As a middle-aged woman who’s battled with problematic skin for years, I know firsthand the struggle of finding the right beauty products. Trust me, I’ve been through it all – from acne breakouts that refuse to quit, to fine lines that seem to appear overnight. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too.
That’s why I’ve become somewhat of an online beauty store aficionado. After countless hours of research, trial and error, and yes, even a few regrettable purchases, I’ve discovered that the right products can make a world of difference. And let me tell you, finding those gems without leaving your house? It’s a game-changer.
In this article, I’m excited to share with you my top 9 picks for the best online beauty stores. These are the places I turn to time and time again when I need to restock my holy grail products or when I’m in the mood to try something new.
1. Dermstore
Dermstore is an online beauty retailer founded in 1999 by a dermatologist with the goal of providing easier access to professional-strength skincare products. The company offers a wide range of skincare, haircare, and makeup products from over 700 brands, including physician-strength formulas and hard-to-find specialty brands. Dermstore aims to be a one-stop shop for beauty enthusiasts, providing expert advice and a curated selection of high-quality products.
Pros
- Wide variety of skincare, haircare, and makeup products
- Offers authentic and high-quality products from reputable brands
- Free shipping on all orders
- Provides free samples with every order
- Has licensed estheticians on staff to review products and answer customer questions
- Rewards program allows customers to earn points on purchases
Cons
- Higher prices compared to drugstore options
- Numerous customer complaints about poor customer service
- Issues with order fulfillment and shipping
- Complicated return process, with some customers reporting difficulties getting refunds
- Inconsistent product quality reported by some customers
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty retailer founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace. The company aims to provide a curated selection of beauty products with a focus on eco-friendliness, cruelty-free practices, and transparency. Eternal Beauty Outlet offers a range of skincare, makeup, and beauty products, sourcing items from various brands that align with their values of safety and sustainability.
The company’s mission is to redefine beauty standards and celebrate the power of beauty in people’s lives. They strive to become a global beauty store that caters to individual skincare needs while prioritizing environmental consciousness.
Pros
- Wide range of beauty products across various categories
- Focus on eco-friendly and cruelty-free products
- Transparent about product ingredients and benefits
- Offers personalized product recommendations
- Competitive pricing and good value for money
- Regular customer-centric approach
- Free shipping and secure online ordering
- Positive customer reviews praising product quality and customer service
Cons
- Limited brand recognition as a relatively new company
- May have a smaller product range compared to larger, established beauty retailers
- Lack of physical stores for in-person shopping experiences
- Limited customer reviews available online, making it difficult to gauge overall customer satisfaction
- Potential for longer shipping times compared to larger retailers
3. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics is a celebrity beauty brand founded by Kylie Jenner in 2015. The company gained rapid popularity, particularly for its Lip Kits, and has since expanded to offer a wide range of makeup and skincare products. Kylie Cosmetics markets itself as a trendy, Instagram-worthy brand with bold colors and stylish packaging.
Pros
- Popular Lip Kits with long-lasting formulas
- Bold, pigmented colors across product lines
- Stylish packaging that appeals to younger consumers
- Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free products
- Offers a rewards program for loyal customers
Cons
- Inconsistent product quality reported by some users
- Limited shade range for complexion products, especially for deeper skin tones
- Some customers report skin irritation from certain products
- Products often sell out quickly, making them difficult to purchase
- Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
- Customer service issues, including problems with returns and refunds
4. Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson with a focus on “clean” formulations free from what they call the “Suspicious 6” ingredients: essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS. The brand offers a range of skincare products including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and treatments. Drunk Elephant has gained a cult following for its effective formulations and minimalist packaging.
Pros
- Clean formulations without potentially irritating ingredients
- High-quality, effective products with potent active ingredients
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly options available
- Minimalist, travel-friendly packaging
- Offers product bundles and travel-sized options
- Detailed ingredient information and usage instructions provided
Cons
- Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
- Limited product range compared to larger beauty retailers
- Some users report inconsistent product quality
- No physical stores for in-person shopping or testing
- Infrequent sales or discounts offered
5. Bluemercury
Bluemercury is a luxury beauty retailer founded in 1999 by Marla and Barry Beck. The company operates both physical stores and an online platform, offering a curated selection of high-end skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance products from various brands. Bluemercury also has its own in-house skincare line called M-61.
Pros
- Wide selection of luxury and niche beauty brands
- Offers both online shopping and physical store locations
- Knowledgeable staff and beauty experts available for advice
- Provides free samples with purchases
- Loyalty program (BlueRewards) for earning points on purchases
- Offers in-store spa treatments at select locations
Cons
- Higher price point due to focus on luxury brands
- Limited availability of budget-friendly options
- Physical stores are not available in all areas
- Some users report inconsistent customer service experiences
- Shipping can be slow compared to larger retailers
- Return policy may be less flexible than some competitors
6. Kosas Cosmetics
Kosas Cosmetics is a clean beauty brand founded in 2015 by Sheena Yaitanes. The brand focuses on creating makeup products with skincare benefits, using nourishing ingredients and formulations free from over 2,700 potentially harmful substances. Kosas offers a range of products including foundations, concealers, lip products, and more, with an emphasis on easy-to-use, multitasking formulas that enhance natural beauty.
Pros
- Clean beauty formulations without potentially harmful ingredients
- Products offer skincare benefits alongside makeup functions
- Wide shade range for complexion products, promoting inclusivity
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly options available
- Beloved by makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts
- Easy-to-apply products suitable for everyday use
Cons
- Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
- Some users report inconsistent product quality
- Limited product range compared to larger beauty retailers
- Products may not be suitable for those with very oily skin
- Some items tend to sell out quickly
7. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic is an online beauty retailer offering a vast selection of luxury and brand-name products across various categories including skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care. Founded in 1996, the company has grown to become one of Europe’s leading online beauty stores, providing access to both well-known and niche brands.
Pros
- Extensive range of products from numerous brands
- Regular sales and discounts available
- Offers European brands that may be hard to find elsewhere
- Beauty Box subscription service for trying new products
- Free shipping on orders over a certain amount (varies by country)
- Afterpay available for some products
- International shipping available
Cons
- Some customers report issues with customer service
- Shipping can be slow compared to larger retailers
- Occasional complaints about order fulfillment and product authenticity
- Return process can be complicated for some customers
- Website may be overwhelming due to the large number of products
8. Violet Grey
Violet Grey is a luxury beauty retailer founded in 2013, offering a curated selection of high-end skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness products. The brand is known for its rigorous product selection process called “The Violet Code,” where industry experts and professionals test and approve each item before it’s sold. Violet Grey aims to provide customers with a curated shopping experience, offering only the best in beauty products.
Pros
- Carefully curated selection of luxury beauty products
- “The Violet Code” ensures product quality and efficacy
- Offers expert advice and beauty tutorials
- Sleek, luxurious website design and packaging
- Provides access to hard-to-find and niche luxury brands
- Offers a subscription box featuring bestselling products
Cons
- Higher price point for most products
- Limited product range compared to larger beauty retailers
- Only ships within the United States
- Some customers report issues with customer service
- Strict return policy for opened products
9. Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty is a cosmetics brand launched in 2017 by singer and entrepreneur Rihanna. The brand is known for its inclusive approach to beauty, offering a wide range of shades for diverse skin tones. Fenty Beauty focuses on creating innovative, high-quality makeup products that cater to all skin types and colors.
Pros
- Extensive shade range for foundations and concealers (50+ shades)
- Cruelty-free products
- Innovative formulas and packaging
- Affordable pricing compared to other high-end beauty brands
- Positive reviews for product quality and performance
- Regular product launches and updates
Cons
- Limited skincare options compared to makeup offerings
- Some products may sell out quickly due to high demand
- Not all products are suitable for sensitive skin
- Some customers report inconsistent product quality across different items
- Limited availability in physical stores outside the US
