I moved to Germany in 2016, and I’ve been loving the beauty products ever since. German brands are known for their quality, innovation, and commitment to natural ingredients. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury or affordable drugstore options, there’s a German brand that has you covered.

In this blog post, I’m going to share some of my favorite German makeup and skincare brands. I’ll also give you a few tips on how to choose the right products for your needs

Germans are extremely conscious of ingredients and are always looking for as many natural ingredients as possible (love that!). Also, they don’t like to spend as much on makeup as they do on skincare (love that, too!). When it comes to makeup, they prefer affordable prices.

German Makeup Manufacturers

1. Artdeco

Artdeco is a luxury brand that has been around for over 30 years. They’re known for their high-quality, long-lasting products.

Their products are designed to be long-lasting and provide a beautiful finish. For example, they make one of the most popular liquid lipsticks  Artdeco Perfect Color Lipstick. It has a lightweight, creamy texture and a high-pigment color payoff.

 

2. Essence

Essence is a drugstore brand that’s known for its affordable prices and high-quality products. They’re a great option for those who are on a budget. They use natural, gentle ingredients and their products are great for those with sensitive skin.

My fave Essence product?

Their mascaras! They were a staple in my pro kit in a pinch!

 

 

3. Catrice

Catrice is a German beauty brand that’s known for their groundbreaking & fashion-forward products. Their commitment to using top-tier ingredients and reliable formulas ensure that their customers’ needs are always met.

I demoed a Catrice bronzer here. It wasn’t my favorite drugstore bronzer of the bunch but for fairer skin tones who want something on a budget and can find it in Europe, you have my seal of approval!

 

 

 

4. P2

p2 – This German makeup company is all about going the natural route with their products. Even though we all know how I feel about the word ‘natural’. Their formulas rely on safe and effective ingredients for healthy, beautiful and sensitive skin. Even though they have a small catalog at the time this post is published, it looks like they focus a lot of their energy into nail & brows product.

5. IsaDora

IsaDora is a Swedish makeup brand that is owned by the German company, ARTDECO (which we talked about already). They’re really dedicated to using only the best ingredients at a great, entry-level price point. Their products are known for being super reliable and they have great customer satisfaction.

Isadora Twist-up Gloss Stick Moisturizing Lip Filler with Collagen Pre-Peptides

A great makeup product with skincare benefits.

 

6. Alverde (by dm-drogerie markt)

 

Alverde is a German makeup brand that is owned by the popular drugstore, dm-drogerie markt. They are also committed to using natural and organic ingredients in their formulas, and their products are ideal for those with sensitive skin. Bonus: they are also really well known for avoiding animal testing, which is something that I know is important to many people.

I love their shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, like the one pictured above… the Alverde Shampoo Repair Avocado and Shea Butter

 

7. Balea

Balea (by dm-drogerie markt) – Balea is another German makeup brand that is owned by dm-drogerie markt. They are renowned for their affordable prices and dedication to customer satisfaction.

They have some great skincare products and hand-cream!

Balea Q10 Anti Wrinkle Eye Pads

Augen = eyes in German, and these eye pads are great for those mornings you need a little extra help 🙂

 

8. Trend it up

Trend it up (by dm-drogerie markt) – Trend it up is a newer German makeup brand that is again, owned by dm-drogerie markt. When my daughter wants makeup or nail stickers/art  On top of that, they’ve got a great rep for being trendsetters & launching fresh ideas!

9. Astor

Astor – Astor is a German makeup brand known for their decorative cosmetics, such as lipstick and nail polish.

10. Langhaar-Lippenstift

Langhaar-Lippenstift (by Lush) – Langhaar-Lippenstift is a German makeup brand that is owned by the popular bath and body company, Lush. They’re always striving to satisfy their customers’ needs and from what I’ve seen, they deliver on that promise. Plus, you can trust that they don’t test any of their products on animals and use only safe, natural ingredients. Their facial toner is also highly rated by many beauty magazines & gurus, so it’s definitely worth trying out.

German Skincare brands

Now, I want to jump into German skincare. I love skincare, and I am always talking about how important your skincare routine is for your overall look. Makeup looks SO much better on skin that has been cared for and prepped for the makeup application. Anyway, I could go on and on about that but let’s dive into the list of popular German skincare brands from the last year:

1. Nivea

 

One of the most well-known German brands, Nivea has been a staple in many people’s skincare routines for decades. Maybe it’s even a part of your routine! Their commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative formulas has made them a trusted brand around the world. Their products, such as the classic Nivea Creme (one of the oldest beauty creams in Germany), are known for their ability to protect and nourish the skin, even against harsh environmental influences. Some of their products, such as their body lotions and creams, contain mineral oil as an ingredient.

This Nivea Creme is one of my favorite, low-cost face creams. I de-pot a small amount into a small tin that I keep in my bag.

 

2. La Prairie

 

You might’ve spotted this brand in those high-brow department stores or on the makeup artist work tables for celebrity red carpet events. But La Prairie  is a German brand known for their high quality luxurious skincare cosmetic products, especially their skin caviar products!

La Prairie combines advanced technology and high-quality ingredients to create formulas that cater to the specific needs of the skin. Their products are designed to improve the skin’s texture, hydration, and overall appearance, and are a favorite of many beauty enthusiasts around the world.

Pictured Above: La Prairie | Skin Caviar Essence-in-Foundation SPF 25

3. Weleda

Famous for their Weleda Skin Food (pictured below),  has been a cult favorite for decades. It’s in my personal skincare lineup since 2018. Weleda is a German skincare brand that has been committed to natural and organic cosmetic products since its founding in 1921. Their products are made using sustainable, natural ingredients and are designed to promote overall skin health. Their organic products are formulated with high-quality natural ingredients, such as plant extracts and essential oils, and are free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and other harmful chemicals.

 

Don’t let the strong (natural) scent and the thickness of this cream deter you, THIS is holy grail for me in the evenings, especially in the winter. Affordable and effective! Weleda Skin Food.

4. Bioderma

Bioderma is a French brand that was founded by a German biologist and has become a popular choice for those looking for gentle, effective skincare products. Their formulas are designed to restore and maintain the skin’s natural balance, while also protecting against environmental influences. Bioderma is a great choice for those looking for natural cosmetics, as their formulas are free from harmful chemicals.

My favorite (and their most popular) product is their Micellar Water. Pictured above.

5. Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka is a German skincare brand that is known for their holistic approach to skincare and using medicinal plants. Their products are designed to work with the skin’s natural rhythms, and are made using high-quality, organic ingredients. Their formulas are designed to target specific skin concerns, while also promoting overall skin health.

I know that J. Lo used her Rose Day cream for a lonnnnng time before launching her own brand. She may still be using it. Who knows!

Dr. Hauschka was founded in 1967 and has been producing natural and organic skincare products for over 50 years. It has long history compared to the other brands I’ve listed here.

This brand is also so easy to get a hold of if you have questions. They have a customer service hotline, email support, and a chat function on their online store.

 

 

6. Beiersdorf

Beiersdorf is a German manufacturer of skincare and beauty products. Beiersdorf was recently recognized with “CDP Triple A” rating by the CDP in the areas of climate change, forests and water security. They are actually the parent company of Nivea, Eucerin, Hansaplast, and La Prairie (previously mentioned). Their commitment to research and development has made them a leader in the German beauty sector, and their skin care products are known for their quality and effectiveness.

 

 

7. Sebamed

Sebamed is a German skincare brand that is committed to developing products that are pH-balanced and gentle on the skin. Their formulas are designed to promote overall skin health and are ideal for those with sensitive skin.

I’ve had clients over the years with rosacea swear that sebamed is the only skincare that their skin can tolerate.

8. Jentschura

Jentschura is a German brand that is best known for their alkaline skincare products. Their formulas are designed to help balance the skin’s pH levels and promote overall skin health.

9. iS Clinical

When you walk into German spas, you’ll see iS Clinical in lots of them.

iS Clinical is a skincare brand that is committed to using high-quality, clinical-grade ingredients to create effective and innovative skincare products. Their formulas are designed to target specific skin concerns, such as acne and aging, and are a favorite of many dermatologists and estheticians.

Their most popular product is their cleansing complex! Pictured above.

10. Juvena

Juvena is a Swiss skincare brand owned by the German manufacturer, Beiersdorf (named above) in 1954. Their products are designed to improve the skin’s texture and overall appearance, and are known for their effectiveness and high-quality ingredients.

These brands are known for their commitment to natural and high-quality ingredients, scientific research, and effective formulas. Whether you’re looking for a simple routine or you want to target specific skin concerns, I think you’ll easily find a German skincare brand that will meet your needs.

 

What drugstore cosmetics brands are in Germany?

Here is a list of German beauty products manufacturers that you can find in drugstores:

1. Вm-drogerie markt – This is one of the largest drugstore chains in Germany and they have their own line of products under various brand names, including Balea, Alverde, and Trend it up.
2. Rossmann – This is another popular drugstore chain in Germany and they have their own line of products under the brand names Rival de Loop, Rival de Loop Young, and Isana.
3. Müller – Müller is a drugstore chain that offers a wide range of products including their own line of makeup and skincare products under the brand names Trend it up and Terra Naturi.
4. Budni – Budni is a drugstore chain that operates in the northern region of Germany and they’ve got a range of makeup and skincare products that they produce and sell under the brand name Biocura.
5. Rewe – This is a supermarket chain in Germany that also offers a selection of drugstore products including their own line of makeup and skincare products under the brand name Wellness & Beauty.

These drugstore brands offer a wide range of products, from makeup and skincare to personal care and household items, and they are known for their affordable prices and accessibility to the general public.

What are the Indie German Makeup Brands?

There are several German indie makeup brands that are gaining popularity in the beauty industry.

Here are some of them:

1. Und Gretel – This is a Berlin-based makeup brand that focuses on clean beauty and sustainability. They use natural, organic and high-quality ingredients in their products.
2. Hiro Cosmetics – This brand was founded by a makeup artist and is known for its innovative products and packaging. They use natural and organic ingredients and their products are vegan and cruelty-free.
3. Lovely Day Botanicals – This is a skincare and makeup brand that specializes in botanical and herbal ingredients. Their products are free of synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives.
4. Whamisa – This is a Korean-German brand that combines Korean beauty and traditional German herbalism. Their products feature  natural and organic ingredients and are fermented for better absorption and effectiveness.
5. ZOEVA – This brand started as a makeup brush line and has since expanded to include a range of different products. They offer high-quality and affordable makeup products that are cruelty-free and vegan. Zoeva makes some of my favorite makeup brushes here in Europe! Read more about makeup brushes here >

What Makes Them Great?

These German indie makeup brands offer unique and innovative products that cater to a variety of skin types and preferences. They focus on high-quality and natural ingredients, as well as their commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices.

I hope you liked this list of products that I compiled from my current home sweet home! I love trying new products and mixing them in with some of my tried and true favorites from other places.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the makeup options that are out there and need a little help narrowing it down, I would love to help! I offer a Personalized 5 – Makeup Shopping service where I will personally select five makeup products that will work for your skin type, preferences and lifestyle. I can do lipstick, blush, bronzer, foundation, setting spray… whatever you need! All you have to do is click “add to cart.” You can learn more about this service by clicking here!

If you’ve tried any of these German brands, I’d love to know what you think of them! Feel free to leave a comment. Or, if you think I missed something on my list, let me know!

Stay beautiful,

Natalie