There are so many makeup brands; it’s hard to know which ones are really good. Some brands have online cult followings, others celebrity endorsements. The only way to discover if you like a particular brand is to try it. For high-end brands try retailers like Sephora, Ulta, MAC, and QVC. They have very liberal return policies. In terms of drugstore makeup, CVS also accepts returned open makeup. Looking for a place to start? These are my favorite makeup brands.

Don't worry, you'll find a brand you love! (From giphy.com)

MAC Cosmetics

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Most of the makeup I own is MAC. My favorite lipsticks, foundations, and eyeshadows are all from MAC. This was the first high end makeup brand I ever tried and I love their products. What initially attracted me to MAC was the color sections. Almost all of MAC’s products come in more colors compared to their competitors. They have foundations and concealers for people of all colors, which is my favorite thing about the brand.

Another thing I love about MAC is that a lot of their brand representatives are great makeup artists. They are very can help you match the correct foundation for your skin tone or give you a full face for a special occasion.

My favorites: Face and Body Foundation, Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Fludline, and lipsticks.

What I want to try: Pro Longwear Foundation, Studio Tech Foundation, Cool Neutral 15x eyeshadow palette.

NYX

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NYX has the best dupes for high-end makeup, which is why I really like this company. Their lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeshadow sticks, and blushes are my favorites. Whenever there is a new beauty technology from more expensive brands, NYX comes out with version that’s less than $15. They are sold at Ulta and Target, which makes their products easy to find.

My favorites: Butter Gloss, Mega Shine Lip Gloss, Matte lipstick, and Matte lip creams.

What I want to try: Wicked lipsticks, Matte bronzers, and the Natural Shadow palette.

Revlon

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Drugstore foundations usually cause my to have bad skin reactions. The only exception to that rule is Revoln’s Color Stay foundation. The shade Caramel works for my skin all year round and it doesn’t budge on my oily t-zone. In addition to this foundation, I also love their super lustrous lipsticks, lip butters, and Color bust lip balm.

My favorites: Color Stay Foundation, Colorbust Balm Stain, and Colorburst lip butters.

What I want to try: Color Stay Whipped Cream Makeup, Photo Ready 3D Volume Mascara.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

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If you have sparse eyebrows you will love all the products from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Their Dipbrow pomade, Brow Wiz, and Perfect Brow Pencil work on both skin and hair. Their products also make it easy to create a more natural looking eyebrow. The price point may seem expensive, however the products are very good quality and last for a long time.

My favorite: Dipbrow pomade, Brow Wiz, and Perfect Brow Pencil.

What I want to try: Contour kit, Full coverage concealer, and Brow Powder Duo.

Black Radiance

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Finding makeup suitable for Black women is a challenge. Black Radiance is a phenomenal makeup company that makes some of best drugstore makeup. Their brand is designed for women of color, but women of all ethnicities enjoy their products. They work well on sensitive skin and are very pigmented. Black Radiance can be purchased at Wal-Mart and CVS.

My favorites: Pressed powder, Baked blush, and clear mascara/brow tamer

What I want to try: True Complexion BB Cream, Concealer stick, Perfecting eyeshadow primer.