When you think of vibrant nail paints, bold pigments, and unapologetically fun makeup, one name should come to mind: Barry M. A true icon of British beauty, Barry M has been a colourful cornerstone of drugstore cosmetics for over four decades. Known for its commitment to cruelty-free formulas, trend-setting shades, and affordable pricing, Barry M continues to hold a special place in makeup bags across the UK and beyond.
A Bright Beginning
Barry M was founded in 1982 by Barry Mero, a London-based entrepreneur with a passion for bold colour and self-expression. Long before neon eyeshadow palettes and glitter lips were trending on TikTok, Barry M was bringing these looks to high street shelves.
What made the brand stand out then—and still does now—is its willingness to be daring. From its early days, Barry M didn’t just follow trends, it helped create them. Their famous Dazzle Dusts (loose shimmer pigments) became cult favourites in the early 2000s, and the brand’s Nail Paints have remained a top seller for good reason: they’re affordable, pigmented, and come in nearly every colour imaginable.
Cruelty-Free and Proud
While many brands have only recently jumped on the ethical beauty bandwagon, Barry M has always been cruelty-free. That’s right—no animal testing since day one. The brand is certified by Cruelty Free International and is also 100% vegan across its entire product range.
In an industry still catching up, Barry M has made compassion a non-negotiable. They’ve also been taking steps toward sustainability with initiatives like recyclable packaging and a “Green Origin” nail polish range made with natural ingredients.
Beauty That Doesn’t Break the Bank
One of the most appealing things about Barry M? It’s actually affordable. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a seasoned MUA looking for creative tools, or just someone who wants to experiment with colour without splurging, Barry M offers excellent value.
Products like their Flawless Primer, Lip Rehab Nourishing Lip Mask, and Hi Vis Water Activated Liners prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get high-performance makeup.
The Future is Bright (and Shimmery)
Barry M isn’t slowing down. The brand is constantly releasing new collections that speak to the current generation—think festival-ready glitter gels, climate-conscious nail polish formulas, and eyeshadow palettes inspired by everything from astrology to street art.
At its core, Barry M has always championed individuality, creativity, and kindness—qualities that feel more relevant now than ever. In a world full of beige, Barry M continues to bring the bold.
Favourites Worth Trying:
- 🖌 Barry M Fresh Face Foundation – lightweight, dewy, and vegan.
- 💅 Nail Paint in “Mushroom” – a fan-favourite neutral.
- 🌈 Hi Vis Eyeliners – for looks that pop.
- 💧 Lip Rehab – a winter essential.
Whether you’re new to Barry M or grew up collecting their iconic Nail Paints, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a beauty brand—it’s a legacy of colour, care, and creativity.
Have a favourite Barry M product? Let us know in the comments below! 💖
