Decorative cosmetics are among the most essential things in many girls' lives. Wearing it for work, a night out, or every day to look fresh or cover some imperfections, it's a skill that takes time to master. After all, you are literally painting on your face! Whether you like the all-natural "no makeup" makeup look or you prefer to go all-in with glitter, making the proper selection can sometimes be challenging. We'll recommend the top ten makeup brands you need to check out because they are fabulous. Be sure to check our Top 10 European skincare brands too!
10. CoverGirl
Ayesha Curry as the face of CoverGirl
Founded in 1961 by Noxzema Chemical Company, CoverGirl is known today as an inclusive, accessible, and affordable brand. The idea was to produce clean makeup, as they first came out with medicated products containing camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. Pioneers in many ways, they helped popularize contour in the 1960s. Additionally, they were the first to widely use models in ad campaigns.
In 1992, CoverGirl became the first large cosmetic company to sign a black person as a representative. Nowadays, they offer various decorative goods such as face and eye makeup, lipsticks, and nail polishes for all skin tones and skin types. You need to try their products, including LashExact Mascara, Cream Matte BB Cream, and TruNaked Eye Shadow Palette.
9. Revlon
Instructions for ColorStay eyeliner
Brothers Charles and Joseph Revson teamed up with chemist Charles Lachman in 1932 and formed Revlon, the first professional makeup brand. Their original product, nail enamel, was a step forward in the industry, as it was opaque and long-lasting, unlike almost transparent, dye-based polishes available at the time. While it's hard to understand the hype today, it was a revolutionary invention!
Their product marketing was brilliant, as they were the ones who started the trend of giving them flashy, provocative names to attract customers. Also, Revlon led the hair spray, waterproof mascara, and liquid foundation cream research. Impressive, right? Must-try cosmetic items from Revlon include Super Lustrous Lipsticks and our beloved drugstore foundation Colorstay.
8. Laura Mercier
Beautiful shiny makeup for holidays
Raised in Provence, France, Laura Mercier attended a painting school in Paris at 17. However, after a short time, she realized that her career path was not profitable. Thus she moved to the prestigious Carita Beauty Institute and specialized in makeup application. In the 1980s, she worked in the U.S. as a makeup artist for Elle, Allure, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and many celebrities.
Established in her profession, she created Laura Mercier Cosmetics in 1996. She believed in natural, glowing makeup to enhance our beauty and made the first foundation primer. Therefore, it is unimaginable to put a liquid foundation without the base today. Laura Mercier products standing the test of time include Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Secret Camouflage concealer, and Face Illuminator. Check them out.
7. Urban Decay
Normani joining forces with Urban Decay to create an eyeshadow palette
Wende Zomnir, who worked in marketing, and a tech entrepreneur Sandy Lerner. She grew tired of the bubblegum colors of lipsticks and shadows and decided it was time to change the industry. And so in 1996, one of the most influential makeup brands on the market was founded. Inspiration for the name came naturally, as it was an accurate description of their aesthetic - facets of the urban landscapes.
Bold-colored lipsticks (including dark ones) and shadows were an instant hit. Still, ironically it was the naked eyeshadow palette that really blew up. The palette, consisting primarily of nude and earthy tones, is praised for being highly pigmented and blendable. You must also try All Nighter Setting Spray and 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils. And yes, they are as good as they say.
6. bareMinerals
Natural luminous makeup look on Hailey Bieber
Mineral foundation from bareMinerals was clean, as Leslie Blodgett's idea was to create makeup that would not irritate the skin or cause breakouts. Original products were all in the form of a loose mineral powder to avoid using chemical fillers and binders. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, their staple ingredients, are recommended for acne and rosacea conditions, calming the skin.
Also, they block UVA and UVB sun rays, so you get yourself sunscreen there. If your skin is sensitive and you like to put on just a little makeup, you need to try their products!
5. NYX
Jeffree Star tries NYX products
NYX Professional Makeup was founded by Toni Ko in 1999 and named after the Greek goddess of the night. Only 25 at that time, she borrowed $250,000 from her parents to go on a business venture. Having an acquaintance from New Jersey who made pencils, she teamed up with him to create her first line of 6 eyeliners and 12 lip liners.
Spreading and growing over time, today, NYX offers a full range of powders, liquid foundations, eyeshadows, concealers… The brand's philosophy is to make excellent but affordable products that are fun to use. If you love experimenting with bold colors and makeup finishes, their products should be your go-to. In that case, you must try their Matte Lip Cream, available in dozens of shades.
4. Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown teaches us how to avoid common mistakes in makeup application
Founded in 1991 by professional makeup artist Bobbi Brown, the cosmetic company is one of the most influential and revered forces in the beauty world today. The magic happened when she met a chemist and produced 10 shades of brownish lipsticks, selling them out faster than expected. Frustrated with the lack of shades available, she had an idea to create an inclusive brand with natural-looking makeup and lipsticks that look like lips.
Yet she wasn't the only one at that time who thought that putting stuff on your face should only enhance your natural beauty. Thus the brand became essential for wedding looks and photo editorials. Eventually, the success of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics spread and led to a worldwide beauty franchise. Our top recommendation goes to their Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation.
3. NARS
NARS recommends us applying makeup the retro way
The story of this beauty obsession begins in France with Francois Nars. Influenced by his mother, who helped him get his first job as an assistant to a prominent makeup artist in Paris, he moved to New York in 1984 and continued his beauty and fashion career. Having built his name, he launched 12 lipsticks in 1994, and they were a success.
Francois believes in individuality and self-expression, and that's the key to his groundbreaking accomplishments. Matte black packaging, high-pigmented shadows, and provocative names are legendary in the beauty industry. Yes, NARS is a high-end brand, but we advise you to invest in at least one of their products as you will get your money's worth. Try their Radiant Creamy Concealer, as you won't be disappointed.
2. Fenty Beauty
Rihanna shows us how to look flawless
Today Rihanna is more involved in her cosmetic line than in her music. Obsessed with her mother's lipstick from a young age, the singer believes that makeup allows us to enjoy and have fun with it. Fenty Beauty, founded in 2017, is famous for its broad skin tones and gender inclusivity.
She broke the celebrity beauty line stereotype by coming out with 40 shades of Pro Filt'r Foundation. Forbes magazine said it's one of the best inventions of 2017, and we couldn't agree more. You can't go wrong with Fenty, whether you buy the foundation, the Match Sticks, or Stunna Lip Paint.
1. M.A.C.
Euphoria star Alexa Demie gives us a makeup look
M.A.C. is a household name widely used by professionals for fashion editorials and shoots. It was made in a kitchen, as makeup artist and photographer Frank Toskan and salon owner Frank Angelo came together. What made them team up was that they were frustrated over the lack of cosmetic products that look well in photographs. Their popularity grew, and they launched the brand in 1984 in a Toronto department store.
Having a unique strategy at the time, M.A.C. invested money in education and training their staff. They were also against conventional advertising, as their idea was for the product's quality to speak for itself. However, they still work with superstars, such as Ariana Grande. The Holy Grail makeup item you should try from them is Studio Fix Fluid Foundation.
From natural to bold looks, oily to dry skin types, we have covered the best cosmetics for you on our top ten list. What's your take on our picks for makeup brands you should try? Have we convinced you to invest in any?
Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney