MUA Makeup Academy
Budget“Pro-quality makeup, pocket-money prices.”
By Viktoria @vioda.makeup · Published · Updated
MUA Makeup Academy is a budget makeup brand from the United Kingdom, founded in 2010 by Adam Minto. It's best known for its £1 eyeshadows and nail polishes, Pro Base Prime & Conceal Primer Oil and Velvet Lip Lacquer.
MUA Makeup Academy launched in 2010 as a Superdrug-exclusive British color cosmetics line built on a single radical premise: pro-quality makeup where almost nothing cost more than £1. Created by serial beauty entrepreneur Adam Minto — who would go on to co-found Revolution Beauty in 2014 — MUA proved there was an enormous appetite for sub-£3 lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and nail polishes aimed at teenagers and makeup beginners, becoming a fixture of Superdrug's beauty halls and a gateway brand for a generation of UK shoppers.
The range is now fully vegan and spans complexion, eye, lip, and brow at prices that still rarely break £8. Bestsellers include the Pro Base Prime & Conceal Primer Oil with gold flakes, the Velvet Lip Lacquer liquid lipsticks, and the Burning Embers eyeshadow palette. As one of the original ultra-budget UK makeup houses, MUA sits squarely in the drugstore-dupe conversation alongside Makeup Revolution, essence, and Catrice — frequently recommended as a wallet-friendly alternative to viral prestige launches.
Popular Products
What MUA Makeup Academy is bought for. The ones we've found dupes for link through to the comparison.
- Pro Base Prime & Conceal Primer Oil
- Velvet Lip Lacquer
- Eyeshadow Palette (Burning Embers)
- Pro Brow Define Pencil
Known For
Brand Philosophy
Pro-quality cosmetics at amazing prices — fully vegan and accessible to everyone.
FAQ
MUA Makeup Academy Official Channels
Where to buy, and how to reach MUA Makeup Academy customer service directly.