Looking for a beauty store in Dublin can feel like a treasure hunt — but the rewards are worth it. From the sprawling counters of Arnotts to exclusive boutiques on South William Street, this guide maps out the best places to buy makeup in the city. We’ll also share which brands Irish shoppers love most and what dermatologists actually recommend, so you can make informed choices next time you’re shopping.

4 related posts

Ireland’s most loved beauty brand: Sculpted by Aimee (2024) ·
First Sephora in Ireland opened: 2024 ·
Capital Hair & Beauty store count: 60 stores nationwide

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Arnotts is the largest beauty hall in Dublin (Beaut.ie)
  • Boots Liffey Valley stocks Lancome, Clinique, Dior, Estée Lauder (Beaut.ie)
  • Sephora opened its first Irish store in 2024 (RTE) (Beaut.ie)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of beauty stores in Dublin
  • Which stores are open 24/7
  • Availability of specific indie brands across all locations
3Timeline signal
  • Sephora Ireland opened in 2024 (RTE)
  • Capital Hair & Beauty reaches 60 stores
4What’s next
  • Potential expansion of Sephora to other Irish cities
  • Growth of Irish indie brands like Poco Beauty

Eight stores, one pattern: Dublin’s beauty retail spans from giant department stores to intimate boutiques, each with a distinct brand focus.

Store / Fact Detail Source
Sephora Ireland opened 2024 RTE
Sculpted by Aimee most loved 2024 Official ranking
Capital Hair & Beauty stores 60 nationwide Brand data
Arnotts beauty hall Largest in Dublin, stocks Clinique, Chanel, Lancôme Beaut.ie
Boots Liffey Valley Carries Lancome, Clinique, Clarins, Dior, No 7, Estée Lauder Beaut.ie
Nue Blue Eriu Luxury boutique at 7 South William St Beaut.ie
Make Up For Ever store Dedicated store on Clarendon Street Beaut.ie
Queen Beauty Emporium Exclusive brands: Planet Skincare, Kevyn Aucoin, Girlactik Beaut.ie
The Make Up Room Sells Nix’ie and Beauty Blender products Beaut.ie
Arnotts hard-to-find brands Make Up Store, Make Up For Ever, Dr LeWinns, Faces, SPC Beaut.ie

Where can you buy makeup in Dublin?

Top beauty stores in Dublin

  • Arnotts (12 Henry St) — the city’s largest beauty hall with 12+ premium counters (Beaut.ie)
  • Brown Thomas (Grafton St) — luxury brands including Chanel, Dior, La Mer
  • Boots (Liffey Valley & city centre) — mid-range and premium mix (Beaut.ie)
  • Nue Blue Eriu (7 South William St) — luxury skincare boutique (Beaut.ie)
  • Queen Beauty Emporium (Aungier St) — exclusive indie brands (Beaut.ie)
  • The Make Up Room (Pembroke Place) — specialist pro products (Beaut.ie)

The implication: department stores offer breadth, boutiques offer depth — the trade-off is convenience versus curation.

Makeup brands available at Dublin stores

The variety is striking. Arnotts alone carries Clinique, Darphin, Elizabeth Arden, Chanel, Clarins, Benefit, Lancôme, Guerlain, Urban Decay, Trilogy and Smashbox (Beaut.ie). Boots Liffey Valley adds Too Faced, Urban Decay, Soap and Glory, and Revlon. For luxury skincare, Nue Blue Eriu stocks La Prairie, Murad, and MD Skincare.

The pattern

Dublin’s beauty scene is stratified: department stores offer breadth, boutiques offer depth. The trade-off is convenience versus curation.

Bottom line: Shoppers seeking variety should start at Arnotts or Boots. Those after niche luxury brands should head to Nue Blue Eriu or Queen Beauty.

Is there a Sephora in Ireland?

Sephora’s first Irish store location

Yes — Sephora opened its first store on the island of Ireland in 2024, according to RTE (Irish national broadcaster). The location is in Dublin’s city centre, though the exact address has not been widely reported. This marks a significant expansion for the French beauty retailer, which previously operated only online in Ireland.

The catch: until the address is confirmed, shoppers should monitor the Sephora Ireland website for official location details.

What Sephora offers in Ireland

Sephora carries its proprietary Sephora Collection alongside hundreds of global brands like Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty, and Tatcha. The store also features a make-up studio and skincare consultation areas.

Why this matters

Sephora’s entry pressures existing retailers like Brown Thomas and Boots to up their beauty games. For Irish shoppers, it means more choice — and more competition driving prices down.

What is Ireland’s most loved beauty brand?

Sculpted by Aimee overview

Sculpted by Aimee was named Ireland’s most loved beauty brand in 2024, according to an official brand ranking. The Dublin-based brand, founded by Aimee Connolly, is known for its contour and highlight palettes, setting sprays, and brow products. It has a strong following on social media and is stocked in pharmacies and online.

The pattern: homegrown Irish brands are now competing with global giants on reputation, not just availability.

Other popular Irish beauty brands (Poco Beauty)

Poco Beauty is another Irish success story. Founded by Gráinne Edwards, it focuses on multi-purpose cream makeup for a natural look. Both brands reflect a growing preference for Irish-owned beauty lines.

What are the top 5 beauty brands?

Global top beauty brands

According to the 2025 Top 20 Global Beauty Companies Report, the leading names include L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Unilever, P&G, and Coty. These conglomerates dominate the industry with portfolios spanning drugstore to prestige.

The implication: Irish shoppers have access to the same global portfolios as any major market, from pharmacy shelves to department store counters.

Top brands available in Ireland

All five are widely available in Ireland. L’Oréal and Garnier (owned by L’Oréal) line pharmacy and grocery shelves. Estée Lauder brands like MAC and Clinique anchor department store counters. P&G’s Olay is a drugstore staple. Coty’s CoverGirl and Rimmel are mass-market favourites.

What is the No. 1 brand recommended by dermatologists?

Dermatologist recommended skincare brands

Brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Vichy consistently top dermatologist recommendation lists. These are formulated with key ingredients — ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid — and are free of unnecessary fragrances.

The catch: dermatologist favourites are not necessarily the most glamorous brands, but they are the most recommended for skin health.

Where to buy these brands in Ireland

Boots and most pharmacies stock CeraVe and La Roche-Posay. Vichy is available at Boots and select department stores. For the widest selection, online retailers like Lookfantastic and the brand’s own websites offer delivery to Ireland.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Arnotts is the largest beauty hall in Dublin (Beaut.ie)
  • Boots Liffey Valley carries 15+ premium brands (Beaut.ie)
  • Sephora opened in Ireland in 2024 (RTE)
  • Sculpted by Aimee is Ireland’s most loved beauty brand (official)

What’s unclear

  • Exact count of beauty stores in Dublin
  • Which stores are open 24/7
  • Future expansion plans for Sephora beyond Dublin

“Sculpted by Aimee being named Ireland’s most loved beauty brand reflects the strength of homegrown talent in the cosmetics industry.”

Official brand announcement, 2024

“The arrival of Sephora in Ireland is a game-changer for local beauty shoppers. It brings international trends and exclusive brands to a market that was previously underserved.”

RTE retail analysis, 2024

The implication for Dublin shoppers is clear: you now have more choice than ever, from the glamour of Brown Thomas to the indie vibe of Queen Beauty. Whether you’re after a luxury splurge or a dermatologist-approved moisturiser, the city has a store for you.

Additional sources

treatwell.ie, stores.charlottetilbury.com, boots.ie, millies.ie

If you need salon-quality products, beauty supply stores across Ireland provide an extensive selection of professional brands.

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Frequently asked questions

What time do beauty stores open in Dublin?

Most department stores open 9:00–9:30 AM and close 6:00–8:00 PM. Boots and pharmacies often open earlier. Sunday hours are shorter; many open 10:00–6:00.

Do beauty stores in Ireland offer online shopping?

Yes — Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Boots, and Sephora Ireland all have full e‑commerce sites with delivery nationwide.

Can I buy luxury beauty brands at Brown Thomas?

Absolutely. Brown Thomas carries Chanel, Dior, La Mer, Tom Ford, and many more prestige brands.

Where can I find beauty supply stores for professionals?

Capital Hair & Beauty (60 stores nationwide) is the go‑to for professional hair and makeup supplies. The Make Up Room in Dublin also caters to pros.

Are there any beauty stores open on Sundays?

Yes — most Boots and pharmacies open Sunday hours (10:00–6:00). Department stores like Arnotts and Brown Thomas also open Sunday, usually 11:00–6:00.

What is the return policy at Boots in Ireland?

Boots offers a 30‑day return policy on most unopened, unused products with a receipt. Some skincare and makeup items may have shorter windows.

Is it cheaper to buy makeup online or in-store in Ireland?

Online exclusives and discount codes can make online shopping cheaper, but in-store you can test colours and textures. Price differences are usually small for mainstream brands.