Ever felt totally lost trying to find a good color cosmetic manufacturer?
Yeah, same here.
When I was starting my own skincare brand, I was excited—until I tried to add makeup. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed. So many companies said they were “the best,” but no one really showed proof. I wasted a lot of time, asked the wrong questions, and felt like I was just guessing.
Since then, I’ve worked with different suppliers, talked to other brand owners, and seen what actually works. I made the mistakes—so you don’t have to.
In this guide, I’ll show you 8 color cosmetic manufacturers that real brands trust. You’ll see what they do, what they’re best at, and how they can help your business grow.
By the end, you
Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick reference table to help you see the big picture. We’ll explore each of these manufacturers more deeply in the sections that follow.
| Manufacturer | Established | Location | Product Focus | Best For |
| SBLC Cosmetics | 2014 | Germany | Private label colour cosmetics, EU-compliant | New brands, small MOQ, full support |
| Intercos | 1972 | Italy | Luxury colour cosmetics, texture innovation | Established brands, high-end markets |
| TY Cosmetics | 2009 | 3rd Floor, One View Building, Yunchengdong Road No.563, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China | Trend-driven, influencer-style products | Startups, fast trends, K-beauty formats |
| Kolmar Korea | 1990 | South Korea | Hybrid skincare-makeup, dermo-cosmetics | Brands seeking skincare + makeup blends |
| Schwan Cosmetics | 1927 | Germany | Cosmetic pencils and sticks | Eye/lip pencil specialists |
| Maesa Group | 1997 | France | Retail-ready collections and brand incubation | Turnkey retail brand development |
| HCT Group | 1992 | USA | Cosmetics + advanced packaging design | Visual-first, high-end packaging design |
| Lady Burd Cosmetics | 1967 | USA | Private label, salon and indie brand support | Low-risk testing and quick market entry |
Let’s take a closer look—starting with SBLC Cosmetics.
1. SBLC Cosmetics
Established Date: 2014
Address: Gerwigstraße 53, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
SBLC Cosmetics is a German manufacturer that focuses on private label cosmetics. That means they help brands like yours create makeup products under your own brand name. They’ve worked with both new and well-known companies.
What I like about them is how they handle every step—from product development to packaging design. They don’t just make the makeup. They help shape how your final product will look and feel on the shelf.
They also let you start small. This helps new brands launch without spending too much up front.
Product Range
You’ll find most of the core colour cosmetic products here, like:
- Lipsticks
- Foundations
- Eyeshadows
- Mascaras
- Powders and blushes
They focus on beauty formulas that follow EU regulations, which are known to be stricter than most. That gives you peace of mind about safety and quality.
Company Highlights
- Custom Formulations: You get your own formulas, not stock recipes—this keeps your brand different from others.
- Packaging Support: They guide you through packaging ideas and mockups, so your product looks good on the shelf.
- Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): You can start small, which helps if you’re testing the market or working with a limited budget.
- European Manufacturing Standards: Their products follow strict EU rules, giving you peace of mind about quality and safety.
- Trend Guidance: They stay updated on seasonal beauty trends and help you apply them to your products.
Takeaway Note
SBLC is great if you’re just starting or want more control over how your product looks and feels. You don’t need a huge budget. They’ll walk you through the process and even let you test out ideas in small batches.
Their main drawback? They don’t list certifications publicly. So, you might have to ask directly about things like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards.
2. Intercos
Established Date: 1972
Address: Via Marconi 84, 20864 Agrate Brianza (MB), Italy
Intercos is one of the most experienced players in the global beauty supply chain. They’ve been in business since 1972 and have grown into a top-tier ODM (Original Design Manufacturer). That means they don’t just produce your idea—they help shape it with their in-house creativity and science teams.
They work across six continents and have R&D labs in the U.S., Italy, South Korea, and China. They’re known for developing color cosmetics for prestige and luxury brands.
Product Range
Intercos is best known for colour products that feel premium. They focus on:
- Baked makeup (eyeshadows and blushes that are heat-processed for smooth texture)
- Powder-to-liquid transformations (powders that melt on contact with skin)
- High-pigment lip formulas
- Multi-texture eyeshadow palettes
- Metallic and velvet finish blushes
They’re constantly testing new pigments and textures. Some of their newer lines focus on hybrid formulas that mix skincare with makeup, like vitamin-rich lipsticks or foundation-serum blends.
Company Highlights
- Texture Innovation: They’re known for launching new textures before others—like water-based powders or bouncy gels that feel futuristic.
- Prestige Brand Network: Many of their clients are global luxury houses. If you want high-end quality, they’re used to delivering it.
- Sustainability Programs: Intercos has strict sustainability protocols and offers green chemistry solutions using clean, ethically sourced ingredients.
- Global Presence: With 15 plants and 11 R&D centers worldwide, they offer flexibility for scaling up.
- Sensory Labs: They use human testing labs to study product feel, blendability, and performance in real-world use.
Takeaway Note
Intercos is a go-to if you’re aiming for luxury-level formulation. Their lab work feels like a blend of fashion and science. I once visited a trade booth where they demoed a blush that went from solid to liquid on skin—no brush needed. I still remember how it felt—light, silky, and clean.
But there’s a catch. They’re not ideal for beginners. Their scale, pace, and standards are made for brands with clear budgets and plans. If you’re just starting out, it might feel too big, too fast.
3. TY Cosmetics
Established Date: 2009
Address: 3rd Floor, One View Building, Yunchengdong Road No.563, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, China
I have to be honest—TY Cosmetics surprised me.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a manufacturer that works mostly with small and mid-sized brands. But after seeing how fast they move, how clearly they explain things, and how smooth their sample process is, I started recommending them to newer founders.
TY Cosmetics is a full-service private label and OEM/ODM cosmetic manufacturer based in China. Since 2009, they’ve helped new and mid-sized beauty brands launch custom cosmetics under their own names. What sets them apart is their end-to-end support—from formula development to packaging and export documentation.
Product Range
TY Cosmetics covers a wide scope of skincare and colour cosmetics, but their strength lies in custom formulas and influencer-style product aesthetics. They excel at launching trendy and visual-first products.
Their range includes:
- Velvet matte lipsticks and glossy liquid lip shades
- Liquid blush and jelly highlighters
- Multi-chrome or holographic eye pigments
- Cushion foundations and BB creams
- Setting sprays and primers with skin-conditioning agents
They also specialize in “K-beauty inspired” formats like tone-up creams and water tints, giving you access to trending Asian beauty concepts.
Company Highlights
- ODM/OEM Services: Whether you have a full product idea or just want to start with their catalog, they’ve got you covered.
- Free Samples Available: You can test their formulas before committing, which is helpful when comparing options.
- Fast Lead Times: TY Cosmetics offers 15–25 day turnaround depending on order size and formula.
- Packaging Support: You can choose from stock or semi-custom designs. They also assist with labeling and printing.
- Global Export Experience: They’re used to handling customs and certifications for shipping worldwide.
Takeaway Note
TY Cosmetics is perfect if you’re a startup brand or online seller who needs fast production and full support without too many hoops. Their onboarding process is smooth, and they break things down clearly—even if you’re new.
4. Kolmar Korea
Established Date: 1990
Address: 12, Sagimakgol-ro 45beon-gil, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Kolmar Korea is a full-service cosmetics manufacturer based in South Korea. They’ve been operating since 1990 and are part of a larger group, which includes pharmaceutical and health supplement manufacturing arms.
Kolmar is an OEM and ODM company—so they either follow your specs or build your product from scratch. What makes them stand out is their deep focus on functional cosmetics.
I’ve seen brands scale fast after switching to Kolmar, especially in skincare-meets-makeup lines. Their clean lab tech and consistent textures are two things I kept hearing about from people in my network.
Product Range
Kolmar offers some of the most advanced skin-loving cosmetic formulas out there. Their product lines include:
- Cushion foundations with SPF and skin tone-correcting functions
- Tinted serums and skincare-infused primers
- Color-correcting compacts that blend skincare and pigment
- Blush and lip tints based on fermentation science
- Herbal extract-based eye shadows for sensitive skin
They’re heavy on dermo-cosmetics, which combine dermatology and cosmetics. If your brand wants a science-backed or doctor-tested feel, this is a solid angle.
Company Highlights
- Fermentation Technology: They use natural fermentation to boost ingredient absorption and stability in makeup formulas.
- Pharma-Grade Standards: Their facilities also handle pharmaceuticals, so their lab safety and hygiene levels are high.
- Local Ingredient Sourcing: They often use Korean botanicals and herbal ingredients known in K-beauty.
- Sensitive Skin Formulations: Many of their products are made without fragrance, parabens, or allergens.
- Asia-to-Global Strategy: Kolmar helps brands use trends popular in Korea and adapt them for Western markets.
Takeaway Note
Kolmar is a great pick if your focus is on hybrid formulas—where skincare and makeup mix naturally. They even helped reformulate the texture after early user feedback without charging extra.
But here’s the tradeoff: they can be very technical. If you don’t have a product developer or chemist on your team, their documents and lingo might feel like homework. It helps to come prepared or partner with someone who can speak their language.
5. Schwan Cosmetics
Established Date: 1927
Address: Schwanweg 1, 90562 Heroldsberg, Germany
Schwan Cosmetics is a Germany-based manufacturer with nearly a century of experience. Founded in 1927, they began as a pencil company and later expanded into colour cosmetics, becoming a specialist in cosmetic pencils and mechanical delivery systems—think twist-up eyeliners, brow definers, and lip liners.
What I appreciate about Schwan is their deep R&D in sustainability. They’re upfront about wanting to reduce plastic, cut waste, and improve recyclability without sacrificing performance.
Product Range
Schwan specializes in pencil-based formats. They don’t try to be everything—and that’s their strength. Here’s what they focus on:
- Mechanical brow pencils with refillable cartridges
- Gel-based eyeliners in twist-up form
- Waterproof lip liners with smooth glide
- Shadow sticks with built-in blenders
- Multi-use crayons for lips, eyes, or cheeks
They also offer custom delivery systems—which means if you want a liner that clicks instead of twists, or a built-in brush tip, they’ll build that into your design.
Company Highlights
- Recyclable Packaging: Schwan leads in mono-material designs that are easier to recycle.
- Mechanical Pencil Engineering: Their German-engineered twist-up systems rarely jam or skip.
- Global Compliance: Products are built to meet EU, U.S., and Asia-Pacific safety standards.
- Texture Lab: They test formulas on real skin tones and under different lighting to improve shade accuracy.
- Vegan and Clean Labels: Many of their offerings are made without animal ingredients or controversial additives.
Takeaway Note
If you’re planning to launch eye or lip pencils, Schwan should be high on your list. Their brow pencil was refillable, and it twisted with such smoothness. However, they’re not for full-face brands. If you need blush, foundation, or skincare, look elsewhere.
6. Maesa Group
Established Date: 1997
Address: 3 Rue de Monttessuy, 75007 Paris, France
When I first saw a Maesa-designed shelf at a Target store, I had no idea it wasn’t made by a global conglomerate. The branding, packaging, and product range looked so cohesive—it stuck with me.
Maesa is a beauty manufacturer that focuses on brand incubation and custom product development. Founded in Paris in 1997, they’re known for building retail-exclusive beauty brands from scratch—think Flower Beauty (with Drew Barrymore) or Kristin Ess Hair.
Product Range
Unlike manufacturers that focus on one product type, Maesa builds full collections under brand umbrellas. You can expect:
- Trend-forward cream blushes and liquid highlighters
- Velvet matte and glossy lip colors in modern packaging
- Hair-beauty crossovers (dry shampoo + tinted powder in one)
- Face sticks and multi-use balms with skincare actives
- Clean mascara formulas built for low irritation
Maesa is constantly watching retail behavior and influencer trends, which shows in how modern their collections feel. If you want product that looks great on both shelves and Instagram, they know how to deliver.
Company Highlights
- Full-Brand Creation: They can develop your entire brand—logo, name, formulas, packaging, and marketing concept.
- Retail-Driven Strategy: Products are designed to sell in places like Ulta, Target, or Boots.
- In-House Design Studio: They don’t outsource branding—they have an internal team that works with you directly.
- Celebrity Brand Expertise: They’ve launched beauty lines with celebrities and influencers, so they understand fast-moving launches.
- Rapid Trend Integration: They turn around trend-based product concepts faster than traditional manufacturers.
Takeaway Note
Maesa is perfect if you want a ready-to-sell beauty brand, not just a product. They’re more like a launch partner than just a manufacturer.
But this model isn’t for everyone. If you already have your brand established and just need production help, Maesa’s full-stack model might feel like too much control.
7. HCT Group
Established Date: 1992
Address: 1733 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
HCT Group started out in packaging but quickly evolved into a full-service beauty innovation house. Based in California and operating globally, they specialize in merging product development, custom component design, and turnkey manufacturing all under one roof.
What sets them apart is their strength in packaging-meets-product. They don’t just fill formulas—they design your packaging to elevate the user experience. That’s important in colour cosmetics, where how a product feels in your hand can be just as important as how it performs.
Product Range
HCT has a wide colour cosmetic lineup, but their standout strength is in packaging innovation combined with formula performance. Their product types include:
- Airless pump foundations with built-in applicators
- Dual-ended sticks blush + highlighter, lip + liner)
- Soft-touch lipsticks in magnetic cases
- Slim shadow palettes with refillable trays
- Travel-ready, no-mess blush tubes and liquid bronzers
What’s great is their flexibility. You can build standard stock packaging or go totally custom—even using recycled or biodegradable plastics.
Company Highlights
- Packaging Innovation: They engineer components that stand out—magnetic closures, applicator tips, and refillable systems.
- Turnkey Services: From concept sketches to final production, they manage the full journey.
- Stock Library: They offer ready-made packaging molds and pre-tested formulas to speed up launch timelines.
- Sustainable Options: You can request PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials or mono-material designs.
- Beauty + Tech Crossovers: HCT explores high-tech beauty like LED skincare masks and vibration-based applicators.
Takeaway Note
If you care about how your product feels in the customer’s hand, HCT is the one to watch. A friend of mine once launched a stick highlighter using their packaging. It looked and felt like a prestige Sephora brand, but her product was half the price. Her DTC site saw a 40% spike in return customers just from how premium it felt in the unboxing experience.
Now, the tradeoff—HCT’s custom work can get pricey. You’ll pay more for special finishes, magnet closures, or sustainable designs.
8. Lady Burd Cosmetics
Established Date:1967
Address: 44 Executive Blvd, Farmingdale, New York 11735, USA
Lady Burd is a family-owned private label cosmetic manufacturer that’s been around since 1967. Based in New York, they’ve built their name by supporting indie beauty entrepreneurs, med spas, salons, and small-batch startups.
One of my favorite things about Lady Burd is how friendly their staff is. I once called just to ask a basic question about shades, and someone on the team walked me through how their color ranges work—like I was already a client.
Product Range
Lady Burd offers a large and versatile catalogue of ready-to-go products. Their strength is in customizing proven formulas with your branding, labels, and colors.
Here’s a peek at their cosmetic range:
- Mineral pressed powders and bronzers
- Cream and stick foundations for different skin types
- Moisturizing lip glosses with clean shine (non-sticky)
- Custom blush palettes for different skin tones
- Single-shade eyeshadows with shimmer, matte, or satin finish
Their formulas are cruelty-free, many are vegan, and they keep up with U.S. FDA compliance for ingredient safety.
Company Highlights
- Private Label Simplicity: Choose from pre-made formulas and just brand them your way—no lab development needed.
- Low MOQs: Start with as few as 24 pieces per product, great for testing without big risk.
- Seasonal Collections: They release fresh shades and trend-based lines several times a year.
- Made in the USA: All their products are manufactured in their Farmingdale facility.
- Custom Labeling & Printing: Add your logo or design with the help of their in-house packaging team.
Takeaway Note
Lady Burd is a great starting point if you’re looking for speed and simplicity. They make it easy to launch fast and test what works—without committing to thousands of units.
Of course, the flip side is that their products aren’t custom-formulated from scratch. If you’re after truly unique textures or active ingredients, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
Conclusion
I started this journey stuck—overwhelmed, unsure where to begin.
Now? You’ve got eight trusted manufacturers at your fingertips. From Europe to Asia, big labs to small-batch partners, we covered what matters and why they’re worth your time.
If you’re launching your first colour cosmetic line, TY Cosmetics makes it simple, fast, and personal.
Contact us today and let’s help you move forward!
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