As a fashion designer, I’ve always believed that beauty and style go hand in hand. Whether I’m sketching new designs or preparing models for a runway show, having access to top-notch beauty products is essential. But let’s face it – finding the time to hop from store to store in search of the perfect lipstick or that game-changing moisturizer isn’t always feasible in our fast-paced industry.
That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of online beauty shopping. It’s convenient, often more affordable, and gives me access to a world of products I might never find in my local stores. Over the years, I’ve scoured the internet for the best online beauty havens, and I’m excited to share my top 10 picks with you.
From cult favorites to under-the-radar gems, these online beauty stores offer everything a fashion-forward beauty enthusiast could want. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge Korean skincare, eco-friendly makeup, or luxury hair care, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay is an online cosmetics retailer based in the UK. While the company offers a wide selection of makeup, skincare, and hair products from various brands, customer experiences appear to be mixed. The site carries some hard-to-find makeup items and often features deals and discounts. However, Beauty Bay has received criticism for inconsistent customer service and shipping issues. Some customers report positive experiences with reasonable delivery times and helpful support, while others have faced significant delays and difficulties with returns or refunds. The company’s own-brand eyeshadow palettes receive praise for their quality and value.
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty store that aims to revolutionize the way customers shop for beauty products. Founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace, this e-commerce platform offers a wide range of skincare, makeup, and beauty tools designed to cater to diverse customer needs. The company’s mission is to celebrate the power of beauty and redefine beauty standards through its products and campaigns.
One of Eternal Beauty Outlet’s key strengths is its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The company prioritizes safety, cruelty-free products, and eco-friendliness when selecting brands to partner with. This commitment extends to their packaging practices, with many products designed to be solid and sold without excessive packaging to combat overpackaging in the cosmetic industry.
The online store offers an extensive collection of beauty products across various categories, including:
- Skin Care
- Makeup & Nails
- Body Care
- Hair Care
- Tools & Brushes
Eternal Beauty Outlet prides itself on providing a personalized shopping experience. They offer expert guidance to help customers find the right products for their specific needs and skin types. This approach, combined with competitive pricing and regular promotions, aims to make high-quality beauty products accessible to a wide range of customers.
Customer satisfaction appears to be a priority for Eternal Beauty Outlet. The company offers free shipping, guarantees the lowest prices, and emphasizes secure online ordering. Customer testimonials on their website highlight positive experiences with product quality, customer service, and the store’s selection of natural and hypoallergenic options.
3. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is a major US-based beauty retailer with both physical stores and a robust online presence. The company offers a vast range of products across all beauty categories, from drugstore to high-end brands. Ulta’s mobile app enhances the shopping experience with features like virtual try-ons and personalized recommendations. While many customers appreciate Ulta’s rewards program and product selection, some have reported issues with online orders and customer service. The retailer frequently runs sales and promotions, making it a popular destination for beauty enthusiasts looking for deals.
4. YesStyle
YesStyle is an Asian e-commerce platform that specializes in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. The site is particularly known for its wide selection of Asian beauty brands, many of which can be difficult to find elsewhere. Customers generally praise YesStyle for its competitive pricing, especially during sales events. The company offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount and uses a points system that can lead to additional discounts for frequent shoppers. While shipping times can be longer due to international delivery, many customers find the wait worthwhile for access to unique products. YesStyle is also noted for its responsive customer service and careful packaging of items.
5. Bluemercury
Bluemercury is a luxury beauty retailer offering high-end skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. While the company aims to provide premium beauty experiences, customer reviews suggest mixed experiences. Bluemercury has a relatively low rating of 1.7 stars based on 24 customer reviews on PissedConsumer.com, with many customers expressing dissatisfaction with customer service and reliability. Common complaints include issues with online orders, unresponsive customer support, and difficulties with returns or refunds. However, some customers appreciate the high-end skincare offerings available at Bluemercury stores. The company operates both physical locations and an online platform, but it seems that the in-store experience may be more positively received than the online shopping experience.
6. Nordstrom
Nordstrom, a well-established department store, has been making efforts to appeal to younger consumers in the beauty sector. The retailer recently introduced a new beauty and lifestyle assortment targeting millennial and Gen Z shoppers. This trend-led collection features both established and emerging brands such as Kiramoon, The Ordinary, Le Mini Macaron, Blume, Neen, and First Aid Beauty. Nordstrom’s beauty department has been evolving, with the company launching several new beauty brands in its stores and online over the past year. The retailer has also partnered with British beauty retailer SpaceNK to offer a haircare-focused assortment in Nordstrom Rack locations. With a strong online presence and a curated selection of products, Nordstrom aims to provide a diverse and appealing beauty shopping experience for various age groups.
7. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty has established itself as a leader in the clean beauty movement since its launch in 2015. The retailer is known for its stringent Clean Standard, which prohibits over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients in the products it carries. Credo’s approach to clean beauty encompasses four key pillars: safety, sourcing, sustainability, and transparency. The company not only focuses on ingredient safety but also prioritizes ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Credo Beauty operates 15 physical stores across the United States and has a robust online platform offering a wide range of clean beauty products.
Recently, Credo Beauty launched its own skincare line, Credo Skincare, focusing on hydration and sustainability. This line features upcycled vetiver root extract as a key ingredient and adheres to the company’s high standards for clean beauty. Customer reviews on platforms like Yelp generally indicate positive experiences with Credo Beauty, praising the knowledgeable staff and the curated selection of clean beauty products. The company’s commitment to transparency and clean beauty standards has influenced the broader beauty industry, inspiring other retailers to prioritize ingredient safety and sustainability.
8. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty is a UK-based online beauty retailer that has gained significant popularity since its inception in 2008. Founded by Jessica DeLuca and Alexia Inge, the company aims to simplify the beauty shopping experience by offering a curated selection of high-quality products. Cult Beauty specializes in independent brands and has become known for carrying hard-to-find and emerging beauty products across skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness categories. The company’s success is attributed to its meticulous product curation, transparency in customer reviews, and commitment to inclusivity. In 2021, Cult Beauty was acquired by THG plc for £291.3 million, reflecting its substantial growth and market value.
9. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics, founded by reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, is a prominent online beauty store that has garnered significant attention in the cosmetics industry. The brand offers a range of cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, and sulfate-free makeup products. Kylie Cosmetics is known for its lip products, including the recently launched Plumping Powder Matte Lip & Lip Liner, which promises a plump, defined pout with a lightweight, matte finish lasting up to 12 hours. The brand frequently introduces new products and runs promotions, such as offering free makeup pouches with purchases. Kylie Cosmetics has expanded its product line to include Kylie Skin and Kylie Baby, broadening its appeal in the beauty and personal care market.
10. Kosas Cosmetics
Kosas Cosmetics positions itself as “Makeup for Skincare Freaks,” focusing on clean, comfortable, and clinically tested makeup that aims to improve the quality of bare skin. The brand offers a wide range of products, including bestsellers like the Cloud Set Brightening Powder, DreamBeam SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen, and Revealer Concealer. Kosas emphasizes the use of skincare ingredients in their makeup formulations, appealing to consumers who prioritize skin health alongside cosmetic benefits. The brand frequently introduces new shades and products to cater to diverse skin tones and types. Kosas also offers value sets, allowing customers to try multiple products at a discounted price. With its focus on clean beauty and skin-friendly formulations, Kosas has carved out a niche in the competitive beauty market.
