18 best makeup brands

Whether you're a beauty guru or just mastering your mascara game, the right products make all the difference. Maybe you’re chasing that flawless, all-day foundation. Or perhaps it’s a bold, pigment-packed lipstick that speaks your truth. Either way, the beauty aisle is full of possibilities. So, where do you start? 

That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down the top beauty brands—from high-end icons to budget-friendly heroes—spotlighting their cult-favorite products, unique perks, and who they’re best for. Because when it comes to makeup, it’s about finding your perfect match. Let’s glow! 

Lancôme

Whether you're a makeup-lover searching for high-performance products, a professional needing flawless coverage that lasts all day, or someone with mature skin looking for hydrating and smoothing formulas, this collection has something for everyone. Each product is designed to deliver results, offering the perfect balance of durability and nourishment to keep your skin looking its best.

Think bold pigments with a side of skin care because why shouldn't your makeup multitask? With a foundation and lipstick shade for basically everyone (yes, really), and formulas that go the distance from coffee dates to cocktail hours, this brand totally gets what modern beauty is all about. 

Signature products Teint Idole Ultra Wear foundation: full coverage with a natural matte finish, ensuring long-lasting wear. L’Absolu Rouge lipstick: rich pigmentation and a hydrating formula that feels luxurious on the lips. Hypnôse mascara: builds volume and length without any clumping, giving you a bold yet effortless finish. The long-wearing, transfer-resistant foundation is designed with oil-absorbing technology to keep your complexion flawless all day long. Lipsticks infused with rose balm and hyaluronic acid provide deep hydration, leaving your lips soft and nourished with every swipe. The mascara enriched with provitamin B5 helps condition and strengthen lashes while adding volume and length.

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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Clinique 

This collection is perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies and anyone who may be seeking gentle makeup. It's also ideal for those who prefer products with added skin-care benefits. It’s a great choice for beginners as well, offering easy-to-use, foolproof formulas that deliver great results every time.

If you’ve got sensitive skin, this brand is your new best friend. It combines the best of both worlds by delivering flawless makeup while giving your skin the care it deserves. Plus, the packaging is refreshingly simple and practical, so you can take it on the go without a second thought. 

Signature products Even Better Clinical serum foundation: medium to full coverage with skin-care benefits. Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour balm: hydrating, sheer lip color with a balm-like feel. Stay-Matte sheer pressed powder: minimizing shine while maintaining a flawless, sheer texture. Each product in this collection is dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free, ensuring a gentle experience for all skin types. The foundation is infused with vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid, providing skin-care benefits while offering full coverage. For lips, the products are enriched with mango and shea butter, delivering deep hydration and a smooth, nourished finish.

Price range: mid-range ($$) 

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Estée Lauder

This collection is made for those who want makeup that works as hard as they do, offering high-performance, long-lasting formulas. It’s perfect for anyone in need of full-coverage foundation that stays flawless, while also appealing to those who love skin-care-infused makeup.

Every formula is packed with high-quality pigments that feel luxurious on the skin, offering a flawless finish that holds up all day. And let’s not forget the packaging—elegant, sophisticated, and totally display-worthy. 

Signature products Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation: offers full coverage and a matte finish that stays put all day. Pure Color Envy lip repair potion: is a hydrating, all-in-one treatment that’s easy to apply, leaving lips soft and rejuvenated. Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme skincare-infused eye treatment: provides a skin-care-infused treatment that works wonders overnight. This collection features long-wearing foundation with oil-control properties and a transfer-resistant formula, keeping your look intact all day. The lipsticks are infused with hyaluronic acid and conditioning oils, providing hydration while offering rich, smooth color. Plus, many of the products include anti-aging ingredients and skin-nourishing formulations, giving you beauty benefits with every application.

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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MAC

Perfect for makeup artists and professionals in need of high-performance, long-lasting products, this collection is also ideal for those who enjoy rich, highly pigmented colors and trend-driven shades. It’s a go-to for anyone looking for versatile products that easily transition from everyday wear to more creative, daring looks.

This brand has it all, whether you're after the perfect foundation, bold lipstick, or eyeshadow that actually stays put. With an extensive shade range and formulas so high-pigment, they practically pop off your face, you’ll be set for any look. Not to mention, professional makeup artists swear by MAC, so you know it's the real deal. 

Signature products Studio Fix fluid foundation: buildable medium-to-full coverage with a matte finish. Ruby Woo lipstick: iconic red lipstick with a retro matte formula. MACStack mascara: mega-brush stacks layers of volume and length without clumping.  This collection features a foundation with oil-controlling properties and a 24-hour wear formula, ensuring a flawless finish that lasts all day. The lipsticks are enriched with emollients, offering a smooth, comfortable application with every swipe. For the eyes, these products are designed to deliver high pigmentation and long-lasting wear, keeping your look vibrant and in place.

Price range: mid-range to luxury ($$-$$$) 

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Shiseido 

For those seeking a seamless fusion of skin care and makeup with innovative formulations, this collection is ideal for individuals who prefer lightweight, breathable products that enhance their natural beauty. It’s also a great choice for mature skin types, offering the hydration and radiance needed for a fresh, youthful glow in every application.

This brand is known for its innovative Japanese formulations that don’t just enhance your look—they work to improve your skin over time. Each product is infused with skin-loving ingredients, marrying performance with long-term benefits. Housed in sleek, modern packaging that feels as luxurious as the formulas inside, the brand delivers a refined, elevated approach to everyday beauty. 

Signature products Synchro Skin Radiant lifting foundation: hydrating, medium-to-full coverage foundation with a glowy finish. ModernMatte powder lipstick: lightweight matte lipstick with high color payoff. Bio-Performance Advanced Super revitalizing cream: refines and moisturizes skin for a dewy, youthful-looking finish. This foundation is infused with skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to hydrate and brighten, offering a flawless finish with added benefits. The lipsticks feature a unique powdery-matte texture that feels weightless while delivering bold, intense pigment. For a natural glow, the highlighter is enriched with ultra-fine pearls, giving your skin a luminous, lit-from-within radiance.

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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Benefit Cosmetics

Ideal for those who prefer easy-to-use makeup with a natural finish, this collection is also perfect for beginners seeking foolproof, blendable products that make application a breeze. Plus, it’s a must for anyone who loves playful packaging and branding that adds a fun touch to their beauty routine. 

The formulas are buildable and natural-looking, so you can go as subtle or bold as you like. And the best part? Their brow and cheek products are made to last all day, no touch-ups needed. 

Signature products Hoola matte bronzer: iconic warm-toned bronzer for natural contouring. They’re Real! lengthening mascara: lash-enhancing mascara for dramatic length and volume. Precisely, My Brow pencil: ultra-fine brow pencil for natural-looking brows. The bronzer features a smooth, blendable powder formula that effortlessly suits a variety of skin tones, giving you a natural sun-kissed glow. The mascara offers a jet-black, smudge-proof formula that defines and lifts lashes for a bold, long-lasting look. The brow pencil, infused with a wax-based formula, glides on smoothly and stays in place all day, keeping your brows perfectly sculpted. 

Price range: mid-range ($$) 

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Tarte™

For those in need of all-day, high-coverage complexion products, this collection provides long-lasting results that stay flawless. It’s also great for makeup-lovers who enjoy highly pigmented yet easy-to-blend formulas, ensuring vibrant color with smooth application every time.

If you’re looking for affordable beauty, this brand checks all the boxes. Even better? It won’t break the bank. With a wide range of shades and undertones, there’s something here for pretty much everyone. 

Signature products  Shape Tape concealer: full-coverage, long-wearing concealer with a matte finish. Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush: highly pigmented, long-lasting blush with a natural look. Tartelette In Bloom eyeshadow palette: neutral-toned palette with a mix of matte and shimmer shades. The concealer is infused with shea butter and licorice root to brighten and smooth the skin, offering seamless coverage. The blush, formulated with Amazonian clay, blends effortlessly for a natural, flushed finish.

Price range: mid-range ($$) 

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DIOR 

Designed for those drawn to high-end, fashion-forward makeup, this collection also speaks to individuals who value skin-care-infused formulas that promote a radiant, healthy complexion. With a focus on quality and elegance, it's made for makeup-lovers who seek out timeless products that feel as good as they look. Plus, with an impressive range of shades in both foundation and lipsticks, there's something for every skin tone.

The packaging is elegant, high-fashion, and a nod to the brand’s iconic heritage.

Signature products  Dior Forever Glow luminizer: three shining finishes that blend easily and hydrate the skin. Rouge Dior lipstick: luxurious, long-wearing lipstick with a velvety texture. Diorshow mascara: iconic volumizing and lengthening mascara inspired by runway looks. The highlighter palette features ultra-fine pigments, offering a natural yet buildable glow that catches the light beautifully. The lipstick is enriched with red peony and pomegranate flower extracts, providing nourishment while delivering vibrant color. The mascara, formulated with microfibers, enhances volume and definition for fuller, more defined lashes.

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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CHANEL 

This collection is made for those who love refined makeup with that effortless French touch—simple, polished, and never overdone. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates natural-looking formulas that enhance without overwhelming. And for luxury-beauty-lovers, these timeless staples offer quality you can see and feel, day after day.

Each product is housed in packaging that radiates luxury and timeless elegance, a true testament to the brand’s heritage.

Signature products  Les Beiges Healthy Glow foundation: lightweight, natural-finish foundation with skin-care benefits. Le Volume de CHANEL mascara: high-impact volumizing mascara for bold, dramatic lashes. Baume Essentiel multi-use glow stick: dewy, sheer highlighter for a fresh, luminous look. The foundation is infused with hydrating agents and antioxidants, helping to nourish the skin while delivering a smooth, even finish. The highlighter glides on with a lightweight, balm-like texture, offering a dewy, luminous glow that melts effortlessly into the skin. 

Price Range: luxury ($$$) 

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Yves Saint Laurent

It’s a great match for anyone who needs full-coverage foundation and statement lip colors that don’t fade into the background. And for luxury-beauty-lovers, the designer packaging and elegant, high-performance formulas make each product feel like a piece of art on your vanity.

Their long-lasting formulas never compromise on quality, and their complexion products provide buildable coverage, creating a naturally radiant finish that enhances rather than masks. Meanwhile, the lipsticks deliver intense pigmentation, offering a rich, bold color that remains comfortable throughout the day.  

Signature products  Touche Éclat Awakening concealer: iconic brightening pen for highlighting and concealing. Rouge Pur Couture lipstick: luxurious, highly pigmented lipstick with a satin or matte finish. Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils: dramatic volumizing mascara for a false-lash effect. The concealer is infused with light-reflecting pigments to instantly brighten the under-eye area and refresh tired-looking skin. For lips, the lipstick combines hydrating agents with rich, intense color payoff—so you get comfort and impact in a single swipe.

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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Armani Beauty

For those who prefer makeup that enhances the skin with a lightweight touch. Ideal for individuals who appreciate sophisticated, elegant beauty products that exude class, and perfect for those who gravitate toward timeless, minimalistic luxury in every product.

The best part is that everything is designed to last, so you can rock that polished look without worrying about touch-ups.

Signature products  Luminous Silk foundation: lightweight, medium-coverage foundation with a radiant finish. Eyes to Kill mascara: lengthening and volumizing mascara for bold, dramatic lashes. Luminous Silk glow blush: natural-looking blush for a subtle, glowing complexion. The foundation is infused with micro-fil technology, delivering a seamless, skin-like finish that feels as natural as it looks. The mascara is enriched with conditioning ingredients, keeping lashes soft, flexible, and voluminous all day.

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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Carolina Herrera 

For those who crave bold, trendsetting beauty that stands out, as well as premium, eye-catching lipsticks that make a statement. Ideal for those who admire sophisticated, must-have makeup brands that are always in style.

Carolina Herrera's customizable packaging lets you make it uniquely yours, adding that personal touch. The high-quality pigments give you bold, long-lasting color that stays put all day. Plus, the formulas are super comfortable and non-drying, making them perfect for everyday wear without any fuss. 

Signature products  Fabulous Kiss satin lipstick: customizable, high-pigment lipstick housed in a stylish case. Herrera Beauty Fabulous Skin highlighter: radiant, buildable highlighter for a luminous glow. Herrera Beauty satin & matte lipstick: long-wearing, comfortable lipsticks in bold, statement shades. The lipsticks are crafted with rich pigments and a creamy texture, offering bold color and smooth application. The highlighter features ultra-fine shimmer, creating a radiant, lit-from-within glow that catches the light beautifully. 

Price range: luxury ($$$) 

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Tom Ford 

Designed for those who love high-end, fashion-forward beauty with a luxe twist. Ideal for anyone seeking makeup that feels as indulgent as it looks. And for those who appreciate sleek, sophisticated packaging, these products add a polished touch to any vanity.

Tom Ford's high-performance formulas are packed with rich pigments and smooth textures that just glide on, allowing you to create everything from everyday looks to something a little more glam—whatever you’re in the mood for! 

Signature products  Traceless soft matte foundation: medium-to-full coverage foundation with a natural, velvety finish. Tunway lip color: luxurious, richly pigmented lipstick with a creamy texture. Eye color Quad Crème: high-end eyeshadow palette with matte, shimmer, and satin finishes. The foundation is infused with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and has soft-focus microspheres to blur imperfections, giving you a flawless, smooth finish. The lipstick nourishes with soja seed extract and murumuru butter, leaving lips soft and moisturized with every swipe. Eyeshadows are crafted with ultra-fine powders, ensuring effortless blending and all-day wear that stays vibrant from morning to night.

Price range: luxury ($$$$) 

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Gucci 

Ideal for those who love a touch of high-fashion, vintage charm with a modern edge. It’s for those who aren’t afraid to rock bold, statement lip colors that turn heads. Plus, if you’re into luxurious packaging, these products bring that extra wow factor to your beauty collection.

Signature products  Éternité de Beauté foundation: lightweight, breathable coverage that lasts all day. Poudre De Beauté Mat Naturel: finely milled setting powder for a soft-focus, matte finish. Stylo Définition L'Obscur eyeliner: smooth, waterproof eyeliner for effortless definition. The foundation is infused with glycerin and natural oils, providing deep hydration and a radiant finish. The eyeliner features a blendable, long-wearing formula that glides on effortlessly and stays in place all day.

Price range: luxury ($$$$) 

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NARS 

If you’re after a natural, radiant complexion, this collection has you covered. It’s perfect for anyone who craves high-pigment blushes and universal lip products that complement every skin tone. With versatile formulas designed to effortlessly transition from day to night, these products make it easy to create a flawless, fresh look with just a few simple steps.

NARS has a huge range of shades for both complexion and lips, so you’re definitely going to find your perfect match. Plus, the packaging is super sleek and minimalist—it's just so pretty to have on your vanity!

Signature products  Sheer Glow foundation: lightweight, buildable coverage with a radiant finish. Radiant creamy concealer: cult-favorite concealer with medium-to-full coverage and a luminous effect. Powermatte high-intensity lip pencil: highly pigmented matte lip color in an easy-to-use pencil format. A foundation that’s infused with skin-care ingredients for a hydration boost, leaving your skin glowing and comfortable all day. The concealer, enriched with light-diffusing technology, works wonders to blur imperfections and create a smooth, flawless finish.

Price range: mid-range to luxury ($$-$$$) 

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Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

For those who crave a natural makeup look with a polished, professional touch, this collection is a must-have. It’s designed for individuals who want makeup that not only enhances but also nourishes, with skin-loving ingredients that treat your complexion while you wear it. And for makeup enthusiasts who appreciate effortless beauty, these long-lasting formulas promise to stay fresh from morning to night because flawless, glowing skin should be easy and enduring.

Signature products  Skin foundation stick: moisturizing, blendable foundation with a long-lasting, correcting finish. Vitamin Enriched Face Base: multi-purpose primer and moisturizer with a rich, nourishing formula. Long-Wear gel eyeliner: award-winning, smudge-proof gel eyeliner. The foundation is infused with skin-loving ingredients like shea butter and glycerin, providing deep hydration and comfort for a smooth, radiant complexion. The face primer is packed with vitamins B, C, and E, nourishing and prepping the skin for a flawless makeup application. To complete the look, the gel eyeliner offers a waterproof, budge-proof formula, ensuring long-lasting, smudge-free definition that stays put all day.

Price range: mid-range to luxury ($$-$$$) 

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IT Cosmetics

Made for those who want more from their makeup—think strong skin-care benefits built right into every formula. It’s especially suited for individuals with sensitive or mature skin who need extra hydration and gentle care. And for makeup-lovers who prefer natural-looking finishes with the flexibility of buildable coverage, these products strike the perfect balance between comfort and performance.

Signature products  Your Skin But Better CC+ cream: full-coverage color-correcting cream with SPF and skin-care benefits. Confidence in a Cream: hydrating moisturizer designed to improve skin texture. Superhero mascara: lengthening and volumizing mascara with a lash-conditioning formula. This CC cream is infused with collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, offering a perfect blend of skin care and coverage for a youthful, radiant complexion. For lashes that stand out, the mascara features elastic stretch technology, adding both length and volume for a bold, defined look. 

Price range: mid-range to luxury ($$-$$$) 

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Urban Decay 

This collection is designed for those who want bold makeup that lasts all day without touch-ups and for those who gravitate toward richly pigmented eyeshadows and eyeliners that deliver serious color payoff. Urban Decay also stays fresh from morning to night with these long-wearing formulas.

With an extensive shade range across eyeshadows, eyeliners, and lipsticks, this collection offers endless possibilities for creating anything from subtle elegance to bold, statement-making looks.

Signature products  All Nighter setting spray: iconic long-lasting setting spray that keeps makeup in place for up to 16 hours. Vice lipstick: highly pigmented lipstick with a range of matte, satin, and cream finishes. 24/7 Inks liquid eyeliner: smooth, water-resistant eyeliner in a variety of vibrant and neutral shades. This setting spray is formulated with temperature control technology to help lock in your look, no matter the conditions. The lipsticks are enriched with aloe vera and jojoba oil, giving you a hydrating, comfortable feel with every swipe.

Price range: mid-range to luxury ($$-$$$) 

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