Have you ever wondered where your beauty products are made? As a beauty journalist and self-confessed hair, makeup, fragrance and skincare obsessive, I test a lot of beauty products in my job. Many products make their way to the Who What Wear UK beauty desk. But, after inspecting the packaging of my beauty products, I started noticing that some of my favourite beauty buys all have a common thread; the countries in which they are manufactured. For example, some of my much-loved foundations are all made in Italy, whereas all the best eye pencils I've tried originate from Germany.
You see, some of our favourite brands, both mass and luxe, will rush to certain manufacturers, labs and factories across the world to help them create and formulate their products. At industry trade shows such as Cosmoprof in Bologna, Italy, manufacturers from around the world will exhibit to the industry to showcase their latest innovations and technologies, which brands will then tap into to help them create the next big formulations.
As such, certain countries have gained a reputation for pioneering high-performing products in their category—think the very best mascaras, efficacious skincare and results-driven hair products. Much like each country is known for its cuisine, they are also known for their own specialism in manufacturing beauty products and game-changing formulations.
Looking at where a product is manufactured can often give you a clue about how good the formulation might be. Take Beauty Pie, a beauty buyers club that allows members to access products from the best-of-the-best labs across the world (without the inflated prices that come with retailer markups). Its products are often made in the same laboratories as the premium beauty brands we all know and love, and they also share where all of its products are made.
And the TikTok algorithm has found me, because I have recently discovered beauty product developer Alexis Androulakis (one half of the @thelipsticklesbians duo), who, along with her wife Christina, goes into beauty retailers to test formulas, and then guesses where they are made before checking the product label—spoiler, she's always right. And it's fascinating to see where the best formulations come from around the world.
To find out more about the countries that make the creme de la creme of beauty products, I tapped the new product developers at Beauty Pie and Emma Lewisham for the trailblazing countries that are leading the way when creating beauty products.
1. Best Beauty Products From Switzerland: Skincare
Beautiful landscapes, watches and chocolate are just some of the best things in Switzerland, but its skincare is also highly regarded by beauty industry insiders. "Switzerland is known for its excellence in skincare all around; from sourcing cutting-edge ingredients and finding the very best chemists to technical advancements in production, 'Swiss made' is the gold standard in skincare," says Katie Houston, Beauty Pie Senior Skincare NPD Manager. As such, you'll find many Swiss formulations to be both luxurious and efficacious.
Shop Swiss-made products:
This moisturiser has unique patented peptides that are ideal to soothe stressed skin.
Beauty Pie called upon a Swiss lab to generate this serum-spray, which has loads of 5-star reviews.
La Prairie Swiss-made skincare is a luxurious investment.
This smart Swiss-made gadget helps to supercharge your skincare.
2. Best Beauty Products From Italy: Premium Makeup Textures and Haircare
If it's luxurious makeup formulas and high-performing hair care that you are after, then Italy is the place the find them. " Italy creates premium textures, which is where we source our lipsticks and foundations from," says Jessye Reddick, Senior Colour NPD Manager at Beauty Pie. Italy also produces some of the best hair formulations in Europe. "Italy creates amazing technical hair care treatments with beautiful luxe textures," says Lucy Philpotts, Beauty Pie Senior Body, Haircare & Devices NPD Manager.
Shop Italian-made products:
Everyone I know adores this incredible foundation, which has a light, silky texture that doesn't compromise on coverage.
Yes, everyone's favourite glow-giving primer is made in Italy.
Italian haircare is at the top of its game, and this hair oil helps to nourish dry lengths.
If you want to add a super-glossy shine to your hair, this is a must-try.
3. Best Beauty Products From Japan: Innovative Skincare Formulations
Japan had to naturally make this list. Japanese formulations are among some of the best in the world, which is why J-Beauty is so popular—the products are effective and the textures feel amazing to use too. "Japan are experts in beautiful and particularly lighter textures," says Houston. "The extensive skincare regime means lots of interesting innovations in more unusual formats, such as ampoules, essences, and hybrids. J-beauty is a huge trend right now, so producing in Japan means we are in the best place to take advantage of exciting new innovations," she says.
Shop Japan-made products:
Tatcha is renowned for its silky-smooth textures that melt into the skin. The dewy Skin Cream is one of its most-loved products.
Gold Collagen's supplement was created in Japanese labs and remains one of the most research-backed beauty supplements.
Price shown is member's price.
This serum adds serious glow to lacklustre complexions.
This is one of my favourite moisturisers for when my skin is in a sensitive spell.
4. Best Beauty Products From Germany: Precision Eye Pencils
Germany is highly regarded for its precision eye pencils and long-wearing formulas. In fact, during writing this story, a quick scan of my eyeliners confirmed that they were indeed made in Germany. "Germany is an amazing source for technical delivery systems, we source pencil and pen products here for ultra-precision and long-wear formulations," says Reddick.
Shop German-made products:
Achieves sleek cat eyes and flicks with precision.
Victoria Beckham's eyeliners are chic and high-performing.
Trust me—this eyeliner doesn't budge.
5. Best Beauty Products From Korea: Innovative Formulas
Korea is another country that is continually innovating impressive formulations that both perform and are a luxury to use. Reddick confirms that Korea is one of the world leaders when it comes to innovative formulations across skincare and makeup. From BB creams to skincare and liquid eyeliners, a lot of my favourite products are made in Korea.
Shop Korean-made products:
Dr Jart+ formulated the world's first BB cream, and it recently relaunched it. It's safe to say me and the Who What Wear UK team is obsessed with it too.
This lightweight essence contains snail mucin, which sounds suspect but is extremely hydrating on the skin.
Where is the TikTok-famous lip balm made? Korea.
This might be my favourite liquid eyeliner ever.
6. Best Beauty Products From France: Bodycare and Fragrance
France is well-known for its pharmacy skincare brands, but it's also a big player in creating luxurious body formulations, and, of course, it's the home to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, where some of the most popular fragrances are made. France is known for its beautiful luxe textures and innovative formula formats," says Philpotts.
Shop French-made products:
Price shown is member's price.
Trust me. When you try this ultra-luxe body moisturiser, you'll never look back.
Chanel has several iconic scents which are made in France.
This body oil balm melts into the skin with a moisture-cocooning effect.
7. Best Beauty Products From New Zealand: Sustainable Beauty
Sustainability is a huge talking point in beauty, and New Zealand is one of the countries that are trailblazers. One brand which is paving the way for sustainable yet luxurious skincare is Emma Lewisham. "In recent years New Zealand has become known as a leader in the world of sustainability, especially when it comes to beauty and wellness," says founder Emma Lewisham. "Thanks to the country’s ever-evolving attitudes to the way we look after our planet, New Zealand is owning the space for sustainably created formulations, creating a new wave of sustainable skincare."
Shop New Zealand-made products:
If it's a glow with sustainable credentials that you're after, then this is a wise planet-friendly choice.
Antipodes has several great skincare and makeup products.
Trilogy's rosehip oil has become a modern beauty icon (apparently, the Princess of Wales is a fan).
8. Best Beauty Products From Australia: SPF and Suncare
It is well-known within the beauty industry that Australia's suncare is second to none. Because of the country's strict regulations around sun protection (it has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world), its SPFs must be broad-spectrum (offering both UVA and UVB protection), and they are also more water-resistant than those in Europe. These are some of the best non-sticky, lightweight yet effective Australian SPFs you can find in the UK.
Shop Australian-made products:
Broad-spectrum? Check. SPF 50+? Check? Lightweight formula? Check.
This SPF is ideal for layering underneath makeup.
A great SPF with an affordable price tag.
9. Best Beauty Products From the UK: Bodycare
Last but not least, our very own United Kingdom is a pioneer in results-driven bodycare. Philpotts explains that the UK is home to technical and efficacious body products.
Shop UK-made products:
Beauty Pie's Youthbomb range is much-loved, and thankfully for us it extends to its bodycare too.
A luxurious and de-stressing addition to any bathtime routine.
This is one of my favourite UK-made body moisturisers.
Next Up, Tonnes of New Products Landed on My Desk This Month, But These 10 Were the Best
