Ranking 29 of the Best Makeup Brands in 2024
45. Jones Road
Jones Road was founded by Bobbi Brown as her second venture into the makeup industry, focusing on multi-use, clean beauty products. The brand strives to offer versatile solutions that cater to both dramatic and natural looks, using formulations free from harmful chemicals.
The hero product: Miracle Balm stands out as a top seller, providing hydration and a flush of color to cheeks and lips. Infused with oils like jojoba and argan, it enhances skin luminosity while offering a range of flattering shades. Pros: Multitasking, hydrating balm. Cons: May feel sticky on the skin.
44. Kiko Milano
Kiko Milano, an Italian beauty brand, is famed for blending high-quality with affordability. It caters to beauty enthusiasts who value both innovation and a broad spectrum of colors. With its vibrant and accessible product lines, Kiko offers a cosmopolitan approach to beauty that resonates globally.
The hero product: Kiko’s Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow stands out for its ease of application and impressive staying power. Pros: Budget-friendly, diverse color palette, and smudge-proof. Cons: May crease on oilier eyelids without primer.
43. Kevyn Aucoin
Kevyn Aucoin, a pioneer in the beauty industry, established his brand with a focus on enhancing natural beauty using minimalist techniques. His legacy of intuitive and transformative makeup continues despite his passing shortly after launching the brand.
The hero product: The Sensual Skin Enhancer combines the coverage of a concealer with the blendability of a foundation. Highly pigmented and hydrating, it’s ideal for both targeted and full-face application and designed not to settle into lines. Pros: High coverage, versatile use. Cons: The thick formula may require careful blending.
42. Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier, founded by French-born makeup artist Laura Mercier, focuses on creating complexion products that achieve a naturally flawless look. The brand is particularly renowned for pioneering the first foundation primer, setting a precedent for the industry.
The hero product: The Tinted Moisturizer, revamped last year, offers paraben-free formulation, SPF 30, and antioxidant protection. It continues to provide buildable coverage and hydration, maintaining the qualities that have made it a long-standing favorite. Pros: Enhanced SPF, inclusive shade range. Cons: It can be a pill under some makeup combinations.
41. e.l.f.
e.l.f. is a drugstore favorite known for its incredibly affordable pricing and high-quality makeup. The brand frequently updates its product line, staying ahead of beauty trends while maintaining wallet-friendly prices. Its formulations rival those of more expensive brands, making e.l.f. a go-to for budget-conscious consumers.
The hero product: Poreless Putty Primer. Enriched with hydrating squalane, it smooths pores and fine lines while enhancing the longevity of makeup. It’s available in mattifying and illuminating versions, catering to different skin needs. Pros: Affordable, effective primer. Cons: Can flake under certain conditions.
40. Westman Atelier
Westman Atelier, founded by renowned makeup artist Gucci Westman, combines luxury with a commitment to clean ingredients. The brand’s philosophy centers on luxurious, skincare-infused makeup products, with an initial launch that focused on versatile stick formulations. Westman Atelier caters to those seeking efficacy and ethical standards in their beauty regimen.
The hero product:Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, exemplifies the brand’s ethos, offering a creamy, blendable formula that can be used on cheeks, lips, and lids. It is infused with botanical oils and delivers a sheer but buildable color, ideal for achieving a natural flushed look. Pros: Hydrating, versatile application. Cons: Online shade representations may be darker than expected.
39. Lakme
Rooted in Indian beauty traditions yet attuned to contemporary needs, Lakme continues to be a household name in India’s cosmetic scene. The brand offers an extensive array of products that cater to every skin tone and type, emphasizing color diversity and skin care benefits integrated into their formulations.
The hero product: Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation is a multitasker that primes, covers, and mattifies with a single application. Pros: Versatile and convenient for on-the-go application. Cons: The matte finish may not suit all skin types, particularly those with dry skin.
38. Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder has long been a byword for luxury in skincare and makeup, offering products that promise efficacy and elegance. The brand is known for its technologically advanced formulations that deliver age-defying benefits.
The hero product: The Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a favorite for its flawless finish and incredible longevity. Pros: 24-hour wear, doesn’t transfer, wide shade range. Cons: Can feel drying over time, especially on dry skin types.
37. Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Beverly Hills, founded by brow expert Anastasia Soare, has become synonymous with premium brow products and a broader range of high-quality color cosmetics. Known for providing tools for perfect brows, the brand has expanded its influence into eyeshadows and lip products, maintaining a focus on versatile, long-wearing makeup.
The hero product: Dipbrow Pomade is a staple for creating sculpted, defined brows. It’s waterproof and smudge-free, especially suitable for oily skin or humid conditions, and available in 11 shades to match a variety of hair colors. Pros: Long-wearing, waterproof. Cons: Contains parabens.
36. Colorbar
Colorbar is renowned for its vibrant and inclusive approach to beauty, offering a vast array of colors and formulas to suit a diverse consumer base. The brand combines high-quality ingredients with sleek packaging, making it a favorite among those who seek professional-grade makeup at accessible prices.
The hero product:The Colorbar Perfect Match Primer is a staple for creating a flawless base. It smooths the skin and preps it for makeup, enhancing the longevity of the products applied on top. Pros: Lightweight and effective for various skin types. Cons: Some users may find it less effective in extremely humid conditions.
35. Chanel Makeup
Chanel Makeup extends the luxury and elegance of its fashion line into beauty. While famous for its fragrances, the brand’s makeup offerings are equally prestigious, characterized by luxurious textures and high-performance formulas.
The hero product: Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15, exemplifies Chanel’s approach to beauty, offering a hydrating, lightweight foundation with a natural glow. It’s ideal for those seeking subtle, effective coverage and a dewy finish. Pros: It contains SPF and is hydrating. Cons: It has a limited shade range and is not cruelty-free.
34. MyGlamm
MyGlamm stands out with its focus on innovation and luxury, making professional makeup accessible to the everyday user. Their products are crafted in collaboration with global experts and are known for their rich pigments and long-lasting formulas.
The hero product: MyGlamm LIT Liquid Matte Lipstick provides intense color with a single swipe and offers a comfortable, long-wearing matte finish. Pros: Highly pigmented and durable. Cons: Matte texture might be drying for some users without proper lip preparation.
33. Beauty Bakerie
Beauty Bakerie has risen to fame through social media. It is celebrated for the durability of its products, especially the Lip Whip. With fun, dessert-themed branding and products that deliver impressive results, it has amassed a large following and celebrity endorsements.
The hero product: Matte Lip Whip, is renowned for its exceptional staying power and ability to withstand eating and drinking without a touch-up. Available in over 17 shades, it combines performance with comfort, although a robust makeup remover is needed due to its tenacity. Pros: Long-lasting, great color payoff. Cons: Difficult to remove.
32. IT Cosmetics
IT Cosmetics, developed in collaboration with plastic surgeons, integrates high-performance skincare ingredients into its makeup. This approach has garnered a loyal following, particularly among those with specific skin concerns like rosacea and acne, who appreciate the brand’s focus on complexion-enhancing products.
The hero product: CC+ Cream SPF 50, a best-seller from 2016-2019, combines a CC cream’s benefits with a skincare serum’s potency. It features peptides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, with a significant SPF 50, offering substantial coverage and skincare benefits. Pros: Hydrating, high SPF. Cons: May oxidize on the skin.
31. Glow Recipe
Glow Recipe focuses on fruit-powered skincare that brightens and hydrates the skin. Their approach to beauty is fun and functional, with a commitment to clean, cruelty-free ingredients that are gentle yet effective.
The hero product: Glow-Enhancing Hue Drops, not only hydrates but also provides a radiant, dewy finish that can be mixed with skincare or makeup. Pros: Versatile use and natural glow. Cons: May not provide enough color payoff for all skin tones.
30. Rituel De Fille
Rituel De Fille captures the essence of mystique with its “spellbinding natural color“ and enchanting product names. Embracing a ‘witchy‘ aesthetic, this brand remains a clean beauty advocate, using 99% natural ingredients. It’s celebrated for its unique colors and creamy, blendable textures, which encourage experimental looks.
The hero product: Rare Light Luminizer, stands out in the cream highlighter market for its exceptionally creamy texture that melds into the skin, offering a subtle luminosity rather than overt sparkle. It is available in eight shades, including unconventional ones like holographic lavender. Pros: It is lightweight and buildable. Cons: Application with a brush is less effective.
29. Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty, founded by Selena Gomez, stands out in the celebrity beauty brand arena with its commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. The brand focuses on easy-to-use products and diverse shades designed to encourage play and self-expression. Additionally, part of Rare Beauty’s profits supports mental health services, reflecting its broader commitment to wellbeing.
The hero product: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, is lauded for its user-friendly application that suits even those new to blush. This liquid formula blends seamlessly, offering a natural flush in both matte and radiant finishes across four shades. Pros: Vegan, inclusive shade range. Cons: High pigmentation can lead to over-application.
28. Jaquline USA
Jaquline USA is quickly making a name for itself with its innovative approach to beauty solutions tailored for the modern woman. Combining high-quality ingredients with affordable pricing, Jaquline USA offers a range of products that cater to a diverse demographic, ensuring that every makeup enthusiast can find something to suit their needs without breaking the bank.
The hero product: Their Perfect Fix Foundation stands out for its hydrating formula and seamless coverage, making it a go-to for those seeking a flawless complexion. Pros: Budget-friendly, inclusive shade range. Cons: May require frequent touch-ups throughout the day for oily skin types.
27. Maybelline
A stalwart in the beauty industry since 1915, Maybelline combines affordability with innovation, offering a wide range of products catering to trendsetters and those looking for classic beauty staples.
The hero product: Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, is renowned for its exceptional longevity and vibrant color selection. This lipstick promises enduring wear, capable of withstanding meals and everyday activities without the need for touch-ups. Pros: Extremely long-wearing, wide color range. Cons: Some users find the texture sticky, and the brand is not cruelty-free.
26. MAC Cosmetics
Founded in Toronto in 1984, MAC Cosmetics has grown from a brand that catered primarily to makeup professionals to one of the most iconic makeup brands in the consumer market. Known for its rich pigments and trendsetting shades, MAC supports inclusivity across all ages, races, and genders.
The hero product: The Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation offers reliable coverage and a natural matte finish, suitable for almost all skin types. Pros: Wide shade range, offers SPF protection, long-lasting. Cons: Can feel heavy and cakey if too much is applied.
25. Glossier
Glossier started as an online indie brand and has grown into a major player in the beauty industry. Known for its minimalist and practical approach, Glossier has expanded from makeup to include skincare and body products, maintaining a strong ethos of simplicity and efficiency.
The hero product: Boy Brow has become an essential for eyebrow grooming. It offers a non-stiff, waxy formula that provides color and sculpting in one step. Pros: It has a natural-looking finish and is suitable for everyday use. Cons: The clear shade might show white flakes.
24. Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown has been a cornerstone in the world of natural makeup since its inception in 1991. The brand has remained committed to its philosophy of enhancing natural beauty, using neutral tones and lightweight formulas to achieve a clean, subtle look.
The hero product: Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, provides a smooth application with a pigmented and resilient formula, offering up to eight hours of wear without smudging or fading. Pros: High color payoff, long-wearing. Cons: The formula can be a bit dry, and the brand is not cruelty-free.
23. Revlon
As one of the oldest cosmetic brands in the market, Revlon has established a legacy of quality and affordability. Known for its innovative products that cater to a wide range of beauty needs, Revlon continues to be a go-to brand for reliable makeup essentials.
22. IMAN
Founded by supermodel Iman in 1994, this brand broke new ground in offering makeup tailored for women of color, providing a range of shades that cater specifically to darker skin tones. IMAN Cosmetics was a pioneer in inclusivity and continues to serve a segment of the market that was historically overlooked.
The hero product: The Luxury Concealing Foundation offers a full-coverage, buildable formula that’s enriched with antioxidants, ideal for both overall application and spot concealing. Pros:Designed specifically for deeper skin tones, includes skin-beneficial ingredients. Cons: The product can oxidize after application.
21. ILIA Beauty
ILIA Beauty has been a trailblazer in the clean beauty sector, emphasizing the purity of their ingredients and the environmental impact of their packaging. They blend makeup with skincare, enriching their products with active skincare ingredients to nurture the skin while enhancing its appearance.
The hero product:Super Skin Tint SPF 40, is celebrated for its lightweight, glowy finish and added sun protection, making it an ideal daily wear foundation. The dropper applicator ensures precise, sparing use of the product, enhancing its longevity. Pros:Includes SPF, sheer coverage.Cons: The product can transfer easily after application.
20. Guerlain
Guerlain has been synonymous with luxury beauty for over a century, known for combining elegant packaging with intricate formulations. Their products offer a blend of sophistication and efficacy, particularly popular among those who cherish heritage beauty brands.
The hero product: The Terracotta Light Healthy Glow Bronzer is celebrated for providing a natural, sun-kissed glow that looks effortless on the skin. Pros: Builds beautifully for a customized glow. Cons: Premium price point.
19. Tower 28
Tower 28, named after a local lifeguard tower, brings the laid-back, sunny essence of Santa Monica to its beauty line. It caters especially to those with sensitive skin, with a focus on clean, fun, and colorful products. Their approach supports skin health and adheres to vegan standards, making it a standout in the clean beauty niche.
The hero product, BeachPlease Tinted Lip + Cheek Balm, exemplifies Tower 28’s versatile and practical approach. This multi-use balm, available in six shades, offers sheer, buildable color that’s perfect for quick touch-ups on the go. Pros: It is vegan, hydrating, and multi-functional. Cons: Users may find the packaging difficult to open.
18. RENEE
RENEE is emerging as a dynamic player in the beauty industry, known for its fusion of innovation and accessibility. The brand’s philosophy revolves around empowering individuals through products that enhance their natural beauty while being easy to use and economically priced.
The hero product: Fab Face 3 in 1 Makeup Stick not only blushes, highlights, and adds color to the lips but also comes in a portable, travel-friendly format. Pros: Multi-functional and compact. Cons: Limited color options may not cater to all preferences.
17. Uoma Beauty
Uoma Beauty is rooted in celebrating authentic beauty through self-expression and inclusivity, founded by a Nigerian-born former beauty executive. The brand is particularly noted for its extensive foundation shade range and vibrant, inclusive product lines.
The hero product: The Black Magic Carnival Color Palette is a favorite, featuring ten shades in matte, shimmer, and metallic finishes that embody the spirit of Carnival.Pros: Diverse finishes and vibrant colors. Cons: Shimmer shades may experience fallout.
16. NYX Professional Makeup
NYX Professional Makeup stands out in the drugstore category with its professional-grade formulas at consumer-friendly prices. The brand offers an extensive range of colors and products, making it a favorite among those who enjoy experimenting with their look.
The hero product: Butter Gloss is a standout product, selling over 10 million units since its launch. Known for its non-sticky texture and shiny finish, it’s available in 26 shades, offering something for everyone at an affordable price. Pros: Wide shade range and affordable price. Cons: Not as long-wearing as some might hope.
15. Urban Decay
Since its inception in 1996, Urban Decay has challenged conventional beauty norms with its bold, edgy approach. The brand continues to innovate with high-impact colors and diverse finishes, staying true to its motto, “beauty with an edge.”
The hero product: While the original naked palette is no longer available, its legacy continues with variants like the naked heat palette. This palette features twelve warm-toned neutrals in various finishes, suitable for creating versatile looks. Pros: Variety of warm-toned shades and finishes. Cons: Not ideal for those who prefer cooler tones.
14. Clinique
Clinique is synonymous with skin-friendly makeup and is particularly lauded for its dermatologist-developed products that promise to enhance without irritation. Its gentle formulations are designed to be safe for all skin types, including the most sensitive.
The hero product: Clinique’s Even Better Makeup SPF15 offers moderate coverage while helping to improve skin tone. Pros: Evens out skin tone, SPF protection, suitable for sensitive skin. Cons: Coverage might be too light for those who prefer full coverage.
13. Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury, a British makeup artist known for her red-carpet glam, launched her brand in 2012. The line offers the same luxurious feel to the everyday consumer. It features elegant packaging and consistently impressive formulas that excite with each new release.
The hero product: Matte Revolution Lipstick, is the ultimate must-have, with a perfect pinky-nude shade that suits anyone. The formula is enriched with vitamin E and hydrating oils, providing comfort without the dryness typically associated with matte lipsticks. Pros: Universally flattering shade and comfortable wear. Cons: Can settle into lip lines.
12. Dior
Dior epitomizes luxury and sophistication in the world of cosmetics. Known for its high-end, fashion-forward approach, Dior seamlessly combines haute couture inspiration with innovative beauty solutions. The brand’s offerings are marked by luxurious formulas and impressive longevity, appealing to those who seek glamour and efficacy in their makeup choices. Despite its high price point, Dior remains a staple for beauty aficionados who demand the best in both product performance and packaging aesthetics.
The hero product: A standout in their extensive lineup, Dior’s Addict Lipstick is celebrated for its vibrant color payoff and hydrating formula. This lipstick is designed to provide long-lasting wear while keeping lips moisturized, making it a favorite among both professionals and everyday users. Pros: Rich pigmentation, luxurious feel. Cons: Premium pricing may be a barrier for some.
11. NARS Cosmetics
NARS Cosmetics, launched with just 12 lipsticks at Barney’s, has grown into a powerhouse known for its sleek packaging and provocative product names. The brand consistently delivers fresh, innovative products that keep it at the forefront of the prestige beauty scene.
The hero product: NARS Blush in Orgasm, launched in 1999, remains a staple in makeup collections across America. This blush is celebrated for its universal peachy-pink hue that flatters all skin tones and has sparked numerous other products in the Orgasm line. Pros: Universally flattering color. Cons: According to some users, the packaging is prone to breaking, and the brand is not cruelty-free.
10. Jeffree Star Cosmetics
Known for bold colors and even bolder personalities behind it, Jeffree Star Cosmetics offers products that cater to those looking to make a statement. The brand’s commitment to high-quality, vegan makeup has earned it a dedicated following.
The hero product: The Blood Sugar Eyeshadow Palette is famed for its vibrant shades and exceptional blendability, allowing for creative and dramatic eye makeup looks. Pros: Rich color payoff and versatile shade range. Cons: The bold color palette may not be suitable for those preferring more subdued looks.
9. Exa by Credo Beauty
Exa by Credo Beauty marks a significant stride in the clean beauty movement as the first private line from Credo, a leader in this space. The brand boasts a strict no-compromise policy on over 2700 chemicals and emphasizes eco-friendly packaging. Despite having just two products currently, Exa’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality makeup makes it a noteworthy contender in the beauty industry.
The hero product: The High Fidelity Foundation by Exa offers medium-to-full coverage, ideal for controlling shine while maintaining a dewy finish, thanks to its hydrating ingredients. It’s available in 43 diverse shades, ensuring a wide array of undertones are catered to. Pros: Excellent shade range and long-lasting wear. Cons: Some users find the foundation feels heavy on the skin.
8. Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals has championed the cause of clean beauty long before it became a trend. Focused on creating products with minimal ingredients, the brand is best known for its loose mineral powders that promise a natural look without compromising on skin health. Their commitment to non-irritating, skin-friendly makeup makes them a preferred choice for those with sensitive skin or those who prioritize a more natural approach to beauty.
The hero product: The Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation is a revolutionary product that offers buildable coverage with a natural, luminous finish. It’s formulated to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines while providing a lightweight feel on the skin. Pros: Enhances natural beauty, suitable for sensitive skin. Cons: Loose powder format may not appeal to everyone.
6. Kosas
Kosas, a newer brand in the beauty market, distinguishes itself with a focus on simplicity and natural ingredients. The brand blends skincare and makeup into hybrid products. The brand emphasizes clean beauty, excluding over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients from its formulations. Kosas offers innovative textures and application methods that appeal to beauty aficionados looking for efficient, straightforward products. It is also committed to cruelty-free practices.
The hero product: The Big Clean Volumizing + Lash Care Mascara, is a recent and popular addition to the Kosas line. After numerous iterations, this mascara has perfected a formula that conditions while providing voluminous, long-lasting wear. Pros: Clump-free and conditioning. Cons: May smudge under certain conditions.
5. Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath Labs, founded by the legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath in 2015, is synonymous with luxury and high fashion. The brand reflects McGrath’s personal flair for bold, glamorous makeup, featuring innovative products like holographic eyeshadows and luxurious lipsticks. Pat McGrath Labs is not cruelty-free, but it excels in creating makeup that offers editorial quality for everyday use.
The hero product: The Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo is a hallmark product, offering a creamy balm and a shimmering highlighter in one dual-ended stick. This product allows for customizable radiance and has become a favorite for achieving a dewy, glass-like finish. Pros: Versatile and hydrating. Cons: Some find the effect too subtle for their taste.
4. L’Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Paris is a titan in the beauty industry, offering an extensive range of affordable cosmetic products. Known for both timeless favorites and trendy new products, L’Oréal continues to be a popular choice worldwide for its effective, accessible beauty solutions. However, it is important to note that L’Oréal is not a cruelty-free brand.
The hero product: The Voluminous Original Mascara is a classic choice from L’Oréal, renowned for its ability to dramatically thicken lashes without clumping. This mascara is a favorite among makeup professionals for its conditioning benefits and lasting wear. Pros: It is affordable and effective. Cons: It may flake with extended wear.
3. Fenty Beauty
Launched by Rihanna in 2017, Fenty Beauty has revolutionized the beauty industry with its focus on inclusivity, offering a broad spectrum of foundation shades that cater to all skin tones. The brand’s commitment to a wide shade range was groundbreaking at its inception and continues to set industry standards. Fenty Beauty is not only cruelty-free but also known for its innovative approach to makeup that enhances natural beauty.
The hero product: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, is a must-have from Fenty Beauty. Available in 50 shades, this foundation provides full coverage with a matte finish that feels light and smooth on the skin. Pros: Excellent shade range and lightweight feel. Cons: The matte formula can be somewhat drying.
2. Hourglass
Founded in 2004, Hourglass has stood out as a cruelty-free brand committed to animal rights, even donating profits to relevant causes. Known for luxurious, high-performance products, Hourglass has garnered a loyal following among celebrities and beauty enthusiasts alike. Due to their popularity and innovative formulations, their products often sell out rapidly. The brand offers a commendable shade range and emphasizes quick, effective beauty solutions.
The hero product: The Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick is a standout product from Hourglass, known for its waterproof, weightless formula. It offers buildable coverage and a unique triangular tip for precise application, functioning as an all-over foundation and a spot concealer. Pros: Easy application and blendable coverage. Cons: It may not wear as long as some competitors.
1. Armani Beauty
Armani Beauty, a division of the globally renowned Armani fashion house, emerged on the beauty scene in 2000. Its products reflect the elegant and classic style synonymous with its fashion line. Known for high-performance makeup, Armani Beauty crafts formulations that are both luxurious and effective, guided by Giorgio Armani’s vision. While the brand offers a significant shade range, it is not cruelty-free, boasting 40 shades in its flagship product alone.
The hero product: Arguably one of the most iconic complexion products ever, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has become a cult classic. Celebrated for its versatility and radiant finish, this foundation can be adjusted from sheer to full coverage. Initially launched as the brand’s first product, it recently expanded its shade range to 40 in honor of its 20th anniversary. Pros: It offers a velvety finish and is favored by professional makeup artists. Cons: The foundation is not cruelty-free and may not match its online shade representations perfectly.