For decades, Mary Kay has been a trusted name in beauty, known for its high-quality skincare and vibrant makeup. Its direct-selling model, led by independent beauty consultants, provides a personalized touch that many people love. The brand's reliable, dermatologist-tested formulas and empowering mission have secured its place as a go-to for beauty enthusiasts.
But if you're looking to explore other brands that offer a similar commitment to quality, performance, and variety, you're in luck. Whether you're after affordable drugstore finds, clean beauty staples, or high-performance luxury, here are 20 brands like Mary Kay worth checking out.
Revlon is a classic beauty staple, offering an enormous range of makeup, nail products, and skincare at super accessible prices, typically from $5 to $20. The brand is known for fun, vibrant, and reliable products, making it a favorite for everyday beauty lovers who want quality without the high price tag. Think iconic lipsticks and foundations that have been trusted for generations.
Like Mary Kay, Revlon delivers dermatologist-tested products you can count on. The main difference is that Revlon focuses on mass-market trends and is available in nearly every drugstore, making it perfect for a quick and convenient beauty grab.
Shop now at revlon.com
L'Oréal Paris is a global beauty powerhouse that brings a touch of affordable luxury to the drugstore aisle. With a massive lineup of skincare, makeup, and hair care typically ranging from $10 to $40, it has a sleek, modern, and trend-conscious vibe. They are particularly known for their technology-driven skincare and premium-feeling foundations.
While Mary Kay offers personalized service, L'Oréal provides widespread availability and a strong focus on scientific innovation in their formulas. If you want premium results and comprehensive product lines without a consultant, L'Oréal is a fantastic alternative.
Shop now at lorealparisusa.com
Standing for "eyes, lips, face," e.l.f. has become famous for its seriously good products at shockingly low prices - often under $10. The brand is 100% cruelty-free and vegan, with a minimalist, trendy aesthetic that appeals to conscious shoppers. Their innovative formulas and skincare-infused makeup often go viral for a reason.
While Mary Kay is known for proven classics, e.l.f. is a go-to for affordable, innovative, and ethically-made beauty. Instead of a direct sales model, you can find their products almost everywhere, making them incredibly accessible.
Shop now at elfcosmetics.com
NYX is the brand for anyone who loves to experiment with color. They are famous for their bold, edgy, and professional-quality cosmetics that won't empty your wallet, with most items priced between $5 and $20. From endless shades of lip liner to vibrant eyeshadows, NYX encourages playful and artistic self-expression.
Similar to Mary Kay, NYX offers professional-grade makeup, but it leans into a younger, more trend-driven aesthetic. If you're looking for high-impact color and Instagram-worthy looks, NYX delivers in spades.
Shop now at nyxcosmetics.com
Milani brings a touch of Italian glamour to the drugstore, offering high-quality, cruelty-free makeup with rich pigmentation and a luxurious feel. Their baked blushes and long-wear foundations are cult favorites, typically costing between $5 and $15. Their style is glamorous, bold, and incredibly polished.
Like Mary Kay, Milani puts a huge emphasis on quality, but it stands out with its inclusive shade ranges and fashion-forward formulas. It's a fantastic choice for anyone seeking professional-level makeup that feels expensive but isn't.
Shop now at milanimakeup.com
If you have sensitive skin, Physicians Formula is your new best friend. This brand specializes in hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved makeup and skincare made with gentle, natural ingredients. Prices generally fall between $10 and $20, and their Murumuru Butter Bronzer is a holy grail for many.
Similar to Mary Kay, Physicians Formula delivers dermatologist-backed solutions. However, its primary focus is on gentle, health-conscious beauty for those with allergy-prone or sensitive skin, making it a standout niche alternative.
Shop now at physiciansformula.com
Known for its iconic lip balm, Burt's Bees has expanded into a full range of natural, eco-friendly skincare and makeup. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients, their products offer gentle formulas with a focus on simple, pure beauty. Expect prices around $8 to $20 for their lipsticks, foundations, and cleansers.
Both Mary Kay and Burt's Bees prioritize quality, but Burt's Bees leans heavily into the natural wellness space. For those who want their beauty routine to be as clean and eco-conscious as possible, this is the perfect brand.
Shop now at burtsbees.com
Easy, breezy, beautiful - CoverGirl has been a household name for decades, offering an inclusive and vibrant range of makeup at wallet-friendly prices ($4-$20). Their entire line is now Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning they're 100% cruelty-free. It's trusted, accessible, and perfect for both classic and trendy looks.
Much like Mary Kay, CoverGirl offers reliable, dermatologist-tested products beloved by generations of women. However, it operates on a mass-market scale, making it a go-to for easy, everyday beauty you can grab at your local store.
Shop now at covergirl.com
If you crave pigment, Juvia's Place is where you'll find it. This brand is celebrated for its incredibly vibrant eyeshadow palettes and high-impact makeup inspired by African culture. With prices typically between $10 and $30, it delivers unparalleled color payoff that celebrates diverse beauty.
While more niche than Mary Kay, Juvia’s Place offers an unbeatable formula for bold, artistic looks. It’s perfect for anyone who wants their makeup to make a statement and values a brand with a strong cultural story.
Shop now at juviasplace.com
ColourPop is the internet's favorite beauty brand, known for its fun, trendy, and ultra-affordable makeup that’s produced and released at lightning speed. From creative collaborations to an endless stream of eyeshadow palettes, lip glosses, and skincare, most products are priced from $5 to $15. It's the ultimate brand for trying new trends without commitment.
ColourPop offers the same comprehensive range as Mary Kay but operates at the fast-paced, digital-first end of the spectrum. If you love discovering what’s new and now in beauty, you’ll love their constant product drops.
Shop now at colourpop.com
Pixi is all about fresh, luminous skin, offering skincare-infused makeup that aims to give you a natural, healthy glow. Famous for its Glow Tonic, the brand has a full line of products that enhance your features without masking them, with prices typically between $15 and $30. Its aesthetic is effortless, radiant, and clean.
Like Mary Kay, Pixi emphasizes the skincare benefits in its makeup. However, Pixi's entire identity is built around achieving that "lit from within" look, making it ideal for those who prefer fresh-faced, minimalist beauty.
Shop now at pixibeauty.com
Tarte delivers high-performance, cruelty-free makeup with a focus on "good-for-you" ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. With prices from $20 to $40, their fan-favorite products like Shape Tape concealer and Amazonian clay blushes are known for incredible results. They blend glamour with a natural, conscious ethos.
Sharing Mary Kay's commitment to quality, dermatologist-backed formulas, Tarte is unique in its "high-performance naturals" approach. It's perfect for a shopper who wants glamorous, long-lasting makeup powered by skin-friendly ingredients.
Shop now at tartecosmetics.com
Alamar Cosmetics is a vibrant, Latinx-owned brand that celebrates culture through its bold and beautiful makeup collections. Priced affordably from $10 to $25, their products are known for intense color payoff, easy blendability, and inclusive shades. The brand story is all about cultural pride and quality performance.
Alamar is a unique alternative that combines quality formulas with powerful storytelling. It appeals to a new generation of beauty lovers who want makeup that is both expressive and culturally meaningful.
Shop now at alamarcosmetics.com
Kosas makes clean makeup that's as good for your skin as skincare. With a minimalist, modern vibe, their products like the Revealer Concealer and Tinted Face Oil are packed with nourishing ingredients. Priced from $20 to $40, Kosas is perfect for achieving that effortless "no-makeup makeup" look.
Similar to Mary Kay, Kosas prioritizes skin health, but it does so from a decidedly clean and minimalist perspective. It is the go-to brand for the modern beauty shopper who values safe ingredients and chic, minimal packaging.
Shop now at kosas.com
Launched by Rihanna, Fenty Beauty changed the makeup game with its radically inclusive shade ranges and innovative formulas. The brand is known for its Pro Filt'r foundation, Killawatt highlighters, and Gloss Bomb lip glosses. While more high-end at $20 to $50, Fenty delivers bold, trendsetting looks for every single skin tone.
While Mary Kay offers trusted classics, Fenty focuses on high-impact, rule-breaking beauty. It’s the perfect brand for anyone seeking superior shade matching and glamorous, modern products celebrated for their performance and inclusivity.
Shop now at fentybeauty.com
The Balm brings a dose of fun to your makeup bag with its quirky, retro-inspired packaging and high-quality formulas. Known for its cheeky product names and multi-tasking palettes, the brand offers blushes, highlighters, and eyeshadows typically priced between $10 and $25. Their vibe is playful, unapologetic, and vintage-cool.
Just like Mary Kay, The Balm emphasizes quality products that perform well. However, its standout branding and fun, personality-driven approach make it a delightful choice for makeup lovers who don't take themselves too seriously.
Shop now at thebalm.com
Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) is the undisputed queen of brows, but the brand also excels in creating professional-grade makeup for the rest of the face. Their iconic eyeshadow palettes, liquid lipsticks, and contour kits are artist-approved essentials, generally priced from $20. Its aesthetic is polished, precise, and glamorous.
ABH offers the same professional quality as Mary Kay but specializes in tools for creating sculpted, high-impact looks. If brow perfection or a perfectly contoured face is your goal, ABH is an industry leader.
Shop now at anastasiabeverlyhills.com
Founded by makeup artist Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty delivers over-the-top glamour with its bold, high-performance products. The brand is famous for dramatic eyeshadow palettes, full-coverage foundations, and long-lasting liquid lipsticks, with prices ranging from $20 to $50. It’s all about making a statement.
Huda Beauty shares Mary Kay’s commitment to quality but amplifies the drama and luxury. This is the brand for the beauty enthusiast who loves trendsetting, high-impact makeup that commands attention.
Shop now at hudabeauty.com
From the legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, this luxury brand is the pinnacle of innovation and opulence. Known for its otherworldly eyeshadow formulas, divine lipsticks, and luminous highlighters, Pat McGrath Labs offers runway-ready artistry. This is a premium brand, with prices often starting at $30 and going up.
While much more upscale than Mary Kay, Pat McGrath Labs is for the serious beauty aficionado who wants the absolute best in formula and creativity. It's an investment in an unparalleled makeup experience.
Shop now at patmcgrath.com
BareMinerals pioneered the clean beauty movement with its famous mineral-based foundations, long before "clean" was a buzzword. The brand focuses on natural, skin-improving makeup and skincare, with prices mostly ranging between $15 and $35. Its aesthetic is fresh, authentic, and effortlessly beautiful.
Like Mary Kay, BareMinerals uses dermatologist-tested, skin-friendly formulas. Its defining characteristic, however, is its commitment to clean, mineral-based ingredients that promote healthier skin, making it a go-to for natural beauty devotees.
Shop now at bareminerals.com
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