Out and About

Raleigh cosmetic company aims to empower women

"I fell in love with the idea that makeup could make women feel confident," founder Melissa Small said.

Posted Updated
Front Row Cosmetics
By
Kimberly Arnold
RALEIGH, N.C.Front Row Cosmetics founder Melissa Small said she was inspired to start the company because she wanted to create pigmented makeup that could empower women.

“I fell in love with the idea that makeup could make women feel confident,” Small said.

Education is an integral part of this Raleigh-based brand, which has a storefront at 14 Glenwood Ave. Small believes it’s important for her customers to know what goes into the products and how to use them. Makeup artistry lessons are provided for free at the studio.

“I wanted to give women what they wanted in makeup: simplicity,” Small said.

Front Row Cosmetics is located at 14 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh. (Photo by Hailey Porter)

Most of the products only have between seven and 10 highly-pigmented ingredients. The brand is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Everything is made in the United States.

Front Row offers a wide range of color cosmetics including eye shadows, lipsticks, concealers and more. A neutral eye shadow palette will be launching this fall. There are also plans for expansion into skincare.

Melissa Small, owner of Front Row Cosmetics  (Photo by Hailey Porter)
Tip for Professional Makeup Artists: Upon approval, a 30 percent discount on all products is provided for industry pros.
Tip: If you’re new to makeup or want to learn how to master a certain look, Small offers one-on-one and group makeup artistry lessons at the studio. Front Row also offers a “Girls Night Out,” where you and your gals can drink wine and get your makeup done before heading out on the town.
Upcoming event: Front Row Cosmetics will be hosting a Grand Opening: Makeup & Mimosas event Oct. 6  at its Glenwood Avenue studio. Guests will be able to mingle, sip on mimosas, and play with makeup

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