Makeup Brands, Ranked

Founded in Toronto in 1984 and now owned by Estée Lauder, MAC is the backbone of pro makeup kits with Ruby Woo and Studio Fix as genuine industry benchmarks.

Launched in 2013 by the celebrity makeup artist, its Pillow Talk lineup and Flawless Filter primer became runaway bestsellers, and Puig acquired a majority stake in a deal valuing it near £1.2 billion.

Rihanna's 2017 launch debuted Pro Filt'r foundation in 40 shades, forcing the whole industry toward inclusivity in what became known as the 'Fenty effect.'

François Nars founded the brand in 1994, and its Orgasm blush and Radiant Creamy Concealer remain perennial best-sellers and staff-favorite cult classics.

The LVMH-owned line pairs prestige branding with genuinely strong products — Dior Addict Lip Glow and Forever foundation are consistent top luxury sellers.

Selena Gomez's 2020 brand went viral for its Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, and it pairs commercial success with a mental-health-focused mission via the Rare Impact Fund.

Its Naked eyeshadow palettes and All Nighter setting spray defined 2010s makeup, and the brand helped mainstream long-wear neutral-toned eye looks.

e.l.f. delivers dupe-quality products at rock-bottom prices — its Halo Glow filter and Power Grip primer drove double-digit sales growth and repeated Super Bowl ad buys.

The L'Oréal-owned mass brand owns the mascara aisle, with Sky High and Lash Sensational among the best-selling mascaras in the world.

This L'Oréal-owned line thrives on social media with viral hits like the Fat Oil Lip Drip and Butter Gloss at consistently low price points.

The LVMH-owned brand dominates the brow category and its Hoola bronzer and They're Real mascara are steady sellers, though its playful line leans gimmicky.

The 1946-founded house anchors a beauty conglomerate, and its Double Wear foundation is a genuine long-wear classic despite an aging brand image.

The flagship of the world's largest cosmetics company delivers dependable drugstore staples like True Match foundation and Voluminous mascara at scale.

A drugstore value pick whose Baked Blush in Luminoso is a famous budget alternative to NARS Orgasm, though its overall range is uneven.

A storied American drugstore brand that has lost cultural relevance in recent years, with formulas that feel dated next to newer budget rivals.

The ColorStay line still performs, but the parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022, underscoring how far the once-dominant brand has slipped.

Once a Kate Moss-fronted drugstore staple, it has faded in the US market and its formulas rarely compete with modern budget brands like e.l.f.

Extreme affordability occasionally yields a viral product, but consistency is poor and much of the range reflects its rock-bottom pricing.

Despite well-reviewed liquid lipsticks, the brand is inseparable from its founder's long record of racist remarks and public feuds that cratered retail partnerships and reputation.