Our story began in Dalston, East London, in the 1970s, when Barry Mero started selling nail polish from his mother’s front garden. He only had six colours, but these proved the inspiration for journey that would see the young entrepreneur create the most colourful name in British cosmetics.

Recognising that the mainstream beauty industry was lacking colour and imagination, Barry set out to provide a solution. And before long, Goths, New Romantics, Punks, or simply anyone with a love of makeup, glitter and colour, were heading to Barry Mero’s shops – first in Ridley Road, East London, then in Brixton.

Taking inspiration from his wife, Maxine, and children Dean and Joanna, Barry launched Barry M Cosmetics in 1982. A brand created in his own vibrant image, before long he had established a factory in Mill Hill East, North London – where Barry M is based to this day. Here, he created Barry M’s famous range of 100 Nail Paints, followed by a family of iconic products; Dazzle Dust eyeshadow, Lip Paints and, of course, Crackle Nail Paint which sold over 1,000,000 bottles.