a new era
For over 40 years, Barry M has led the way in beauty. This is our next chapter. Join us as we redefine beauty for a new generation, embracing style, attitude, and endless colour.
Barry M is for the fearless, the creative, the unapologetic. It’s for anyone who wants to express themselves without limits, no matter their age, identity, or background.
Whether you’re exploring colour for the first time or pushing limits with something bolder, we’ve got you covered with the shades, formulas, and finishes to help you express your true self - boldly, confidently, and with a whole lot of fun.
We’re more than a beauty brand - we’re a celebration of creativity and a commitment to a brighter, sustainable future.
Colours that match the moment
We’re always ahead of the curve with fresh, exciting colours that match the moment – from versatile trend-led shades, for everyday wear to a festival-ready sparkle or a Halloween statement.
MASTERS OF NAIL
Nails are where we began, and nails are where we shine. With over 100 shades, multiple finishes, and cutting-edge formulations, Barry M is proud to be master of nails. From cult favourite colours like Whirl White and Black Cherry to our spectrum of nail effects and finishes including Glitter, Holochrome, Quick Dry and Gel Effect. Barry M nails are designed to help you express yourself in the boldest way possible.
BOLD BEAUTY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
We believe in offering premium Cruelty Free and Vegan products without the premium price. Sourced with the best ingredients, and with many manufactured right here in the UK, we deliver cult-favourite beauty products at prices that don’t break the bank.
Vegan, Cruelty Free & Planet-conscious
Barry M has been cruelty-free since our foundation in 1982, and since 2020 we’ve been 100% vegan across our entire range. We’re on a committed journey to becoming a better, more sustainable brand through our products, packaging and partnerships. We believe in creating a beauty experience that not only looks great, but feels great for the planet too.
Find out more
The Story of Barry M
Barry M’s journey began in the heart of East London’s Ridley Road Market, where a young man called Barry Mero sold nail polish from his mother’s front garden. At the time, there were only six bright shades, but those first iconic colours sparked the idea that would make Barry M a household name in British cosmetics. Barry saw a gap in the market—there was a demand for bold, fearless colour in cosmetics.
A colour revolution was overdue, and he was ready to deliver. Much like Punk’s impact on the music scene, Barry disrupted the beauty world with vivid, stand-out shades.
Opening his first shop on Ridley Road and quickly expanding to Brixton Market, Barry became the go-to for anyone seeking innovative and bold cosmetics. Whether you were a Goth, Punk, or just a makeup lover, Barry M had the colours you needed.
But by now, Barry was ready to grow and create his own brand! Inspired by his wife Maxine, and two children, Dean and Joanna, he toyed with brand names like ‘Jo-Dean’ and ‘Bar-Max’. But, in the end, he knew he wanted something personal – his own name. Barry M was born, and by 1982, it was set to shake up the market.
Barry moved to Mill Hill East, where he set up a factory and launched a collection of 100 Barry M Nail Paints. The brand quickly became known for offering something for everyone - whether you wanted everyday shades or bold statements.
Barry M led the way with iconic firsts: the first white eyeliner, the first fluorescent Nail Paint, and black Lip and Nail Paint duos. Always one step ahead, Barry M became known for daring to be different.
Retail giants like Superdrug and Boots soon caught on, turning products like Dazzle Dust Eyeshadow, Crackle Nail Paint, and Lip Kits into best-sellers.
a legacy that lives on
In 2014, Barry Mero sadly passed away, but his legacy lives on. His name remains a bold, sparkling beacon in the cosmetics world - affordable, cruelty-free, and vegan, with products loved worldwide.
For the past 20 years, Barry’s son, Dean, has led the business, overseeing the opening of a new state-of-the-art factory in Mill Hill East in 2017.
In 2022, Barry M, marked its 40th anniversary with a BBC documentary and a party at Somerset House East.
a new era
And so, to 2025, and a new era for Barry M Beauty.
