List of the Best Makeup Brands

Best Makeup Brands: Highlighting the Top Makeup Brands

With the ability to enhance and transform, makeup is a favorite among people of all ages. In this list of the best makeup brands, we have gathered quality makeup brands from across the globe.
This list of the best makeup brands will highlight the top makeup brands and will allow you to find your favorites. All of the brands on this list will allow you to dive deeper into the world of makeup and learn about the best of the best. 
While makeup has a lot to do with personal preference, all of the brands in this list are a favorite among reviewers. They also have a strong following across the globe. So take a look – you might just find your new favorite makeup brand!
A couple of great lists that fit nicely with this one are our lists of the best perfumes, best colognes, and best fashion blogs. So once you find your perfect makeup, make sure you check out some great style tips and scents.

 

Top 25 Makeup Brands:

 

 

Clinique Makeup Brand

1. Clinique Makeup Brand

Highlights: Popular Products Feature Foundation, CC Cream, and Lipsticks.

About Makeup Brand: Clinique is owned and operated by the Estée Lauder Corporation. They offer everything from skincare products and fragrances to makeup favorites. Popular makeup products include foundation, CC cream, and lipsticks. Clinique is always innovating and will continue to offer skincare products that will have you looking your best.

 

 

 

MAC Cosmetics Brand

2. MAC Cosmetics

Highlights: High-Definition, Quality Cosmetics, Designed with Everyone in Mind.

About Makeup Brand: Headquartered in New York City, MAC Cosmetics is a favorite among makeup artists and the general population. Known for high-definition, quality products, MAC also participates in five social initiative programs. From backstage at the runway to your restroom countertop, MAC is designed to be for everyone.

 

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Makeup Brand

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Makeup Brand

Highlights: The Makeup Authority When it Comes to Perfect Brows.

About Makeup Brand: Anastasia Beverly Hills is the makeup authority for perfect brows. They have an exclusive range of products for eyebrows, including the “Perfect Brow Pencil” that blends beautifully. The brand also offers a variety of other top-notch cosmetics and tools as well. All of this will ensure that you look great from every angle.

 

 

 

Too Faced Cosmetics Brand

4. Too Faced Cosmetics

Highlights: Cruelty-Free Cosmetics, Melted Lip Products.

About Makeup Brand: Too Faced is a boutique makeup brand that has developed a hoard of loyal consumers. Their brand is inspired by a love of Paris, femininity, and the transformative power of cosmetics. Two Faced’s cruelty-free cosmetics ooze unabashed girliness. One of their more popular makeup offerings is their Melted Lip products. With a variety of saturated colors and finishes, no-sting lip plumper and filler, your lips will be looking their best.

 

 

Tarte Makeup Brand

5. Tarte Makeup Brand

Highlights: Renowned for Blushes, Lip Tints, and Amazonian Clay and Maracuja Complexion Products.

About Makeup Brand: Tarte began in 1999 out of Maureen Kelly’s one-bedroom apartment. Today, Tarte is renowned for its blushes and lip tints, as well as its Amazonian clay and maracuja complexion products. If you are looking for a natural blend of great makeup products, Tarte is a great place to start. Also, all of their products do not have any without parabens, phthalates, and other synthetic products.

 

 

NYX Cosmetics Brand

6. NYX Cosmetics

Highlights: Inexpensive but Quality, Large Selection of Cosmetic Product Options.

About Makeup Brand: NYX is an inexpensive makeup brand that makeup artists and wannabe artists alike will appreciate. They offer everything from matte lipsticks to shimmery eyeshadow palettes. NYX is an excellent choice for those looking to get quality makeup at an excellent price.

 

 

L'Oréal Paris Makeup Brand

7. L’Oréal Paris Makeup Brand

Highlights: Affordable and Quality Looks, Features Brands like Voluminous, Infallible, and Color Riche.

About Makeup Brand: With the tagline “Because You’re Worth It,” L’Oréal Paris strives to provide affordable, yet quality makeup. L’Oréal brands include Voluminous, Infallible, and Color Riche, as well as a number of other makeup products. As one of the top makeup brands around, L’Oréal is worth a try!

 

 

Dior Makeup Brand

8. Dior Makeup Brand

Highlights: High-Quality Foundations, Variety of Quality Products to Choose From.

About Makeup Brand: Known for high-quality foundations, Dior also features a number of other quality makeup products. Some of their great products are a Lip Glow, a color-awakening balm, and a full-coverage foundation. With all of the excellent options that Dior offers, you will definitely want to give them a try!

 

 

Bare Minerals Makeup Brand

9. Bare Minerals Makeup Brand

Highlights: Provides a Natural Makeup Product, Multiple Types of Cosmetics to Choose From.

About Makeup Brand: Bare Minerals is a cut above the rest when it comes to providing a natural makeup product. While they are best known for their mineral foundations, bronzers, and blushes. Bare Minerals also has eye, lip, and brush makeup products that are used by many. If you want to feel good about what you are putting on your skin, give Bare Minerals a try.

 

 

Covergirl Makeup Brand

10. Covergirl Makeup Brand

Highlights: Large Selection of Popular Makeup Products to Choose From.

About Makeup Brand: Covergirl makeup is one of the top drugstore makeup brands out there. So it wouldn’t be a surprise if you have already heard of them or at least their tagline “Easy, breezy, beautiful Covergirl.” Covergirl has a variety of popular makeup products. One of their more popular products though, is their famous outlast long wear lipstick and foundation. So if you are looking for all-day coverage, Covergirl is an excellent choice.

 

 

Almay Makeup Brand

11. Almay Makeup Brand

Brand Highlights: Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free, Excellent Skin Products.

About Makeup Brand: All of Almay’s makeup products are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. This is going to make them an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. While probably best known for their skin products, Almay also has excellent eye and lip products as well. If traditional makeup brands have left your skin crying, make a change, and try out Almay.

 

 

Revlon Makeup Brand

12. Revlon Makeup Brand

Highlights: Large Selection of Affordable and Quality Products Covering All of Your Cosmetic Needs.

About Makeup Brand: The Revlon brand covers everything from hair and nails to makeup and skincare. Another quality drugstore makeup brand, Revlon, has great makeup products that don’t break the bank. Try their Photoready products for all your selfies. Or, give their Colorstay collection a try for long-lasting, bold makeup colors.

 

Smashbox Makeup Brand

13. Smashbox Cosmetics

Highlights: Known for Their Lipsticks and Primers, Offers a Number of Quality Products.

About Makeup Brand: Born out of a real photo studio in L.A., Smashbox makeup is a top makeup brand. Smashbox’s strongest selling makeup products are lipstick and primers. However, Smashbox also has a full array of other products as well, including a variety of eye products. If you have ever wanted to give primer a try, Smashbox should be the first makeup brand you turn to.

 

 

Lancome Makeup Brand

14. Lancome Makeup Brand

Highlights: Known for Long-Lasting Foundations, Mascara, and Signature Scents.

About Makeup Brand: Based out of Paris, Lancome is the essence of quality. Bestsellers include their long-lasting foundation, mascara, and signature scents. You really can’t go wrong, though, with any of the makeup products that Lancome offers.

 

 

Laura Mercier Makeup Brand

15. Laura Mercier Makeup Brand

Highlights: Designed with Each Woman in Mind and What Makes them Beautiful.

About Makeup Brand: This makeup brand is the brainchild of world-famous French makeup artist Laura Mercier. Her makeup products are going to combine French aesthetics with quality. Laura’s philosophy is, “What makes you unique makes you beautiful,” and her products are designed to help highlight each woman’s uniqueness and beauty.

 

 

Guerlain Paris Makeup Brand

16. Guerlain Makeup Brand

Highlights: Favorites Include Their Maxi Lash Mascara and Little Black Dress Lip Color.

About Makeup Brand: Guerlain has been creating stunning makeup, fragrance, and skincare products since 1828. Today they offer creative products that capitalize on the irresistible French chic. Some of Guerlain’s fan favorites are their Maxi Lash Mascara and Little Black Dress Lip Color. You will be able to capitalize on all of the great products that Guerlain offers, though.

 

 

Clarins Makeup Brand

17. Clarins Makeup Brand

Highlights: Skincare Products Built Into the Cosmetics.

About Makeup Brand: Perhaps best known for their skincare lines, Clarins also has a number of top makeup products. And, as a bonus, Clarins makeup also has skincare benefits built right in. This will allow you to look radiant and also know that your skin is being taken care of as you do. If you are new to Clarins, try out the primer, lip balm, and foundation – you will be glad you did.

 

 

Kat Von D Makeup Brand

18. Kat Von D Makeup Brand

Highlights: Features Bold Colors and Kat Von D Inspired Products.

About Makeup Brand: A long-wear, high pigment, cruelty-free makeup brand, the Kat Von D makeup line is one of the best newer makeup brands out there. This makeup brand is going to feature bold colors and artistry-inspired products. Kat Von D encourages makeup users to ‘break the beauty rules’ and just create!

 

 

Bobbi Brown Makeup Brand

19. Bobbi Brown Makeup Brand

Highlights: Fresh and Natural Makeup Look.

About Makeup Brand: Bobbi Brown is best known for her fresh and natural makeup looks. She has built her empire on a simple idea – “natural-looking makeup and a lipstick that looks like lips.” Today, Estée Lauder owns the company, but Bobbi Brown retains complete creative control.

 

 

Maybelline Makeup Brand

20. Maybelline Makeup Brand

Highlights: Large Selection of Quality Products and Excellent Pricing.

About: Once just a small, family-owned business, Maybelline is now a household name. Their size is going to allow for a variety of great products, and also excellent pricing. Regardless of what you are looking for, lipstick, foundation, etc. Maybelline will have something for you. So join the millions of Maybelline users and give their makeup products a try.

 

Urban Decay Makeup Brand

21. Urban Decay Makeup Brand

Highlights: Edgy and Colorful Makeup Products.

About Makeup Brand: The majority of makeup brands pride themselves on offering natural-looking products. Urban Decay, though, prides itself on developing edgy and colorful makeup products. Bestsellers in the brand include velvety eyeshadows and eyeliners, as well as makeup setting sprays. So if you are looking to create a unique look for yourself, give Urban Decay a try.

 

 

NARS Makeup Brand

22. NARS Makeup Brand

Highlights: High-Quality Products and a No-Rules Philosophy on Beauty.

About Makeup Brand: Founded by makeup artist and photographer Francois Nars, NARS is best known for its high-quality products and a no-rules philosophy of beauty. Popular products include lipsticks and blushes, but the NARS makeup brand excels in so many other areas as well. With a love for color and modern style, NARS Cosmetics will have your makeup looking flawless.

 

 

Neutrogena Makeup Brand

23. Neutrogena Makeup Brand

Highlights: Large Selection of Cosmetic Products, Great for those with Sensitive Skin.

About Makeup Brand: Started in 1930 under the name Natone, Neutrogena now belongs to Johnson & Johnson. Neutrogena’s product line runs the gamut from soaps and cleansers to foundations and eyeshadows. A lot of their products are also recommended by dermatologists as well. So if you have sensitive skin, Neutrogena makeup is going to be an excellent option for you.

 

 

Shiseido Makeup Brand

24. Shiseido Makeup Brand

Highlights: Japanese Based Company, Award-Winning Lip Glosses, and Makeup Brushes.

About Makeup Brand: A Japanese-based company, Shiseido is a mainstay makeup company in Asian countries. Because of its excellent makeup products, though, it is becoming more and more popular in the United States and around the world. Award-winning products include lip glosses and makeup brushes.

 

Benefit Cosmetics Brand

25. Benefit Cosmetics

Highlights: Fun and Playful Approach to Makeup.

About Makeup Brand: Benefit Cosmetics was started by twins Jean and Jane Ford (models and makeup artists) in San Francisco. The brand became so popular that it was purchased by LVMH. Benefit Cosmetics has a fun and playful approach to makeup and product styling. They offer a good selection of products too. A couple of their more popular products, though, are their Brow Bar and mascara.

 

Editor’s Picks from the Best Makeup Brands

With so many top makeup brands available, narrowing it down to just a few favorites is no easy task. That’s why we’ve highlighted a few standout options based on popularity, performance, and overall appeal.

Best for Professional Finish: MAC Cosmetics
MAC continues to be one of the most trusted brands for high-definition makeup and pro-level finishes. Their vast product range makes it a go-to for both beginners and experts alike.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Clinique
Clinique’s dermatologist-developed formulas are ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Their foundations and CC creams offer great coverage without irritation.

Best Drugstore Value: Maybelline
Maybelline offers unbeatable value without compromising on quality. From their iconic mascaras to budget-friendly lipsticks, it’s a top choice for shoppers who want reliable, everyday products.

Best for Natural Looks: Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown focuses on natural beauty and wearable shades that suit a wide range of skin tones. Their skin-perfecting foundations and lipsticks make everyday makeup effortless.

Most Innovative: Fenty Beauty (Consider Adding)
Fenty Beauty has revolutionized inclusivity in the beauty industry with its expansive shade range. Known for its long-wear formulas and bold pigments, it’s a modern favorite and a worthy addition if you’re expanding the list.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Makeup Brands

What is the best makeup brand for beginners?
Brands like Maybelline, NYX, and Covergirl are excellent for beginners. They offer a wide variety of affordable, easy-to-use products with helpful guides and tutorials for new users.

Which makeup brands are cruelty-free?
Some of the best cruelty-free makeup brands include Too Faced, Tarte, Kat Von D, and Urban Decay. Always look for cruelty-free certification labels if this is a priority for you.

What makeup brand is best for mature skin?
Clinique, Bobbi Brown, and Laura Mercier all offer makeup specifically formulated for mature skin. Look for hydrating foundations, creamy textures, and light-reflecting products to enhance a youthful glow.

Are luxury makeup brands worth the price?
Luxury brands like Dior, Lancome, and Guerlain often feature more refined formulations, elegant packaging, and long-lasting wear. While more expensive, many users feel the performance justifies the price, especially for special occasions.

Can I mix products from different brands?
Absolutely! Many people combine products from various top makeup brands to suit their specific skin type, desired look, and budget. Mixing and matching allows you to find the best of each brand’s offerings.

Tips for Choosing the Best Makeup Brands for You

1. Know Your Skin Type and Undertone
Different makeup brands cater to different skin needs. If you have oily skin, look for oil-free or mattifying products like those from Revlon or MAC. For dry or sensitive skin, try Bare Minerals, Clinique, or Almay. Understanding your undertone (warm, cool, neutral) also helps in choosing the right foundation and blush shades.

2. Read Reviews and Watch Tutorials
Take time to read customer reviews and watch product tutorials from beauty bloggers or influencers. This gives you a better understanding of how a product performs on different skin types and tones before making a purchase.

3. Test Products When Possible
If shopping in person, swatch makeup on your jawline or wrist to get the most accurate match. Online, rely on brands like Fenty Beauty or L’Oréal, which offer virtual try-on tools.

4. Start with Essentials
Instead of buying an entire line, begin with essential products like mascara, foundation, or lipstick. Once you find a brand that matches your preferences, you can explore more of their range.

5. Keep an Eye on Ingredients
If you have allergies or skin sensitivities, always read ingredient labels. Brands like Almay, Neutrogena, and Tarte offer hypoallergenic or clean formulas that are less likely to irritate skin.

 

Best Makeup Brands Conclusion

When choosing the right makeup, it usually comes down to personal preference. Our goal with this list of the best makeup brands was to provide you with some great options, though to choose from. From here, it is as easy as deciding on which is your favorite. And, who says you can’t mix and match your favorite products from different brands?
For all of your fashion needs, make sure to visit our lists of the best jeans for women, the best stylish walking shoes for women, and the best clothing websites. And of course, many of these makeup brands also make excellent gifts.
 
We would love to hear your feedback. So If you have any makeup brand tips or feedback, please comment below.