The world of beauty has undergone a digital transformation, with online shopping becoming an increasingly popular way for consumers to discover, explore, and purchase their favorite beauty products. In this era of convenience and endless choices, online beauty stores have emerged as go-to destinations for makeup enthusiasts, skincare aficionados, and haircare devotees alike.
Whether you’re searching for luxury brands, budget-friendly options, or hard-to-find cult favorites, the internet offers a vast array of virtual shelves stocked with everything you need to enhance your beauty routine.
This article delves into the 9 best online beauty stores, each offering a unique shopping experience and product selection.
1. Beautylish
Beautylish is an online beauty retailer that offers a curated selection of high-end and professional-grade cosmetics, skincare, and beauty tools from around the world. Founded with the mission to make shopping for beauty products a special experience, Beautylish focuses on providing expert advice, personal service, and carefully selected global brands.
Pros:
- Curated selection of global beauty brands
- Free shipping on US orders over $35
- Excellent customer service with makeup artist advice available
- Detailed product reviews and ratings from customers
- Offers exclusive beauty products not widely available elsewhere
- Thoughtful packaging and fast shipping
Cons:
- Higher price point for many products
- Limited availability of some popular mainstream brands
- Shipping restrictions to P.O. boxes and some international locations
- Smaller product range compared to larger beauty retailers
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty store that specializes in offering a wide range of beauty products at discounted prices. The company prides itself on providing high-quality cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from well-known brands. Founded with the mission to make beauty accessible and affordable, Eternal Beauty Outlet aims to be a one-stop shop for beauty enthusiasts looking for great deals on premium products.
The store operates primarily online through its website, eternalbeautyoutlet.com, which features a user-friendly interface and a diverse product catalog. Eternal Beauty Outlet sources its inventory directly from manufacturers and authorized distributors, allowing them to offer competitive prices on authentic beauty items.
Pros:
- Discounted Prices: Eternal Beauty Outlet offers significant discounts on a wide range of beauty products, making high-end brands more accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Product Authenticity: The company emphasizes its commitment to selling only genuine products sourced from authorized channels, providing customers with peace of mind regarding product quality and authenticity.
- Diverse Product Range: The store offers a comprehensive selection of beauty products, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances, catering to various beauty needs and preferences.
- User-Friendly Website: The eternalbeautyoutlet.com website is designed for easy navigation, allowing customers to quickly find and purchase desired products.
- Regular Sales and Promotions: The outlet frequently offers additional discounts and promotional deals, providing even more savings opportunities for customers.
Cons:
- Limited Brand Recognition: As a relatively newer player in the online beauty retail space, Eternal Beauty Outlet may not have the same level of brand recognition as more established competitors.
- Potential Stock Limitations: Given its outlet model, some popular items or specific shades may have limited availability or sell out quickly.
- Lack of Physical Stores: Operating solely online means customers cannot test products in person before purchasing, which may be a drawback for those who prefer to sample beauty products before buying.
- Shipping Considerations: As with many online retailers, customers may need to meet minimum purchase requirements for free shipping or pay for delivery, which could offset some of the savings on discounted products.
3. Dermstore
Dermstore is an online beauty retailer specializing in professional-grade skincare products. Founded in 1999 by a board-certified dermatologist, it was acquired by THG plc in 2021. Dermstore focuses on offering high-end, dermatologist-recommended skincare, haircare, and makeup products.
Pros
- Curated selection of premium and professional-grade skincare brands
- Detailed product descriptions with ingredient lists and usage instructions
- Regular sales and promotions, including an annual anniversary sale
- Rewards program that allows customers to earn points on purchases
- Expert advice and skincare recommendations from licensed estheticians
- Free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase (in the US)
Cons
- Higher price point for many products
- Smaller selection of makeup and fragrance compared to skincare offerings
- Some customers report issues with customer service and returns
- Website can be overwhelming for those new to advanced skincare
- Limited international shipping options
4. Sephora
Sephora is a leading multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products. Founded in France in 1970, it has since expanded globally and become one of the most recognizable names in beauty retail. Sephora’s online store offers a vast selection of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from both well-known and emerging brands.
Pros
- Extensive product range with over 300 brands
- User-friendly website with detailed product information and reviews
- Generous rewards program (Beauty Insider) with points that can be redeemed for products
- Free samples with every order
- Regular sales and promotions
- Virtual try-on tools for makeup products
- Helpful beauty tutorials and advice articles
Cons
- Higher prices compared to some drugstore alternatives
- Popular items may sell out quickly
- Minimum purchase amount required for free shipping
- Some exclusive in-store offerings not available online
5. Violet Grey
Violet Grey is a luxury beauty retailer that prides itself on offering a highly curated selection of premium beauty products. Founded by Cassandra Grey, the company follows a strict vetting process called “The Violet Code,” where industry experts test and approve each product before it’s sold.
Pros:
- Expertly curated selection of luxury beauty products
- Strong focus on editorial content and beauty education
- Exclusive partnerships and limited-edition products
- High-end shopping experience, both online and in their Los Angeles boutique
- Rigorous product testing and approval process
Cons:
- Higher price point due to focus on luxury brands
- More limited product range compared to larger beauty retailers
- Primarily caters to a niche, luxury-oriented customer base
- Some customers report issues with customer service
- Limited physical store presence (only one location in Los Angeles)
6. Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay is a UK-based online beauty retailer founded in 1999. Originally launched as Fragrance Bay, the company rebranded and expanded its product range to include makeup, skincare, haircare, and other beauty items. Beauty Bay offers over 10,000 products from both well-known and niche brands, catering to a wide range of beauty enthusiasts.
The company is headquartered in Manchester, UK, with a distribution center in Salford. Beauty Bay has grown significantly over the years, becoming one of the largest independent beauty retailers in Europe. They ship products to customers throughout the UK and internationally 24/7/365.
Pros
- Wide selection of products (over 10,000 items)
- Offers both popular and niche brands
- Competitive pricing and frequent sales/discounts
- Fast delivery options available
- Own-brand products (By BEAUTY BAY) offering affordable, cruelty-free options
Cons
- Customer service issues reported by some customers
- Occasional shipping delays and order processing problems
- Some customers have reported receiving damaged or incorrect items
- Limited physical store presence (primarily online)
7. Skinstore
Skinstore is an online beauty retailer founded in 1997 by a physician. The company specializes in skincare products but also offers makeup, haircare, and other beauty items. Skinstore carries over 200 premium brands typically found in luxury spas, high-end stores, and doctors’ offices.
Based in the United States, Skinstore has positioned itself as a trusted source for high-quality beauty products, often offering items that can be used as alternatives to costly cosmetic procedures. The company provides educational content through its blog and offers features like live chat and a Product Advisor tool to help customers make informed decisions.
Pros
- Wide range of premium and professional-grade skincare products
- Free shipping on orders over $49 (US customers)
- Frequent promotions and discounts available
- Educational content and product advice through blog and Product Advisor tool
- Live chat customer support
Cons
- Higher price point for many products due to focus on premium brands
- Some customers report issues with order processing and shipping delays
- Mixed reviews on customer service quality
- Limited international shipping options compared to some competitors
8. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is a leading beauty retailer in the United States, offering a comprehensive range of beauty products and services. Founded over thirty years ago, Ulta Beauty has grown to become the largest beauty retailer in the country, with a unique business model that combines retail and salon services. The company offers over 25,000 products from more than 600 established and emerging brands, including its own private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection. Customers can shop both online and in physical stores, where they can also access salon services such as haircuts, coloring, and skincare treatments.
Pros:
- Wide Product Range: Ulta Beauty offers an extensive selection of beauty products, including cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrances from a mix of high-end and drugstore brands.
- In-Store Salon Services: Each Ulta store features a salon that provides a range of beauty services, making it a one-stop-shop for beauty needs.
- Rewards Program: The Ultamate Rewards program allows customers to earn points on purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
- Frequent Promotions: Ulta frequently offers sales, discounts, and special promotions, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Charitable Initiatives: Ulta Beauty is involved in charitable activities, such as supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Cons:
- Customer Service Issues: Some customers have reported negative experiences with Ulta’s customer service, including difficulties with order issues and in-store interactions.
- Pricing: While Ulta offers a wide range of products, some customers feel that the prices are not always competitive, especially compared to other retailers.
- Limited International Shipping: Ulta Beauty does not accept orders outside the United States, limiting its accessibility to international customers.
9. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic is a prominent online beauty retailer based in the UK, known for its extensive range of premium beauty products. Established in 1996, Lookfantastic was one of the first online beauty stores and has since expanded its reach globally. The platform offers over 22,000 products from more than 400 premium brands, including skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrances. Lookfantastic also provides a subscription beauty box service and frequently collaborates with top beauty brands to offer exclusive products and deals.
Pros:
- Extensive Product Selection: Lookfantastic boasts a vast array of beauty products from well-known and niche brands, catering to a wide range of beauty needs and preferences.
- Global Shipping: Lookfantastic offers international shipping, making it accessible to customers worldwide.
- Subscription Boxes: The beauty box subscription service provides customers with a curated selection of beauty products each month, often at a discounted price.
- Frequent Discounts and Promotions: Lookfantastic regularly offers discounts, promotional codes, and free gifts with purchases, providing good value for money.
- User-Friendly App: The Lookfantastic app enhances the shopping experience with features like exclusive offers, trending product alerts, and a wishlist function.
Cons:
- Customer Service Complaints: Many customers have reported issues with Lookfantastic’s customer service, including slow response times and difficulties resolving order problems.
- Shipping Delays: Some customers have experienced delays in receiving their orders, which can be frustrating, especially for time-sensitive purchases.
- Product Availability Issues: There have been instances where products were out of stock or orders were canceled due to inventory issues, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
- Negative Reviews: Lookfantastic has received a significant number of negative reviews regarding its customer service and order fulfillment, which may deter potential customers.