Nowadays, shopping for cosmetics can seem like a bit of a daunting task. With such a variety of brands out there, it can sometimes be difficult to know which one to choose. What makes each brand unique? Which brand is best suited to you as an individual?
Some of the brands in this article have been around for centuries, and have been continued favourite choices with shoppers for years. However, with new brands constantly popping up everywhere, trying out a new brand can actually be beneficial as you can try more innovative products and explore something completely new.
With makeup brands you will find they generally range from producing high end designer items, to more affordable high-street ranges suitable for anyone to use. For the more high-end brands, you can expect to pay a lot of money for their cosmetic ranges, due to their overall history, experience and the high quality materials which are used to make their exquisite products. Then there are the brands which offer alternatives to the high-end top brands, and offer a quality range of cosmetics but at a more affordable price tag.
As well as this, these brands can be targeted to certain age groups. Not knowing this in advance may make your shopping trip to the cosmetic isle a little confusing. Some brands are favored for their age-defying products, while others produce products that are teen friendly and perfect for youthful skin types. Knowing a little bit in advance about certain makeup brands can definitely help you to make better and wiser purchasing decisions when it comes to shopping for cosmetics.
Nowadays, you can find cosmetics almost everywhere, and with such a large range of brands on offer, it can become confusing to understand what’s what. Not all products will provide the results you are looking for, and certain brands may perform better on your skin than others do.
Therefore, if you are on the lookout for the best makeup brands, then look no further, as that is where this article aims to offer a helping hand! In this article, we have covered the best makeup brands out there, covering a range of big names such as Estée Lauder, L’Oréal, Maybelline, Chanel, Guerlain, Clarins and Shiseido.
A little bit of background on each of the brands is provided along with some of the top selling products from each of them. Hopefully this will help you decide which brand is most suited to you when it comes to making your next cosmetic purchase!
Estée Lauder
Background
Beginning with one of the classics, Estée Lauder is a brand which was founded by Estée Lauder herself back in 1946, and is known worldwide as one of the best makeup brands and is still popular today. Estée Lauder built her cosmetics empire on the motto, “There are no homely women, only careless women.” She wanted to convince the more “careless women” that they could become beautiful by using her products.
Best makeup brand for?
This makeup brand is mostly a favorite with more middle aged and older females, as they provide a lot of products which are suited to ageing skin types. However, in recent years some of their products have become firm favorites with the younger age groups, such as their popular Double wear foundation. Therefore, their products can cater to a range of different age groups, but are mostly suited to older generations.
Price range
Estée Lauder products feature at the higher spectrum in terms of price range, falling anywhere from $20-$150. Again this is due to being targeted at older rather than younger age groups, and featuring high-end products which help reduce aging and wrinkling of the skin
Best products
Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation
One of Estée Lauder’s top selling products, and which has greatly risen in popularity over the past few years is their Double Wear Stay in Place makeup foundation. This foundation is highly rated, and easily the top product in this article, from all other foundations. It is favored for giving a flawless look to any face, and because it easily covers any imperfections.
Thanks to its super long 24-hour wear, this foundation is one which lasts. It is also oil-free, as well as waterproof meaning it won’t rub off or smudge, making it perfect for long days at work or even in the evening!. It also works to control against shine, and feels so lightweight that the wearer will feel they are wearing no makeup at all. The foundation is also non-acnegenic, meaning it won’t clog pores which will help against any breakouts.
The Double Wear foundation comes in cool, neutral and warm undertones, meaning it can be worn by many different skin tones. It is dermatologist tested and fragrance free. It is also a product which will last in hot and humid weather, which again makes it a very popular choice as many foundations tend to melt, or wear-off in warmer climates!
At the more expensive range, this foundation comes in at $42.00 when buying directly from Estée Lauder. It may be a little more expensive than other options, however due to its high ratings all over the web, it is a product which certainly does the trick.
Another one of Estée Lauder’s top sellers is their Advanced Night Repair serum. This product is known as the #1 repair serum on the market for fighting key signs of aging. This serum is tested and proven, and dramatically reduces the look of key signs of aging. It maximizes the power of skin’s natural night time renewal and includes exclusive ChronoluxCB Technology.
This significantly reduces any lines and wrinkles on the face. It also helps to prevent dryness and dehydration, which makes it great for use in colder temperatures. The serum helps give a radiance back to dull skin, and is also oil free giving skin a hydrated, smoother and stronger appearance. Like most of Estée Lauder products, their advanced night serum is non-acnegenic, meaning it will not clog any pores, and therefore is perfect for use on acne prone skin.
At the more expensive range, this product comes in at $68.00. Highly rated, it is one which provides consistent results; therefore, it is worth the investment.
L’Oréal
Background
“Because your worth it”, L’Oréal is the popular brand whereby most females have probably owned a product by them at some point in their lives. Based in Paris, this brand’s goal is to provide luxury for people who demand excellence in beauty. This brand is a leader in innovative makeup products, and always keep up with the latest beauty trends
Best makeup brand for?
L’Oréal makeup products are perfectly suited to younger generations, as well as older. Due to their wide variety of affordable products, anyone can find something that is suited to them.
Price range
Unlike the more high-end brands, L’Oréal’s price range is not too expensive, and features many products anywhere from $5-$20.
Best product
Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup
L’Oréal’s skin perfecting foundation does just that, and is one of their best well-known products at the moment. Thanks to its additional SPF-15, this product is a great choice of foundation as it provides a smooth soft finish which is also sun proof! Meaning it can be worn comfortably in warmer temperatures, as well as on the beach. The foundation is so lightweight, it leaves its wearer feeling fresh as if they have no makeup on at all.
As it is applied, the foundation transforms into a powder like finish, meaning it is hardly noticeable and gives an extremely smooth appearance. The Perfecting skin foundation also comes in 8 different shades, making it easy to find a true match to your skin tone.
At a price of only $12.95, it makes it affordable for those who wish to try it out, as well as for a long term purchase. This is one of L’Oréal’s highest rated products, so it is guaranteed to be a good quality foundation which performs well!
Maybelline
Background
Maybelline originally started out as a small family-owned business, and is now known as one of the most popular cosmetics companies in America. Maybelline New York follows the latest catwalk trends and brings them to the high-street, making affordable high-end like makeup that almost everyone can afford to try out.
They provide makeup that makes a statement, and use scientifically-advanced formulas which create trendsetting shades that are effortless, affordable and beautiful! Maybelline is always an option which can be tried and loved for years to come.
Best makeup brand for?
Maybelline is known as more of a young, fresh brand which is suited to the teen market, as well as young adults. Their unique formulas are innovated for younger skin types. However, that is not to mean that older women cannot use their products too, just that they are not their target market.
Price range
As the majority of Maybelline’s products are targeted to the younger market, most of their prices fall in the range between anything from $4 – $16
Best product
Super Stay Better Skin Foundation
The Super Stay better skin foundation is a very popular choice of foundation for teens and younger females. This foundation provides all day flawless coverage and helps to improve skin over time. Thanks to its composition of ACTYL-C and an SPF 15, this product helps to achieve healthier looking skin in just three weeks!
It is also created with a clever fade-proof formula, meaning it will stay in place, reducing any fear of smudging and fading as the day progresses. Its skin transforming formula makes it a great choice for acne coverage, as well as scarring. The super stay better skin foundation helps to add some brightness to skin and remove any unevenness!
The Super stay foundation comes in 16 super-saturated shades, offering a choice for many different skin types. Coming in at $11.99, this foundation is not too expensive, making it perfect for teens and the younger market.
Guerlain
Background
Guerlain is known as one of the oldest cosmetic brands, and has continued to remain a firm favorite with women for centuries. Originally founded in Paris in 1828, Guerlain has grown to become one of the most iconic and respected beauty brands in the world.
Their luxurious and exceptional fragrances are second to none, with unique formulas that have been passed from generation to generation by their in-house perfumers. Guerlain is a true pioneer of beauty and offer an exclusive collection of high-performance makeup products as well as skincare solutions.
Best makeup brand for?
Due to its high-end and exclusive range of carefully sourced products, Guerlain is a brand which is more suited to wealthier individuals, as their products are made using expensive and sought after materials. They also provide a lot of age reducing products, and are therefore suited to the older female market rather than the teen market.
Price range
Guerlain products are quite pricey due to their overall high quality and design. Buying products from Guerlain, you can expect to pay anything from $24 – $110.
Best product
Terracotta Sun Trio Bronze and Contouring Palette
If you are a lover of the sun-kissed look, then look no further. This bronzer can provide you with a year-round glow! The Terracotta Sun Trio by Guerlain is one of their top selling products as it combines three different shades in the one palette, making it easier to achieve that beautiful Summer glow without having to sit in the sun for hours. It also allows you to create a contoured appearance thanks to the different shades included!
The Terracotta palette is created using a unique blend of pigments with a matte finish to enhance the natural complexion. It is enriched with moisturizing active ingredients and the powder does not dry out skin, meaning lasting comfort is ensured. Its compact design makes for a smooth application which, when applied, creates a thin ‘mono’ film, preserving the natural finish of the individual skin type. This means it will not look fake or mask-like which most makeup wearers dread!
The Terracotta palette is long-lasting, and lasts for up to 8 hours, making it perfectly wearable in all situations. It features a pleasant ylang and orange blossom fragrance, giving an added freshness to any face.
Coming in at a price of $58.00, this is on the more expensive end of the price scale. However, with its high ratings, it is guaranteed to be a good quality product, and one which can add a little sunshine to anyone’s face.
Chanel
Background
Chanel is another Paris-based, French designer brand founded by Coco Chanel herself. Chanel S.A is a high-fashion house which specializes in haute couture and ready-to-wear clothes as well as luxury goods, fashion accessories, fragrance and finally makeup. Famous for their Chanel No.5 perfume, which was worn by Marilyn Monroe, to their signature red lipstick,
Chanel offers high-end, beautiful makeup that never goes out of fashion. Their catwalk inspired range of makeup features models from all over the world who wear and promote their products, making it a favorite choice by designers worldwide.
Best makeup brand for?
Chanel is a high-end brand which can be worn by the fashionistas of the world, and those ladies who like to keep on top of the latest catwalk trends. Their exquisite, high quality design makes it a brand that can be enjoyed by those who enjoy a little sophistication in their makeup bag.
Price range
Chanel products are generally high in price, due to their designer friendly look and design, falling anywhere between $25-$120.
Best products
Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation
This foundation by Chanel is one of their best products on the market. The healthy glow gel touch foundation features an innovative gel texture, which helps to give the skin a glowing complexion, and one that appears fresh! It provides a dewy finish, giving the face a radiance and revived feeling.
Thanks to its ultra-fine, fresh aqua-gel design, it provides super buildable coverage on either bare skin or over any existing makeup, making it a great product for touching up. It features a little flexible fabric applicator which allows for a smooth all-over application. It comes in 7 different shades, making it easier to find the perfect shade for you.
The Healthy glow foundation is just as the name suggests, and is composed of mineral glow booster pigments, which instantly deliver a fresh looking face. Together with soft-focus powders, they help create an even complexion adding an exquisite sheer finish. Unlike most powders, this one is not too heavy and creates a refreshing cushion on the skin’s surface providing a constant feeling of hydration.
The formula is enriched with Kalanchoe extract, which is an active botanical ingredient known for its protective properties. The benefit of this product is its ease of application and its included SPF 15 – making it a great product for warmer climates, and even for the beach!
The Healthy Glow Gel Touch foundation comes at a cost of around $60.00. Therefore it is not as cheap as some of the other foundations out there, but being a high-end brand like Chanel, it is expected. This product also features pretty good overall customer ratings on the web, and therefore is considered a good quality product for the cost.
Rouge COCO Ultra Hydrating Lip Color
When mentioning Chanel products, it would be rude not to include their signature and most iconic lipstick which is known world over! The classic lipstick from Chanel is a staple to any woman’s handbag. The Rouge COCO has been a popular product with women for centuries, from Hollywood movies to fashion runways; this is definitely a classic!
The lipsticks get their famous style from a composition which is made of three vegetable waxes: mimosa, jojoba and sunflower. Together, these all help to keep lips extremely hydrated and ensure lasting comfort. Its silicone wax design makes this lipstick one which glides onto lips with ease, and provides a rich color which lasts for hours.
No matter whether you are eating, drinking or even kissing, this lipstick will not be easily smudged. Thanks to its polymer film and silicone microbeads, this encourages a lasting hold to the lips as well as a boosted shine.
The classic Rouge COCO comes in exactly 24 shades of perfection. This means if you decide not to opt for the classic red, or if it’s not your color, you can still find another color which still performs as good.
At $37.00, this is quite an expensive price for a lipstick. However, it is made with high quality design, which is made to last for a good while, as well as from a top brand, which explains its price tag. At least you will be proud to have this in your makeup bag!
Clarins
Background
Clarins are a French company who are a little different to previous brands as they mix science and nature to combine efficient and distinct beauty products. Experts in plants and biodiversity, Clarins aim to provide only the best quality products. This is reflected in their makeup, and not only do they focus on makeup itself, but also wellbeing.
They promote happiness and balance, by offering services to customers such as massage, and other relaxing procedures in their spas. They also provide knowledgeable tutorials, and teach their customers which products are best to apply depending on their individual life and skin stage.
They formulate their products by age group, so no matter your age you are sure to find something that would be suitable to you. Their main purpose is to bring out the natural beauty in women all over the world.
Best makeup brand for?
Clarins is known to be a favorite brand for those who love natural products, as well as natural beauty. Their products are not ‘designer-like’ as much as Chanel for example, and feature a more down to earth theme. Their foundations and creams are extremely favored by more middle-aged women, as they feature a wide selection of products which are dedicated to keeping skin looking young.
However, Clarins provide creams suited to a range of different age groups. Some of their foundations and cleansing kits, especially, are used by younger women due to their high-quality and proven, consistent results.
Price range
Clarins products fall anywhere between $20 – $150.
Best product
Extra Firming Foundation is a brilliant foundation by the wonderful Clarins. This foundation is one which features exceptional age-fighting and skin-firming benefits – hence the name ‘extra firming’. The foundation is known to do just that, and is a very popular option thanks to this.
The extra firming foundation is creamy, rich and oil free and aims to provide a younger looking complexion. It is a product which is long-lasting, and can last the entire day without any problems of fading or rubbing off. The perfect thing about this foundation is it helps to cover any wrinkles or fine lines, making it a perfect choice of foundation for older customers. It features full coverage; however, it is very natural looking in appearance, and does not feel too heavy.
This foundation is suitable for all skin types and features a selection of 9 different shades, with a shade to suit everyone’s skin tone, ranging from fair, medium or dark shades.
At a price of $47.00, this product is guaranteed to provide consistent results; many have agreed this product does the trick and they hope it will never change. Therefore this is definitely worth trying.
Shiseido
Background
Shiseido is a Japanese multinational company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1872, originating from a western style pharmacy and is now one of the most popular brands in Japan, and has several locations around the world. Not only do they offer beauty products, but also hair care, fragrance and skincare.
They are known to have around 21 brands and lines of cosmetics. Unlike most of the other makeup brands which mainly originate from France or the US, this brand is one of the first and few Asian cosmetics brands to build a global following. They have a unique Asian heritage, together with a strong business innovation.
Best makeup brand for?
Shiseido’s brand is one which caters to all age groups, as their products cover a wide range of styles and types. They produce products which fight aging as well as products suited to young skin. Therefore they are suited to everyone regardless of their age group.
Price range
Although their products are suited to all age groups, their price tags still remain relatively high. Buying Shiseido products, you can expect to pay anything from $20 – $100.
Best product
Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation
This foundation is one of Shiseido’s best-selling products, and favored for its long lasting effects. The formula incorporates advanced sensing technology, which helps to create a dynamic synchronization with the wearer’s skin condition, with the end result being a beautiful flawless face!
This foundation aims to prevent shine, creasing and any fading during a whole day’s wear. Its lightweight formula makes it almost undetectable, and like it belongs to the skin. It includes a medium, buildable coverage, which has a matte, natural finish, and never looks or feels heavy on skin.
One of the skin lasting foundation’s top benefits is its SPF 20 feature. This makes it one of the best foundations to wear in warmer weather, or when on vacation at the seaside, which is perfect as most ladies prefer a little coverage at the beach, which is usually impossible due to the heat!
It also includes a mother of thyme extract which helps prevent overall skin damage, making it a good, high quality product which is sensible on skin with acne, and delicate over problematic areas.
This long lasting foundation comes in 13 different shades, which make finding that perfect shade a whole lot easier.
This foundation is priced at $45.00. It is placed at the more expensive end of foundations; however, it is highly rated as being a product which provides great results and one which works. Therefore, purchasing this foundation will not be a disappointment.
Conclusion
All of these brands are definitely good value for money, thanks to the innovative materials they are created with, and the various results they can provide. When it comes to shopping, however, we are all on different budgets. Therefore which makeup brand can be best suited to your budget? If you are looking to shop on a budget, then perhaps the best brands for you would be L’Oréal and Maybelline, as their products rarely top the $20 mark, making them a more affordable option.
If, however, you would like something of really good quality, including products which are created with plants and that are nature friendly, then Clarins is your next best bet. Clarins is also best for those who are into natural beauty! And usually these products are less expensive than the more high-end ones.
If however, you are looking for a more expensive treat, and going to a special event for example – then I recommend Chanel, for that classic timeless look, or otherwise Guerlain and Shiseido, as they guarantee really high-quality designed cosmetics. Last but not least, regardless of budgets, the best product award from all of these above items has to go to Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation.
This product is just simply fantastic, and it really gives anyone’s face the flawless factor! It is one of the tried and tested products that has become a firm favorite with women all over the world, and is raved about in beauty blogs, magazines and even TV market channels! Therefore, it is highly recommended to try this product and see the results for yourself.
So there you have it! A full discussion of all the top makeup brands and their top products currently on the market. Hopefully this article has inspired you to look at some of their products, and hopefully they have also helped you understand which brand is most suited to you.
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