The world of beauty shopping has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, with online retailers offering unprecedented convenience, variety, and value. Whether you’re searching for the latest skincare innovations, cult-favorite makeup products, or eco-friendly beauty essentials, the digital marketplace has something for everyone.
To help you navigate the vast landscape of online beauty shopping, we’ve curated a list of the 9 best online beauty stores that stand out for their product selection, customer service, and overall shopping experience.
1. Sephora
Sephora is a leading global beauty retailer, renowned for its extensive range of cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and hair care products. Founded in France in 1970 by Dominique Mandonnaud, Sephora has grown to operate over 2,700 stores in 35 countries, including more than 500 stores across the Americas. Owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Sephora is celebrated for its unique open-sell environment, which allows customers to freely explore and test products. The retailer offers a mix of emerging brands, trusted classics, and its own Sephora Collection. Sephora is also known for its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, providing a welcoming shopping experience both in-store and online.
Pros:
- Extensive Product Range: Sephora offers a vast selection of beauty products from nearly 340 brands, including exclusive lines like Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez and FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna.
- Innovative Shopping Experience: The “Store of the Future” concept blends digital and physical experiences, providing personalized and interactive shopping environments.
- Rewards Program: The Beauty Insider program allows customers to earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for rewards and exclusive perks.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Sephora actively champions diversity and inclusivity, striving to create an inclusive environment for all customers and employees.
- Convenience: The online store is accessible 24/7, offering a wide range of products that may not be available in physical stores.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Sample Availability: Customers have reported dissatisfaction with the reduction in the number of samples provided with online orders and the quality of available samples.
- Price Discrepancies: Some customers have noted significant price differences between online and in-store purchases, leading to frustration.
- Customer Service Issues: While generally positive, there have been occasional complaints about customer service experiences, particularly in physical stores.
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty retailer founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace. The company specializes in offering a wide range of beauty products for skin, hair, and body care at affordable prices. Eternal Beauty Outlet aims to challenge traditional beauty industry norms by providing eco-friendly, cruelty-free products that cater to diverse customer needs. The platform emphasizes transparency, value for money, and environmental consciousness in its business practices.
Pros:
- Wide Product Range: Eternal Beauty Outlet offers a comprehensive selection of beauty products, catering to various skincare and beauty needs.
- Affordable Pricing: The company prioritizes keeping prices competitive, often offering discounts and promotions to provide value for money.
- Free Worldwide Shipping: Eternal Beauty Outlet offers free shipping on all orders, regardless of the destination, making it accessible to international customers.
- Eco-Friendly Focus: The company is committed to reducing packaging waste and partnering with brands that prioritize sustainability.
- Cruelty-Free Policy: Eternal Beauty Outlet adheres to a strict “against animal testing” policy, ensuring all products are ethically sourced.
- Customer-Centric Approach: The platform provides detailed product information, customer reviews, and responsive customer service to assist shoppers in making informed decisions.
- Secure Online Shopping: The website uses SSL encryption to protect customers’ personal and financial information.
Cons:
- No Physical Stores: Eternal Beauty Outlet operates exclusively online, which may be a drawback for customers who prefer in-person shopping experiences.
- Potential Shipping Delays: With an estimated delivery time of around 2 weeks, some customers might find the shipping times longer compared to other retailers.
- Limited Brand Recognition: As a relatively new company founded in 2020, Eternal Beauty Outlet may not have the same level of brand recognition as more established beauty retailers.
- Possible Overwhelm for New Customers: The wide range of products and brands might be overwhelming for customers new to skincare and beauty routines.
3. Dermstore
Dermstore is a US-based online retailer specializing in skincare, hair care, and beauty products. Founded in 1999 by dermatologist Craig Kraffert, Dermstore offers a curated selection of dermatologist-recommended brands and products that are often found in dermatologists’ offices, med spas, and specialty boutiques. In 2021, Dermstore was acquired by THG plc from Target Corporation and migrated onto THG’s Ingenuity e-commerce platform. The retailer is known for its commitment to providing high-quality, authentic products and expert skin health advice.
Pros:
- High-Quality Products: Dermstore carries a variety of high-quality products that are often only available through professional channels, ensuring authenticity and effectiveness.
- Promotions and Discounts: The site frequently offers promotions and discounts, making premium skincare and beauty products more accessible to customers.
- Customer Reviews: Dermstore features over 100,000 product reviews from verified purchasers, providing valuable insights and helping customers make informed decisions.
- Free Samples: Customers receive free samples with their orders, allowing them to try new products and discover new favorites.
- Authorized Retailer: As an authorized retailer, Dermstore guarantees that all products are genuine and not counterfeit.
Cons:
- Customer Service Issues: Some customers have reported poor customer service experiences, including difficulties with returns, refunds, and resolving issues with orders.
- Fulfillment Problems: There have been complaints about fulfillment issues, such as delayed shipments and receiving damaged or incorrect items.
- High Prices: Some customers find Dermstore’s prices to be higher compared to other retailers, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious shoppers.
4. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is a major player in the online beauty retail space, offering a vast selection of over 25,000 products from more than 600 established and emerging brands. The company operates both physical stores and an e-commerce platform, providing customers with a seamless omnichannel shopping experience. Ulta Beauty caters to a wide range of beauty needs, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products across various price points, from drugstore to high-end luxury brands.
Pros
- Extensive product range covering both mass-market and prestige brands
- Excellent rewards program (Ultamate Rewards) with points that can be redeemed for discounts
- Frequent sales and promotions, including buy-one-get-one deals
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- In-store pickup and curbside options available
- Operates physical stores, allowing for easy returns and in-person shopping
- Offers salon services in physical locations
Cons
- Limited international shipping options; primarily serves the US market
- Some customers report slower customer service response times compared to competitors
- Website can be overwhelming due to the vast number of products and promotions
5. Beautylish
Beautylish is a curated online beauty retailer that focuses on providing a more personalized shopping experience. The company offers a carefully selected range of products from both well-known and niche brands, with a particular emphasis on high-quality and artistry-driven cosmetics. Beautylish prides itself on its expert advice, personal service, and global brand curation.
Pros
- Curated selection of high-quality and unique beauty brands
- Excellent customer service with personalized advice from makeup artists
- Beautiful packaging and attention to detail in order fulfillment
- Free shipping on US orders over $35
- International shipping available to many countries
- User-friendly mobile app for convenient shopping
- Frequent gift card events and promotions
Cons
- More limited product range compared to larger retailers like Ulta
- Higher price point on average, with fewer budget-friendly options
- No physical stores for in-person shopping or returns
- Some users report slow loading times on the mobile app
6. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty was founded by a team of British and American beauty enthusiasts who were frustrated with the clutter of ineffective beauty products in their cabinets. The company aims to demystify the beauty industry by offering a curated selection of products that deliver on their promises. Cult Beauty prides itself on transparency, listing full ingredients and publishing all reviews. The site features a wide range of beauty products, from skincare to makeup, sourced from both well-known and emerging brands. The platform is particularly known for its “Cult Status” loyalty program, which rewards customers with points for every pound spent, and offers exclusive deals and early access to new products.
Pros:
- Curated Selection: Cult Beauty offers a carefully curated selection of products that have been vetted by beauty experts, ensuring high quality and effectiveness.
- Transparency: The company is committed to transparency, listing full ingredients and publishing all customer reviews.
- Loyalty Program: The “Cult Status” program rewards customers with points for every pound spent, which can be redeemed for discounts and exclusive offers.
- Customer Service: Generally positive reviews for customer service, with quick resolutions to issues and responsive support.
Cons:
- Pricing Issues: Some customers have reported discrepancies in pricing during the checkout process, which can be frustrating.
- Shipping Costs: Shipping can be expensive, especially for international orders, and some customers have experienced issues with shipping and handling fees.
- Customer Service Inconsistencies: While many customers have had positive experiences, others have reported issues with customer service, including slow responses and difficulties with returns and refunds.
7. Glossier
Glossier is a direct-to-consumer beauty and skincare brand that emphasizes a “Skin First, Makeup Second” philosophy. The company was founded by Emily Weiss and has grown significantly since its inception, now operating both online and through physical retail locations. Glossier’s product range includes skincare, makeup, and fragrance, all designed to be easy to use and enhance natural beauty. The brand is known for its minimalist packaging and strong online community, which plays a significant role in product development and marketing. Glossier has expanded its presence through partnerships with major retailers like Sephora and operates several flagship stores in major cities.
Pros:
- Community-Driven: Glossier leverages its strong online community to inform product development and marketing, creating a loyal customer base.
- Simple and Effective Products: The brand focuses on uncomplicated, easy-to-use products that enhance natural beauty, making it accessible for all users.
- Innovative Retail Experience: Glossier’s physical stores are designed to provide an immersive and personalized shopping experience, which has been well-received by customers.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan Options: Many of Glossier’s products are cruelty-free and vegan, appealing to ethically-conscious consumers.
Cons:
- Price Increases: The company has raised prices in response to rising production and shipping costs, which may deter some customers.
- Product Performance: Some customers have reported mixed experiences with certain products, finding them overpriced for the performance they deliver.
- Limited Product Range: Compared to other beauty brands, Glossier offers a relatively limited range of products, which may not meet all customer needs.
8. YesStyle
YesStyle is a prominent online retailer specializing in Asian fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Founded in 2006 as an extension of YesAsia.com, YesStyle aims to make Asian entertainment and fashion products accessible worldwide. The platform offers a vast array of products, including skincare, makeup, and fashion items from over 300 beauty brands, primarily from Korea and Japan. YesStyle is known for its extensive selection of clean beauty, cruelty-free, organic, vegan, and eco-friendly products. With offices in Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan, and a primary warehouse in Hong Kong, YesStyle serves millions of customers globally, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Pros:
- Wide Selection: YesStyle offers a comprehensive range of beauty products, including many popular K-beauty and J-beauty brands.
- Affordable Prices: The platform frequently offers discounts and promotions, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Global Shipping: YesStyle provides free worldwide shipping options, enhancing its accessibility to international customers.
- Customer Reviews: The site features numerous customer reviews, helping buyers make informed decisions.
- Student Discounts: Special discounts and benefits are available for students, adding value for younger shoppers.
Cons:
- Shipping Delays: Some customers have reported long shipping times, which can be frustrating for those needing products quickly.
- Customer Service Issues: There have been complaints about slow or unresponsive customer service, particularly regarding order issues and refunds.
- Price Fluctuations: Prices can sometimes be inconsistent, with some items being marked up before sales, leading to skepticism about the actual discounts offered.
- Product Quality Variability: While many products meet expectations, there have been instances of items not matching their descriptions or images.
9. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty is a leading online retailer in the clean beauty space, offering a curated selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, and body care products. Founded in 2014, Credo aims to transform the beauty industry by promoting products that are safe, sustainable, and ethically produced. The company is known for its stringent ingredient standards, banning over 2,700 harmful substances from its products. Credo also emphasizes sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing. With both online and physical stores across the United States, Credo provides a platform for indie and luxury clean beauty brands.
Pros:
- High Standards: Credo Beauty adheres to rigorous standards for clean beauty, ensuring all products are free from harmful ingredients and cruelty-free.
- Sustainable Practices: The company is committed to reducing waste through sustainable packaging guidelines and initiatives like the Pact beauty packaging collection program.
- Diverse Brand Selection: Credo offers a wide range of clean beauty brands, including both well-known and niche names, providing ample choices for consumers.
- Educational Resources: The platform provides extensive information on ingredient safety and sustainability, helping consumers make informed decisions.
- Customer Experience: Credo’s physical stores are praised for their knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service, enhancing the shopping experience.
Cons:
- Higher Prices: Clean beauty products often come with a higher price tag, which can be a barrier for some customers.
- Limited Availability: While Credo has physical stores, they are limited to certain locations in the United States, which may not be convenient for all customers.
- Ingredient Sensitivities: Some customers have reported adverse reactions to certain ingredients in products, highlighting the need for individual patch testing.
- Product Performance: As with any beauty product, there can be variability in performance, and not all products may meet individual expectations.