Last updated on 18th September 2024 by Sarah Sarsby
In this blog post, I discuss 5 different US beauty brands that I wish were more readily available in the UK.
Being from England, I often don’t have access to some of the amazing US beauty brands or their awesome sales. Sometimes the brand is simply not available in the UK or the shipping prices and customs charges are just extortionate.
Keep on reading to see which 5 US beauty brands I wish I could more easily get my hands on in the UK.
*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*
1. EM Cosmetics
What is EM Cosmetics?
Founded by popular US beauty YouTuber Michelle Phan, EM Cosmetics is a cruelty-free makeup brand that’s designed to work for even the most sensitive skin. The brand creates high-quality formulas that help you to embrace your natural inner beauty.
Availability in the UK
Until more recently, EM Cosmetics never shipped to the UK. I had to ask my sister to get some products for me from her trip to the US a few years ago, as I desperately wanted to try the brand.
Now, the brand does ship to the UK, but expect to be hit by potential customs charges, import duties, and very pricey shipping costs. Prices for shipping start at around £21 for the UK, which is pretty extortionate. It makes it difficult to justify getting these products in the UK!
Products I want to try from EM Cosmetics
Divine Skies Eyeshadow Palette, So Soft Multi Faceplay Bronze + Sculpt
2. Colourpop
What is Colourpop?
Colourpop is a hugely popular makeup brand that offers a massive range of high-quality and very affordable products. The brand’s Super Shock Shadows are a cult classic. People are continually impressed by Colourpop’s ability to create highly pigmented products that don’t break the bank.
Availability in the UK
There is no retailer, either physical or online, in the UK that sells Colourpop currently. You can’t just pop into Boots for the latest Colourpop palette. Instead, you can only buy directly from Colourpop’s website.
Thankfully, shipping prices aren’t too extortionate. There’s a $9.99 USD flat shipping rate for all orders under $60. For orders $60 and above, international shipping is free. However, orders are subject to potential customs and duty charges, so buying from Colourpop can end up being fairly pricey.
Products I want to try from Colourpop
3. Krave Beauty
What is Krave Beauty?
Founded by YouTube OG Liah Yoo, Krave Beauty is a brand that’s designed to work for sensitive skin and make skincare uncomplicated. The products are hard-working, effective, simple, and help strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Availability in the UK
Up until recently, Krave Beauty was unavailable in the UK.
Now, the website ships to the UK. However, all orders are subject to potential customs charges and import fees. Shipping to the UK costs around £13. This isn’t the worst international shipping fee I’ve come across, but it’s still fairly pricey.
You can also buy Krave Beauty products from Stylevana.
Products I want to try from Krave Beauty
Oil La La
4. iNNBeauty Project
What is INNBeauty Project?
Founded by Alisa Metzger and Jen Shane, INNBeauty Project is an affordable, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty brand. The products are designed to be highly effective, and the brand very much gives off ‘clean girl’ vibes.
Availability in the UK
INNBeauty Project is currently unavailable in the UK. The brand only ships to the US and Puerto Rico.
However, I’m hopeful this will change in a few years ago. When I first wrote this post back in 2020, there were a lot of US beauty brands that were not available in the UK. But, since revisiting this post in 2024, so many brands are not available in the UK. A fair few still come with customs charges or very high shipping costs, but that’s still better than not being available at all!
Products I want to try from INNBeauty Project
Extra Glaze Glazed Donut Lip Oil, Face Glaze Highlighting Gel Cream
5. Mented Cosmetics
What is Mented Cosmetics?
Founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics began after a conversation about why it was so difficult for black people to find the perfect nude lipstick.
Since then, the black-owned beauty brand has created a beautiful range of makeup products that cater to every skin tone.
Availability in the UK
When I first wrote this post, Mented Cosmetics did not ship to the UK. Although the brand isn’t available in any UK stores, it now ships to the UK.
The website doesn’t state whether orders are subject to customs charges or import duties, but I think it’s likely. Shipping costs around £8 to the UK, which is very reasonable compared to a lot of other US beauty brands on this list.
Products I want to try from Mented Cosmetics
Semi-Matte Lipstick, High Brow Pencil and Bronzer
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.
I would also love to see Kylie Cosmetics and KKW Beauty in the UK! I would be happier to try out products if I didn’t have to pay the hefty shipping costs. I think most of all I want Sephora to come to the UK.
I’d also love Sephora to come to the UK, but I believe that is a French company, else I would’ve included it in this list. KKW Beauty is the ultimate goal pls
I have been buying products from Kylie Cosmetics & KKW Beauty since the start of the brands and the amount of custom charges I’ve paid over the years…. I don’t even want to calculate them lol. It would literally be the best thing ever if both of them would be available in Europe and the UK! I think I have to pay customs now too if I order from the UK, because of the Brexit, so an European shipping warehouse would be perfect lol.
OMG I bet you’ve paid so much in custom charges. If I did a major haul, I’d be happy to pay the shipping and custom charges, but if I only want a couple of products, it doesn’t seem like it’s worth it for me lol. Agreed! Then we could both buy the products, without worrying about excess charges lol.
Really? Oh that sucks. It must work both ways now, so I’ll most likely have to pay customs for orders outside of the UK 🙁
First, I was SO excited to do this collaboration with you!!! Second, I was chuckling that shipping is literally the main thing that keeps us both from shopping from the brands on our lists!
I agree with you that I am more naturally drawn to KKW products, but I actually own way more Kylie products lololol. However, I feel like if you enjoy CP products, you enjoy these two brands given that CP obviously manufactures all 3 brands.
Also, I am actually shocked that Lorac only ships within the US. It is such a classic brand within the online beauty community, but the brand fell off a bit in the last few years. Knowing that you like all these brands – you should def visit an Ulta the next time you are in the US since they carry all these brands (except for Tatcha).
I agree! We’ll definitely have to collaborate again in the future because this was a really fun post and I loved doing this with you.
Lol, I just begrudge paying shipping when it seems unreasonable. Like Tatcha’s shipping prices are a joke. The products are so expensive and then they have the nerve to charge around £25 shipping?! It’s a hard pass from me lol.
Ah, really? Out of the two, which would you say is the better brand? I love CP products, so that’s very encouraging.
Yeah, IKR. I’ve always known about Lorac and recently, I looked at purchasing some products from the brand and realised it’s only available in the US? Like, do you want to make money or not lol? :’) haha, when I visit America in the future, I’ll definitely head to Ulta! Thanks for the heads up
I wish Kylie cosmetics and KKW Beauty was in the UK too. I haven’t heard of Mented Cosmetics before, but I am going to take a look now!