The beauty industry is ever-evolving, with new brands continuously emerging, each promising to deliver innovative and high-quality products. For those seeking to enhance their skincare, makeup, or overall beauty routine, there are a few standout names that consistently lead the way. Companies like Fenty Beauty, known for its inclusive range of foundation shades, and The Ordinary, famed for its straightforward and effective skincare formulations, have captivated consumers worldwide. To explore a comprehensive list of the best cosmetic brands and discover which might become your next favorite, continue reading below.
Illustration of cosmetics
Best brands of cosmetics in 2025
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of prestige beauty products, including skincare, makeup, fragrances, and hair care. In 2023, the company generated nearly $16 billion in sales, with skincare accounting for 52% ($8.2 billion) and makeup for 28% ($4.5 billion) of net sales. Estee Lauder holds a significant market share, with a 10.5% share of the global skincare products market in 2023. The company operates in over 150 countries and boasts a diverse portfolio of well-known brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Clinique, and La Mer. Its strong presence in regions like Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific has contributed to its robust growth. For more information on Estee Lauder Companies Inc., visit their company profile on Statista.
L'Oréal
L'Oreal is the leading beauty products company, boasting a global market share of 9.7% in the beauty and personal care market as of 2021, and generating over $40 billion in global sales, significantly outpacing competitors like Unilever and Estee Lauder. With a brand value of $12 billion and operations in over 150 countries, L'Oreal dominates the industry through its innovative product range and strong digital marketing strategies. The company's global sales exceeded 38 billion euros in 2022, solidifying its position as the world's largest cosmetics and beauty company. L'Oreal's market presence is particularly strong in Europe, where it holds a 20% market share, and it continues to grow in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. For more information, visit their financial website.
Shiseido
Shiseido, founded in 1872 as Japan's first Western-style pharmacy, is a leading Japanese cosmetics manufacturer with a significant global presence. The company boasts a 9.3% share of Japan's beauty and personal care market and an 18.3% share of the premium segment, according to Euromonitor. Globally, Shiseido ranks third in the premium skincare market with a 7.6% market share, driven by its strong presence in China. It operates through 31 brands, including the luxury Cle de Peau Beaute, and distributes products through various channels such as department stores, drugstores, and e-commerce. Shiseido's sales are evenly distributed across China, Japan, and western markets, each accounting for about 25% of its sales.
MAC Cosmetics
MAC Cosmetics, established in 1984, is a leading cosmetics brand known for its innovative products, diverse shade range, and strong commitment to inclusivity. With a global presence in 105 countries, MAC Cosmetics targets a wide range of age groups, particularly millennials aged 23-38, and caters primarily to women, who make up 51.8% of its customer base. The brand is renowned for its high-quality and luxury cosmetic products, and its financial performance has been enhanced through strategic partnerships, such as with Estee Lauder since 1994. MAC Cosmetics has achieved significant online success, with over 3.1 million website visits and a 7.9% growth rate in November 2021, and it has also seen a 17.2X ROI through its collaboration with Insider's Web Suite. The brand's strong online presence and customer engagement metrics, such as an average visit duration of around 6 minutes, further solidify its position in the cosmetics industry. For more details, explore their official website.
NARS
NARS Cosmetics, founded in 1994, is a leading brand in the cosmetics industry, known for its high-quality products and strong market presence. With an estimated annual revenue of $200M to $500M, NARS has established itself as a significant player, especially with 10% of cosmetics and make-up users in the United States utilizing their products. The brand boasts a 51% brand awareness and a 20% usage rate among those who know the brand, with 70% of users showing loyalty to NARS. NARS has also seen strong growth, particularly driven by strategic marketing investments, as highlighted in Shiseido's 2023 results. The brand continues to expand, including the launch of new products like Nars Maison Explicit and the opening of new locations, such as its first store in India. For more information about their product offerings, visit their official website.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty, launched by Rihanna in 2017, is a leading cosmetics brand renowned for its inclusive product range, particularly its 50 shades of Pro Filt'r Longwear Foundation, which cater to a wide array of skin tones. The brand has achieved significant success, with an annual revenue of $582 million and a valuation of $2.8 billion, making it the most successful celebrity beauty brand in the world since 2021. Fenty Beauty's commitment to inclusivity has made it a favorite among Millennials and Gen Z, with 14% of U.S. cosmetics users stating they use the brand and 11% planning to use it again in the future. The brand's strong market presence is also reflected in its high social media following, with over 12 million followers on Instagram. Fenty Beauty's mission to ensure everyone feels included has been a key factor in its rapid growth and global recognition. For more insights on how Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is ranked No. 1 in the world, click here.
Chanel
Chanel stands as a pinnacle in the luxury cosmetics industry, having reported nearly $20 billion in sales in 2023, driven by strong growth across all product lines, including a significant boost from its makeup segment. The brand's Fragrance & Beauty division experienced very strong growth, with successful campaigns and product launches like the 31 Le Rouge lipstick. Chanel's commitment to timeless elegance and sophistication is reflected in its high-quality visuals and consistent branding, which has helped maintain a strong online presence. In 2022, Chanel generated $17.22 billion in revenue, with a brand value of approximately $53.02 billion, solidifying its position as one of the top valuable luxury brands worldwide. The brand's extensive line of cosmetics, featuring products like Chanel No. 5 and Coco Mademoiselle, continues to inspire confidence and align with consumers' desire for luxury and exclusivity. For more information, click to read about Chanel's impressive $20 billion sales in 2023 driven by its makeup segment.
Dior
Dior is a leading luxury brand renowned for its high-quality cosmetics, with a significant market presence globally. In 2022, Dior's perfumes and cosmetics revenue reached EUR7.72 billion, up from EUR6.61 billion in 2021, reflecting the brand's strong performance in this segment. Dior's market share in the luxury goods industry was 2.4% in 2020, with the brand ranking among the top three luxury brands in China. The brand's iconic perfumes, such as "J'adore" and "Miss Dior," have millions of users worldwide, with "J'adore" having 1.77 million users in 2020. Dior's commitment to quality, innovation, and timeless beauty has solidified its position as a premier cosmetics producer. For more insight into Dior's success, you can visit their official statistics page.
Clinique
Clinique, founded in 1968 by Evelyn Lauder, is a pioneering brand in the cosmetics industry, known for its dermatologist-developed, allergy-tested, and fragrance-free skincare products. With a significant market share, Clinique holds 21% of the face care market in the United States, and its brand awareness stands at 74% among face care users. The brand has reported a 10% increase in year-over-year revenue for Q1 2024, driven by strong online sales and new product launches. Clinique operates in over 135 countries and has a strong social media presence, including 3.5 million followers on Instagram and 11 million on Facebook. Its commitment to sustainability and innovative products, such as the 'Clinique Smart Clinical Repair' line, further solidifies its position as a trusted beauty brand. For more details on their offerings, visit Clinique's official website.
Maybelline
Maybelline, owned by L'Oreal, is a leading global brand in the cosmetics industry, renowned for its high-performance makeup products. With a presence in 129 countries, Maybelline targets women aged 15 to 45 and has a significant market share, with 25% of cosmetics and make-up users in the United States using the brand. The company's marketing strategy includes a robust digital and traditional promotion approach, contributing to its strong brand recognition and loyalty, where 84% of its users show loyalty to the brand. Maybelline's product range is extensive, covering face, eyes, lips, and nails, and the brand has seen a notable rise in e-commerce sales, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and diversity, Maybelline continues to be a top choice in the beauty industry. For more information, visit their About Maybelline page.
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