The beauty industry in the UK is a multi-billion pound market, with consumers spending huge amounts each year on cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrances, and more. Brand recognition and loyalty play an enormously important role within the beauty sector. Once a consumer finds a brand they love and trust for a certain product, whether it’s a foundation or moisturizer, they are highly likely to stick with purchasing that brand.
This loyalty stems from the ability of leading beauty brands to consistently deliver high-quality products that provide the desired results and experience. When you find a brand that works for you, that perfectly matches your skin tone or hair type, you tend to repurchase again and again. The top beauty brands establish an emotional connection with consumers through effective marketing and product innovation.
This list ranks the current top 10 beauty brands in the UK by popularity, sales, brand awareness and reputation. The rankings are based on comprehensive market research into which brands UK consumers are purchasing from and engaging with most right now. The list provides insight into which players are leading the way in the British beauty industry.
Methodology
The rankings were determined based on several criteria, including:
Annual UK revenue and sales data – Brands were ranked based on their total reported revenue and sales from UK operations in the past 12 months. This provides an objective measure of their market share and popularity.
Brand awareness and reputation – The list considered the general public awareness, perception and reputation of brands amongst UK consumers. Well-known and highly regarded brands ranked higher.
Product range and availability – Brands with a wide range of beauty products available in the UK across categories like makeup, skincare, haircare etc were prioritized over niche players. Accessibility across retail channels was also considered.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty – Brands known for high customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty were ranked higher, based on consumer surveys and reviews.
Innovation – Credit was given to brands continuously launching new, innovative and trendsetting products.
The rankings are current as of January 2023 and based on the latest available data on the above criteria. The list represents the top beauty brands in the UK market according to these metrics.
#8 Boots
Boots is one of the leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailing businesses in the UK. Founded in 1849 by John Boot in Nottingham, it has grown to become a household name with over 2,500 stores across the UK and Ireland.
Some key facts about Boots:
Boots UK is part of the Walgreens Boots Alliance group, which was formed in 2014 when Walgreens bought the 55% stake in Boots that it did not already own.
It offers a wide range of health and beauty products, from medicines and prescriptions to cosmetics and toiletries. Major brands stocked include No7, Soltan, Botanics, Boots Pharmaceuticals and many more.
Boots has led the way in the health and beauty market with own brand and exclusive products, pharmacy services, opticians practices and more.
It has over 70,000 employees in the UK.
In 2021/22, Boots UK reported revenues of £6.2 billion, with retail contributing 78% of sales. Online sales now account for 18% of Boots revenues.
Performance has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with store closures and reduced footfall affecting sales. However, e-commerce growth has offset some of these declines.
Key strategic priorities include accelerating digital growth, enhancing healthcare services and modernising the retail estate. International expansion in Asia is also a focus.
Recent initiatives include a partnership with Deliveroo for on-demand delivery, new flagship stores in central London, and the launch of Boots Online Doctor service.
So in summary, Boots remains one of the powerhouses of British retail, leveraging its trusted brand, convenient locations and strength in own-brand beauty products. It continues to adapt its proposition to meet changing consumer demands.
#7 Lush
Lush is a UK-based cosmetics company that has become globally renowned for its fresh handmade cosmetics, ethical buying policies, and excellent customer service. Founded in 1995 by Mark Constantine and Liz Weir, Lush formulates effective products from fresh organic fruits and vegetables, the finest essential oils, and safe synthetics.
Lush is especially known for its bath bombs, solid shampoo bars, shower gels, lotions, moisturizers, scrubs, masks and other creations for the bath and body. All products are vegetarian and about 80% are vegan, 70% preservative free, and 40% unpackaged. The company supports fair trade and seeks to use sustainable ingredients while avoiding chemicals and animal testing.
The experience of shopping at Lush is unlike any other beauty retailer. Products are openly displayed ready for customers to touch, smell, sample, and try. Lush’s retail concept is an extension of their views on freshness, transparency, and ethical buying. Stores are designed with the customer experience in mind.
In recent years, Lush has expanded rapidly. They now operate over 900 shops in over 50 countries and is one of the fastest growing cosmetic companies in the world. Lush continues to innovate with new products while maintaining its core values around ethical and natural ingredients.
#6 Clarins
Clarins is a premium French luxury skin care brand that was founded in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins. The brand has established itself as a leader in the luxury skin care market with its high-quality products and focus on plant-based ingredients.
Clarins is renowned for its expertise in skin care, particularly anti-aging products. The brand uses plant extracts in all of its formulas, with an emphasis on ingredients like ginseng, green coffee, and turmeric root. Clarins has its own laboratories and over 50 years of research dedicated to discovering new plant-based molecules and formulations for skin health.
With its origins in a small Paris spa, Clarins has always emphasized wellness along with beauty. Their spa heritage remains a core part of the brand identity today. Clarins operates spas around the world in partnership with luxury hotels and resorts.
In terms of positioning, Clarins sits firmly in the premium luxury segment of skin care. Their products are priced higher than mass market brands. Clarins targets affluent consumers who are willing to pay more for highly effective, plant-powered formulas using the finest natural ingredients. The elegant, minimalist packaging and air of French sophistication reinforce the luxury image of the brand.
Even with its premium pricing, Clarins has earned a reputation for excellent value thanks to the quality ingredients and research behind each product. The brand’s legacy of innovation and commitment to natural, proven formulas has cemented its status as a leader in luxury skin care.
#5 NARS
NARS is known for its edgy, fashion-forward aesthetic that appeals to makeup artists and beauty lovers seeking high-performance, luxury cosmetics. Founded in 1994 by makeup artist François Nars, the brand exploded in popularity thanks to its sleek black packaging and provocative product names like Orgasm blush.
Some of NARS’ bestselling products include:
Sheer Glow Foundation – A buildable, skin-like foundation with a natural finish. It comes in an inclusive shade range.
Orgasm Blush – A peachy-pink blush with golden shimmer. It flatters various skin tones and provides a luminous glow.
Climax Mascara – An intensely pigmented, volumizing mascara that thickens and lifts lashes. The unique wavy brush coats every lash.
In 2000, NARS was acquired by Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido. Under Shiseido, NARS has continued to thrive globally while maintaining its innovative spirit. The brand is now available in over 30 countries worldwide.
While NARS has expanded its offerings over the years, it remains committed to high-performance makeup with cutting edge style inspired by founder François Nars’ artistic vision. This winning combination has cemented NARS’ reputation as one of the top beauty brands in the UK and beyond.
#4 MAC
MAC Cosmetics is one of the leading professional makeup brands in the UK and globally. Founded in Toronto in 1984 by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo, MAC emphasizes high-quality products and professional artistry.
MAC is known for its collaborations with celebrities, designers, and icons to create limited edition collections. Some of their most popular collabs have included collections with Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj, bringing buzz and hype to the brand.
In 1998, MAC was acquired by Estee Lauder Companies, allowing it to scale globally while still retaining its professional reputation. This has helped MAC become one of the most recognizable makeup brands worldwide. The brand continues to focus on diversity, inclusion and self-expression.
Some of MAC’s hero products include their Studio Fix line of foundations, Lipstick in Ruby Woo, and Fix+ setting spray. Their products are designed to suit all skin tones and types. MAC is popular with professional makeup artists as well as consumers for their high-pigment and long-lasting formulas.
Overall, MAC’s commitment to innovation, artistry, and diversity has cemented its status as a leading beauty brand in the UK and globally. Its professional reputation and quality remain unmatched.
#3 Clinique
Clinique is one of the most well-known and respected skin care and cosmetics brands in the UK. Founded in 1968, Clinique was the first major brand to be developed by dermatologists, making it a pioneer in the skincare industry.
Clinique’s products are all allergy tested and 100% fragrance free, making them suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. The brand prides itself on its clean, clinical image, with minimalist packaging and straightforward product names. This no-fuss approach resonates with consumers looking for effective products free from unnecessary additives.
A key to Clinique’s success is its loyal customer base. Many users stick with the brand for decades, as they come to rely on its consistent quality and honest approach. Clinique doesn’t make exaggerated claims about its products; it lets the formulations speak for themselves. This inspires trust and confidence among consumers.
With its team of dermatologists, focus on safe and effective ingredients, and long-standing reputation, it’s no surprise Clinique remains one of the top skincare brands in the UK today. Its clinically-proven products deliver real results without irritating sensitive skin. For these reasons and more, Clinique firmly deserves its place among the top beauty brands.
#2 Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury is a luxury British cosmetics brand founded by celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. With its glamorous gold packaging and creative product names, the brand aims to bring a touch of Hollywood glamour into everyday life.
Charlotte Tilbury got her start working backstage at fashion shows for designers like Alexander McQueen. She went on to work with celebrities like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Amal Clooney for magazine covers and red carpets. This A-list clientele helped raise Charlotte’s profile and shape her vision for a makeup brand that makes women feel like the most beautiful versions of themselves.
The brand launched in 2013 at London’s Selfridges department store. Despite its luxury price point, Charlotte Tilbury quickly built momentum and a loyal following. Products like the Pillow Talk lipstick and Hollywood Flawless Filter complexion product flew off shelves. Just four years after launch, the brand was valued at over $1 billion and expanded into the US market.
Charlotte Tilbury balances prestige with accessibility in its brand image. The gold packaging and product names like ‘Supermodel Body’ feel indulgent and aspirational. Yet the makeup looks created are focused on enhancing natural beauty rather than dramatic transformations. This allows the brand to feel exclusive but still relatable to many consumers.
With stellar growth in just a few years, Charlotte Tilbury has carved out a unique niche in the beauty industry. By combining founder Charlotte Tilbury’s star power with quality products and luxe branding, the brand has become one of Britain’s top beauty names. Its rapid expansion shows no signs of slowing down as Charlotte Tilbury continues bringing red carpet glam to women worldwide.
#1 Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder is one of the most iconic and globally recognized prestige beauty brands. Founded in 1946 by its namesake, Estee Lauder, the company has grown into a multi-billion dollar empire with a portfolio of over 25 brands.
While Estee Lauder started with just four skincare products, it has expanded into a wide range of prestige makeup, fragrance, and skincare offerings. Some of its most popular brands today include MAC Cosmetics, Clinique, Tom Ford Beauty, and Jo Malone London.
In the UK market, Estee Lauder continues to have a strong presence across its portfolio of brands. As a global leader in luxury beauty, Estee Lauder brands are sold at high-end department stores like Harrods and Selfridges as well as at Boots, John Lewis, and other major retailers. The company invests significantly in UK marketing campaigns, sponsorships, and events to connect with British consumers.
With its legacy of innovation and focus on high quality ingredients and formulations, Estee Lauder is poised to continue growing its share of the UK prestige beauty segment. Its diverse brand portfolio caters to a wide range of consumer needs and preferences when it comes to makeup, skincare, fragrance and more.
