As a middle-aged teacher, I’ve spent years focusing on lesson plans and grading papers, often neglecting my own skincare routine. But lately, I’ve noticed more fine lines and dullness creeping onto my face, reminding me that it’s high time I invested in some quality beauty products. The problem is, between work and family commitments, I rarely have time to browse beauty counters or visit specialty stores. That’s why I’ve turned to online shopping for my skincare needs.
After hours of research and quite a few impulse purchases (some hits, some definite misses), I’ve discovered that not all online beauty retailers are created equal.
To save you the time and frustration I experienced, I’ve compiled a list of the 9 best online beauty stores that cater to those of us looking to revitalize our skin and turn back the clock a bit.
Whether you’re a beauty novice like me or a seasoned skincare enthusiast, these online destinations offer a wealth of products, expert advice, and convenience that can help us achieve that healthy, youthful glow we’re after.
1. 100% Pure
100% Pure is an online beauty retailer specializing in natural, organic, and cruelty-free cosmetics and skincare products. Founded in 2005, the brand focuses on using fruit, vegetable, tea, and cocoa pigments in their formulations instead of synthetic dyes. 100% Pure offers a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, body care, and hair care items.
Pros
- Uses natural and organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free and vegan formulas
- Wide range of products available
- Affordable prices compared to other clean beauty brands
- Offers a flexible return policy
- Donates to animal shelters with each purchase
Cons
- Some users report inconsistent product effectiveness
- Limited shade range for certain makeup products
- Occasional shipping issues reported by customers
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty store founded in 2020 that offers a wide range of beauty products for skin, hair, and body at affordable prices. The company focuses on providing high-quality products with transparent ingredients and a commitment to cruelty-free and eco-friendly practices. Eternal Beauty Outlet has quickly gained popularity for its diverse selection and customer-centric approach, offering free shipping and a secure online shopping experience.
Pros
- Affordable prices: The store offers competitive pricing, making high-quality beauty products accessible to a broader audience.
- Wide product range: Eternal Beauty Outlet features a diverse selection of skincare, makeup, and hair care products, catering to various beauty needs and preferences.
- Cruelty-free and eco-friendly: The company is committed to sourcing products that are cruelty-free and environmentally friendly.
- Customer-centric approach: They emphasize customer satisfaction with excellent customer service and a user-friendly shopping experience.
- Free shipping: The store offers free shipping, enhancing the overall value for customers.
- Positive customer reviews: Many customers have praised the quality of products and the helpfulness of the customer service team.
Cons
- Newer market presence: As a relatively new player in the online beauty market, Eternal Beauty Outlet may not have the same level of brand recognition as more established competitors.
- Limited in-house brands: Unlike some larger retailers, Eternal Beauty Outlet primarily focuses on sourcing products from various brands rather than developing a substantial in-house line.
- Potential shipping delays: As with many online retailers, there can be occasional delays in shipping, although this is not a widespread issue.
- Limited physical presence: The company primarily operates as an online retailer, which may be a drawback for customers who prefer to test products in person before purchasing.
3. Tatcha
Tatcha is a luxury skincare brand inspired by Japanese beauty rituals. Founded in 2009, the company offers a curated selection of high-end skincare products formulated with traditional Japanese ingredients like green tea, rice, and algae. Tatcha’s online store provides a luxurious shopping experience with detailed product information and skincare advice.
Pros
- High-quality, luxurious products
- Formulas based on traditional Japanese skincare ingredients
- Beautifully designed packaging
- Offers travel-sized products for testing
- Provides detailed product information and usage instructions
- Frequently offers gift sets and limited edition items
Cons
- Higher price point compared to many skincare brands
- Some products contain fragrance, which may not suit sensitive skin
- Limited product range compared to larger beauty retailers
- Occasional stock issues for popular items
4. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty is a leading clean beauty retailer founded in 2015, offering a curated selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness products. The company is committed to providing safe, sustainable, and ethically-produced beauty items. Credo Beauty has both an online store and physical locations across the United States, carrying over 130 brands that meet their strict “Credo Clean Standard”.
Pros
- Extensive selection of clean, safe, and sustainable beauty products
- Rigorous standards for ingredient safety and sustainability
- Offers products from over 130 brands, many of which are women-led
- Provides detailed product information and ingredient transparency
- Flexible return policy
- Rewards program for customers
- Recycling program (Terracycle) for empty product containers
Cons
- Higher price point compared to conventional beauty retailers
- Some customers report inconsistent experiences with customer service
- Limited availability of certain popular items
5. Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand founded in 2016. Known for its innovative, multi-use products and stick formulations, Milk Makeup offers a range of cosmetics and skincare items. The brand focuses on clean ingredients and minimalist packaging, appealing to a younger, trendy demographic7.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulations7
- Innovative, multi-use products7
- Clean ingredients free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful additives
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
- Travel-friendly packaging and stick formulations
- Offers mini sizes of popular products for testing
Cons
- Higher price point for some products
- Some users find certain products less effective than claimed
- Limited shade range for some makeup items
- Occasional issues with product packaging durability
6. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the United States, offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products. Founded in 1990, Ulta Beauty has both a strong online presence and over 1,300 physical stores across the country. The company carries products from more than 600 established and emerging brands, including its own Ulta Beauty Collection.
Pros
- Extensive product selection with over 25,000 items
- Combination of high-end and drugstore brands
- Rewards program (Ultamate Rewards) for earning points on purchases
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- Physical stores allow for in-person testing and services
- Mobile app for convenient shopping and accessing rewards
Cons
- Customer service issues reported by some users
- Occasional shipping delays and order problems
- Website can be overwhelming due to the large product range
- Some customers report inconsistent experiences between online and in-store shopping
7. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics is a beauty brand founded by celebrity Kylie Jenner in 2015. Initially famous for its Lip Kits, the brand has since expanded to offer a range of makeup products including eyeshadows, blushes, and highlighters. Kylie Cosmetics primarily operates as an online store, with some products available in select retail locations.
Pros
- Popular among younger demographics due to celebrity association
- Trendy packaging and marketing
- Some users praise product quality, especially lip products
- Frequent new releases and limited-edition collections
- Cruelty-free and vegan formulas for many products
Cons
- Inconsistent product quality reported by some customers
- Limited shade range for certain products, especially for deeper skin tones
- Customer service issues, including slow responses and difficult refund processes
- Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
- Shipping delays and order fulfillment problems frequently reported
- Lack of physical stores for testing products before purchase
8. Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty is a cosmetics brand launched in 2017 by singer Rihanna. The brand is known for its inclusive range of products, particularly its foundation line which initially launched with 40 shades and has since expanded to 50. Fenty Beauty offers a wide array of makeup products including foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and more. The brand is available online through its own website and select retailers.
Pros
- Exceptional shade range for diverse skin tones
- High-quality, long-wearing formulas
- Innovative products with unique features (e.g., magnetic packaging)
- Cruelty-free products
- Relatively affordable pricing for a luxury brand
- Frequent new releases and limited-edition collections
Cons
- Some products may sell out quickly due to high demand
- Limited skincare options compared to makeup offerings
- Not all products are vegan
- Some users report inconsistent experiences with customer service
9. Beautylish
Beautylish is an online beauty retailer that carries a curated selection of high-end and professional-grade beauty brands. The platform offers makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty tools from a variety of popular and niche brands. Beautylish is known for its editorial content, including product reviews, tutorials, and beauty articles.
Pros
- Wide selection of luxury and professional beauty brands
- Detailed product information and customer reviews
- Offers exclusive products and limited-edition collaborations
- Provides educational content and tutorials
- Flexible payment options, including installment plans
- Strong focus on customer service
Cons
- Higher price point for many products due to focus on luxury brands
- Limited availability of drugstore or budget-friendly options
- Shipping costs may apply for orders below a certain threshold
- Some niche brands may have limited shade ranges or product options
