Beautytap Founder Spotlight: Jerrod Blandino of Polite Society

Jerrod Blandino is on a mission to make clean beauty bold, fun, glamorous, and inclusive. His legendary career includes co-founding (and moving on from) Too Faced Cosmetics. The charismatic force behind Polite Society now channels his positive energy into high-performance makeup that empowers everyone to be their own trend.

Polite Society’s skin-loving formulas are all superior quality, vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. A botanical-based collection flatters both minimalist and maximalist looks. Every product impresses from hydrating Polite Pout lip balms to soothing Polite Pops powder blush sticks; and lengthening Greatest Lashes of All Time mascara to perfecting More Than a Pretty Face foundation.

In this exclusive Q&A, Blandino shares the heart of Polite Society’s playful yet purposeful movement, his commitment to super clean beauty, the importance of kindness, and how to embrace self-care joyfully.

What sparks your vision and passion for Polite Society? 

When we sold and left Too Faced Cosmetics, we knew we weren’t done. We had so much more to say—especially in the clean beauty space. We wanted to disrupt it by creating an artist-quality, rebellious beauty line that still held the same values as clean beauty. We wanted vegan, non-toxic, good-for-you ingredients, paired with powerful skincare actives in every product.

Why are clean formulas, sustainability, and positive energy important for you and the beauty industry?

We wanted to bring people together with a brand that celebrates amazing, kickass quality makeup—because sometimes, let’s be honest, getting ready is more fun than going out. You can have fun, live your life, and still make mindful, sustainable choices for the planet. We really wanted to harness that kind of energy and turn it into a movement that goes beyond just makeup. It’s bigger than that. 

How does your brand elevate beauty routines into mindful self-care? And how do you practice self-care?

It’s all about efficacious ingredients. That’s what Polite Society is built on—formula first. That’s where every product story begins. It’s not just about instant transformation, but about creating formulas packed with powerful skincare actives—so good for your skin, your future self will thank you. To us, self-care means taking the time—whether it’s five minutes or fifty—to transform and express yourself exactly how you want to be seen in the world. 

What favorite essentials do you recommend and are there hero ingredients you prioritize?

I think there are a few everyday essentials you’ll reach for again and again. First is our More than a Pretty Face Foundation. It’s an absolute game changer. It’s packed with skincare ingredients like vegan hyaluronic acid and niacinamide—two ingredients I’ve personally relied on and used for years. I reverse-engineered those actives into a foundation that delivers the coverage you want and the good-for-you ingredients your skin needs. And because of these powerhouse ingredients, the more you wear it, the less you’ll need it—because it actually improves your skin over time. Another favorite of mine is our Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balms. We created them to be ultra-nourishing glosses that quench dry, chapped lips. You get a juicy, high-shine finish with a hint of tint and an addictive flavor. They look amazing, but more importantly—they feel so good.

Can you walk us through your product development process? And which emerging technologies or innovations excite you most for future launches?

It's really about dreaming big and creating the kinds of products we all genuinely want to use and wear. We’re developing products for ourselves, our friends, our family, and our community—things people can truly rely on, that deliver on their promises. We want to give you that instant transformation without spending hours in the mirror—whether you’re getting ready in five minutes or savoring the routine. It’s about high-impact results, thoughtful formulas, and an experience that feels as good as it looks. We're committed to powerful performance, clean and non-toxic ingredients, and doing it all as sustainably as possible.

What challenges did you face launching Polite Society and how did you overcome them?

For both myself and Jeremy, it was really about going from being someone else for 20 years in another brand to re-identifying ourselves. We looked at each other and said, “if we’re going to create something new today, what would that be?” And that’s Polite Society. I’ve always loved organic ingredients, organic produce, and using non-toxic cleaners in my house. My former life in beauty was just not fitting my modern-day aesthetic. So, I thought there was room for people like me who want good ingredients, who want better things, who want to do good for themselves in the world but also want glamour. So, we set off to create a brand that would speak to us and our community. And the response has been incredible. We’re not just speaking to ourselves—we’re speaking to a huge part of the beauty community that’s been waiting for exactly this.

How does Polite Society foster inclusivity, both in product offerings and customer engagement?

We’re always thinking beyond ourselves—how every choice we make impacts the people around us, the planet, the animals—everything. For us, it’s about creating amazing products that we genuinely believe in, products we want to use and can rely on. But it’s also about giving everyone the freedom to fully express themselves and stand up for what they believe in. At the end of the day, beauty products are just the vehicle of achieving that self-expression.

What was the process of securing investment in the brand? And any suggestions for those who are dreaming of launching their own brands?

We are 100% self-funded. We are betting on ourselves. We love the beauty community. We love this amazing business world. Jeremy and I put together our Polite Society dream team composed of people we’ve worked with in the past and a few amazing new hires that have really elevated us and brought us to the next level. Starting again this way has allowed us to do everything we’ve ever wanted. 

Are there any newer or unexpected marketing outlets you are exploring to build brand awareness?

We’re continuing to engage our customers and create spaces where they can really enjoy and experience the brand in a meaningful, tangible way. It’s always about looking for the next vehicle, event, or opportunity to connect closer with our community and build it stronger. 

What is the significance of trusted reviews around your products? And what do you look for in a solid and authentic review?

Everything—we’re looking at everything. It’s about seeing your customer react to the blood, sweat, and tears you put into a product, and watching how they experience it firsthand. Hopefully, they experience it exactly the way you intended: they love it, live in it, depend on it, and can’t get enough of it. But when a truthful comment comes along—one that doesn’t quite align with your vision—you have to let it in. You have to allow that truth to shape you, to help you make better choices moving forward, so you can keep elevating and improving. You have to take your wins alongside the hard truths. And if you can view temporary failure as a necessary step toward success—because it forces growth and change—it ultimately becomes more valuable than anything else.

Is there a quote, song, or philosophy that inspires you?

I would say: live it up. You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, and every day is an opportunity to let your light shine and live as your fullest self—so you can inspire others to do the same. Always remember to be kind. Every interaction you have with someone isn’t just a moment—it’s a chance to lift them up and make their day better. It’s about choosing the right thing, putting powerful positivity into the world, and leading with intention.

What message do you hope Polite Society conveys to the world and how does it redefine beauty?

Polite Society is a clean brand that acts dirty. When most people think of clean beauty, they picture minimalist makeup—and I’m here to redefine what clean beauty means to the world. I want to prove there’s space for a beauty-loving community that demands artist-quality results while staying vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. Our products are designed to take you anywhere—from a minimalist “I just woke up like this” look to a full-glam, red carpet moment—and everything in between. We all have multiple facets to our personalities, and Polite Society is about exploring and expressing every side of who you are, every single day.

Please finish this statement: When people choose Polite Society…

When people choose Polite Society, they’re choosing more than just a product—they’re joining a community of like-minded individuals who want to do good, celebrate themselves unapologetically, and break every rule that no longer applies to them.