Top Makeup & Beauty Retailers in the U.S. – Here are some of the most popular and influential makeup and beauty retailers in the USA in 2026 — places where people shop for cosmetics, skincare, and beauty trends (both in-store and online). These range from big nationwide chains to specialty stores that beauty lovers flock to, A top makeup store succeeds when it combines great products, trusted expertise, inclusive values, smart technology, and a genuinely human experience. That’s what turns casual shoppers into lifelong beauty loyalists.
🏆 Top Makeup & Beauty Retailers in the U.S. (2026)
1. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty Web Address: 1521 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex, NC 27502 Phone: 919-362-0415
- One of the largest and most popular beauty retailers in the U.S., known for its massive selection of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance from both mainstream and prestige brands.
- Ulta also offers salon services in many stores and has a strong loyalty program and digital presence — making it a go-to for beauty shoppers.
2. SEPHORA
Sephora Web Address: 525 Market St Fl 32 San Francisco, CA 941051521 Phone: 415-284-3300
- A cosmetics powerhouse famous for its curated mix of luxury and indie beauty brands, immersive store experiences, and cutting-edge beauty tech tools.
- Sephora also partners with department stores and retail partners, expanding access to its curated selection.
3. Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty Web Address: 3001 Colorado Boulevard Denton, Texas 76210 Phone: 800-777-5706
- A major specialty beauty supply chain with thousands of locations nationwide.
- Although it’s more focused on professional and salon products (including makeup), Sally Beauty remains important in the retail ecosystem for both DIY beauty lovers and professionals.
4. Bluemercury
Bluemercury Web Address: 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave, Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: 919-788-4210
- Upscale boutique beauty retailer known for luxury skincare and cosmetics.
- Many shoppers love Bluemercury for personalized service and high-end brand curation.
5. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty Web Address: 2136 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- A clean beauty destination that focuses on non-toxic and ethically conscious products.
- A favorite among shoppers who prioritize ingredient transparency and sustainable beauty.
6. Lush Cosmetics
Lush Cosmetics Web Address: 29 High Street, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1AB, United Kingdom Phone: 888-733-5874
- While better known for bath and body, Lush also carries vibrant, natural makeup products and enjoys dedicated fans for its eco-friendly stance and fresh, handcrafted products.
7. The Cosmetics Company Store
The Cosmetics Company Store Web Address: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard Space 270, Concord, NC 28027 Phone: 704-979-3082
- Outlet-style stores offering discounted prestige beauty products — a great stop for bargains on makeup and skincare.
8. Professional & Specialty Makeup Shops
- Kryolan Professional Make-up – Kryolan Professional Make-up: beloved by makeup artists for theatrical and high-performance products.
🛍️ Where Else You’ll Find Makeup in the U.S.
These aren’t dedicated makeup stores, but they’re major touchpoints for cosmetics:
- Drugstores like Walgreens (e.g., Walgreens) and CVS — ubiquitous and convenient for everyday makeup purchases.
- Department stores and fashion retailers often feature beauty counters carrying brands like MAC, Estée Lauder, and Clinique.
📈 Trends Shaping Makeup Retail in 2026
- Digital engagement is huge — brands like Ulta and Sephora report enormous online traffic and app use.
- Clean, ethical, and personalized beauty continues to grow (e.g., Credo).
- Hybrid makeup-skincare products and tech-enhanced shopping experiences (like virtual try-ons) are influencing what people buy in stores.
💡 Quick tip: If you’re looking for wide variety and frequent promotions, Ulta and Sephora are the top picks. Want clean or luxury? Credo and Bluemercury are solid. After discounted prestige products? Outlet cosmetic stores are great stops.