33 best makeup brands of 2022, according to GLAMOUR editors and beauty insiders
Considering the amount of makeup brands that are available, shopping for beauty isn't easy. So if you're out there feeling a tad overwhelmed by the sheer number of names that pop up whenever you're looking to upgrade your makeup routine, you're not alone. In fact, a quick Google search for the “best makeup brands” throws up more than 2.3 million (!) results.
We've seen a fair share of releases that positively blew our mind in 2022, whether they came from all-time favourite brands or those that are new to the beauty industry – so before stepping into 2023, it's only natural that we applaud those that have caught our attention.
Whether you're here to refresh your makeup bag in time for the New Year, or if you want to find out which brands the experts are obsessed with and what will always take pride of place on their dressing tables, you’ve come to the right place. Here, a bunch of GLAMOUR editors and beauty insiders – whose job it is to sort the best from the rest – have shared the secrets of the makeup brands that they rely on, use every single day and trust implicitly. We know – it's a hard job, but somebody has to do it, right?
Sure, no makeup brand is simply the best at absolutely everything, and it's always healthy to have a good mix of products, whether they're affordable or premium. Read up on the below to find out which brands are best known for their complexion products, eyeshadow, lipsticks, the ones that are worth the investment and the ones that are most sustainable. We've also included product recommendations that we reach for on our day-to-day, and the ones that we've emptied out and re-purchased time and time again.
Looking to glam up your makeup routine? Check out our guides for the best concealers, the best brow gels and the best lip liners. If you're on the hunt for some skincare products, be sure to take a look at our edits of the best retinol serums and the best SPF powders too.
For more beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll for our full edit of the best makeup brands to shop…
“A true stalwart of the highstreet, L’Oreal Paris never misses the mark – its lip stains, foundations and highlighters are amongst the best I’ve used, plus its endless mascara collection seriously rivals some of its way more expensive counterparts; especially Lash Paradise, a long-lasting, smudge–and–budge–proof formula.”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor.
Our pick: L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Powder Foundation
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“I love Charlotte Tilbury because they include skincare ingredients in most, if not all, of their beauty products which is my ultimate favourite thing. Everything is super nourishing, easy to blend and never looks cakey either.”
Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR Commerce Writer
Our pick: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand
“This is more than just a brand that VB has slapped her name on – instead, it’s a well thought out creation that’s had love and passion poured into the heart. Everything from the formulas to the refillable packaging is noteworthy, and the products themselves truly deserve a place in everybody’s makeup bags. The eye kohls are creamy and the pigments pack a punch, the lipsticks are balmy and comfortable to wear, and the dual-shade bronzer is blendable and easy to build – there’s a reason I’ve hit pan on it.”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
“Rihanna really is the pioneer for extended foundation shade ranges, and she forced every other brand to level up too. Plus, I love that the rest of the Fenty makeup collection works on almost all skin tones, it’s fully inclusive and it makes shopping for makeup fun.”
Esohe Ebohon, GLAMOUR Operations Manager
Our pick: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
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“Glossier is my holy grail of easy-to-use makeup and skincare. They do it *all* and I always know where I'm at with them. Mascara? They got you. Liquid blush that lasts a lifetime? Yep, got you. Serums that transform your skin? Got you there, too.” Shop our full edit of the best Glossier products of all time.
Luca Wetherby-Matthews, GLAMOUR Social Media Manager
Our pick: Glossier Lash Slick
“A brand by makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic might have been a while in the making but it’s one that’s worth the wait. His passion for makeup shines through in every product, and never have I tried such creamy, blendable eyeshadows, perfectly matte-but-comfortable lipsticks or have I found the most incredible brown eyeliner that makes every single look I create a million times better.”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our pick: Makeup By Mario Soft Sculpt Shaping Stick
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"My new dewy obsession comes in the form of Saie Liquid Blush, Saie Cream Bronzer and everything else in between. It's the ultimate glazed-donut skin haven all dewy-finish makeup gwurlz need!"
Sheila Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer
Our pick: Saie Dew Blush
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“A brand that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves, Too Faced products are so very good at injecting fun and life into a makeup look without ever compromising on quality. Its range of lipstick shades is incredible, the foundation is equally as good – and can we talk about the brow products that launched last year? Never have I ever used a pencil so creamy and blendable that lasts all day long.”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our pick: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Lip Gloss
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"Selena did that, the foundation range is so good, and the price point is pocket friendly without compromising on quality. We stan!"
Sheila Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer
Our pick: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
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“Anastasia Soare is the woman responsible for seriously levelling up my brow game, and since then ABH has become one of my go-to palette brands – Norvina is one of my all time favourites – and the new lip liners are also a real game changer for me. I haven’t been without the shade Sandstone since it launched earlier this year.”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our pick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Nouveau Palette
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“It's honestly the palettes for me, the pigment is impeccably thought-out to suit the deepest skin tones and is flattering on all complexions. Nobody does makeup like Mother, her blushes are next level too but you’ll never be disappointed with any purchase you make.”
Sheila Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer
Our pick:
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Blush
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“When Refy came into my life, I had high hopes – Jess Hunt has always nailed that glowy, clean base. But the products exceed my expectations – the face collection is now an absolute staple in my makeup bag. The creamy bronzer and blusher add a subtle contour, and the highlighter is pure glossy-doughnut vibes.”
Chloe Laws, GLAMOUR Social Media Director
Our pick: REFY Brow Sculpt
“That legit lashes mascara got me on a choke-hold, and no one does pastel palettes suitable for all complexions quite like Huda does, plus that original rose gold palette that started the world’s obsession with the brand is still one of the very best."
Sheila Mamona, GLAMOUR Beauty Writer
Our pick: Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette
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“Clinique is my all time favourite for not only makeup but also skincare. The brand regularly has special offers and free products available to take advantage of. Its foundation offering is second to none, and we also love the Pop Lip Colours because there’s such a massive range of shades available, plus they come with an inbuilt primer making them perfect for on the go.”
Scarlet Anderson, GLAMOUR Audience Growth Manager
Our pick: Clinique Pop Plush™ Creamy Lip Gloss
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“When it comes to luxury skincare and fragrances, Lancome is a known and trusted brand. It’s been around for over 87 years and has been endorsed by notable celebs such as Zendaya, Emma Watson and Lily Collins. Seriously, check out the brand’s range of day cream and serums and you’ll see why it’s so reputable.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: Lancôme Hypnôse Custom-Wear Mascara
“Part of my day job is switching my makeup bag selection weekly, but right now it's featuring a lot of Dior. I'm road testing the new Forever Glow foundation – the original is a long term favourite so I’m trying this new longer-wear formula, and so far so good. I'm also loving the new lip balms that come in 3 textures and 18 shades. A matte raspberry coloured balm, now that's an upgrade!”
Camilla Kay, GLAMOUR Beauty Director
Our pick: Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation
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“An affordable highstreet brand that covers all bases - and if it’s a new mascara you need then you’ll never be disappointed if you pick up a Maybelline one. I love its Sky High formula – the viral product that gives incredible buildable length without flaking or smudging, a real must-try.”
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR Beauty Editor
Our pick: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
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“You don't need me to tell you how good YSL is when it comes to beauty. Not only is it one of the biggest names in the industry, but the brand produces products that are genuinely worth the splurge. From complexion makeup bits to perfumes, it's hard to think of a product that doesn't scream ‘perfection’. Take one of the brand's latest launches, the Rouge Sur Mesure Device (AKA the lipstick printer) for one, it can make any of the 4000 shades of your choosing in a matter of minutes – dreamy, right?”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Our pick: YSL Rouge Sur Mesure Device
“A brand that delivers on formula every single time, Milk is a brand everybody needs to try. I love its Kush mascara, eyeshadow primer, concealer and its highlighter – which delivers a subtle shimmer every single time. Plus there’s a new cream bronzer launching in March, and it’s the perfect not-matte-but-not-dewy finish that’s easy to blend (and that comes from somebody who’s notoriously scared of bronzer)."
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our pick: Milk Makeup Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer
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“If you haven’t tried Beauty Pie yet then you really need to rethink your life choices – every single product I’ve tried I’ve loved, and its skin care is just as good as the makeup. I don’t ever want to be without its liquid highlighter, and not just because there isn’t a day that goes by where somebody doesn’t comment on the glow that’s radiating from my face…”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our Pick: Beauty Pie Triple Beauty Luminizing Wand
“The real OG of the makeup world, MAC can do no wrong. From its iconic Spice lip liner to Kylie Jenner’s fave Velvet Teddy lipstick and its new MAC Stack mascara, a weightless formula that delivers mega volume without clumping – plus it’s available with either a micro or mega brush, depending what your personal preference is. And if you want to get your hands on a free travel-sized tube before it goes on sale, click here and fill out your deets."
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our pick: MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick
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“Founded by world-famous makeup artist Laura Mercier, the brand is a massive force behind the movement to embrace your natural beauty. And you can really tell that from its range of makeup products, all of which are specifically designed to bring out your own individuality.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra Blur
“It should come as no surprise that Bobbi Brown made this list. Ever since it was founded in 1991, the brand's been consistently among the very best in the world of beauty, and it's easy to see why. The brand comes out with formulas that stand the test of time and shade range that's so wearable, it easily becomes a cult-favourite. My latest obsession is the Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer. It doesn't crease and the unique applicator grabs just enough product for you to use without double-dipping.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer
“It's no secret that when it comes to beauty, Chanel is one of the most reputable brands around. Sure, the luxury beauty brand's price range may be on the premium side, but trust me when I tell you that most of the products are well worth the investment. Having used some of Chanel's most iconic beauty bits (including lip products, powders and perfumes), it's safe to say that I'm a true Chanel girl at heart. More recently, I got hooked on the trending liquid blush. It glides onto my skin, leaves a gorgeous glow and gives me all the pigment I need for a natural look.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush
“High-performing, high-pigment and cruelty-free makeup with a badass aesthetic is something I can always get behind. You've probably already come across Urban Decay's All Nighter range, which includes the iconic setting spray. If that doesn't speak to the quality of the brand, we don't know what does.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: Urban Decay Exclusive Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette
“NARS is a cosmetic brand that's heavily inspired by high fashion. Just take a look at all its shimmery eyeshadow palettes and hydrating lip tints, as well as its range of full-coverage, matte lipsticks. The best-selling ‘Orgasm’ shade is almost as iconic as the brand itself too."
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: NARS Powermatte Lipstick
“Estee Lauder is pretty much the Disney of makeup and skincare. In addition to being a beauty industry leader, the brand’s own line of makeup products includes iconic items such as the Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation and the Pure Colour Envy sculpting lipstick.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
“Professional-level makeup should be accessible, which is exactly what NYX stands for. Boosted by skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, its range of makeup products has a formulation that's cruelty-free and kind to those of us with sensitive skin.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
“e.l.f. is easily one of the best affordable makeup brands out there. Seriously – from eyeliners and glosses to blushers and bronzers, there’s not much that e.l.f. doesn’t do exceptionally well. Plus, every product is 100% cruelty-free too, making it even sweeter. Personally, I'm a huge fan of one of the brand's latest releases, the Halo Glow Liquid Filter. Just a dab leaves a gorgeous glow and evens out the skin tone – perfect for an everyday look.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter
“Founded by the legendary Bobbi Brown, Jones Road is a huge advocate of high-quality “clean beauty” products that are free from any and all harmful ingredients, including parabens. Each of the brand’s formulas is made to work for all skin types and tones too. If you haven’t tried it yet, then consider this your sign.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: Jones Road What The Foundation
“Although Sephora may have only launched in the UK just this year, the established retailer has quickly become our go-to by offering brands such as ILIA and tarte. But the best part is the retailer's own Sephora Collection brand, which offers high quality makeup products at an affordable price. 10/10 would recommend.”
Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR Beauty Commerce Writer
Our pick: SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Blush
“War Paint is hands down my favourite makeup brand. It's perfect for high quality lightweight makeup for daily use to brighten up my skin and cover up any blemishes. As a makeup brand for men, it's perfect for subtle improvements.”
James Smithson, previously GLAMOUR designer.
Our pick: War Paint Concealer For Men
“Expensive, yes, but when I say that every product I’ve ever tried truly delivers, I mean it. The foundations are beautifully blendable and last all day long, the lipsticks are packed with incredible pigment and they’re easy to apply but last all day long, and the cream blushes are excellent. Anything you buy will definitely be an investment purchase, but there will be no zero regrets.”
Lucy Partington, GLAMOUR contributor
Our pick: Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick
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