In the ever-evolving world of beauty, finding the perfect products can be a daunting task. With countless options available, both in-store and online, it’s essential to know where to shop to get the best deals, the latest trends, and the highest quality items. Online beauty stores have revolutionized the way we purchase cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and more, offering convenience, variety, and often exclusive deals that you can’t find anywhere else.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 9 best online beauty stores that cater to all your beauty needs. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, clean beauty products, or budget-friendly options, these stores have something for everyone.
1. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty retailer that offers a wide range of skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care products. Founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace, the company aims to provide affordable beauty solutions while prioritizing eco-friendly and cruelty-free products. Eternal Beauty Outlet operates primarily as an e-commerce platform, allowing them to keep overhead costs low and offer competitive pricing.
Pros:
- Extensive product selection across various beauty categories
- Affordable pricing due to online-only business model
- Free worldwide shipping on all orders
- Focus on eco-friendly and cruelty-free products
- Strict “against animal testing” policy
- Efforts to reduce packaging waste in the cosmetic industry
- 100% secure online ordering with SSL encryption
- Quality guarantee and full refund policy for defective products
- Regular sales and promotions
Cons:
- No physical retail stores for in-person shopping or product testing
- Relatively new company (founded in 2020), which may mean less brand recognition
- Estimated delivery time of around 2 weeks, which may be longer than some competitors
- Lack of customer reviews on their website for individual products
- Some products, like BodySculpt, make bold claims that may require further verification
2. Sephora
Sephora is a multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products founded in France in 1970. It operates over 2,700 stores in 35 countries worldwide, with a significant presence in the Americas. Sephora.com offers an extensive range of cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and haircare products from both well-known and emerging brands, as well as its own private label, Sephora Collection.
Pros
- Vast product selection from over 360 carefully curated brands
- Robust loyalty program (Beauty Insider) with points, rewards, and exclusive perks
- Free samples with online orders
- Helpful customer reviews and ratings
- Virtual try-on tools for makeup products
- Free shipping on orders over a certain amount
- Frequent sales and promotions
Cons
- Higher prices compared to some drugstore alternatives
- Popular items may sell out quickly
- Samples are sometimes substituted or unavailable
- Some customers report issues with order accuracy and customer service
- Limited international shipping options
3. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty is a UK-based online beauty retailer founded in 2008 by Jessica DeLuca and Alexia Inge. It specializes in curating independent and niche beauty brands, offering a carefully selected range of products. The company was acquired by THG plc for £291.3 million in 2021.
Pros
- Curated selection of high-quality, often hard-to-find beauty products
- Focus on independent and niche brands
- Detailed product information and ingredient lists
- Competitive pricing, especially for UK and EU customers
- Fast shipping within the UK and EU
- Regular promotions and discounts
- Transparent customer reviews
Cons
- Smaller product range compared to larger retailers like Sephora
- Limited physical store presence (primarily online)
- Shipping fees may apply for orders below a certain threshold
- Some customers report issues with customer service and order cancellations
- International shipping can be expensive and may incur additional customs fees
4. The Detox Market
The Detox Market is a premier online destination for clean beauty products, offering a curated selection of organic, vegan, and eco-friendly skincare, makeup, and wellness items. Founded with a mission to provide safe and effective beauty products, The Detox Market emphasizes transparency and sustainability. The store features a wide range of brands known for their commitment to clean beauty, such as Pai Skincare, ILIA, RMS Beauty, and Goop. In addition to its online presence, The Detox Market operates several flagship stores in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, where customers can enjoy personalized beauty services, including bespoke facials and makeup consultations.
Pros:
- Wide Selection of Clean Beauty Products: Offers a diverse range of organic, vegan, and non-toxic beauty products from reputable brands.
- Personalized Services: Provides bespoke facials, makeup lessons, and free skin consultations both in-store and virtually, enhancing the customer experience.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Emphasizes eco-friendly practices and products, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Educational Resources: Offers expert advice and tailored product recommendations to help customers achieve their best skin.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: Premium, clean beauty products can be more expensive compared to conventional beauty items.
- Limited Physical Locations: While there are flagship stores in major cities, those outside these areas may miss out on in-person services.
- Niche Market: Focus on clean beauty may not appeal to all consumers, particularly those who prioritize cost over ingredient purity.
5. Dermstore
Dermstore is a leading online retailer specializing in dermatologist-recommended skincare, haircare, and beauty products. Established to provide consumers with access to professional-grade products, Dermstore offers a vast selection of items from top brands like SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, and EltaMD. The store is known for its expert skin health advice, extensive product reviews, and frequent promotions. Dermstore also features a rewards program, allowing customers to earn points on purchases and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Pros:
- Extensive Product Range: Offers a wide variety of dermatologist-recommended skincare, haircare, and beauty products, catering to various skin concerns and preferences.
- Expert Advice: Provides access to professional skin health advice and detailed product information, helping customers make informed decisions.
- Frequent Promotions: Regular sales and discounts, including additional savings on already marked-down items, make high-quality products more accessible.
- Reliable Customer Service: Known for prompt shipping and responsive customer service, addressing negative reviews quickly and effectively.
Cons:
- Price Variability: While promotions are frequent, some high-end products can still be quite expensive, potentially limiting accessibility for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Complex Navigation: The extensive range of products and frequent promotions can make the website overwhelming to navigate for some users.
- Mixed Reviews: Although many customers praise the service and product quality, there are occasional reports of issues with order fulfillment and product authenticity.
6. Beautylish
Beautylish is an online beauty retailer that offers a curated selection of high-quality beauty products from around the world. Founded with the mission to make shopping for beauty products a personalized and enjoyable experience, Beautylish focuses on providing exceptional customer service and expert advice. The store features a wide range of brands, including Charlotte Tilbury, Good Molecules, Hourglass, and Jeffree Star Cosmetics, among others. Beautylish is known for its meticulous packaging and fast shipping, ensuring that customers receive their products in excellent condition and in a timely manner.
Pros:
- Curated Selection: Beautylish offers a carefully curated selection of global beauty brands, ensuring high quality and exclusivity.
- Exceptional Customer Service: The company is renowned for its outstanding customer service, including quick responses and personalized assistance.
- Expert Advice: Beautylish provides expert advice from makeup artists to help customers choose the best products for their needs.
- Fast Shipping: Orders are shipped quickly, often arriving faster than expected, with free shipping on orders over $35 within the US.
- Meticulous Packaging: Products are packaged with great care to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
Cons:
- Limited Shipping Options: Beautylish does not ship to P.O. boxes and has limited shipping options for APO/FPO addresses and U.S. territories.
- Higher Price Point: Some customers may find the products to be on the pricier side compared to other retailers.
- Limited Promotions: Beautylish does not frequently offer sales or discounts, which might be a drawback for bargain hunters.
7. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic is a leading online beauty retailer that offers a vast selection of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products. The store features over 400 premium beauty brands, including NuFACE, Dermalogica, Eve Lom, and Stila. Lookfantastic aims to provide a comprehensive beauty shopping experience with a focus on accessibility and variety. The company offers free delivery in the US and frequently runs promotions and discounts to attract customers.
Pros:
- Wide Range of Products: Lookfantastic boasts an extensive catalog of over 400 premium beauty brands, catering to a diverse range of beauty needs.
- Frequent Promotions: The store regularly offers discounts and promotional codes, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Free Delivery: Lookfantastic provides free delivery in the US, adding value to the shopping experience.
- Global Reach: The retailer ships to many countries, making it accessible to a global customer base.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Customer Service: Some customers have reported issues with customer service, including slow responses and difficulties in resolving order problems.
- Shipping Delays: There have been complaints about long shipping times and orders not arriving within the estimated delivery period.
- Additional Charges: Customers outside the UK and US may incur additional duties and taxes, which are not always clearly communicated at checkout.
- Mixed Reviews: While many customers have positive experiences, there are also reports of undelivered orders and challenges with refunds and returns.
8. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products. They carry both drugstore and high-end brands, making them a one-stop shop for beauty enthusiasts of all budgets.
Pros:
- Extensive product selection with over 25,000 items from 600+ brands
- Mix of drugstore and prestige brands in one place
- Generous rewards program (Ultamate Rewards) with points that can be redeemed for cash off purchases
- Frequent sales and promotions, including their popular 21 Days of Beauty event
- Physical stores across the US for in-person shopping and services
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Salon services available in-store
Cons:
- Customer service can be inconsistent, with some complaints about in-store experiences
- Limited international shipping options
- Some users report issues with the mobile app and website functionality
- Return policy is less generous compared to some competitors
9. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty is a clean beauty retailer focused on offering products free from harmful ingredients. They curate a selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness products that meet their strict standards for safety and sustainability.
Pros:
- Specializes in clean, non-toxic beauty products
- Rigorous standards for ingredient safety and sustainability
- Carries popular clean beauty brands like Ilia, Osea, and Goop
- Offers skincare, makeup, body care, hair care, and fragrance
- Provides detailed ingredient information and transparency
- Cruelty-free products only
- Sustainable packaging initiatives
Cons:
- Higher price point for many products compared to conventional beauty stores
- Limited physical store locations (primarily online)
- Smaller product selection compared to larger retailers
- Some customers report concerns about ingredient transparency for certain products
- May not carry some popular mainstream brands that don’t meet their clean beauty standards
