Finding the right color cosmetics manufacturers is the first step to launching a successful makeup line. In this post, we’ll highlight the top 10 color cosmetics manufacturers for 2025. These manufacturers can help you create everything from lipsticks to foundations, whether you want pre-made options or fully custom formulations.

If you’re serious about building a standout makeup brand, this guide will point you to the best partners in the industry.

We are a Turkish cosmetic manufacturer specialized in high-end color cosmetics. We work with the same suppliers like Dior, Chanel & Charlotte Tilbury. You can order as few as 1,000 pieces per shade, with full customization for your packaging. Also we do offer “color matching”, which means that you can ceate your very own and unique color, even when you choose a pre-made formula.

We offer full service from start to finish, including brand creation, product design, safety checks, and secondary packaging like paper boxes.

Nuco is one of the largest contract manufacturers for decorative cosmetics in Poland, with over 30 years of experience and more than 500 employees. They offer a wide range of products in various formats, including pressed and loose powders, hot- and cold-filled items, as well as solid and liquid formulations. 

Cosmetize is the leading private label cosmetics manufacturer and product developer in the Netherlands. Many of their makeup products, such as nail polish, lipsticks, or mascaras, start with a minimum order quantity of just 1,000 pieces per color.

However, you’ll need to order at least 10,000 units in total (e.g., 10 colors with 1,000 pieces each).

M:Plus is an Italian contract manufacturer specializing in decorative cosmetics for the face, lips, and eyes. While they don’t offer private label formulations, they assist you every step of the way, from your initial idea to the finished product. Unfortunately, they don’t specify minimum order quantities (MOQs) for their products, what means that its probabaly pretty high.

Audrey Morris Cosmetics is a so-called white label cosmetics manufacturer. This means that they offer ready-made cosmetic products that you can label with your logo. The huge advantage is the low minimum order quantity of only 3 pieces per colour and a minimum order volume of $200. The biggest disadvantage, apart from the lack of customisation, is definitely the high unit price. While you need an overall lower budget to start your color cosmetics brand, you’ll have a hard time building a sustainable business due to the narrow profit margins.

IL Cosmetics brings over 30 years of expertise in nail polish production, offering innovative formulas like thyrotropic, water-based, and peel-off types. They specialize in all kinds of color cosmetics for nails, eyes and lips. All products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, reflecting their commitment to ethical and sustainable beauty. While they are a solid option if you’re looking for a reliable color cosmetics manufacturer with high-quality standards, expect minimum order quantities of 2500pcs per color.

SMC stands as the UK’s top nail polish manufacturer. Specializing primarily in nail polish—a leading category in color cosmetics—they are known for their high-quality, vegan, cruelty-free, and HEMA-free formulations. SMC prioritizes sustainability by using traceable raw materials and supporting local manufacturing to reduce environmental impact. While they offer some skincare products, their core focus remains on creating exceptional nail polishes.

New Look Cosmetics (NLC) is a U.S.-based full-service cosmetics manufacturer. They create various color cosmetics for the face, eyes, lips, offering everything from formulation to production. NLC is SGS and PETA certified, ensuring quality and helping with regulatory compliance. 

iTiT Cosmetics is a smaller Italian manufacturer established in 2011. They handle the entire production process, from initial concepts to chemical formulation and packaging. With their extensive selection of private label formulas, they make it simple to kick off your color cosmetics line.

Color Strokes is a color cosmetics manufacturer based in Europe. They offer a comprehensive range of services, from developing unique formulations to producing and packaging products for eyes, lips, and face. They cater to both private label and custom formulation projects. 

Color cosmetics are makeup products that use color to enhance or conceal the skin’s natural tones. They include products like eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, nail polish, and foundation. Some products, like concealers, even out the skin without being noticeable, while others, like bold lipsticks, add more visible color.

Color cosmetics have unique features that determine how they look and perform. Here’s what to consider:

• Opacity: Products range from opaque (full coverage foundations) to translucent (tinted moisturizers) and transparent (lip gloss).
• Color Properties: Hue sets the color family, luminosity controls brightness, and saturation affects intensity.
• Pigments: Organic pigments create softer tones, while inorganic pigments produce bold, long-lasting shades.

For a deeper dive into these features and their impact, check out our full guide about color cosmetics here.

Choosing the right color cosmetics manufacturer is one of the most important steps for your brand. To make the best decision, focus on these three key factors:

MOQ refers to the smallest number of units a manufacturer requires per order. Some companies offer low MOQs, perfect for startups to minimize risk. Others are specialized on higher production volumes to cater to larger businesses. 

If you’re just starting out, consider manufacturers that allow you to scale as your business grows. Many offer options to start small and expand orders once your products gain traction.

The ability to customize your products is a major factor when choosing a manufacturer.

It’s important to separate customization into two areas: formulation and packaging. Each comes with its own set of options, costs, and timelines.

Formulation Customization

In color cosmetics, even when using a pre-made formulation (private label cosmetics), you can often customize the product’s color through a process called “color matching.” This allows you to create shades that are exclusive to your brand while keeping the underlying formulation intact.

Color matching is a popular option because it gives you the flexibility to offer unique products without the time and expense of developing an entirely new formula.

Packaging Customization

Most color cosmetics manufacturers offer standard packaging options like bottles, tubes, or compacts, which keep costs low for smaller orders. You can still customize these with printed logos or designs on the body and branded labels.

For higher order quantities (typically 10,000+ pieces), you can further customize by dyeing the bottle or lid to match your brand’s colors.  For most new brands, standard packaging with printed branding offers the best mix of affordability and customization.

The country where your products are manufactured plays a big role in your brand’s image. It impacts everything from ethical standards to environmental considerations and even how customers perceive your brand.

• Ethical Standards: Countries with strict labor laws and regulations, such as the U.S., Europe, or Japan, often assure buyers of fair working conditions and product safety. This can be a selling point for brands prioritizing ethical practices.
• Environmental Impact: Manufacturing closer to your main market reduces shipping distances and carbon emissions. For eco-conscious brands, working with local manufacturers or those with sustainable practices is a strong statement.
• Marketing Appeal: Some countries carry strong reputations in the cosmetics world. “Made in Italy” is associated with luxury, while “Made in Korea” is often linked to innovation and skincare expertise. Highlighting the country of origin can enhance your brand’s appeal to specific customer values.
• Regulatory Compliance: Cosmetic regulations vary widely across countries. Working with a manufacturer based in the country where you’re selling your products ensures they are well-versed in the local requirements, which minimizes compliance risks and ensures smoother market entry. We at SBLC, also offer excellent regulatory compliance services for markets worldwide, ensuring your products meet the necessary standards no matter where they’re sold.

Choosing the right location balances cost, ethics, sustainability, and brand positioning. Make sure to consider how the manufacturing country aligns with your brand’s message and your customers’ expectations.

Now that you know what to look for in a manufacturer, it’s time to choose the right partner from our list of top manufacturers. Each offers unique strengths, but if you’re looking for a seamless way to start your color cosmetics line, we’re here to help.

We simplify the entire process with a full-service approach. While we work with trusted contract manufacturers for the actual production, we provide competitive and transparent pricing so you know exactly what your production costs are. This lets you make informed decisions and compare options.

Ready to get started? Contact us today! Whether it’s selecting formulations, customizing packaging, or scaling your production, we’ve got you covered every step of the way!