A detailed review of the literature is presented in attempts to emphasize several advantages of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for cosmetic applications. Examples of several actives are given and the main features of the solid core of SLN and NLC for topical delivery of cosmetics are discussed. Lipid nanoparticles have been more and more explored in pharmaceutical technology, showing superior advantages for topical purposes over conventional colloidal carriers.