am a beauty products fan and the ones that you’re sharing look like a good and quality option to try. Especially the plum beauty oil.
Have a great day!
Vanessa

http://thefashionstatement.net

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Michelle Blashka March 21, 2018 - 5:23 pm

OMG so fun! I wonder in NM has one in NYC too. I’m such a huge beauty junkie and I love to try new things. I seriously need that I am Awesome lip kit in my life!!
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/

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Tandya March 21, 2018 - 8:31 pm

I have never been to an Indie Beauty Expo. Now that I am officially in my late 20s, I’m only just starting to get into skincare. I would love to go to an event like this so I can ask a ton of questions! I am down to try anything that works, even if it is ostrich egg yolk! I have very sensitive skin so the Fruition Brightening & Polishing Mask. It sounds so refreshing! Thank you for sharing all of these products!

XO
Tandya
http://www.simplytandya.com

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Sheree March 22, 2018 - 12:05 am

It is so cool that Neiman is supporting Indie beauty brands and products and showcasing them at their store. There should be more diversity in the beauty industry as it is in Fashion. I really laughed out loud when I read your remark on Asian women willing to try anything on their face, it is true and look how well we are aging! I would totally try Absorb on my skin as well as the Circcell line both really speaks to me, I love learning about the science of beauty so this is a very interesting and informative beauty expo!

xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com

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Jessie March 22, 2018 - 12:38 am

Wow, so many brands that I have never even heard of before. I would love to go check them out. Adsorb and Meant sounds like of more my cup of tea. I will need to check them out from the online stores. I don’t think Hong Kong stock them in any physical stores.

xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/catapulting-fashion-campaigns-the-ultimate-online-overhaul/

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Natalia k March 22, 2018 - 1:28 am

I have never been to an indie beauty expo before.
But it definitely sounds right up my alley so many wonderful new brands that otherwise I may not have found.
Thank you for introducing me to these wonderful interesting new brands.
I’ve never heard of using ostrich yolks before for skin-care but it sounds absolutely amazing.
I love the packaging and the stories behind a lot of these brands and it sounds like a fun day out and it would be very hard not to want to buy everything.
On my shopping list is the fruition brightening and polishing Mask.It sounds amazing!
Xo
Natalia k

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monica sors March 22, 2018 - 2:54 am

Need to try this products dear!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: PFW STREET STYLE MARCH 2018 II

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Eliza March 22, 2018 - 2:56 am

This event sounds so interesting, I’ve been attending a couple of similar ones in past and had only the best experience. All the products you’ve picked up are absolutely great and definitely worth trying. Where exactly this fair held? I would like to visit it next time for sure!

Cheers, Eliza | http://www.fashion-confession.com

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Olivia Poncelet March 22, 2018 - 8:44 am

These products look amazing!!
And such beautiful photos 😉
Have a nice evening,
Olivia Poncelet <3
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com

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Eena March 22, 2018 - 12:00 pm

These products look and sound amazing. I’ve never heard of an indie beauty expo before, much less been to one, but this all sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!

cabin twenty-four

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Katya March 23, 2018 - 9:09 am

ahh. These are gorgeous products I would love to try!

StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

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Aubrey Ballard March 23, 2018 - 1:33 pm

Christine! This sounds so amazing! I wish they had one of these expos here in Oklahoma. Thank you so much for sharing!!

xoxo, Aubrey | TheDandyLiar

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Olivia Poncelet March 27, 2018 - 12:19 pm

These products look amazing!
Nice pics too 😉
have a nice evening!
Olivia Poncelet
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com

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Jenelle March 27, 2018 - 10:11 pm

Okay I have never heard of any of these brands! It looks like quite a cool haul, and those expos sound awesome. They don’t have anything like that here!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com

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sophie April 9, 2018 - 4:16 am

Always great to see new products in the market. These look great actually.
http://sophieatieno.com

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