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Make-up brand Barry M, which dominated vanities in the 90s with its crackle nail varnish and bold colour palette, is on the brink of collapse.
The brand has been an affordable high street staple since its inception 43 years ago and was the inventor of the world’s first white eyeliner.
But court documents filed on January 29 show the company filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators, according to The Sun.
The move suggests the brand is seeking protection from creditors as it makes efforts to restructure its finances.
A notice of intent to appoint administrators buys Barry M some time to weigh up its options before creditors take action.
The company has faced obstacles shared by other brands across the industry, including rising costs and a challenging retail landscape.
It is currently unclear how many people’s jobs could be at risk if the process moves forward.
Give their products are widely sold in beauty retailers and supermarkets, including Superdrug, Boots and Sainsbury’s, a potential collapse is a worrying prospect for the affordable beauty market.
Barry M is a family owned cruelty-free cosmetics brand founded by Barry Mero in 1982.
Make-up brand Barry M, which dominated vanities in the 90s with its crackle nail varnish and bold colour palette, is on the brink of collapse
Barry M was founded by in east London in 1982 by Barry Mero who started selling nail polish on London’s Ridley Road Market
Barry M stands can be found in beauty retailers and supermarkets, including Superdrug, Boots and Sainsbury’s
As a young man, Barry sold nail polish from his mother’s front garden on London’s Ridley Road Market in the heart of the East End.
He started with just six brightly coloured shades, but soon realised there was a big demand for bold colours across the beauty product industry and decided to seize on the opportunity.
Their crackle nail varnish became a huge hit in the 90s and was even replicated by big players in the nail industry like OPI.
The product has since been discontinued, likely due to changing fashions, but is occasionally brought back for limited releases.
Their pioneering white eyeliner was loved for its ability to make eyes appear wider and brighter.
A green lipstick which adapted to a custom shade of sheer pink based on the skin’s PH level mystified make-up lovers and has been replicated countless times by other brands.
Today, the brand still sells everything from electric blue eyeliner to fuchsia blusher, but also offers more natural shades for those looking for a more subdued look.
Although their prices are higher than they were 40 years ago, Barry M has always manages to keep their products affordable.
Lip liners are priced at only £3.49 and mascaras are as cheap as £5.99. Their concealers are only £4.99 and a bottle of foundation is priced at just £7.99.
They recently teamed up with charity WILDLIFE for an animal themed collaboration, including eyeshadows and nail varnishes, to help raise awareness and funds for endangered animals.
Daily Mail has approached Barry M for comment.