Founded in Los Angeles, California, AppleDoll Cosmetics was born from a desire to challenge the conventions of gender expression and carve out a close-knit community in the beauty space, one where self-expression is revered and makeup lovers everywhere are encouraged to embrace their individuality. In stark contrast to antiquated beauty standards pushed by popular media and major companies, AppleDoll Cosmetics is answering the growing call amongst consumers and makeup enthusiasts to break away from tradition. 

With a growing community-based affiliate program of over 900 members, AppleDoll is leading the way in forging meaningful connections that many other brands often miss. AppleDoll’s community serves as muses of the brand and are celebrated as a true embodiment of the company’s ethos. AppleDoll frequently uses affiliates as campaign models and promotes user-generated content on its social media channels, pushing small creators into the spotlight and building reciprocal relationships with their following. 

“We think of our approach to cosmetics as a divine disruption,” team AppleDoll states. “For too long, the beauty space has been prescriptive and boxed in by unattainable standards and guidelines. AppleDoll was dreamed up as a haven—a safe place where gender norms are discarded, individuality is revered, and makeup lovers everywhere are encouraged to experiment and express.” 

Team AppleDoll continued, “We want everyone to be able to see themselves in AppleDoll as an AppleDoll. Many of our shoots and campaigns use our products in non-traditional or unexpected ways, and we employ creatives and models of all genders, identities, colors, sizes, and backgrounds. Sometimes those identities are ambiguous or undefined, but we think there is beauty in the undefinable, too. AppleDoll is for all.” 

Gen-Z in particular has been essential in AppleDoll finding its niche at the intersection of diversity, ethics, and artistry. As the mainstream beauty landscape continues to evolve from traditional expectations of gender performance into a celebration of makeup as an accessible, bona fide form of art, AppleDoll has sought to fight overconsumption through creating a versatile range of products and promoting creative usage.

“Our base is multifaceted: they’re drawn to originality and authenticity in the beauty space and beyond, so they connect with our ‘art over perfection’ approach to branding and marketing,” the team explained. “They also prioritize the environment, so they appreciate that our packaging is FSC-certified and that our products are made without the almost-2,000 chemicals banned by the EU Clean List, as well as 25+ additional ingredients on Canada’s ban list. Each of AppleDoll’s products is vegan and cruelty-free, forever and always. We provide the tools to make them feel seen and heard creatively, and our commitment to the planet makes them feel they can make a difference. Because they can.”

AppleDoll’s commitment to community engagement extends beyond its digital presence. Their pop-up shop in Venice Beach, CA, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the brand’s community and affiliates, offering customers a chance to explore, shop, and experience AppleDoll’s innovative products and inclusive culture up close. Filled with free product demos and makeup tutorials, monthly open house parties, and one of Los Angeles’ oldest analog photobooths, the pop-up’s cozy atmosphere is meant to evoke an instant feeling of belonging. 

“Online and IRL at our LA pop-up, we think the AppleDoll name is synonymous with acceptance, diversity, individuality, and a safe place to express, test new looks, and commune with others,” the team remarked. “There’s no right way to make yourself up. We’re proud of the fact that our following has no hesitation aligning themselves with our brand and with each other. Here, our Dolls are encouraged to swatch, shop, and connect…with our team and with each other.” 

AppleDoll is redefining what it means to be a beauty company. As a symbol of a new generation and a driver of change, it is setting a new benchmark in the beauty industry. By championing individuality and encouraging self-expression, AppleDoll inspires people to fully embrace their authentic selves.

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