ColorPop
ColorPop is known for its trendy, vibrant makeup at affordable prices. It’s a cruelty-free brand offering high-pigment eyeshadows, lipsticks, and innovative product launches, perfect for the beauty enthusiast on a budget.
- Affordable and high-quality products.
- Cruelty-free and vegan options.
- Frequent collaborations and limited-edition collections.
Clinique
Clinique is synonymous with dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free makeup. Their foundations and skincare-infused makeup products are perfect for sensitive skin.
- Suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Dermatologist-tested formulas.
- A wide range of shades and skincare benefits.
MAC
MAC is a professional-grade makeup brand known for its extensive range of shades and long-lasting formulas. It’s a favorite among makeup artists and everyday users alike, offering everything from lipsticks to foundations.
- Highly pigmented products with long-lasting wear.
- Inclusive shade ranges for all skin tones.
- Professional-grade quality.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty, launched by Rihanna, revolutionized the beauty industry with its inclusive shade range. The brand offers makeup for all skin types, focusing on diversity and high-performance products.
- Extensive shade range for all skin tones.
- Inclusive, high-performance formulas.
- Cruelty-free with innovative products like match sticks and body lava.
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder offers luxurious makeup products that combine innovation and elegance. Known for their iconic Double Wear foundation, the brand focuses on high-quality, long-lasting formulas.
- Long-lasting and full-coverage foundations.
- Luxurious packaging and formulas.
- Skincare-infused makeup products.
Too Faced
Too Faced is a playful, cruelty-free brand known for its fun, high-pigment products. Popular for its eyeshadow palettes and Better Than Sex mascara, it blends high-performance with whimsical packaging.
- Fun, creative packaging.
- Cruelty-free and vegan options.
- Highly pigmented and long-lasting formulas.
Tarte
Tarte focuses on eco-friendly and cruelty-free makeup that combines nature and high-performance formulas. Its Shape Tape Concealer and Amazonian Clay foundation are cult favorites, offering natural coverage with skin benefits.
- Cruelty-free, eco-friendly formulas.
- Infused with natural ingredients.
- Long-lasting, high-performance products.
Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown is known for its natural, skin-like finishes and enhancing beauty rather than masking it. The brand offers timeless products that provide radiant skin and subtle enhancement.
- Natural, everyday makeup looks.
- Skincare-infused formulas for healthy skin.
- High-end, luxurious feel.
NARS
NARS is a brand celebrated for its bold colors and sleek packaging. Known for its blushes and radiant foundations, NARS offers versatile products that work for both natural and dramatic looks.
- Bold, high-pigment colors.
- Buildable coverage for various makeup looks.
- Sleek, iconic packaging.
NYX
NYX is a budget-friendly brand known for offering professional-quality products at drugstore prices. The brand is loved for its lip products, especially its Soft Matte Lip Creams, and offers a wide variety of shades and textures.
- Affordable yet professional-quality products.
- Wide range of shades for all skin tones.
- Cruelty-free with extensive product lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of makeup is best?
While our analysis lists ColourPop as the best makeup brand for its affordability and trend-driven products, it depends on your needs. If you prefer luxury, Estée Lauder may suit you better. Alternatively, if inclusivity is a priority, Fenty Beauty stands out.
What is high-end makeup?
High-end makeup refers to luxury cosmetic brands like MAC, Estée Lauder, or Bobbi Brown. These brands often use premium ingredients, offer a wider shade range, and provide long-lasting formulas.
What is the number 1 makeup brand in the world?
Fenty Beauty continues to be a global favorite due to its inclusivity and innovative products, though other brands like MAC and Estée Lauder frequently top the charts.
How much does makeup cost?
The cost of makeup varies depending on the brand and type of product. Drugstore brands like NYX range from $5 to $25, while high-end brands like Estée Lauder and MAC can start at $30 and go up to $100 or more.
At First Blush
From clean makeup brands to cruelty-free products, the beauty industry offers a variety of options. Should you go for a cult classic or experiment with a new celebrity brand? Our top 10 makeup brands are tried, tested, and proven to cater to all types of beauty enthusiasts. We’ve compiled our list based on trends, innovations, and customer feedback to help you make an informed decision.
How Did We Choose the Best Makeup Brands?
Our expert team evaluated each brand based on four core criteria:
- Consumer Engagement: How well the brand interacts with its audience.
- Customer Feedback: Reviews and ratings from real users.
- Brand Reputation: Trustworthiness and consistency in product quality.
- Features/Benefits: Unique offerings like cruelty-free products, vegan options, and long-lasting performance.
What To Look For in Makeup Brands
Before making your next purchase, consider these important factors:
- Cruelty-Free or Vegan: Look for ethical brands if this is a priority for you.
- Shade Inclusivity: Ensure the brand has products that suit your skin tone.
- Product Longevity: Choose long-lasting, high-performance formulas for better value.
Makeup Trends and How Brands Are Adapting
- Inclusivity: Social media has driven brands like Fenty Beauty to launch a wide range of foundation shades for every skin tone.
- Natural Ingredients: Tarte is popular for its naturally-derived ingredients that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
- Trend-Driven Releases: NYX stays on top of trends with frequent product launches inspired by social media looks.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Makeup Brands
Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, and brands are responding:
- Bobbi Brown and Clinique are leaders in using recyclable packaging.
- MAC offers a recycling program that allows customers to trade in six empty products for a free lipstick.
Innovations in the Makeup Industry
The rise of AI and virtual technologies is shaping how we buy cosmetics:
- MAC and Too Faced allow users to virtually try on makeup via AI tools.
- Clinique offers personalized virtual consultations with their beauty advisors to help consumers pick the right products from the comfort of their home.
Bottom Line
With sustainability, inclusivity, and technological innovations becoming key in the beauty industry, brands need to evolve continuously. Our top 10 makeup brands excel at this, balancing quality, consumer engagement, and ethical considerations. Whether you’re seeking a bold, trendy look or something classic and timeless, there’s a brand for you in this list.