The ranking
Every house we have scored
One rubric, five weighted criteria, no sponsored placements. A score describes the brand on its publication date — reformulations and price rises move it, and we say so when they do.
9Brands scored
7.7Mean score
1Rated 8.6+
#BrandBest forPrice bandScore
01
Fenty BeautyMakeup Brands · Outstanding
Complexion matching at either end of the depth range$20–$428.6/10Review 02
Rare BeautyMakeup Brands · Strong
Cream blush, and anyone who struggles with standard cosmetic packaging$16–$348.4/10Review 03
NARS CosmeticsMakeup Brands · Strong
Blush, concealer, and anyone who cares about pigment payoff$26–$547.9/10Review 04
MAC CosmeticsMakeup Brands · Strong
Lipstick, and long-wear complexion for photography or stage$22–$487.7/10Review 05
Merit BeautyMakeup Brands · Strong
A complete five-minute face from a range small enough to hold in your head$16–$387.7/10Review 06
Charlotte TilburyMakeup Brands · Strong
Complexion products with a soft-focus, camera-ready finish$25–$1007.6/10Review 07
Anastasia Beverly HillsMakeup Brands · Mixed
Eyebrows — genuinely the best range in the industry$18–$657.3/10Review 08
Urban DecayMakeup Brands · Mixed
Setting spray, and eyeshadow that survives a long night$22–$587.2/10Review