March 25, 2025
Your Guide to the Top 20 Cosmetic Brands in the UAE

Stepping into the Cosmetics scene here in the UAE, you’re immediately met with a dazzling array of the Top Cosmetic Brands, each promising to enhance your natural radiance. From the high-end glamour we all admire to the more accessible finds that fit seamlessly into our daily routines, the variety truly reflects the diverse tastes of beauty lovers across the Emirates. Let’s explore some of the most talked-about names and their hero products, giving you an insider’s look at what’s currently making waves.
Luxury Cosmetic Brands Commanding Attention in the UAE
First off, for those who appreciate a touch of luxury:
MAC Cosmetics: The Professional’s Palette
A true icon in the beauty world, MAC is celebrated for its pro-level performance and an incredible spectrum of shades. For instance, consider their legendary Studio Fix Foundation, a staple for achieving a flawless base, and the universally flattering Ruby Woo lipstick, essential in any serious makeup collection. Indeed, it’s the go-to brand for both seasoned makeup artists and individuals who value exceptional quality and extensive choice.
NARS Cosmetics: Bold Colors for the Trendsetter
Known for its daring colors and innovative textures, NARS has cultivated a dedicated following for good reason. Their Orgasm blush, for example, is a must-have for achieving that perfect flush, and the Radiant Creamy Concealer is a game-changer for creating a flawless complexion. Consequently, this brand resonates strongly with makeup enthusiasts who love to experiment and stay ahead of the curve.
Dior Beauty: Sophistication Redefined
When sophistication comes to mind, Dior Beauty often follows. Their makeup line exudes elegance, featuring iconic pieces like the Dior Addict Lip Glow for that perfect hint of color and the long-lasting Forever Foundation for a flawless canvas. Therefore, it’s the preferred choice for those who seek high-end formulations and undeniable prestige.
Chanel Beauty: Timeless Elegance in Every Product
Synonymous with timeless style, Chanel’s beauty offerings embody understated luxury. From the radiant Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation to the classic Rouge Allure lipstick, these are the products you reach for when you value heritage and enduring elegance.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty: Embracing Opulent Glamour
YSL Beauty brings a touch of glamour with its bold and luminous products. The Touche Éclat highlighter serves as a secret weapon for achieving a radiant complexion, and pairing it with the iconic Black Opium perfume creates a truly captivating aura. Thus, it appeals to those who embrace a touch of opulence and aren’t afraid to make a statement.
Popular Cosmetic Brands Offering Quality and Broad Appeal
Now, let’s explore some leading brands that offer fantastic quality and appeal to a broad audience:
Lancôme: Reliable Beauty Solutions for Everyday
A familiar name in vanities across the globe, Lancôme offers a comprehensive range of makeup and skincare that consistently delivers on its promises. The Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is a favorite for its lasting power, and the Hypnôse mascara adds instant drama to lashes. Hence, it’s a reliable choice for anyone seeking effective and dependable beauty solutions.
Estée Lauder: High-Performance Formulas for Lasting Results
Another classic brand with a well-earned reputation for high-performing formulas is Estée Lauder. Their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup has achieved legendary status for its longevity, and the Advanced Night Repair serum, often used as a base, is a skincare staple. As a result, it’s the go-to for those who prioritize makeup that truly lasts and delivers noticeable results.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna: Championing Inclusivity and Innovation
Fenty Beauty significantly impacted the industry with its commitment to inclusivity, and its products continue to impress. The Pro Filt’r foundation, for example, boasts an unparalleled shade range, and the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter delivers that coveted glow. Consequently, it’s a brand that resonates with a diverse audience who want to see themselves represented in the beauty world.
Huda Beauty: A Homegrown Success Story with Global Glamour
A homegrown success story right here in the UAE, Huda Beauty has evolved into a global phenomenon thanks to its highly pigmented and glamorous makeup. The Overachiever Concealer is a must-try for flawless coverage, and the Desert Dusk eyeshadow palette showcases their artistry. Therefore, it’s a brand that truly understands the local market and deeply resonates with makeup enthusiasts.
Kylie Cosmetics: Riding the Wave of Social Media Trends
Leveraging the power of social media, Kylie Cosmetics has effectively captured the attention of a younger generation with its trendy lip kits and makeup collections. Essentially, it’s a brand that understands current beauty trends and connects directly with its dedicated fanbase.
Anastasia Beverly Hills: Mastering Brows and Defining Features
When defined brows and expertly crafted eyeshadow palettes and contour kits are desired, Anastasia Beverly Hills consistently emerges as a top choice. Indeed, it’s a favorite among both makeup enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate precision and quality.
Urban Decay: Embracing Bold Colors and Edgy Looks
For those who love to experiment with color and embrace a bit of edge, Urban Decay stands out as a go-to brand. Their iconic Naked eyeshadow palettes have reached legendary status, and the All Nighter Setting Spray is essential for keeping your look perfectly in place.
Too Faced: Injecting Fun into the Beauty Routine
Known for their playful packaging and seriously effective makeup, Too Faced brings a sense of fun to the beauty routine. The Better Than Sex mascara has garnered a cult following, and their Sweet Peach eyeshadow palette offers a delightful sensory experience.
Benefit Cosmetics: Quirky Branding with Effective Results
With their distinctive branding and effective products, Benefit has become a staple in many makeup bags. Their brow products are particularly renowned, and mascaras like They’re Real! deliver impressive results with ease.
Affordable and Accessible Cosmetic Options
Finally, let’s explore some fantastic affordable and accessible options:
Maybelline New York: The Drugstore Hero
As a quintessential drugstore hero, Maybelline offers a vast array of reliable and budget-friendly makeup essentials. The Fit Me Foundation is a popular choice for many, and the Lash Sensational mascara delivers incredible volume and length.
L’Oréal Paris: Quality and Affordability Combined
Another leading drugstore brand, L’Oréal Paris provides a comprehensive selection of makeup and skincare that effectively combines quality with affordability. Their True Match Foundation is widely praised for its extensive shade range, and the Telescopic mascara is a favorite for achieving defined lashes.
SHEGLAM: The Rising Star of Online Beauty
Emerging as a rising star in the online beauty world, SHEGLAM has rapidly gained popularity for its incredibly trendy and affordable makeup, boasting a seemingly endless product catalog. Notably, it’s a brand that understands the power of social media and caters to a younger, budget-conscious audience.
essence: Trend-Inspired Beauty on a Budget
For those just beginning their makeup journey or seeking super affordable, trend-inspired finds, essence presents a fantastic option. Their products are readily available in drugstores, making them a convenient choice for students and budget-savvy shoppers.
NYX Professional Makeup: Bridging the Gap Between Drugstore and High-End
Effectively bridging the gap between drugstore and high-end, NYX offers a wide range of professional-quality makeup at accessible prices. It’s a favored brand among makeup enthusiasts and those honing their skills.
INGLOT Cosmetics: Customization and Intense Pigmentation
Known for their highly pigmented formulas and customizable palettes, INGLOT serves as a go-to for makeup artists and anyone who loves to create their own unique color combinations.
SHEGLAM vs. essence: A Closer Look at Affordable Beauty
When discussing affordable beauty in the UAE, SHEGLAM and essence frequently emerge as prominent names, particularly among the younger demographic. While both offer budget-friendly options, there are some key distinctions worth noting.
Price Point Comparison
In terms of price, essence generally occupies a slightly lower position on the spectrum. While both brands are undoubtedly budget-friendly, individual essence products are often priced a bit less than their SHEGLAM counterparts.
Product Range and Trends
Product-wise, SHEGLAM undeniably boasts a more extensive and trend-driven lineup. They consistently introduce new collections and demonstrate a keen understanding of the latest beauty crazes, offering a vast selection of colors and formulas. Essence, while also offering trendy items, tends to feature a more curated and perhaps slightly smaller selection.
The Buzz and Community in the UAE
Both SHEGLAM and essence have cultivated strong communities here in the UAE, largely attributed to their affordability and ease of access (in the case of essence) or their trendy appeal (in the case of SHEGLAM). Essence is often regarded as the preferred choice for those starting their makeup journey or needing everyday basics without significant expense. SHEGLAM, with its extensive online catalog and on-trend offerings, resonates more with a digitally savvy crowd seeking variety and excellent value.
In Closing: Navigating the Vibrant UAE Beauty Landscape
The beauty landscape in the UAE is truly vibrant, offering something for everyone, regardless of individual taste or budget. From the luxurious counters of Dior and Chanel to the accessible and trend-forward finds from SHEGLAM and essence, the choices are endless. Whether you identify as a seasoned beauty aficionado or are just beginning to explore the world of cosmetics, understanding the unique offerings of each brand is key to curating your perfect routine.
The comparison between SHEGLAM and essence effectively highlights the different ways brands in the affordable sector connect with their audience. Ultimately, the “best” cosmetics in the UAE are a matter of personal preference, but the brands we’ve highlighted are undoubtedly among the most influential and sought-after right now.