For decades, Mary Kay has been a trusted name in beauty, offering classic makeup and reliable skincare that makes you feel polished and put-together. It's the go-to brand for women who appreciate timeless elegance, quality formulas, and that personal touch.
If you love Mary Kay's dependable style but are curious about what else is out there, you're in luck. We've rounded up 18 similar brands that deliver on quality, performance, and everyday glamour. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly finds or natural alternatives, here are some new favorites to add to your makeup bag.
L’Oréal Paris is a drugstore staple that consistently delivers high-quality formulas at an affordable price. You'll find a massive selection of makeup, skincare, and haircare, from their iconic Infallible foundations ($10-$20) to their Colour Riche lipsticks ($8-$15).
Like Mary Kay, L’Oréal is a reliable brand with a polished, classic aesthetic. However, L’Oréal often feels more modern, leaning into cutting-edge skincare tech and trendier color collections that cater to a wide audience. It's a great choice if you want dependability with a slightly more fashion-forward twist.
Shop now at lorealparisusa.com
Revlon brings a touch of glam to everyday life with its bold, vibrant makeup rooted in classic Hollywood style. Known for their Super Lustrous lipsticks ($8-$15) and ColorStay foundations ($10-$20), their products are user-friendly staples that perform beautifully.
Both Revlon and Mary Kay have universal appeal, but Revlon tends to lean into more playful, youthful styles. If you love the reliability of Mary Kay but want bolder colors and a bit more flair in your routine, Revlon is a perfect match.
Shop now at revlon.com
Famous for being budget-friendly, cruelty-free, and high-quality, e.l.f. has become a powerhouse in the beauty world. Most of their viral products, from primers to lip oils, are under $15. They focus on clean, trend-setting formulas that make experimenting with new looks easy and affordable.
While e.l.f. shares Mary Kay's goal of providing accessible products, it caters to a younger, more trend-focused shopper. If you're looking for fun, innovative makeup to play with without a big investment, e.l.f. has you covered.
Shop now at elfcosmetics.com
Maybelline is the pulse of New York City in makeup form: modern, versatile, and always on-trend. From cult-favorite mascaras like the Sky High ($6-$12) to their inclusive Fit Me foundations ($10-$20), they are a go-to for high-performance products at drugstore prices.
Compared to Mary Kay's timeless feel, Maybelline has a more contemporary, energized vibe driven by social media and influencer collaborations. It’s an excellent alternative for dependable makeup that keeps up with the latest trends.
Shop now at maybelline.com
Easy, breezy, and beautiful, Covergirl is known for its approachable and fun take on beauty. They champion inclusivity with products like their TruBlend foundations ($8-$15) and Lash Blast mascaras. Their brand is vibrant, friendly, and all about helping you be unapologetically you.
Like Mary Kay, Covergirl offers accessible makeup with a warm, welcoming spirit. The key difference is Covergirl's aim for a younger audience with playful packaging and campaigns that celebrate individuality with a pop of color.
Shop now at covergirl.com
Inspired by the rich colors and glamour of Milan, this brand delivers luxurious, high-quality makeup at incredibly affordable prices (typically $5-$15 per item). Milani is famous for its richly pigmented blushes, setting sprays, and long-lasting lipsticks that prove you don’t need to splurge for incredible quality.
Milani shares Mary Kay's commitment to reliability but with a punchier, edgier aesthetic. Their shades are often more vibrant and trend-driven, perfect for someone who loves a statement look.
Shop now at milanicosmetics.com
If you have sensitive skin, Physicians Formula is your new best friend. This dermatologist-developed brand focuses on creating hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly makeup. Their iconic Murumuru Butter Bronzer ($10-$15) and other products are formulated to be gentle without sacrificing performance.
Both Physicians Formula and Mary Kay appeal to women seeking dependable, skin-conscious products. Physicians Formula’s main differentiator is its heavy focus on natural, gentle ingredients, making it ideal for those with skin sensitivities.
Shop now at physiciansformula.com
Juvia’s Place is legendary for its vibrant, intensely pigmented eyeshadow palettes inspired by African heritage. With most products in the $10-$20 range, the brand is celebrated for its incredible color payoff and inclusive foundation shades. Their aesthetic is bold, artistic, and unapologetically stunning.
Unlike Mary Kay's classic approach, Juvia’s Place is daring and trend-driven. It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves using makeup as a creative outlet and isn't afraid of a statement eye.
Shop now at juviasplace.com
NYX is the go-to for pro-level makeup without the pro-level price tag. With most products priced between $5-$15, it's a paradise for makeup lovers who want to follow the latest Instagram trends. Their Butter Glosses, Epic Ink Liner, and jumbo eye pencils are cult favorites for a reason.
While Mary Kay is about timeless looks, NYX is edgy, experimental, and always on the cutting edge. It’s perfect for the fashion-forward consumer who wants affordable tools to express their creativity.
Shop now at nyxcosmetics.com
A true pioneer in clean beauty, BareMinerals is known for its beloved mineral-based foundations ($20-$35) that look and feel like a second skin. Their philosophy is all about creating makeup that doubles as skincare, offering a minimalist, sophisticated aesthetic for a natural, healthy glow.
Like Mary Kay, BareMinerals prioritizes quality and skin health. However, BareMinerals targets a more upscale, eco-conscious audience with its strong emphasis on vegan, natural ingredients and recyclable packaging.
Shop now at bareminerals.com
You probably know Burt’s Bees for their iconic lip balm, but their makeup line is just as impressive. Centered around natural, cruelty-free formulas, their products offer skincare benefits with makeup performance. Everything feels lightweight and nourishing, with prices generally between $8-$20.
Both brands offer skin-friendly products, but Burt’s Bees is deeply rooted in sustainability and natural ingredients. It’s the perfect match for the eco-conscious shopper who wants fresh, simple, and effective beauty solutions.
Shop now at burtsbees.com
Famous for its Shape Tape concealer, Tarte combines high-performance makeup with clean, cruelty-free, and plant-based ingredients. Their products, like their Amazonian Clay foundations ($30+), offer a modern, slightly glam vibe. Tarte stands out for its commitment to creating eco-friendly products that actually work.
Tarte and Mary Kay are both trusted brands, but Tarte feels trendier and more luxurious. With its focus on sustainability and fun packaging, it's a great option for those who want effective products with a conscience.
Shop now at tartecosmetics.com
If you live for the newest trends, ColourPop is your brand. They are known for moving at lightning speed, dropping new, highly pigmented makeup collections and fun collaborations constantly. Best of all, most products cost between $5-$12, making it easy to experiment with bold looks without guilt.
ColourPop and Mary Kay are worlds apart in aesthetic - Mary Kay is timeless while ColourPop is daringly of-the-moment. But if you're looking for an affordable playground of vibrant colors from a reliable company, ColourPop is a must-try.
Shop now at colourpop.com
As one of the original dermatologist-developed brands, Clinique focuses on fragrance-free, allergy-tested products that prioritize skin health. Their skincare-infused makeup, like the Even Better foundation ($25-$35), provides a flawless, polished look. The vibe is classic, clinical, and clean.
Mary Kay and Clinique both emphasize reliable results and skincare benefits. Clinique is often perceived as more clinical and has a loyal following for its fuss-free approach to beauty for sensitive skin.
Shop now at clinique.com
The Balm is all about fun, personality, and multi-tasking makeup, seen in its playful, retro-inspired packaging and cheeky product names. Their Bahama Mama bronzer and Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter ($10-$20) are staples for anyone who loves vibrant color and high-quality formulas that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Like Mary Kay, The Balm offers versatile, user-friendly products. But it stands out with its quirky branding and vintage-chic aesthetic, bringing a sense of flirty fun to your makeup routine.
Shop now at thebalm.com
Pixi is on a mission to bring out your natural, lit-from-within radiance. Known for their cult-favorite Glow Tonic and other skincare-infused makeup, their aesthetic is fresh, dewy, and all about the glow. Their products, priced in the $20-$30 range, work to enhance your skin, not just cover it up.
While Mary Kay also integrates skincare into its products, Pixi leans heavily into the dewy glow trend. If your goal is fresh, glowing skin with a hint of natural color, Pixi is the brand for you.
Shop now at pixibeauty.com
Developed with plastic surgeons and dermatologists, IT Cosmetics is famous for full-coverage makeup powered by anti-aging skincare. Their products, such as the Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream ($30-$40), solve skin concerns while providing a polished, flawless finish.
IT Cosmetics shares Mary Kay’s focus on reliable, skin-enhancing formulas but serves a more premium market. It’s the perfect step up if your main goal is high-performance coverage that addresses concerns like redness, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Shop now at itcosmetics.com
Created by Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty is all about providing high-end makeup at drugstore prices. From their Light Illusion foundation ($10-$20) to their Petal Pout lip colors, the aesthetic is fresh, modern, and effortlessly chic. Their products are cruelty-free and designed to make you feel beautiful in your own skin.
Like Mary Kay, Flower Beauty offers dependable quality at an accessible price. It distinguishes itself with trendy-but-wearable shades and approachable, pretty packaging that makes sophisticated makeup feel easy and fun.
Shop now at flowerbeauty.com
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