If you're serious about makeup, you probably have a special place in your heart for Makeup Forever. Known for its high-performance, super-pigmented products that are mainstays in professional makeup artists' kits, the brand delivers flawless results whether you're on a photo shoot or just heading to the office. Their commitment to pro-grade formulas makes them a go-to for anyone who wants their look to last.
But if you're ready to expand your kit and discover other brands that share that same commitment to quality, pigmentation, and performance, you're in the right place. Here are 31 brands that rival Makeup Forever and are beloved by artists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Kryolan is a heavyweight in the world of professional makeup, trusted for theater, film, and special effects. Their products are legendary for being incredibly pigmented, durable, and safe for skin under intense conditions. Where Makeup Forever bridges the gap between pro and consumer beauty, Kryolan leans more heavily into specialty effects and intense stage makeup, making it a dream for anyone looking for high-impact, creative products.
Shop now at kryolan.com
Another icon in theatrical makeup, Ben Nye is famous for its powders, character makeup wheels, and special effects staples. If you love Makeup Forever for its reliability and artist-approved formulas, Ben Nye delivers on that promise, especially for performance art. Their classic Banana Powder became a cult favorite for its ability to set makeup flawlessly without flashback, proving its utility for both stage and everyday glam.
Shop now at bennye.com
You may not see RCMA lining the shelves at your local Sephora, but it's a cult-favorite secret weapon for many professional makeup artists. They are most famous for their cream foundations, which have a pure pigment base (no water or perfume) and create a seamless, skin-like finish. Like Makeup Forever, RCMA offers pro-grade quality, but it's particularly known for its versatile foundation palettes that are an incredible value for working artists.
Shop now at rcmamakeup.com
This French professional brand delivers high-quality formulas designed for long wear and photographic perfection. Their waterproof gel eyeliners and 5-pan eyeshadow palettes are staples for Asian makeup artists who need products that can withstand humidity, heat, and long hours under studio lights. It shares Makeup Forever's Parisian roots and commitment to vibrant, durable pigments that cater to artists and discerning makeup lovers.
Shop now at makeupatelier.com
Famous for its professional performance, theatrical, and special effects makeup, Mehron is a must-know for creative artists. From intense body paints to their velvety Celebre Pro-HD Cream foundations, their products deliver bold pigments and incredible durability. Similar to Makeup Forever's pro lineup but with a stronger focus on stage, SFX, and Halloween makeup, Mehron is where you go when you need truly transformative color.
Shop now at mehron.com
Temptu is the gold standard in airbrush makeup, offering systems that create a flawless, soft-focus finish perfect for bridal, broadcast, and special events. If you love the skin-perfecting philosophy behind Makeup Forever's HD line, Temptu takes it to the next level with its lightweight, buildable airbrush formulas. It's a different application method, but the goal is the same: professional, camera-ready skin.
Shop now at temptu.com
Looking for pro-level products on a budget? NYX nails it. With viral hits like the Epic Ink Liner and Butter Gloss, NYX offers a massive range of on-trend, highly-pigmented products at drugstore prices. They share Makeup Forever's artist-driven spirit and dedication to colorful, creative products, but with a much more accessible price point (think under $20), making them perfect for experimenting.
Shop now at nyxcosmetics.com
KVD Beauty is all about bold, high-performance makeup with a rebellious, artistic edge. It's famous for intensely pigmented, long-wearing vegan formulas like the Tattoo Liner and Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. KVD Beauty shares Makeup Forever's dedication to makeup that stays put, but their vibe is distinctly more gothic and edgy, designed for statement-making looks that don't compromise on wear time.
Shop now at kvdbeauty.com
Makeup Revolution is known for affordable, high-quality makeup, often offering trendy palettes and products inspired by luxury brands. Their lineup includes tons of pigmented options and an inclusive shade range. If you love the high-impact colors of Makeup Forever but want to play without the high price tag, Makeup Revolution offers amazing dupes and innovative formulas that deliver impressive results for less.
Shop now at makeuprevolution.com
Lime Crime carved out its niche with bold, ultra-vivid colors and playful packaging. If you're drawn to Makeup Forever for its artist-centric color options, Lime Crime takes that idea and runs with it, offering unconventional shades in lipsticks, eyeshadows, and hair tints. They target a fearless, expressive audience who sees makeup as a true form of creativity, with a focus on vibrant, statement looks.
Shop now at limecrimemakeup.com
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty made waves with its inclusive approach, launching with 40 foundation shades right out of the gate. But beyond its incredible shade range, the formulas are top-tier, offering long wear and high performance. Fenty prioritizes a professional finish, just like Makeup Forever, but with a fresh, modern perspective on what "skin" looks like and a cult following for its standout highlighters and universal lip glosses.
Shop now at fentybeauty.com
While ABH built its empire on perfect brows, the brand has since become a powerhouse in color cosmetics. Their eyeshadow palettes are celebrated for buttery, blendable formulas and incredible pigmentation, and their liquid lipsticks offer intense, lasting color. They share Makeup Forever's commitment to high-pigment, artist-quality products but have become particularly famous for their rich, warm-toned eyeshadow palettes and killer brow kits.
Shop now at anastasiabeverlyhills.com
Founded by makeup artist turned mogul Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty offers unapologetically glamorous products with professional credibility. Known for intensely pigmented eyeshadow palettes and full-coverage "#FauxFilter" foundations, the products are built to perform. The aesthetic is more glamorous and trendy than Makeup Forever's, but the demand for powerful formulas and rich color payoff is exactly the same.
Shop now at hudabeauty.com
If pigment is your obsession, Juvia's Place is your brand. Inspired by African cultures, their eyeshadow palettes are legendary for their blindingly beautiful metallics and rich, vibrant mattes that pop on all skin tones. They offer the professional-quality pigmentation that Makeup Forever fans love but at an exceptionally affordable price point, making them a go-to for artists who want bold, high-impact looks without splurging.
Shop now at juviasplace.com
Beauty Bakerie wraps high-performance makeup in adorable, food-themed packaging. Don't let the cuteness fool you - their formulas are serious business. Known for their "smudge-proof" Matte Lip Whips and inclusive foundation ranges, this brand focuses on long-lasting, quality products. They offer the same reliability as Makeup Forever but with a sweet, playful vibe that adds a touch of fun to your routine.
Shop now at beautybakerie.com
From the legendary "Mother" of makeup herself, Pat McGrath Labs is the pinnacle of luxury artistry. Known for innovative textures, otherworldly eyeshadows, and sublime skin products, this brand is pure opulence. It represents the height of editorial beauty, offering formulas with a quality and pigment level similar to Makeup Forever but elevating it into a high-fashion, ultra-luxe experience with a much higher price tag to match.
Shop now at patmcgrath.com
This Irish brand has made a name for itself through artist collaborations and seriously impressive color cosmetics. They are beloved for vibrant, high-impact eyeshadow palettes and innovative formulas like their Chroma Cover luminous matte foundation. BPerfect shares Makeup Forever's dedication to bold, professional results and trendy color stories, attracting a loyal following of makeup artists and creators.
Shop now at bperfect.com
Morphe democratized professional beauty creativity with its mega eyeshadow palettes, extensive brush collections, and influencer collaborations. They deliver impressive color payoff and blendable formulas at a very affordable price point, giving aspiring artists access to professional-style tools and palettes. Morphe is the budget-friendly way to replicate the extensive kit variety that a brand like Makeup Forever champions.
Shop now at morphe.com
Sleek MakeUP is a UK gem known for its on-trend, pigment-packed products that cater to a wide range of skin tones. Their i-Divine eyeshadow palettes and highly-pigmented blushes deliver results comparable to much pricier brands. If you're looking for the versatility and rich pigmentation of Makeup Forever with an affordable, high-street price tag, Sleek is a fantastic choice.
Shop now at sleekmakeup.com
Sitting at the intersection of skincare and makeup, Farsali is famous for its primer serums, skin mists, and other glow-enhancing products that create a perfect canvas for makeup. While their focus is skin prep, their products are designed to enhance professional-looking makeup, a philosophy often championed by brands like Makeup Forever and their UltraHD line.
Shop now at farsali.com
Online beauty retailer Beauty Bay has its own in-house line of makeup. These products, from the 42-pan eyeshadow to the Bright Liquid Color line, offer high-quality formulas without breaking the bank. Beauty Bay's collection is a great alternative for those who love Makeup Forever's professional edge but appreciate a more budget-friendly approach.
Shop now at beautybay.com
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