18 Expensive Makeup Brands Every Beauty Connoisseur Needs In Their Top Shelf

Every makeup fanatic dreams of owning at least one Chanel beauty product. The ones that live rent-free in our minds are the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint that's made with an insane micro fluidic technology where micro-droplets of encapsulated pigments melt into the skin to create a stunning no-makeup makeup bare-skin effect, and the celeb favourite Chanel Les Beiges bronzing cream for a beautiful wash of colour.

Best sellers: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick

This has to be one of our favourite expensive makeup brands to choose from because when in doubt, bring those Dior lippies out! Though the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer and the Dior Lip Glow Oil are Tik-Tok's die-hard favourites, we have a few others on our wishlist. Firstly, the Diorshow mascara, known for its volumizing effect, and the Diorskin Airflash foundation, renowned for its airbrushed finish. Additionally, what one must know about their base products is that most of them feature upto ninety percent floral-based formulas.

Best sellers: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer, Dior Skin Forever Foundation 

Are you even a makeup fan if you don't have a single CT product on your wish list? The Pillowtalk lipstick has more or less put the brand on the global map, and you absolutely can't miss it being a celebrity and makeup-influencer favourite. Additionally, we love how the founder has put innovation at the brand's forefront and is always coming up with revolutionary formulas.

Best sellers: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat Lip Liner, Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Westman Atelier is a very niche, artistry-based expensive makeup brand. Their cream formulas take centre stage and are extremely popular among people who value quality makeup formulas. Their contour sticks are especially popular and melt like butter into the skin. It is an expensive brand, but definitely worth the investment!

Best sellers: Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick, Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick

The real OGs know the Clé de Peau concealer stick is the realest of 'em all. Founded in Japan in 1982, Clé de Peau Beauté (which translates to 'The Key to Skin’s Beauty') was created to push the boundaries of skin cell science, maximising the skin’s natural radiance. Expect the swankiest formulations backed by science.

Best sellers: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation, Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème

Armani Beauty is known for its celebrity fans, including Sydney Sweeney and Kylie Jenner too (back in the day). And though we love so many of the brand’s products, the Luminous Silk Foundation is a cut above the rest. The elegant formulas aren’t the only aspects of the brand that deserve hype, however. Giorgio Armani himself is passionate about making products that are beautiful and sustainable.

Best sellers: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick

Editors, makeup artists, celebrities—you’d be hard-pressed to find someone in this category who hasn’t tried (and loved) YSL’s iconic Touch Éclat All-Over Brightening Pen. Kaia Gerber, Zoë Kravitz, and even Barbie Ferreira are among the brand’s fans. Beyond the cult-favorite concealer, YSL's recent Glaze Slip Gloss Stick is the hottest lippie to own. Also, something you must know is that Nykaa has recently launched YSL Beauty in India so get shopping immediately! 

Best sellers: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Radiant Touch, Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick

We have been dreaming about getting our hands on the Shade & Illuminate Palette for upping our contour game in 2024 (also Hailey Bieber-approved). Tom Ford‘s makeup collection exudes luxury and glamour. The Lip Color collection, encased in a sleek gold packaging, is a cult favorite too. Also, the brand’s eyeshadow palettes with four shades encased, known for their rich pigmentation, have also garnered a dedicated following among makeup enthusiasts.

Best sellers: Tom Ford Lip Color, Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate, Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss

Though Valentino is a relative newcomer to the makeup game, it’s caught the eye of many thanks to its stunning, engravable, and refillable packaging. Permanent products in the lineup have garnered acclaim, including the Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick that comes in 53 shades, the long-lasting Very Valentino 24 Hour Wear Liquid Foundation, and the double ended Twin Liner Eyeliner. We’re also partial to some of the brand’s limited-edition launches, which are quite worthy of display.

Best sellers: Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Lipstick, Valentino Beauty Twin Liner Eyeliner

Hermes Beauty was recently launched in stores in India in case you are in the mood to splurge on an expensive makeup product. While the beauty community has mixed reviews about the performance of these products, we have seen everyone rave about the stunning packaging. Their blushes and lipsticks (especially in the Hermes orange) are a few safer options to invest in just so you know.

Best sellers: Eye Shadow Quartet, Matte Lipstick, Rosy Lip Matter Enhancer

A brand synonymous with luxury, elegance, and timeless beauty, Estee Lauder is one of my favourite high-end makeup brands. While it may be a bit heavy on the pocket, investing in their products means you're not just purchasing makeup—you're buying into a legacy of high-performance cosmetics, innovative formulations, and sophisticated packaging. Recently, they collaborated with ace designer Sabyasachi to release a limited-edition lipstick collection that had me hooked. My absolute favourite product has to be their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation, which lasts for hours on end!

Best sellers: Pure Colour Explicit Silk Matte Lipstick, Estee Lauder x Sabyasachi Limited Edition Lipstick, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Waterproof Foundation With SPF 10 

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna has redefined the beauty industry since its launch in 2017. It has become a global game-changer and entered the market in India earlier this year. Rihannna's ideology penetrates deeply into the brand, fostering inclusivity and diversity with every product. Their shade range for foundations and innovative formulas for lippies are to die for. Your investment in their expensive makeup will pay-off in colours and vibrance, making you rock any party with style!

Best sellers: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Known for its philosophy of 'less is more' when it comes to makeup, Bobbi Brown is a legendary name in the beauty industry, famous for its empowering approach to makeup and natural beauty. Since its inception, the brand has been focused on enhancing individuality and boosting confidence, make it a go-to for anyone looking for skin-friendly products. If you're looking for a classic, timeless look, Bobbi Brown products are the right fit for you. We got our eyes on their superior formulations and elegant packaging, which is hands down the best among the lot!

Best sellers: Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color, Bobbi Brown Skin Full Cover Concealer

Natasha Moor makeup is one of the few expensive makeup brands in the list who are budget-friendly in the luxe category. The beauty brand has quickly garnered a loyal following for its bold formulas and commitment to empowering women. Every product is equally good, thoughtfully crafted with the highest quality ingredients, ensuring smooth application and long-lasting formulas. You should definitely grab their Molten Matte Liquid Lipstick, which is a must-have for any makeup enthusiast!

Best sellers: Natasha Moor Molten Matte Liquid Lipstick, Moor Power Black Mascara

One of the most-talked about beauty brands in the world, Huda Beauty was founded by makeup mogul Huda Kattan. Known for her bold approach to beauty and makeup, Huda has revolutionised the beauty industry with her line of products that cater to a wide range of skin tones, preferences and looks. Whether you're a makeup pro or just starting your beauty journey, there's something for everyone in Huda Beauty's vast lineup!

Best sellers: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation, Huda Beauty Faux Filler Extra Shine Lip Gloss

Founded in 1996 by Davis and Dean Factor, Smashbox cosmetics is a beloved beauty brand in the globe, especially renowned for its high-quality, long-lasting products that work well with both makeup novices and professionals alike. Its professional grade makeup is our holy grail, especially their Halo Healthy Glow All-in-One Tinted Moisturiser, which had taken the internet by storm!

Best sellers: Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer Foundation with SPF 25, Smashbox the Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer with Vitamin A & E

Founded with the mission to bring professional quality makeup to the everyday consumer, Iconic London has quickly become a go-to for makeup lovers who want products that deliver glam results. Despite being its luxurious, professional-grade formula and packaging, it remains an accessible beauty brand that effortlessly combines sophistication with affordability. After trying their Sheer Blush, I am looking forward to copping more products from their brand and so should you!

Best sellers: ICONIC London Sheer Blush, ICONIC London Illuminator

Pat McGrath Labs is one of the most influential and innovative beauty brands in the world, created by the legendary makeup artist, Pat McGrath, known for her boundary-pushing approach to beauty. Famous for setting trends and creating bold, high-fashion looks, Pat McGrath's makeup is as iconic as she is! You must try their cruelty-free makeup if you're on trend with inclusivity and sustainability!

Best sellers: Pat McGrath Labs Satinallure Lipstick, Pat McGrath Labs Mthrshp Bjoux Brilliance, Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation