Il Makiage vs Huda Beauty at Ulta: A Detailed Comparison

Il Makiage and Huda Beauty are two powerhouse brands that have made significant impacts on the beauty industry and are both available at Ulta Beauty. Each offers unique products, aesthetics, and philosophies that attract different types of makeup lovers. This detailed comparison explores their offerings, quality, pricing, and overall value to help understand how they stack up against each other.


Brand Background and Philosophy

Il Makiage

Il Makiage focuses on delivering luxury makeup with a strong emphasis on precision and customization. The brand gained recognition for its AI-powered foundation matching quiz, MatchCo, which helps customers find their exact foundation shade online. Il Makiage prioritizes flawless, high-coverage makeup with a modern, glamorous edge.

Huda Beauty

Founded by beauty influencer Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty is celebrated for its bold, trend-driven products and inclusive shade ranges. The brand emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and accessibility, blending high-impact glam with formulas that appeal to makeup enthusiasts of all skill levels.


Product Range and Popular Offerings

Il Makiage

  • Foundation: Known for full-coverage, long-lasting formulas with a demi-matte finish.
  • Concealers and Primers: Designed to provide flawless coverage and skin-smoothing effects.
  • Eyeshadows and Lipsticks: Glamorous shades with rich pigmentation.
  • Innovative Matching System: The AI-driven MatchCo quiz is a standout tool for shade precision.

Huda Beauty

  • Eyeshadow Palettes: Highly pigmented, versatile palettes that often set makeup trends.
  • Foundations and Concealers: Broad shade ranges with buildable coverage and comfortable wear.
  • Lip Products: Extensive variety including liquid lipsticks, glosses, and liners.
  • Skincare and Tools: Expanding into skincare and beauty tools to complement makeup routines.

Shade Range and Inclusivity

Both brands excel in offering extensive shade ranges to cater to diverse skin tones.

  • Il Makiage offers over 40 foundation shades, paired with undertone-specific matches through their quiz system.
  • Huda Beauty provides around 30-40 shades in its foundation range, with a strong emphasis on inclusive undertones and formulas suited to various skin types.

Formula and Wearability

  • Il Makiage foundations deliver full coverage with a demi-matte finish, ideal for those seeking a polished, long-wearing look. Some users find the formula slightly heavier but effective for oily or combination skin.
  • Huda Beauty foundations tend to have a more natural to medium coverage with a comfortable, breathable feel, appealing to those who want flexibility between everyday wear and glam.

Pricing and Availability at Ulta

  • Il Makiage sits at a higher price point reflecting its luxury positioning but is accessible through Ulta’s website and select stores. Promotions are less frequent but occasional deals exist.
  • Huda Beauty is priced moderately high but offers frequent promotions, gifts with purchase, and is widely available both online and in physical Ulta locations.

Packaging and Aesthetic

  • Il Makiage embraces sleek, minimalist packaging with a modern and sophisticated vibe.
  • Huda Beauty favors bold, eye-catching packaging often inspired by current trends and influencer culture, matching its youthful, creative brand personality.

Final Thoughts

Both Il Makiage and Huda Beauty offer high-quality products with impressive shade ranges and distinct brand identities. Il Makiage is ideal for those who prioritize precision in foundation matching and full-coverage, long-lasting makeup with a luxe feel. Huda Beauty appeals to individuals who enjoy vibrant, trend-driven makeup with versatile formulas suitable for daily wear and bold looks. Choosing between them depends largely on personal preferences for formula, finish, and overall brand ethos.