11 Most Expensive Makeup Brands that are Worth the Money

Some makeup brands are cult classics sitting at the top of the luxury beauty pyramid.

If you’re curious already, let us take you on a glamorous tour through the world of the most expensive makeup brands.

As you read on, you’ll know the history, why these brands are worth the splurge, and their best products.

Why is Expensive Makeup so Popular?

Makeup deemed expensive isn’t just about the price but also the value, quality, and experience it brings.

With beauty-conscious consumers and influencers on the rise, people are investing more and more in luxury brands. A report from Zion Market Research predicts that the global luxury cosmetics market will reach $75.16 billion by 2030.

Luxury makeup can be worth your money because it:

• Uses top-tier, highly-concentrated ingredients sourced from exotic regions. This can mean richer pigments for eyeshadows, smooth foundation textures, and potentially gentler formulas for sensitive skin. Best of all, they’re kinder on the skin.
• Invests heavily in researching and developing innovative textures and long-lasting formulas to match the needs of most skin types.
• Designs packaging that’s often as luxurious as the product itself. Gold accents, heavy-duty glass, and intricate designs surely ooze luxurious comfort.
• Can reduce costs since you tend to use them less than cheaper brands.

Top Most Expensive Makeup Brands

1. Dior (for Parisian chic)

Price range: $30-$100

Dior’s makeup line exudes elegance and sophistication. Renowned for its couture-inspired makeup, Dior prioritizes high coverage, luxe packaging, and timeless appeal.

Christian Dior founded this luxury makeup brand in 1946. This high-end French beauty brand makes cosmetics, fragrances, and skincare products. Its formulas are rich and long-wearing, and the packaging is chic.

Fashionistas and celebrities enjoy Dior’s products, often seen on the red carpet. Elegant and creative, the brand has made a name for itself.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Unparalleled pigmentation and luxurious textures
• Long-lasting and flawless finish
• Cutting-edge formula
• Wrapped up in luxury

Best Products from Dior

• Forever Skin Glow Foundation
• Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara
• Addict Lip Glow
• Diorshow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil
• Rouge Dior Couture Color Lipstick

2. Chanel (classic elegance)

Price range: $40-$200

Chanel, a fashion giant, also produces high-end cosmetics. This brand’s products are undoubtedly high-quality and expensive.

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel founded Chanel in 1910. This brand is known for its luxury and sophistication. In its history, it has created iconic beauty products that women love.

Whether you’re a stylish everyday woman or a high-end fashionista, Chanel makeup will meet your needs. It’s elegant and luxurious, so it’s a good choice for those looking for beauty and confidence.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Made from premium ingredients
• Statement of elegance and refinement
• Wearable, simple formula
• Exceptional packaging

Best Products from Chanel

• Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
• Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour
• LE Volume DE Mascara
• Joues Contraste Powder Blush
• Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick

3. Yves Saint Laurent (again, Parisian edge)

Price range: $29-$210

A natural look was the hallmark of Yves Saint Laurent’s makeup in the past. Although his style has evolved over time, the fundamentals remain the same. In 1978, he founded YSL Makeup.

Known for its bold aesthetic, YSL makeup mirrors the designer’s fearless spirit with its initial focus on striking red and fuchsia lipsticks. This focus on a “statement lip” continues today, embodying Saint Laurent’s belief that makeup should empower the wearer.

YSL makeup products are gender-neutral and designed to enhance facial features.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• High-performance makeup
• Uses advanced technology for long-lasting results
• Sleek and modern packaging

Best Products from Yves Saint Laurent

• All Hours Foundation SPF 20
• Rouge Pur Couture Pure Colour Satiny Radiance Lipstick
• Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick
• Touche Éclat Brightening Pen
• Dessin Du Regard Waterproof Eye Pencil

4. Elizabeth Arden (skincare-infused makeup)

Price range: $22-$199

The makeup products available at that time failed to satisfy Elizabeth Arden, so she created her own makeup line in 1910. Her core belief was that beauty stems from healthy skin, not just makeup coverage. Ever since its founding, it’s been about skin-nourishing formulas.

Beauty empowers women, and that’s what the brand is all about. Elizabeth Arden’s most coveted makeup line is rooted in a combination of science and luxury.

Each product is enriched with skin-loving vitamins and antioxidants, formulated to protect the skin while offering a beautiful makeup finish.

Elizabeth Arden’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of healthy beauty is still at the core of the Elizabeth Arden brand today.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• The fusion of skincare and makeup gives you not just good skin but also a healthy glow
• Uses ingredients backed by science
• Elegant packaging that reflects its rich history

Best Products from Elizabeth Arden

• Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup
• Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup
• New Grand Entrance Dramatic Volume Mascara
• Ceramide Ultra Lipstick
• Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer

5. Estée Lauder (luxe textures)

Price range: $15-$225

Estee Lauder is a famous makeup brand with millions of fans.

Founded by an acclaimed makeup mogul, Estée Lauder, and her husband, Joseph Lauder, in 1946, the brand is a global beauty force. Designed with the mantra, “Never underestimate any woman’s desire for beauty”, their makeup is crafted to bring out the best in you.

With prices that can easily rival designer clothes and handbags, this makeup line is not for the faint of heart – or anyone on a budget.

It’s famous for its anti-aging skincare line, too. But if you’re looking for extraordinary, high-performing makeup that’ll make you look like a million bucks, go for Estée Lauder.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• High-quality ingredients deliver top-tier results on the skin
• Brings you the latest in skincare and makeup
• Packaging that’s a pleasure to use

Best Products from Estée Lauder

• Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation
• Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
• Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara and more
• Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick
• The Brow Multitasker

6. Mary Kay (empowering beauty)

Price range: $14-$165

Mary Kay combines quality with community and empowers women through beauty and entrepreneurship.

Since its founding by Mary Kay Ash in 1963, Mary Kay has been a market leader in direct-selling cosmetics. Currently, Mary Kay operates in over 35 countries and has over 3 million independent sales consultants.

Fans of Mary Kay’s most expensive makeup products typically appreciate the finer things in life. Their makeup caters to a diverse range of skin tones and types. They’re willing to pay top dollar for top-of-the-line products.

Women who want their skin to look its best or who are celebrating a special occasion know it’s worth the extra expense.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Inclusive shade ranges
• Uses advanced formulations for targeted results
• An elegant, user-friendly packaging
• Enhancing beauty while supporting a greater cause

Best Products from Mary Kay

• TimeWise Matte Wear Liquid Foundation
• Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
• Chromafusion Blush
• Ultimate Mascara™
• True Dimensions Lipstick

7. Smashbox (photo-ready finishes)

Price range: $9-$99

With a fusion of professional quality and everyday usability, Smashbox caters to those seeking flawless, camera-ready looks that last all day.

Founded in 1996, Smashbox Cosmetics was founded by brothers Dean and Davis Factor, great-grandsons of makeup artist Max Factor. The company started as a photography studio in Los Angeles, and the founders soon began creating makeup products for the shoots.

A-list celebrities, Hollywood stars, models, and other industry professionals rave about Smashbox products. If you want makeup that can withstand the demands of a professional photoshoot, Smashbox is your brand. It’s not just for everyday use but for red carpet events, photoshoots, and special occasions, too.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Long-lasting, high-performance formulas
• Developed with input from professional makeup artists
• Sleek packaging that’s perfect for on-the-go application

Best Products from Smashbox

• Studio Skin 15-Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
• The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
• The Cali Contour ShapeBronzeGlow Pallet
• Superfan Fanned-out Mascara
• Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick

8. Tom Ford (luxe packaging)

Price range: $40-$150

Many celebrities and everyday people wear Tom Ford makeup.

Tom Ford’s makeup has a long and interesting history. Founded in 2005 after fashion designer Tom Ford left Gucci, the brand quickly became a force in the high-end makeup market.

What started with one fragrance has grown into cosmetics and, soon, skincare. Ford’s makeup line embodies a glamorous, confident aesthetic.

People from all walks of life use their award-winning makeup products. Tom Ford’s makeup reflects the designer’s signature aesthetic, with a glamorous feel that fuses with his daring fashion creations.

For those with a refined taste in makeup, it’s a great brand to try—you’re clearly investing in luxury and elegance.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Formulated with top-tier ingredients
• Bold and fashion-forward color ranges
• Elegant packaging that reflects its high-end status

Best Products from Tom Ford

• Traceless Foundation Stick
• Illuminate Highlighter & Shader Duet
• Soleil Eye and Cheek Palette
• Lip Color Matte
• Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation

9. jane iredale (mineral-based formula)

Price range: $15-169

Since its founding in 1994, Jane Iredale products hinge on the idea that less is more and use the finest minerals and pigments to create a natural, glowing look.

We’re talking about a long-established, award-winning, healthy beauty brand. The company sells minerals-based cosmetics in over 30 countries and is one of the first of its kind.

Those who don’t want harsh chemicals in their makeup will love Jane Iredale. Irredale’s collection has something for everyone, regardless of your makeup experience.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Exceptional mineral makeup that prioritizes healthy skin
• Clean beauty approach
• Eco-friendly packaging that aligns with its clean beauty ethos

Best Products from jane iredale

• PurePressed® Base Mineral Foundation
• CircleDelete Concealer
• Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner
• Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara
• Just Kissed™ Lip and Cheek Stain

10. Charlotte Tilbury (red-carpet glam)

Price range: $23-$566

One of the most costliest makeup brands is Charlotte Tilbury. While the products are expensive, the quality is undeniable.

It’s a makeup line inspired by Charlotte Tilbury’s red carpet experience, launched in 2013. Makeup should give you a “starlit” confidence, she says. It’s famous for its high-quality products and formulas. There’s a lot of buzz about it in magazines, on TV, and social media.

Charlotte Tilbury is known for her gorgeous, timeless makeup looks, and most of her fans are devoted makeup fans who have tried most of its products.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• Focus on red-carpet-inspired looks
• Accentuates natural beauty with delicate colors
• Long-lasting wear and gorgeous finish

Best Products from Charlotte Tilbury

• Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
• Pillow Talk Blush
• Matte Revolution Lipstick Pillow Talk
• Filmstar Bronze & Glow
• Pillow Talk Pushup Lashes

11. Guerlain (beauty alchemy)

Price range: $40-$95

Founded in 1828, Guerlain boasts a rich history that began with fragrances and has blossomed into a luxurious cosmetics empire.

Guerlain’s philosophy? Makeup should be an art form. High-quality ingredients and the finest ingredients go into every product they manufacture, making them one of the most loved beauty brands.

Almost all their makeup products have a luxe touch: gold-colored, reassuringly heavy, and sleekly designed.

What makes it worth the splurge?

• For those who appreciate history and luxury
• Luxurious formulations
• High-quality, innovative makeup

Best Products from Guerlain

• Terracotta Le Teint Foundation
• Rouge G The Customisable Ultra-Care Lipstick
• Meteorites Pearls
• Terracotta Light Blush
• KissKiss Bee Glow Honey Tint Balm

So, is the hype around high-end makeup justified?

Well, it depends on your priorities and needs. It can be a worthwhile investment if you:

• Have specific skin concerns that high-end makeup can address with specialized ingredients.
• Prioritize a flawless, long-lasting finish and are willing to pay for the (potentially) higher performance.
• Prefer luxurious experience and packaging.

Tips for Choosing Expensive Makeup Wisely

• Know your needs: Analyze your skin type, makeup goals (everyday wear or full glam?), and what you want to improve.
• Research and reviews: Read online reviews from beauty bloggers and makeup artists with similar skin tones and makeup goals, watch makeup tutorials featuring the product, and, if you can, get samples. You can also research dupes before going all out on a high-end option.
• Invest in multi-use products: For maximum value, go for multi-use products like cream blushes that can double as eyeshadows or a lip tint you can use as blush, too. Also, look at how much the product costs per use and how often you’ll use it.
• Wait for sales: High-end brands often have seasonal sales or special promotions. Wait for a sale or sign up for loyalty programs to score deals.

Bottom line

Makeup comes in all shapes of quality and price. It’s important to remember that you don’t always get what you pay for, but if you invest in high-quality makeup products, they’ll perform better and last a lot longer. We hope this guide on the most expensive makeup brands helps you find the perfect makeup at a price that works best for your budget.