The Best British Drugstore Makeup Brands

I’ve always had a love affair with the best British makeup brands. It was always obvious that I would one day do makeup on people using some of the best UK drugstore makeup. Hello if this is your first visit to The Fashion Fabrique. Sam is speaking today. As a former makeup artist, I have now become a full-time lifestyle blogger. I am also a little bit addicted to Superdrug. Today, I will tell you the top British makeup brands.

In 2014, when I visited London for the first time, I found many UK makeup brands in Boots UK, Superdrug UK and Urban Outfitters UK. I found that many clothing stores had their own make-up brands, and sometimes even perfume. You might not remember the 1D Superdrug UK perfume or Urban Outfitters’ perfume line.

You can buy a Beauty Blender at Urban Outfitters. You can buy it from brands such as Maybelline and L’Oreal. Today, we will be discussing the best British cosmetic brands available at drugstore prices. This guide will reveal the secrets of British girl makeup!

The Best British Drugstore Makeup Brands

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Fashion Network

The best British makeup brands are so many that it would be difficult to pick the best. budget brands UK include Rimmel, XX Revolution and Makeup Gallery. The names that I’ll be citing in this list of British makeup brands have all been tried and approved by me. I’ve tried quite a few different products from these UK makeup brands. I am always looking for the best eyeshadow palette, the best color payoff and the best affordable lipstick.

There are some great makeup brands UK that are really, really affordable. The most popular makeup brands in the UK are described below, from the packaging to brand identity. You’ll probably fall in love with a lot of them too.

Also, if you have any UK makeup brands that are your favorites, please let me know! Although I’m not based in London, the British makeup bloggers like Urban Outfitters Beauty and British Makeup still hold a special place in my heart. Without further ado… Let’s dive in to the world of UK drugstore makeup!

1. Rimmel is one of the best British makeup brands.


Photo: Cosmetics Business

Rimmel is one of the most popular UK brands. Rimmel was responsible for making British makeup famous. Some middle-aged French women still refer to a mascara as a “rimmel”. This just shows that the British girl makeup brand has been a leader in Europe for ages.

This is not just a popular brand in Europe, it’s a household name all over the world. This King of UK makeup brands is the first brand to introduce non-toxic mascara.

Rimmel’s London-based brand history dates back to the 19th century. Its slogan, “Get the London Look”, is as well known as the Rimmel name. Urban Outfitters is not the focus of this article. Rimmel’s makeup is trendy but, as with all things UK-related it has a touch of tradition.

The best cheap makeup brands UK include brands that can offer the highest-quality waterproof eyeliner or creamiest-yet-still-super-longlasting matte lipstick. Eugene Rimmel began his career as a perfumer in 1834 at the London house of Rimmel, where his father was a perfumer. Eugene Rimmel was only 25 when he became an expert in all things perfume and cosmetics.

This staple of British makeup has been discussed by many British bloggers. The brand’s core values are still experimentation, self-expression and a little edginess. It’s also why their long-term collaboration with the elite model Kate Moss is so logical.

2. Makeup Revolution (Revolution Beauty)

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Revolution Beauty

Makeup Revolution is one of the best British cosmetic brands, and even among the top makeup brands in the entire world. Makeup Revolution has never disappointed me. It has been on the British makeup brands’ list for several years and its popularity continues to grow.

What is the purpose? The purpose? To provide incredible cruelty-free makeup and beauty products to everyone. This top UK makeup brand offers shades to suit all skin tones and prices that are affordable for any budget.

Fast-makeup brands in the UK are mostly limited editions. Revolution Makeup released a Friends makeup collection, with palettes named Chandler, Rachel and Phoebe. If I may say so, it is a stunning collection.

3. Barry M: Best British Makeup Brands


Photo: Barry M

Oh, Barry M. It’s one of the best drugstore brands in the UK. I have never been disappointed by a product I bought from this colorful company. They have everything a makeup lover who is aware of current trends in makeup would want.

The Barry M Matte Me Up Liquid Matte Lipsticks are the best liquid matte lipsticks I have ever used. They also release kits and colors on their own that are just amazing. When UK makeup brands deliver on the promise of high quality at affordable prices, I believe they have it all.

Barry M is a great British makeup brand because it follows the edginess of Londoners, for example. Barry M’s Gelly Hi Shine nail paint collection is an excellent example of why they belong on this list of British makeup brands.

The nail polish is not too thick or thin and the brush size is perfect for any nail. Do not buy UK makeup brands. Not. Leave. Out. Barry M.

4. Lottie London


Photos: Lottie London

Lottie is a must-have in any list of British makeup brands. It’s an easy-to-use makeup brand with a lot to offer. You may already be familiar with its sister brand Ciate London. This is another of the best UK cosmetic brands that makes nail polishes popular worldwide.

The best UK drugstore brands combine two things: trendy or avant garde makeup products and an affordable price. Just take a look above at the Eye Foil. All the colors are stunning. The best British brands have a lot of freedom in their creativity. I really appreciate this. Lottie London is a drugstore-only makeup brand, not Ciate.

5. I Heart Revolution


Photo: Revolution Beauty

There are many cheap makeup brands in the UK. Stores like Boots or Superdrug have a wide selection. I Heart Revolution is the typical British girl’s makeup brand. I have always loved the packaging of this British makeup brand. I Heart Revolution, a British makeup brand, features cute designs with food, unicorns and other things that might inspire you.

Its products are of high quality and it is one of UK’s best makeup brands. Even with the first products, I found their eyeshadows to be creamy and easy-to-blend. I Heart Revolution was featured by many British makeup bloggers during the Golden Age on YouTube. Its affordable price makes it one the most popular brands of makeup in the UK today.

It’s also much cheaper than Urban Outfitters Beauty and other clothing or makeup brands. I Heart Revolution is a great budget-friendly makeup brand in the UK.

6. Nip+fab

Photo: Amazon

Nip+Fab, another of my favourite British cosmetics and makeup brands. This brand was only a few short years old. This picture, which I chose to represent the innovative and results-driven Beauty brand, shows the Superfruit Primer essence face primers. My favorite is the one that smells of banana, but all five scents are amazing.

What is the mission of this UK-based makeup brand? The mission of this UK makeup brand is to provide targeted solutions for smoothing, firming, hydrating, and tightening the skin. As such, the skincare line is extensive and carefully curated. Nip+Fab also has a makeup line. You can find a variety of eyeshadow palettes as well as amazing holographic lips glosses and liquid matte lipsticks.

Nip+Fab cosmetics and makeup are my favorite because they have well-thought out formulas, as well as simple packaging that catches the eye. Before buying any new skincare products, I recommend checking the ingredients and perfumes to see if they cause any reactions.

7. Sleek is one of the best British makeup brands.

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Sleek Makeup

Sleek has to be one of the most popular British makeup brands. Sleek’s color schemes, product textures and long-lasting formulas make it one of the best British cosmetic brands. Sleek makes the list of best UK makeup brands.

British makeup is classy and clean but also grungy. Sleek is a brand that encompasses these qualities. Sleek became one of the top makeup brands in UK in 1985. Even in Britain, where the makeup industry has been around for so long, almost 40 years is quite a bright history.

Sleek is the best friend of dark skintones

Sleek is not just my opinion. Many others agree. Colorful eyeshadow palettes, brightly pigmented lippies and other cosmetics were designed for women of color. In 1985, budget makeup brands in the UK and UK-based brands in general focused on lighter skintones.

If you have a darker skin tone, you can probably achieve the best British girl lipstick. The lines of the eyeshadow and foundation would most likely look ashy, as they were not sufficiently developed to bring out darker and warmer tones. This is a very inclusive attitude that I adhere to 100%.

Sleek, I believe, is the only budget brand in UK that hasn’t changed much since its origins. Sleek has been used by many British makeup bloggers, and often more than once. While it may have remained as one of the most popular cheap makeup brands in the UK, the brand is still in vogue with its holographic textures and duochromes. It also has a classic line that’s perfect for everyday use. This kind of traditionalism is probably what separates Sleek Cosmetics from other brands, like Urban Outfitters Beauty.

8. You can also read about how to use


Photo: Simple Skincare

Simple isn’t a makeup drug, per se. But since it can be found at Superdrug pharmacies and it is still a very important makeup product like the beauty blender Urban Outfitters…I feel that it has a place in this list of British makeup brands. So. Simple. You can buy this beauty and skincare brand at Superdrug UK or Boots UK stores, as well as in supermarkets. This is one of the most cool and affordable British skincare brands.

When I first began doing makeup, I used the Protecting Light Moisturizer and the Moisturizing Facial Wash (both shown above). Another makeup artist recommended the light moisturizer to me. She used it to create a matte base for her models. I tried it out, adopted it and never let it go. Simple aims to preserve a clean, natural beauty by using products with only the necessary ingredients.

Superdrug has a number of brands, such as the 1D Superdrug perfume or Urban Outfitters. Every British makeup lover knows this brand. These products work with any makeup brand, whether it’s from Urban Outfitters UK, Primark, or a higher-end brand like Charlotte Tilbury.

9. Collection

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Boots

 

Collection is a makeup brand that I discovered in the early days of my shopping at Superdrug UK and Boots UK. Collection is one of the most accessible makeup brands available in the UK. The first product that I used was a turquoise eyeliner, which is still available in today’s line.

All of their concealers, including the Lasting Protection ones, are excellent. As a receptionist, I wore their Lasting Protection Foundation a lot. It lasted a long time. With a beauty blender from Urban Outfitters you can achieve the perfect finish. This brand has been around since 1987 and offers simple, effective products.

If you’re looking for a makeup brand that is affordable, you should check out Collection. You can also add a 1D Superdrug perfume or Urban Outfitters if you prefer a more adult but fun-smelling fragrance.

10. MUA Makeup Academy

Photo: BeautyBay

MUA Makeup Academy, one of the most affordable makeup brands in UK. It was probably in 2014 when I went to London for the first time and saw all of the British girl makeup. MUA is my favorite makeup brand, and I’m sure I’m not alone. This is one of the cheapest makeup brands in UK. A cute matte lipstick is only PS1.50 and a palette costs PS4. This is a brand you can buy when you’re feeling down and want to treat yourself.

MUA Makeup Academy’s formulations are the reason why they are one of the top makeup brands in UK. I have never seen a product from MUA Makeup Academy that did not deliver on style and quality. British makeup is known to support your edginess, with prices that are approved by British bloggers and pigmentation of the highest quality.

I was lucky to find that the prices were lower than Urban Outfitters Beauty or Topshop Beauty. MUA Makeup academy is one of the best UK makeup brands. PS: The powder highlighters from MUA Makeup Academy are worth trying, and they cost only PS3 each.

11. Makeup Gallery Poundland

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Heatworld

Ah, Makeup Gallery. This brand was on the list of British makeup brands that I couldn’t wait to see. It is not available at Superdrug or Boots UK. Makeup Gallery is a brand that’s exclusive to Poundland. This store offers everything for one pound.

Poundland is my favorite store. I also love Urban Outfitters UK and Superdrug UK. But nothing brings me as much joy as shopping there. There’s also the excitement of finding everything for just one pound. This includes makeup, books, clothes, decorations, and more. The store is the equivalent to a dollar shop, and there are many cosmetics at amazing prices hidden amongst everything.

Makeup Gallery is a brand I love. The entire lip line is amazing, from the liquid mattes to the bullet lipsticks. When I tried this brand for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. Then I went back to buy their eyebrow products and nail polish (excellent quality, thick brush). Not one disappointed me.

Makeup Gallery is the best UK drugstore brand for makeup. The price is incredible and the quality is excellent. One of the most popular British makeup brands, even if it means you need to go to Poundland to buy some new items.

12. No. 7

No. 7 is one the most popular brands of makeup in UK. Boots is the exclusive retailer of this brand. Their makeup philosophy is simple: “makeup, makeup”. What matters is how you feel when wearing it.

This British girl makeup brand, and a British makeup blogger as well, if you will allow me to add that I am a British makeup blogger, has the mission of becoming an ally for unstoppable females everywhere. No. 7 is not a brand that I have used as often as Barry M or Simple. But it has the same success feeling when you touch and feel its products. No.1 is the best budget makeup brand in UK. The number 7 is an excellent choice.

Boots stores in the UK sell it, so it is much more accessible than Urban Outfitters. It’s also one of those mid-priced UK makeup brands you may not know about but love at first sight. No. 7 is my favorite. The elegance of an elegant City woman broker is symbolized by the number 7. It is not a young British makeup brand and it is older than most of the brands I have mentioned today. 7 was founded by a group of entrepreneurs in 1935.

13. B. Cosmetics is the best British makeup brand.

Photo: DorkFace

B. Superdrug is the exclusive brand of makeup. Superdrug UK’s brand offers a full line of makeup that is professional and solution-oriented. Boots UK and No. 7 makeup or Urban Outfitters UK, B. Makeup is aimed at a lower cost.

Each product is exactly as pigmented and rich as you could wish for. You can spend a lot of money on a beauty blender from Urban Outfitters. But we recommend getting makeup at B. Makeup. If you want to create textures that last and are exciting, then this is the way to go.

14. Real Techniques

Real Techniques is on my list of best British makeup brands, even though it’s not a proper UK makeup brand per se. Real Techniques actually is a brand of makeup brushes and beauty blenders. They’re really good and were designed by makeup artists. This is why I think the brand should be among the best British cosmetic brands today.

In my experience as a makeup artist, it is impossible to achieve a flawless look without the proper tools. Real Techniques offers the best brushes UK drugstore brands have to offer, at a fraction the price. For twenty pounds you can get a complete set of five or six brushes that will last for years. These brushes are so easy to use for everyday makeup. Duo-fiber brushes let you use powder or cream products more efficiently. This saves time when preparing for the day.

15. XX Revolution

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Revolution Beauty

XX Revolution, a makeup brand that is not very old, is among the most popular in the UK. Revolution Makeup is the parent company. They have taken the makeup needs of the British makeup bloggers and British girls and packaged them.

This is not a cheap makeup brand in the UK. To get this level of quality and pigmentation, you will have to pay a bit more. I love XX Revolution because of their vision for beauty. They have a clean and effective skincare actives in each product to match a fast paced world.

> Read: 10 Luxury Makeup Products You Must Own

UK makeup brands are always trying to make life easier for us. Cheap makeup brands UK are known for their sense of service, and they strive to offer the best value at a fraction of the cost of Urban Outfitters Beauty or other budget makeup brands UK. XX Revolution offers you uber-hydration, vibrant pigments and vivid skin.

16. Primark is one of the best British makeup brands.

Even though I want to stay true to the number of brands that I have chosen to show you, I seem to always add a few more. Primark makeup is the topic of this time. It’s obvious that this brand is not available at Superdrug or Urban Outfitters UK. Primark is the place to go to find this uber-cool line of makeup.

Primark is known for its fast fashion clothing, so I can’t imagine why they would do anything different with their makeup. The collections are therefore varied and limited in number. There’s everything from glitter eyeshadow palettes, to creamy and super-efficient lipliners.

You never know what to expect when you buy Primark makeup. It’s nothing like the 1D perfume in Superdrug or the beauty blender at Urban Outfitters. You know you’ll see these products on the shelves at Superdrug UK. Primark is a little different, as the collections are constantly changing. The brand’s website has been updated to reflect their huge offer but I wouldn’t expect anything.

17. Profusion Cosmetics in TK Maxx

15 Best British Makeup Brands Drugstore Edition - Superdrug, Boots...
Photo: Facebook

Then I will stop. Profusion Cosmetics, one of my favourite UK makeup brands is a little difficult to find. You can find Profusion makeup at TK Maxx in the UK.

It’s always a pleasure to visit TK Maxx – I’ve bought so much more from this store than makeup. I used to shop at the TK Maxx on Oxford Street for amazing discounts on makeup and fashion. Now that I’m living in Rome, I miss TK Maxx.

This is not a Boots UK or Superdrug store. TK Maxx only sells discounted bags, makeup products, food, clothing, shoes, homeware and more. Primark is similar in that you don’t know what you will get. The eyeshadow palettes from Profusion Cosmetics are gorgeous. The price is very affordable and the pigmented colours make it easy to justify treating yourself.

The 15 Best UK Drugstore Makeup Brands

Here are the top British makeup brands. I warned you that you would be hooked too! There’s nothing better than UK drugstore brands. Superdrug is a great place to go if you are a makeup artist or even just a makeup lover.

UK makeup brands are always known for supplying me with my fix of eyeshadow, lip gloss, and highlighter. This list of British makeup brands is as complete as I can make it. It includes some older but still great products like Sleek and some newer creations such as B. Cosmetics.

You’ll see why I love British makeup when you visit a Superdrug UK or Boots UK. Urban Outfitters UK has their own beauty range, but the options are quite limited. I wish that they would add more products like New Look did in the past.

Don’t forget to add a few lippies in your basket when you go out on the town! If you want to know How to Dress Like a Londoner then check out this fun and comprehensive guide!