Published: March 2026 | 7 min read
When it comes to affordable, high-quality makeup, two brands consistently top the charts in the UK: Rimmel London and L'Oreal Paris. Both have been staples on British high streets for decades, but which one is actually right for you? We have put these two beauty heavyweights head-to-head to help you decide.
Brand Heritage
Rimmel London has been a quintessentially British brand since the 1800s. Founded in London by Eugene Rimmel, it has always been about accessible, trend-led beauty. The brand has a youthful, edgy energy and is known for its bold marketing and innovative formulas at genuinely affordable prices.
L'Oreal Paris, on the other hand, brings French luxury to the high street. As the world's largest beauty company, L'Oreal combines scientific innovation with Parisian elegance. Their tagline "Because you're worth it" has become one of the most recognised slogans in advertising history, and their products sit at the premium end of the budget beauty market.
Price Comparison
This is where Rimmel has a clear advantage. On average, Rimmel products are 20-40% cheaper than their L'Oreal equivalents. A Rimmel mascara typically costs between four and six pounds, while an L'Oreal mascara usually sits between eight and twelve pounds. However, L'Oreal fans would argue that you are paying for superior formulas and more luxurious packaging.
| Product Type | Rimmel (typical) | L'Oreal (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Mascara | From £4.99 | From £8.99 |
| Lipstick | From £3.99 | From £7.99 |
| Foundation | From £5.99 | From £9.99 |
| Eyeliner | From £3.49 | From £6.99 |
Best for Eyes
Winner: Rimmel. Their eye makeup range is exceptionally strong. The Scandaleyes and Exaggerate lines offer intense, long-wearing formulas at prices that make it easy to experiment. The Rimmel Extra Long Lash mascara is a cult favourite, and their eyeliner pencils are among the best on the high street. L'Oreal's mascaras are excellent (particularly the Air Volume range), but at nearly double the price, Rimmel offers better value.
Best for Lips
Winner: L'Oreal. The Color Riche lipstick range is genuinely luxurious, with beautiful packaging and formulas that feel high-end. The Glow Paradise line, enriched with pomegranate extract, is particularly lovely. While Rimmel's lip glosses (especially the Oh My Gloss Plump) are fantastic, L'Oreal edges ahead on lipstick quality and shade range.
Best for Face
Winner: Draw. Both brands have strong foundation offerings, but they cater to different needs. L'Oreal excels with their Age Perfect range for mature skin and their True Match foundation, which offers an impressive shade range. Rimmel's Lasting Finish foundation is a solid everyday choice at a lower price point. For concealer, L'Oreal's Infallible range is hard to beat, but Rimmel's prices are undeniably more purse-friendly.
Best for Nails
Winner: Rimmel. The Kind & Free range combines eco-consciousness with beautiful colours, while the Super Gel polish delivers salon-quality results without a UV lamp. L'Oreal has largely stepped back from nail polish in recent years, making Rimmel the clear winner in this category.
Sustainability
Winner: Both making progress. Rimmel's Kind & Free range is plant-based and 8-free, which is impressive for a budget brand. L'Oreal has committed to ambitious sustainability targets through their "L'Oreal for the Future" programme. Both brands are cruelty-free certified in the UK.
The Verdict
If you are on a tight budget and want the best value, Rimmel is your brand. Their products punch well above their weight, particularly in eye and nail categories. If you are willing to spend a bit more for a touch of luxury, L'Oreal delivers premium formulas that genuinely compete with much more expensive brands.
The good news? At Luxe Glow UK, you can get both brands at below high-street prices. Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds? Browse our full range and see how much you can save.