Top 9 Online Beauty Stores You Need to Know
The world of beauty has undergone a digital transformation, with online stores revolutionizing the way we shop for our favorite products. From skincare essentials to the latest makeup trends, these virtual beauty havens offer convenience, variety, and often competitive prices. Whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or just starting your skincare journey, finding the right online store can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore nine of the best online beauty stores that stand out for their product selection, customer service, and overall shopping experience. These curated picks cater to diverse needs and preferences, ensuring you’ll find the perfect destination for your beauty shopping spree.
1. Beautylish
Beautylish is an online beauty retailer that offers a curated selection of high-end and professional-grade beauty products. Founded in 2010, it has gained popularity among beauty enthusiasts for its unique brand offerings and customer-centric approach.
Pros:
- Carries exclusive and hard-to-find brands like Wayne Goss and Sonia G
- Free shipping on orders over $35
- Detailed product descriptions and customer reviews
- Excellent customer service, including personalized thank-you notes
- User-friendly mobile app for convenient shopping
- Flexible payment options, including installment plans
Cons:
- More limited product range compared to larger retailers like Sephora
- Some users report slow loading times on the mobile app
- Pricing may be higher for certain items compared to other retailers
- Limited physical presence (primarily online-based)
- Currency conversion rates may not always be favorable for international customers
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty store 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 redefine beauty standards and promote inclusivity through its products and campaigns. The store focuses on sourcing high-quality, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products from reputable brands worldwide.
Pros:
- Wide Product Range: Eternal Beauty Outlet offers a diverse selection of beauty products, including skincare, makeup, and nail care items.
- Affordable Pricing: The store provides competitive prices, making high-quality beauty products accessible to a broader audience.
- Free Shipping: Eternal Beauty Outlet offers free shipping, which can be a significant advantage for online shoppers.
- Eco-Friendly Focus: The company prioritizes partnering with brands that are eco-friendly and cruelty-free, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Eternal Beauty Outlet emphasizes putting customers first and providing excellent customer service.
- Expert Guidance: The store offers expert advice to help customers find the right products for their specific needs and skin types.
- Secure Online Ordering: The website ensures 100% secure online transactions, providing peace of mind to customers.
Cons:
- 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.
- Potential for Overwhelm: The wide range of products available might be overwhelming for some customers, especially those new to skincare routines.
- Online-Only Presence: Without physical stores, customers cannot test products before purchasing, which may be a drawback for those who prefer in-person shopping experiences.
3. Sephora
Sephora is a leading multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products. Founded in France in 1970, it has since expanded globally with a strong presence in both physical stores and e-commerce. Sephora’s online platform offers a vast array of products from well-known brands as well as their own Sephora Collection.
Pros:
- Extensive product range covering makeup, skincare, fragrance, and more
- Robust loyalty program (Beauty Insider) with exclusive benefits and rewards
- Free shipping on orders over $35
- Option to add free samples to online orders
- Innovative digital tools like Color IQ for shade matching
- Frequent sales and promotions
Cons:
- Some exclusive in-store perks not available online
- Limited availability of certain brands or products compared to physical stores
- Occasional shipping delays during peak seasons or sales
- Some users report pushy in-store staff, which may drive them to shop online instead
4. Dermstore
Dermstore is a leading online retailer specializing in skincare, hair care, and beauty products. Founded in 1999 by a dermatologist, the company has established itself as a trusted source for dermatologist-recommended brands and expert skin health advice. Dermstore offers a wide range of high-end and professional-grade products, catering to customers seeking quality skincare solutions.
Pros:
- Authorized dealer for many reputable skincare brands
- Extensive selection of dermatologist-recommended products
- Free shipping on orders over a certain amount
- Frequent sales and promotions, including extra discounts on sale items
- Rewards program for earning points on purchases
- Excellent customer service and return policy
- Fast shipping and careful packaging
Cons:
- Some users report issues with promotional codes not working
- Website navigation could be improved
- Prices may be higher compared to some other retailers
5. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty is a UK-based online beauty retailer founded by two skincare enthusiasts who were frustrated with ineffective products and misleading marketing in the beauty industry. The company focuses on curating a selection of “cult” products from around the world, emphasizing efficacy and transparency. Cult Beauty aims to be a trusted source for beauty enthusiasts seeking innovative and high-performing products.
Pros:
- Carefully curated selection of cult beauty products
- Emphasis on transparency, including full ingredient lists and unfiltered reviews
- International shipping available
- Offers a mix of well-known and niche brands
- Informative content and expert advice on their website
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction and quick problem resolution
Cons:
- Limited to mostly high-end and luxury brands, which may not suit all budgets
- Shipping costs and times may vary for international customers
- Some products may have limited availability due to high demand
6. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty is a leading clean beauty retailer, offering a curated selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care products that meet strict standards for safety and sustainability. Founded with a mission to change the beauty industry, Credo vets all products against their “Dirty List” of over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients. They carry a wide range of best-in-clean beauty brands, focusing on efficacious and innovative products that are also environmentally conscious.
Pros:
- Rigorous clean beauty standards, ensuring all products are free from harmful ingredients
- Wide selection of clean, cruelty-free beauty products from various brands
- Commitment to sustainability, including initiatives like the Pact recycling program
- Offers both online shopping and brick-and-mortar stores
- Provides detailed information on ingredient sourcing and product safety
- Supports underrepresented individuals in the beauty industry through programs like Credo for Change
Cons:
- Higher price point for many products due to clean and sustainable formulations
- Limited availability of mainstream beauty brands
- Fewer brick-and-mortar locations compared to larger beauty retailers
7. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic is a UK-based online beauty retailer offering a vast selection of premium beauty products, including skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrances. With over 400 brands available, they provide a comprehensive shopping experience for beauty enthusiasts. Lookfantastic ships internationally and frequently offers promotions and discounts on popular products.
Pros:
- Extensive range of beauty products from over 400 premium brands
- Competitive pricing and frequent promotions, including a 15% off code for beauty essentials
- Free US delivery on orders over a certain amount
- Quick shipping, with some customers reporting faster delivery than Amazon Prime
- Offers a beauty subscription box and annual advent calendar
- Multiple country-specific websites for localized shopping experiences
Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with customer service and missing items
- Potential for customs fees on international orders, depending on the shipping origin
- Mixed reviews on trustworthiness, with some customers experiencing excellent service while others face difficulties
- Limited physical store presence, primarily operating as an online retailer
8. YesStyle
YesStyle is a prominent online retailer specializing in Asian fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Founded in 2006 by Joshua Lau and Priscilla Chu, YesStyle emerged from the success of YesAsia.com, which began in 1998. The company offers a vast selection of items, including clothing, accessories, and beauty products from over 300 brands, primarily from Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries.
YesStyle is known for its affordable prices and trendy styles, catering to a global customer base with millions of users from the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European countries. The company is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices in Korea and Japan, employing a diverse team of over 400 people.
Pros:
- Wide Selection: YesStyle offers an extensive range of products, including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle items, making it a one-stop shop for many customers.
- Affordable Prices: The platform is known for its competitive pricing, making trendy Asian products accessible to a broader audience.
- Diverse Brands: YesStyle features over 300 beauty brands, including clean beauty, cruelty-free, organic, vegan, and eco-friendly options.
- Global Reach: The company serves customers worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
- Positive Reviews: YesStyle has a good reputation, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on over 70,000 reviews.
Cons:
- Shipping Times: Some customers have reported longer shipping times, which can be a drawback for those needing products quickly.
- Product Quality Variability: While many products are well-received, there can be variability in quality, which may lead to dissatisfaction for some customers.
- Customer Service: Although YesStyle responds to most negative reviews, some customers have experienced issues with customer service, particularly regarding order-related inquiries.
9. The Detox Market
The Detox Market is a leading online retailer specializing in clean, green, and natural beauty products. The store offers a curated selection of premium, organic, and vegan skincare, makeup, and cosmetics. The Detox Market is dedicated to promoting wellness and sustainability, featuring brands that adhere to high standards of ingredient safety and environmental responsibility.
One of their popular offerings is The Detox Market Box, a monthly subscription service that provides full-sized clean beauty products from various brands. The company emphasizes transparency and quality, ensuring that all products meet rigorous clean beauty standards.
Pros:
- High-Quality Products: The Detox Market offers premium, organic, and vegan beauty products, ensuring high standards of ingredient safety and effectiveness.
- Curated Selection: The store carefully selects brands and products, providing customers with a trusted source for clean beauty items.
- Subscription Box: The Detox Market Box offers excellent value, providing full-sized products that allow customers to thoroughly test and enjoy new items each month.
- Sustainability Focus: The company promotes eco-friendly and sustainable practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
Cons:
- Higher Prices: The premium nature of the products means they are often more expensive than conventional beauty products, which may be a barrier for some customers.
- Subscription Cost: The Detox Market Box is more costly than traditional beauty subscription boxes, which may not be affordable for everyone.
- Product Preference: There is a risk of receiving full-sized products that may not suit individual preferences, which can be a drawback for some subscribers.
