BEAUTY
Danessa Myricks : Innovating and Breaking Bounds
By: Ava Savino Edited by: Tessa Reiner
Danessa Myricks is one of the few examples of a true beauty innovator. She is constantly creating unique scientific formulations under her beauty brand, Danessa Myricks Beauty and is now beginning to dominate the shelves at Sephora. “I never want to make the same thing,” Myricks said in an interview with the Washington Post. “It’s going to be an elevated version or a new twist for something you already have and use.” This statement is no surprise, since Myricks genuinely cares about her products. As a professional makeup artist, she understands the intricate and nuanced needs of both the average consumer and pros around the world. Danessa Myricks Beauty is one of the industry's most inclusive companies. Its success is sensational and helps to foster a conversation around quality products that shape the cosmetic industry.
In an interview with Allure, Myricks discussed her start in marketing and revealed her first step into the makeup industry didn’t start until she was 30. This came after working on many sides of the industry and developing a deep understanding of makeup. While Myricks might seem like a newcomer to the everyday consumer, professionals in the cosmetic industry are familiar with the powerhouse mogul, with her products originally being found in professional kits to create striking and groundbreaking looks. Through a professional partnership with Sephora in 2021, she began to go fully mainstream. With each product release of Danessa Myricks Beauty, there is sure to be some new technology or spin on the formulation and utilization of her brand.
As an MUA, Myricks views the makeup industry as an art – not just an avenue for profit. She reminisces about her early days working on shoots and DIY mixing of colors, paints, and mediums. It became typical for clients to ask for her products due to their uniqueness and inability to replicate in the current market. This is the foundation behind her iconic Colorfix formula, which comes in a variety of nudes, colors, shimmers, and glazes.
Myricks ventured into her own cosmetics business after reaching new heights as a pro-MUA and working with highly successful campaigns like the director of product innovation for Benefit Cosmetics. This unique start to her career can still be seen today, as Myricks’ products constantly introduce a fresh twist to the industry. A particularly special aspect of Danessa Myricks Beauty is the yearly release of her limited edition lightwork palettes. The most recent, Lightwork VI, consists of 18 beautiful shimmers with fully customizable and versatile packaging that works like a dream.
Although many of her products are highly successful, perhaps Myricks’ most renowned products are in her Yummy Skin line. While many brands claim to innovate and create new technology – with Danessa Myricks beauty, it is not a hoax. The Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder utilizes new sweat-absorbing technology that creates an airbrushed finish and is utilized by makeup artists in professional campaigns. The key ingredient in this product is Upsilate, which is a newly discovered porous compound that has an incredible ability to absorb and control water and sweat. This product is groundbreaking, and embodies the phenomenal ingenuity of all of Danessa Myricks releases. In a business dominated by corporate policies and overconsumption, it is beyond refreshing to see an innovator like Danessa Myricks go mainstream and become loved by millions. Awaiting her releases are exciting, and she is certainly a makeup mogul to watch out for in the future.