28 of the Best Makeup Brands We’ll Never Grow Tired Of

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There are so many makeup brands on the market—not to mention so many new ones being launched every day—that even a seasoned beauty editor can get confused. As a result, more products and formulations are available than ever before; no matter what kind of makeup you’re looking for, there’s a brand that has it, we promise. To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up a handful of the best makeup brands we’ve ever come across, from OG classics to great newcomers.

Read on to learn more about our top makeup brands and which of their products are must-haves.

 

1. Armani Beauty

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The Brand: This international fashion house is also a major player in the luxury beauty scene and has been since its launch in 2000. Its makeup is inspired by fashion and has the same classic and timeless feel, not to mention incredibly effective formulas. And yes, ICYW, Mr. Armani himself is very much involved.

Hero Product: Probably one of the most iconic skincare products of all time. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a true cult classic, a staple for professional makeup artists and clients alike. It’s surprisingly versatile, easy to apply or build depending on how you use it, yet still delivers a velvety, smooth yet radiant finish. This was the brand’s first product, and to celebrate its recent 20th anniversary, they added 10 new shades to the range, bringing the total to 40.

2. Hourglass

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Brand: Hourglass has been a cruelty free brand since 2004, long before it was an “it” thing. (They also go one step further and donate a portion of their profits to an organization that wants to protect basic animal rights.) They have a long list of celebrity fans and beauty editors, and they repeatedly produce luxurious, effective products in each. Category. . Not surprisingly, new releases often sell out, sometimes within 24 hours.

Hero Product: One of the brand’s bestsellers, the Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick is an easy-to-use foundation stick that has become a staple in our makeup routine, no matter how many other foundations we try. The waterproof, yet weightless, creamy formula glides on seamlessly to provide buildable coverage that works as well as concealer all the time to pinpoint dull areas. Bonus points for the innovative triangle stitch.

3. Fenty Beauty

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Brand: We now see Rihanna as a beauty mega-boss, maybe even more of a music superstar. She launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, inspired by the lack of color in the industry. Unsurprisingly, skin care products are a staple of this brand and come in a wide range of shades; The foundation made big news when it launched in 40 different shades. (PS: Her latest release, Fenty Skin, is just as impressive.)

Hero product: By the way, the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear foundation is a must-try. The shade selection is of course impressive (50 shades available now), but so is the formula itself. Despite its full coverage and matte finish, it feels incredibly light and velvety on the skin, blurring fine lines and blemishes and leaving an overall flawless complexion.

4. L’Oréal Paris

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Brand: Forget the beauty industry, this is one of the biggest brands in the world, a global giant in hair care, skin care and makeup lines. The cosmetics collection is full of cult classics and all kinds of trendy newcomers, always at an affordable price.

Hero Product: You really can’t go wrong with their Original Volumizing Mascara, which makes lashes look up to five times thicker and never clumps. The proven choice also contains a lot of conditioning ingredients, so you get extra fringe benefits (get it?) and is a staple of many professional makeup artists.

5. Pat McGrath Labs

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The brand:  There are no ifs and buts – Pat McGrath is a legend, arguably one of the most prolific makeup artists of all time. It was a mainstay of fashion shows around the world. She collaborated with several brands before finally launching her eponymous collection in 2015. This is a brand for girls who love makeup and want the same edgy editorial look McGrath is known for, holographic ombre and gold ombre. Your lips.

Hero Product : McGrath is known for turning everyday skin into glassy and glowing masterpieces, and with this Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo you can do the same. The double ended stick has a sheer, ultra-creamy conditioner on one side and a shimmery, equally creamy highlighter on the other. Combine the two together for the ultimate dewy glow or wear them alone.

6. Kosas

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Brand: This relatively newcomer does many different things and does them all well. The brand is fast, easy, uncomplicated beauty; their products contain skin-loving ingredients, blurring the line between skincare and makeup with hybrid formulas that are the choice for those who want to keep their routine simple and sleek. There are also unique and pleasing textures, tinted facial oils and liquid shadows like we’ve never seen before. Plus, they’re also a clean brand that bans over 2,700 ingredients.

Hero Product: It’s hard to name, but we’d say it’s their latest release. Five Byrdie editors (all with different lash and mascara preferences) put The Big Clean Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara to the test and everyone loved it. Creating a distinctive formula was not easy; the brand took over 104 iterations to get it right. It has an oversized curved brush to help curl each lash and a voluminous, buildable, clump-free formula infused with hair conditioning ingredients.

Benefits: Volumizes, strengthens, conditions | Size: 0.17 oz. or 0.32 oz. | Shades: 1 | Waterproof: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

7. Exa by Credo Beauty

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Brand: This newcomer made big beauty news as the first private label launched by Credo, the undisputed leader in clean beauty. Everything is free from more than 2,700 chemicals and there is also a strong emphasis on sustainable packaging. While there are only two products right now (more to come), they’re so good we think this small but possible brand deserved a spot on this list.

Product Hero: Lindsey Metrus, Senior Editor of Byrdie, is just one of many who love the brand’s High Fidelity Foundation. With medium to full coverage, it’s a particularly good choice for keeping shine at bay, yet packed with moisturizing ingredients to leave skin dewy and refreshed. With an impressive selection of 43 shades, all with different shades, you are sure to find the perfect match. Also noteworthy is the technology of the pigments they use, which guarantees a particularly long-lasting color.

8. Nars

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The Brand: What started as a small line of 12 lipsticks sold by Barney’s has quickly grown into a full-fledged beauty brand behemoth. Known for its iconic black and white packaging and cheeky product names (mascara Climax, Blush Orgasm), NARS has been a cornerstone of the prestigious beauty scene for decades, but still fresh and innovative.

Hero Product: Nars Blush in Orgasm was first launched in 1999 but is still the best selling blush in America. Founder Francois Nars deliberately chose a standout name, even if it’s an iconic and universally flattering color, the perfect blend of peach and pink, which has earned its place in so many women’s bags and spawned countless other orgasmic iterations.

Coverage Level: Buildable | Finish: Matte, shimmer | Shades: 26 | Size: 0.16 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

9. Charlotte Tilbury

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The Brand: British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is a red carpet star known for the feminine and glamorous looks she creates for her premium clientele. She launched her eponymous line in 2012 so real women around the world can enjoy the same glamour. The packaging is certainly classy, ​​but the formulas never disappoint, and each release leaves us more excited than the last.

Hero Product: Think of Matte Revolution Lipstick as your desert island lipstick. We’re not sure how he did it, but Tilbury somehow created a color that looks really good on everyone. A truly perfect pink nude, the formula is matte but never feels flat, and it’s anything but tedious thanks to the blend of vitamin E and moisturizing oils. Unsurprisingly, it is the best-selling prestigious lipstick in the country.

10. Urban Decay

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Brand: Urban Decay was an anomaly when it first launched in 1996. Bold and unapologetically brash, it was the antithesis of much more subdued and feminine makeup lines. This edgy vibe is still at the heart of the brand today (their slogan is “beauty on the edge”), along with a focus on innovative formulas and eye-catching colors and textures.

Hero Product: We still haven’t completely gotten over the fact that the iconic Naked Palette has been discontinued, but the fact that so many other spinoffs, including this great option, are still around makes it easier. The Naked Heat Palette features a dozen warm neutrals, from the requisite peach and copper tones to unexpected reds and even plums in a variety of finishes.

11. NYX Professional Makeup

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Brand: As a general rule, professional makeup artists tend to stock their kits with more expensive and luxurious lines; this pharmacy brand is an exception to the rule. It makes sense, since this brand is rooted in professional-grade formulas, colors, and products that are in no shortage. There is a seemingly huge selection of options in all categories and a wide range of colors. Let’s not forget the affordable price tags, a boon for those who love to try their hand at makeup.

Hero Product: Over 10 million butter glosses have been sold since launch, including one every 15 seconds. We have a feeling that the impressive 26 shade range, non-sticky texture, mirror finish and affordable price probably have something to do with it. Likely.

Shades: 30 | Size: 0.27 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

12. Uoma Beauty

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Brand: Uoma means beautiful and this brand aims to create products that help you celebrate your true beauty as the ultimate means of personal expression. Founded by a former Nigerian-born beautician, there’s also a strong focus on diversity and inclusivity, which is reflected in the wide range of colors (we love the foundation, which comes in up to 51 shades).

Hero Product: While the skincare products are certainly notable, Team Byrdie is a big fan of their eyeshadow palettes, most notably the Black Magic Carnival palette. Ten shades in a mix of matte, shimmer and metallic finishes, the vibrant hues capture the energy of carnival and are totally wearable for everyday wear.

13. Tower 28

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The Brand: This Cali-based brand (fun fact, named after the Santa Monica Lifeguard Tower) brings a sunny West Coast vibe to all its products with fun colors and textures. Tower 28 is not only a great cleansing option, it’s also a choice for sensitive skin; the founder created the line when she couldn’t find products that worked for her irritated skin.

Product of the hero: multitasking to win. Dab BeachPlease Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm for lips, cheeks or eyelids, the perfect product on the go. The sheer, silicone-free formula is also super hydrating, and all six shades are gorgeous and flattering. It’s clean, but it’s easy to build up if you’re looking for a little more pop.

14. Ilia Beauty

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The Brand: One of the first brands to really put clean beauty on the map, ingredients are a priority for this brand, both the ones they use and the ones they don’t. Most of their range includes large amounts of skin care products that really span the entire makeup skin care line and also highlight the durable packaging.

Hero Product: The Byrdies’ favorite for foundation. We love the Super Skin Tint SPF 40, not only for its sheer coverage and glossy finish, but also for providing your daily dose of SPF. SPF 40 to be exact, especially impressive considering how light this skincare/makeup combo is. Bonus points for the dropper applicator, which makes it easy to get the perfect amount (tip: a little is enough).

Coverage: Sheer | Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

15. Iman Cosmetics

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Brand: The makeup industry has come a long way in incorporating shades (although there is still a lot of work to be done). But when supermodel Iman created her eponymous line in 1994, it wasn’t quite like that. Tired of bringing her own foundation to photo shoots, she launched the brand with the goal of offering dark-skinned women plenty of shade options.

Hero Product: Iman Cosmetics offers a ton of great foundations, concealers, and powders, but the brand’s Luxury Concealing Foundation might just be our favorite. Along with the gorgeous shade options available for a variety of deeper skin tones, the formula itself is remarkable. Buildable and full coverage, ideal for use anywhere or to hide specific areas. It’s also packed with skin-friendly antioxidants, which is always a good thing.

16. Bobbi Brown

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The Brand: If you’re anything like us, this was probably one of the first “real” makeup brands to use, a department store that launched way back in 1991. At the time, it was one of the few brands you used. “Natural” makeup: nude lipsticks, neutral shadows, light bases. This natural simplicity is still in the foreground.

Hero product: An old but good long lasting gel eyeliner checks all our eyeliner criteria. Easy to use? Yes, highly pigmented? Indeed. Long term? I bet (we’re talking eight hours of wear and a waterproof, sweat and moisture resistant formula).

17. Glossier

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Glossier Brand: There is a forever beauty brand success story. Once an independent online-only brand, Glossier has become one of the most recognizable and stylish brands for girls. What started as a line of makeup quickly expanded into skincare, body, and even fragrances — who knows what comes next for this behemoth.

Hero Product: Once upon a time, there was a waiting list of over 10,000 people who wanted the Boy Brow, a one-stop shop for flawless bows. The bestseller is inspired by hair pomade, whose waxy texture provides great hold, but without stiffness or creases. It also provides the perfect amount of pigment (it comes in four shades and a clear variant) for manicured brows that still look completely natural.

18. Maybelline

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Brand: You are talking about a classic. Maybelline was founded in 1915 when founder Thomas Lyle Williams created a mascara-like product. (It makes sense that they’re still widely known for their great line of mascara.) A leap forward so far, and it’s one of the best-selling cosmetic brands in the country, constantly impressing us with both innovative new launches as experiments. -and rivets on the right.

Hero Product: No, we don’t think it’s the iconic Great Lash. Instead, it’s Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, the longest lasting lip product we’ve ever used. Seriously, flip through and eat a burger, have a coffee, go out with your partner – we promise you won’t get anywhere with it. Not to mention that it comes in a million (ok, 59) colors to suit all tastes.

19. Rare Beauty

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Brand: As beauty industry veterans, we’re always a little skeptical about celebrities – is it legit or are they just looking for a way to make a quick buck? In the case of the rare beauty – created, curated and even designed by Selena Gomez – it is certainly the first. These are easy to use products with fun textures and very complete shades. Not to mention that a portion of the profits will also go toward financing the $100 million that Gomez promised to donate to mental health services.

Product hero: Holly Rhue, associate editor of Byrdie, calls Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, “blush for those afraid of redness,” a liquid formula that fuses with the skin to create naturally rosy cheeks. It’s basically foolproof, even for specialty powder blushes, and we also appreciate that it’s available in four shades, both matte and radiant.

20. Rituel De Fille

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Brand: With a tagline that reads “beautiful natural color” and brand names like Devil’s Claw and Love Spell, this brand has a decidedly mystical and magical atmosphere that still remains somewhat hidden. It’s a favorite of Byrdie editor-in-chief Faith Xue, who calls it “witch makeup,” and it’s a remarkably clean option, too; all products are made with 99% natural ingredients. Unique colors and textures are also a mainstay.

Hero Product: Cream highlighters come in a dozen, but we’ve rarely come across a creamy and bright one like the Rare Light Luminizer. The solid formula melts to the touch and instantly sinks into the skin, giving a kiss of perfect clarity instead of glitter on the face. Also noteworthy is the selection of eight shades, including non-traditional accent shades such as fresh holographic lavender.

21. It Cosmetics

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The Brand: Many brands use skin care ingredients in their formulas (and many do), but this is the only makeup line we’ve seen in collaboration with plastic surgeons. Result? State-of-the-art formulas full of skin-friendly active ingredients that really affect your skin both immediately and in the long term. Unsurprisingly, they’re known for their skin-healing products, which are a favorite among many women, especially those with issues like rosacea (including founder Jamie Kern Lima) and acne.

Hero Product: Speaking of exfoliating skin, CC + Cream SPF 50 – and it was the best-selling CC Cream in the US from 2016 to 2019. In terms of skincare, it’s packed with ingredients you’re more likely to see in a serum; Think peptides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, just to name a few. It also has an impressive SPF 50 and provides excellent coverage, much more than most CCs. Oh yeah, and it also comes in versions for both dry and oily skin.

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.406 fl. oz. or 1.08 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

22. Beauty Bakerie

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The Brand: This once-under-the-radar brand has gained notoriety through social media, especially thanks to viral videos showing the impressive durability of its Lip Whip (more on that later). Now with over a million Instagram followers and celebrity fans (including Beyoncé!), it has a solid place as one of the best makeup lines. Indeed, the lips stand out, but so do the silky shadows, skin-changing products and more. In addition, the products are packaged in cute packaging and have fun dessert-themed names.

Hero Product: We’ve heard of long-wearing, smudge-proof lipsticks before, but we’ve never seen or tried one with the staying power of Beauty Baker’s Matte Lip Whip. Regardless of how well it stays on, it still feels comfortable on the lips and comes in a beautiful selection of over 17 shades. FYI, you definitely need a special makeup remover to remove it when the time comes.

23. Chanel

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Brand: Coco Chanel once said: “When you’re sad, when you’re disappointed in love, put on make-up, pamper yourself with beauty treatments, put on lipstick and fix yourself up.” And while her beauty collection is perhaps best known for the iconic No5 fragrance, there’s an amazing array of exquisite products that are just as luxurious and shake-worthy as a classic Chanel quilted bag.

Hero Product: According to Mademoiselle Chanel’s quote above, Chanel lipsticks are amazing, but if you’re only going to try one product, make it Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15. A liquid formula with a watery texture, it provides excellent hydration, subtle coverage and leaves the skin with a beautiful natural glow, an ideal base for those who hate foundation. Tip: Shake it well before use.

24. Anastasia Beverly Hills

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Brand: Anastasia Soare is the undisputed queen of brows, responsible for the flawless bows of Hollywood’s elite (we’re talking Madonna, people). Her first line, which of course included eyebrow must-haves, hit the shelves two decades ago and has since grown into an empire. Of course, there are plenty of options for finishing your brows, as well as a full range of colorful cosmetics, impressive eye shadow palettes and lip deals.

Hero product: Dipbrow Pomade scores top marks for both shaping and filling in brows for a perfect look. It’s smudge-proof and waterproof, a choice for those with oily skin and/or for use on hot, humid days. There are 11 shades available that are highly effective with any brow product.

25. Westman Atelier

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Brand: Famous make-up artist Gucci Westman launched this brand to prove that make-up, skin care, attention to pure ingredients and total luxury can come together in one place with this collection. A big fan of stick formulations, four different makeup sticks formed the foundation (pun intended) for the brand, which also includes a curated selection of many other eye, lip and face products, as well as quality brushes.

Hero Product: More than a cream, Baby Cheeks Blush Stick glides on like a dream, whether you flick it onto cheeks, lips or lids thanks to a blend of botanical oils. The color it provides is fresh and sheer, but can be built and layered for added impact.

26. E.lf. Cosmetics

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Brand: Want to spend up to $10 on a specific makeup product? This is a sign for you. It’s a pharmacy staple prized for both its extremely affordable prices and quality formulas that easily rival its more expensive counterparts. They are also launching products at a rapid pace following and along with various industry trends.

Hero Product: One of the best pharmacy primers money can buy, Poreless Putty Primer is rich in moisturizing squalane and its velvety texture instantly eliminates pores, wrinkles and more. It is also beautiful and long lasting, definitely extending the life of your makeup and now available in both matte and highlighter versions.

27. Laura Mercier

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The brand: As the story of many other lines tells, the eponymous line by French make-up artist Laura Mercier was born from an unmet need, namely skin care products that left the skin naturally flawless. Fun fact: he even scored the first ground shot.

Hero Product: The brand’s tinted moisturizer was first released in 1996, an innovative formula unlike any other at the time. Last year it was completely renovated; now paraben-free, it’s also packed with protective antioxidants and a higher SPF (30 instead of 20). There are more shades — 20 in all — but it still has the creamy formula, buildable coverage, and hydrating feel that made the original a fan favorite.

28. Kevyn Aucoin

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The Brand: Widely regarded as the first celebrity makeup artist, Kevyn Aucoin has become famous as the go-to for the Hollywood elite, including the it-girl supermodels of the 80s. He also thought outside the box. , broke many rules of his time, thought about using his fingers on brushes and pioneered the creation of a clean facial expression. Launched in 2001, just a year before her death, the brand continues to emphasize the same focus on natural breathtaking beauty that works in real life and on the red carpet.

Hero Product: Sensual Skin Enhancer fades concealer and foundation and is one of the brand’s bestsellers for a reason. It’s insanely, insanely pigmented (so a little goes a long way), perfect for correcting blemishes or buffing for extra coverage. However, it is non-sweet and packed with moisturizing and smoothing ingredients that never settle into fine wrinkles and comes in a nice selection of 16 shades.

What should you pay attention to with make-up brands

Presentation

Choosing a product that is known for its effective products is a great place to start when looking for a makeup brand. Read reviews and listen to trusted makeup artists, beauty publishers, or beauty sites like Byrdie to find out which brands make the best products that meet their requirements.

Brands on this list like Armani, L’Oreal, Hourglass, and Fenty are all powerful brands you can rely on to deliver products that work.

Cruelty-free and clean

If cruelty-free or clean beauty products are important to you, look for makeup brands that follow these rules. Many brands have switched to developing completely cruelty-free products and removing less pure ingredients. Some brands are also committed to offsetting their carbon footprint and using eco-friendly packaging.

Inclusiveness of the shadow

For too long, makeup brands have limited shades to lighter shades and had few, if any, options for darker skin. If incorporating shades is a must for you, look for makeup brands that suit you. More and more brands are becoming more aware and developing a fuller range of makeup shades for everything from foundation to eyeshadow to lipstick.

Price

You should always consider the price when choosing a makeup brand. The best makeup brands can come at a high price and are often worth the splurge. However, there are many high quality and affordable makeup brands that are effective and loved by makeup artists and consumers alike. Keep your budget in mind when choosing the best makeup brand for you.

FAQ

Which makeup brand is the best?

There are many great makeup brands such as Armani, Nars, Fenty, Urban Decay, L’Oreal Paris, NYX, Iman and Bobbi Brown, among others. The best makeup brand for you is the one that meets your skin care needs, suits your skin tone and offers products and looks that you like.

What is high-end makeup?

A high-quality foundation uses first-class ingredients without fillers, offers elements that heal and treat skin problems, and is tested for effectiveness and safety. High-end makeup tends to be more expensive than other brands and is sometimes only available at specialty stores or online beauty stores like Sephora.