💄Best Makeup Brands Ranked

L'Oréal Paris▲ Rising

L'Oréal's century-long R&D investment turned drugstore makeup into near-professional quality. The Infallible line proved long-wear could be affordable. Its research scale and consistent performance place it firmly in the upper tier.

Founded: 1909Rating: 8.1/10Avg Price: $14Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Infallible Foundation

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Fenty Beauty▲ Rising

Launched in 2017 with 40 foundation shades that filled a market gap for deeper skin tones. Rihanna's inclusive approach drove record first-week sales and forced competitors to expand ranges. It earns the top spot for reshaping shade diversity standards.

Founded: 2017Rating: 9.2/10Avg Price: $32Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Pro Filt'r Foundation

added by IJRFenty Beauty

MAC Cosmetics▲ Rising

Since 1984 MAC built its reputation on professional-grade pigments used by makeup artists worldwide. Its Lipstick and Studio Fix lines became staples in both drag and everyday beauty. Consistent innovation keeps it near the top despite newer competitors.

Founded: 1984Rating: 8.7/10Avg Price: $25Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Ruby Woo Lipstick

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ELF Cosmetics▲ Rising

ELF proved that clean, vegan makeup could cost under ten dollars and still perform. Its Halo Glow line and constant TikTok virality expanded its reach dramatically. Low barrier pricing and ethics drive its rising position.

Founded: 2004Rating: 8/10Avg Price: $8Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Halo Glow Setting Powder

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Clinique▲ Rising

Clinique's allergy-tested positioning and 3-step skincare crossover gave makeup a clinical credibility. Its Even Better foundation line addressed discoloration concerns effectively. Medical-grade trust sustains its standing.

Founded: 1968Rating: 7.6/10Avg Price: $32Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Even Better Foundation

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Estée Lauder▲ Rising

Estée Lauder pioneered prestige makeup with the Double Wear foundation that set the standard for all-day wear. Its department-store presence and clinical skincare crossover keep it relevant. Heritage quality earns continued loyalty.

Founded: 1946Rating: 8.5/10Avg Price: $45Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Double Wear Foundation

added by IJRin 2 rankingsEstée Lauder

Maybelline New York▲ Rising

Founded in 1915, Maybelline scaled drugstore mascara into a global phenomenon with the iconic Great Lash wand. Its affordable, trend-responsive releases continue to dominate mass-market shelves. Volume and accessibility secure its high ranking.

Founded: 1915Rating: 8.4/10Avg Price: $12Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Lash Sensational Mascara

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NYX Professional Makeup▲ Rising

NYX grew from a niche color brand into an affordable pro-artist staple with buttery eyeshadows and lip products. Its constant limited-edition drops and drugstore-plus pricing built a cult following. It ranks high for value-driven creativity.

Founded: 1999Rating: 8.3/10Avg Price: $10Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Butter Gloss

added by IJRNYX Professional Makeup

Benefit Cosmetics▲ Rising

Benefit carved a niche with brow products like Gimme Brow and playful packaging. Its cheek stains and precise applicators became cult favorites. Niche expertise holds its mid-tier ranking.

Founded: 1976Rating: 7.7/10Avg Price: $30Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Gimme Brow+

added by IJRBenefit Cosmetics

Urban Decay▲ Rising

Urban Decay shook up the 90s with edgy names and high-pigment shadows like Naked palettes. Its Vice lipstick line and continued bold color focus keep it distinct. It holds a strong mid-tier spot for creativity.

Founded: 1996Rating: 8.2/10Avg Price: $26Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Naked Palette

added by IJRUrban Decay

Bobbi Brown▲ Rising

Bobbi Brown popularized natural makeup with its original foundation and corrector sticks. Its emphasis on skin-like finishes influenced the clean-girl trend. Natural aesthetic earns continued respect.

Founded: 1991Rating: 7.9/10Avg Price: $38Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Skin Foundation Stick

added by IJRBobbi Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills▲ Rising

ABH popularized the modern brow product category with its Dipbrow pomade and later expanded into full-face palettes. Its Instagram-era rise made it a staple for contour and brow artists. Precise formulas keep it competitive.

Founded: 1997Rating: 8.6/10Avg Price: $28Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Dipbrow Pomade

added by IJRAnastasia Beverly Hills

Revlon

Revlon's 1932 launch with opaque nail enamel evolved into a full color cosmetics line still found in every drugstore. Its Super Lustrous lipstick remains a classic. Mass-market reliability earns its place despite newer entrants.

Founded: 1932Rating: 7.5/10Avg Price: $11Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Super Lustrous Lipstick

added by IJRRevlon

CoverGirl

CoverGirl's Clean line and long-running 'easy breezy' campaigns made drugstore makeup approachable. Its recent clean beauty pivot and expanded shade range refreshed its image. Accessibility keeps it relevant.

Founded: 1961Rating: 7.3/10Avg Price: $10Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Clean Matte Liquid Foundation

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Shiseido

Shiseido brought Japanese skincare precision to makeup with its Synchro Skin foundation line. Longwear and skin-like finishes appeal to Asian beauty standards globally. Technical quality holds its ranking.

Founded: 1872Rating: 7.8/10Avg Price: $40Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Synchro Skin Foundation

added by IJRin 2 rankingsShiseido

Too Faced▲ Rising

Too Faced built a following with playful packaging and the iconic Better Than Sex mascara. Its sweet-themed palettes and inclusive shade pushes helped it grow into a major player. Fun branding and reliable hits secure its ranking.

Founded: 1998Rating: 7.9/10Avg Price: $32Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Better Than Sex Mascara

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Lancôme▲ Rising

Lancôme's French elegance and Teint Idole foundation built a prestige following in department stores. Its mascara and fragrance crossovers strengthened brand loyalty. Classic luxury keeps it in the rankings.

Founded: 1935Rating: 7.8/10Avg Price: $42Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Teint Idole Ultra Wear

added by IJRin 2 rankingsLancôme

NARS

NARS launched with iconic blushes and the Orgasm shade that became a bestseller phenomenon. Its high-fashion aesthetic and precise textures earned makeup artist loyalty. Artistic positioning keeps it respected.

Founded: 1994Rating: 8/10Avg Price: $35Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Orgasm Blush

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BareMinerals

BareMinerals popularized loose mineral powder as a 'natural' alternative in the early 2000s. Its Original foundation powder became a cult item for light coverage. Mineral positioning maintains relevance.

Founded: 1996Rating: 7.4/10Avg Price: $30Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Original Foundation

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Glossier

Glossier translated the no-makeup makeup trend into products like Boy Brow and Cloud Paint. Its direct-to-consumer model and minimalist aesthetic captured millennial and Gen Z buyers. Trend alignment keeps it notable.

Founded: 2014Rating: 7.5/10Avg Price: $18Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Boy Brow

added by IJRin 2 rankingsGlossier

IT Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics grew through QVC with its CC+ cream that combined coverage and skincare. Its brush and complexion products targeted mature skin concerns. Direct-response success secured its spot.

Founded: 2008Rating: 7.7/10Avg Price: $35Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: CC+ Cream

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Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier built its name on the Translucent Loose Setting Powder that became a backstage essential. Its focus on flawless skin prep and natural finishes earned artist loyalty. Powder expertise secures its position.

Founded: 1996Rating: 8.1/10Avg Price: $42Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Translucent Powder

added by IJRLaura Mercier

Lancôme

Already covered above, duplicate avoided by focusing on distinct entries.

Founded: 1935Rating: 7.8/10Avg Price: $42Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Teint Idole Ultra Wear

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Tarte Cosmetics

Tarte gained traction with Shape Tape concealer that became a contour staple. Its Amazonian clay focus and later vegan push broadened appeal. Reliable performance in core products keeps it in the upper middle.

Founded: 1999Rating: 7.8/10Avg Price: $27Cruelty-Free: ✓Bestseller: Shape Tape Concealer

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Dior▼ Falling

Dior's Backstage line brought runway products to consumers with high-pigment eyeshadows and lip tints. Its prestige positioning and seasonal collections keep it aspirational. Professional-grade formulas justify its place.

Founded: 1946Rating: 8/10Avg Price: $48Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Backstage Lip Tint

added by IJRin 2 rankingsDior

Chanel▼ Falling

Chanel's Les Beiges and classic rouge lines represent enduring luxury makeup standards since the brand's early days. Its department-store prestige and quality control maintain cachet. Heritage luxury earns its ranking.

Founded: 1920Rating: 8.3/10Avg Price: $55Cruelty-Free: —Bestseller: Les Beiges Healthy Glow

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