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You should bookmark these sites right away.
By
Kara Cuzzone
Kara Cuzzone
Kara is a contributing writer for Byrdie with over five years of writing experience. She is currently the associate deals editor for Forbes, where she writes about the latest shopping steals and sales. She was an intern at Byrdie during the summer of 2018.
Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on Aug 29, 2022
Reviewed by
Ashley Rebecca
Reviewed byAshley Rebecca
Ashley Rebecca is an NYC-based makeup artist and a regular contributor for Byrdie covering makeup, skincare, and haircare.
Makeup Artist
Here at Byrdie, we do enough online beauty shopping to qualify for a makeup lover's anonymous group. Not the best thing for our wallets, we know, but here's the upside: We know the best websites for snagging cult brands, free shipping, and freebies with the click of a mouse.
Whether you're a K-beauty lover, a clean-beauty fanatic, or just tired of hitting up your local Sephora, we've got you covered. These sites make it easier than ever to indulge your inner beauty guru. If you're in need of a little retail therapy, keep reading for the scoop on thebest sites for online beauty shopping. You can thank us later!
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Peach and Lilly
The LotusEssence With Lotus Leaf$64.00
Two words for this website:Asian skincare.Since venturing into the niche market can be intimidating and limiting, this Korean and Japanese beauty e-commerce business brings hard-to-come-by Asian products to U.S. consumers. Many of the lines sold on the site are exclusive in the U.S. (read: the only place you can get your hands on them without a plane ticket to Asia), and perusing the merchandise isn't overwhelming thanks to a carefully curated collection from the site's knowledgeable cofounders, Alicia Yoon and Cindy Kim.
The selection may be smaller than some of the other Asian beauty sites out there, (and out-of-stock items don't stay that way for long) but Peach and Lily take the guesswork out of the process (which is exactly why we tapped the cofounders to be our go-to gurus for all thingsAsian beauty–related).
02of 21
Space NK
HourglassAmbient Strobe Lighting Powder$43.00
This international beauty site is like a global bazaar of some of the world’s best brands. A favorite of the It crowd in London, the online version of the brick-and-mortar retailer carries both luxury body and beauty goods along with apothecary concoctions like aromatherapy and bath oils. You can even stock up on detoxes, cleanses, and supplements for your wellness needs.
03of 21
Nordstrom
Free shipping withno minimum? These days, that's a hard-to-find luxury. It's what makes Nordstrom a no-brainer for restocking favorites from MAC, Laura Mercier, Essie,Estée Lauder,Lancôme, Dior, and more.Its free return policy also makes it easy to try new items sans regret.
04of 21
Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty is a U.K.-based online shop that stocks brands beloved by makeup artists and beauty bloggers, such as Jouer, Kevyn Aucoin, Anastasia, and RMS Beauty. Filter products based on "must-haves," "expert picks," "best sellers," and "new-in."
05of 21
Violet Grey
What began as an exclusive dressing studio for A-listers like Victoria Beckham, Violet Grey expanded to an online beauty editorial space with informative and shoppable articles called The Violet Files. Founder Cassandra Grey wanted the e-commerce experience to provide an authentic portal to Hollywood beauty—showcasing the real products loved and used by leading makeup artists from the red carpet to the big screen. She carefully vets each product sold on the site to ensureit meets The Violet Code and is worthy of being deemed a "Hollywood hero" product. When you want a true taste of L.A. glamour, this is your destination.
06of 21
Sephora
Fenty Beauty x RihannaGloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer$20.00
Reasons to love Sephora: three free samples per order that you get to choose (we've discovered amazing new mascaras and primers this way); hair, nails, skin, makeup, and fragrance in one place; andextensiveuser reviews that lend a welcome hand when deciding between two products or wondering if an itemreallydoes what it promises. Plus, the Beauty Insider program lets you rack up points for more freebies and special gifts.
07of 21
Ulta
Ulta is similar to Sephora with its selection and freebiesbut is distinguished by its coupons, sales, and variety of drugstore products. At almost any given time, you can expect to take advantage of 20 percent off one item, or similar discounts. We also like the shop's eponymous line, which boasts budget-friendly makeup, body, and hair products.
08of 21
Net-a-Porter
Did you know Net-a-Porter has a beauty section? Since it's already a favorite destination for online shopping, it's a happy bonus to be able to add quality beauty brands like Chantecaille, SK-II, and Aesop to your cart.
09of 21
Birchbox
One of the most well-known beauty subscription boxes, the allure of Birchbox lies within the customer’s experience of trying a multitude of new products and brands with every shipment. (Kinder Beauty Box is another fave, chock full of clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products). The company offers many promo deals for first-time subscribers and for those who are already a part of the loyalty program. Simply select how often you would like to receive your shipment and what exactly you are looking for (hair, makeup, skin, etc.), and five curated samples will be on their way.
10of 21
Shen Beauty
The founders of Shen Beauty, Jessica Richards and Jules Stringer,are all about bringing under-the-radar and hard-to-find product lines to customers seeking quality and results. Rather than serve up "predictable beauty," they strive to source lesser-known brands with a more natural and small-batch focus, like Kate Logan and Mrs. Whites, who handpick their ingredients and hand-make every product. We love that perusing the product catalog means discovering tons of new-to-us brands versus the same old usual suspects.
11of 21
Urban Outfitters
Mario BadescuDrying Lotion$17.00
Urban Outfitters has been seriously stepping upits beauty game recently. With brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills, Milk Makeup, and Mario Badescu,the site's beauty tab is a must-check the next time you're browsing for outfit inspo.
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Target
Ah, Target. Here, you'll find brands like Honest Beauty, Pixi, and BareMinerals, in addition to drugstore names like e.l.f. and Benefit Cosmetics. The red giant has also been enjoying a partnership with Ulta Beauty. Just as Sephora lovers can shop through Kohl’s, Ulta Beauty lovers can shop in Target. The beauty brand brings with it makeup from Too Faced, Tarte, and MAC to name a few of the more than 50 prestigious brands. However, you cannot use Ulta gift cards online or in stores for purchases at Ulta Beauty at Target. The benefit to shopping beauty at target is two-fold: with shoppers getting benefits of both Target Rewards and Ultamate rewards. And an extra 5 percent discount for using your Target RedCard, too.
13of 21
Soko Glam
Soko Glam is a dream destination for all things K-beauty. In addition to every Korean beauty product that you could ever want, the site also has The Klog, a content site that providesthe inside scoop on all your K-beauty needs.
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Dermstore
This site was founded by a board-certified dermatologist, so you can be confident that you're getting the best skincare products on the market. Since its founding, Dermstore has expanded into makeup, haircare, and bath and body products, so you can find just about anything you're looking for.
15of 21
Anthropologie
StilaHeaven's Hue Highlighter in Kitten$34.00
Grown Alchemist, Josie Maran, Stila, and Anastasia Beverly Hills are some of the brands you’ll find online at Anthropologie’s Beauty & Wellness shop. Keep an eye on products in the Freshly Cut Sale tab, where you may even discover a new brand to obsess over. Free shipping for AnthroPerks members.
16of 21
Amazon
We all know you can find anything on Amazon. From discontinued products to 1800s-era replica Halloween costumes. So naturally, makeup is a given. It’s a sure bet that you can get anything from almost any brand, sometimes in bulk packaging. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, the allure of free two-day shipping is sometimes quicker than scouring your favorite beauty store for a product in the first place.
17of 21
Cap Beauty
This one is for all you clean-beauty lovers out there. All of the products on the site are 100 percent natural, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin. Plus, Cap Beauty's founders are always adding new, exciting natural brands, so you'll never feel limited by choosing to shop natural.
18of 21
Bluemercury
Offering the best in luxury beauty, here you’ll find brands like Kosas, Kjaer Weis, RMS Beauty, and Chantecaille, to name a few. The site highlights conscious beauty brands and offers The Founders Series, where visitors can learn more about their favorite beauty brands through a Q&A with brand founders and advice that can help you determine your next cosmetics purchase, which includes complimentary samples. Who doesn’t love that?
19of 21
Follain
Follain has three requirements for all of the productsit carries. They have to be safe, effective, and luxurious to experience. To ensure this, every product on the site undergoes a five-step approval process, which involves research and testing. If that doesn't give you enough confidence, Follain's founder, Tara, personally testsevery product to ensure it's up to her standards.
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Revolve
Revolve promises free two-to-three day shipping and returns and a 30-day price match guarantee. Not too shabby. Revolve Beauty also offers pre-selected beauty kits and packages for special occasions, such as the French Pharmacy Beauty Bag, Festival Kit, The Doctor’s In Beauty Bag, and several others, all with curated products to suit your needs.
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Thrive Market
Curated by experts, Thrive Market truly caters to the customer. Whether it’s gluten-free, non-toxic, paraben-free, non-GMO, vegan, fragrance-free, or organic, chances are you’ll find it here. As for beauty, many of Thrive’s products are clean, sustainable, and cruelty-free. A unique feature is Thrive Market’s Beauty blog, where site visitors can obtain more information on clean beauty practices, new products, skin health, and more. Perhaps the biggest draw to consumers is the environmental and social filter, allowing them to search for products under tabs such as women-, LGBTQIA+- and BIPOC-founded.
The 15 Best Places to Buy Perfume Online of 2022 | by Byrdie
FAQs
Which is the best online shopping for makeup? ›
- Soko Glam. Etude House Fixing Tint. ...
- The Detox Market. Aether Beauty Rose Quartz Crystal Gemstone Palette. ...
- Target. Undefined R&R Sun Serum. ...
- Sephora. Clinique Almost Lipstick. ...
- Amazon. ...
- Ulta. ...
- Dermstore. ...
- Thrive Market.
Examples of Target Markets
Hence, from a generic point of view, a typical cosmetics business dealing in make-up items and other skincare products will primarily have women, aged 18 and above as its target market.
Sephora.com is the online shop with the highest eCommerce net sales that is selling products in the Beauty e-commerce market in the U.S., with a revenue of US$2,300 million in 2021 generated in the U.S., followed by ulta.com with US$1,889 million. Third place is taken by bathandbodyworks.com with US$1,831 million.
How do I start buying makeup? ›- Primer. ...
- Concealer & Foundation. ...
- Mascara & Eyeliner. ...
- Eyebrow Pencil. ...
- Red & Nude Lipstick. ...
- Brushes & Sponge. ...
- Blush & Highlighter. ...
- Eyeshadow Palette.
Rank | Website | Pages / Visit Average website pages viewed per visit |
---|---|---|
1 | xiaohongshu.com | 1.57 |
2 | beauty.hotpepper.jp | 7.39 |
3 | sephora.com | 5.20 |
4 | ulta.com | 5.14 |
Overall, Hispanic women are the most likely to use makeup. The number is more than 86 percent across all age groups. "I think it relates to a cultural point of view about femininity and dressing up,” Grant said.
What kind of people buy beauty products? ›TABS Analytics' second annual U.S. Cosmetics Study found that millennial women (ages 18 to 34) are the heaviest buyers of beauty products in the $13 billion cosmetics market (market size excludes skin care and hair care products).
What age group spends the most money on makeup? ›And despite their youthfulness, people in their 20s spend more on average on makeup than any other age group.
Is Sephora or Ulta better? ›If you're looking for more prestigious brands and sophisticated employees who are true makeup connoisseurs, Sephora has the edge. But if you're looking for one-stop shopping that includes salon services and drugstore brands alongside a more relaxed environment, Ulta should top your list.
Which is cheaper Sephora or Ulta? ›When it comes to product costs, Sephora has a reputation for being pricey. However, comparing identical products between Sephora and Ulta yields identical prices. The reason you may end up spending more at Sephora lies in the fact that it does not offer inexpensive drugstore alternatives at all.
Is Sephora makeup expensive? ›
Sephora carries exclusively high end makeup, no drug store products at all. The cheapest brand they sell is the Sephora Collection brand, which is still more expensive than drug store brands.
How do I know what makeup suits me? ›Combine your skin tone and your undertones to find your foundation shade. Once you have determined your skin tone and your undertones, you can select a foundation that is right for your skin. For example, if you have a fair skin tone and a warm undertone, foundation in light ivory or porcelain may be right for you.
Which makeup brand is best for beginners? ›- Maybelline MasterFix Loose Powder. ...
- Wet N Wild Photofocus Foundation. ...
- Maybelline HyperCurl Mascara. ...
- Plum NaturStudio All-Day-Wear Kohl Kajal. ...
- SUGAR Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick. ...
- L'Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick. ...
- Kay Beauty Matte Blush. ...
- Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter. Image credit: Boddess.
Mascara. Plenty of beauty connoisseurs would say that mascara is the most important part of makeup, and for good reason.
What color foundation do I need? ›To find the best foundation color shade for you, figure out the undertones of your skin. To do this, look at the veins on your wrist. If they look blue, your skin is cool toned, and if they look green, your skin is warm toned. If your skin is warm toned, look for a gold or yellow based foundation.
What can I use as primer? ›- 1 Anti-Chafing Cream. This is another drugstore product that makeup gurus have discovered can double as a primer.
- 2 Rub An Ice Cube. ...
- 3 Deodorant. ...
- 4 Aloe Vera Gel Mixed With A Moisturizer. ...
- 5 Grease-Free Sunscreen. ...
- 6 Lacto Calamine Lotion. ...
- 7 Milk Of Magnesia. ...
- 8 Nivea After-Shave Balm. ...
- Australia. Lanolin, an oil found in sheep's wool, is the inspiration for the new Aussie brand Lano. ...
- Iceland. ...
- Hungary. ...
- South Korea. ...
- Greece. ...
- Japan. ...
- Sweden. ...
- The Republic of South Africa.
- Regularly Moisturise Your Skin. Moisturisation is crucial for your hydration. ...
- Get Beauty Sleep. ...
- Drink Enough Water. ...
- Pluck Your Eyebrows. ...
- Exercise Regularly. ...
- Use Sunscreen Every Day. ...
- Drink Green Tea. ...
- Stick to a Skin Care Routine.
Research shows there are two primary reasons why women wear makeup: Camouflage – Women who are anxious and insecure tend to use makeup to appear less noticeable. Seduction – Women who want to be noticeably more attractive tend to use makeup to be more confident, sociable, and assertive.
Which country wears the least makeup? ›So, instead of spending money on makeup, Dutchies spend it on skincare (which had the largest market share of cosmetic products in the Netherlands in 2020).
Which country wears the most makeup? ›
The United States spends the most on cosmetics. In 2018, US consumers spent a total of $89.71 billion on cosmetics.
What is trending now in beauty? ›The beauty trends of 2022 are seeing significant changes, driven by a growing movement towards healthy, glowing skin, aesthetic inclusivity, and the emergence of non-toxic beauty brands. TikTok influencers brought back the Y2K aesthetic, and makeup artists embraced nostalgic frosted eyeshadow and high-shine lips.
What beauty products are trending now? ›- Retinol.
- Graphic Liner.
- Gua Sha.
- SPF.
- DIY Skincare.
- Lip Scrub.
- Ombre Lips.
- Glass Skin.
Too much makeup is when you cover your entire face with every product that you own. Now for instance, if you want to rock red lips, keep the rest of the face minimal.
How many lipsticks does the average woman own? ›According to the Cheskin & Masten study, the average woman owns seven lipsticks. Of those, 2.6 are used frequently.
How much does the average person spend on makeup? ›U.S. household expenditure on cosmetics, perfume and bath products 2010-2021. In 2021, the average annual expenditure on cosmetics, perfume, and bath preparation products amounted to approximately 182.3 dollars per consumer unit in the United States.
Is Target cheaper than Ulta? ›Even before adding my 5% Target Red Card discount, Target clearly had much better prices than Ulta for these drugstore makeup products. On average, products tended to be 30% more expensive at Ulta, with the main exception being Nyx products. However, none of the drugstore makeup products were cheaper at Ulta.
How do you get a 20 off coupon for Ulta? ›You can get a 20% off coupon code when you register for Ulta's Ultamate Rewards Credit Card. This coupon code is applicable on beauty and first purchase only. You must agree to receive Ulta Beauty emails to receive the code.
Does Ulta Beauty give free samples? ›Cosmetics, Fragrance, Skincare and Beauty Gifts | Ulta Beauty. FREE SHIPPING on any $50 purchase. FREE SAMPLES with every order.
Does Sephora ever have 20 off? ›10-20% off as a Sephora Beauty Insider
Take advantage of the several seasonal savings events at Sephora as a Beauty Insider member. Enjoy up to 20% off, free gifts, bonus points, and exclusive app deals.
Can you return used makeup to Ulta? ›
Yes you can return used makeup (like any other product) to Ulta Beauty. According to the Ulta return policy, if you are not satisfied with your purchase at any time, you qualify for a return and that includes makeup! So if you're wondering if Ulta will accept returns for that foundation you just purchased, they will.
What months are Ulta 21 days of beauty? ›Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Fall 2022 sale will happen Aug. 28 – Sept. 17, 2022. The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Spring sale will likely happen March 12 – April 1, 2023.
Why is makeup so expensive? ›Most of the cost of any makeup product comes from packaging, shipping, and marketing. The exact ratios aren't fully known and vary from product to product and brand to brand. However, on average, packaging and shipping costs account for nearly 50% of the total price of a makeup product.
Can you ask for samples at Sephora? ›Sephora's Free Samples In-Store and Online
Don't be afraid to ask an associate for a sample. Explain that you want to try a certain product at home to see if you like it before you make a purchase. Keep in mind that you can get a sample of just about any product that Sephora carries.
Why is the makeup at Sephora so expensive? Sephora only carries what they consider to be "high end" brands, therefore they come with a "high end" price. Basically the packaging might be higher quality, but looking at ingredients, most of these "high end" brands have the same chemicals as the drug store brands.
What is my skin tone? ›In natural light, check the appearance of your veins beneath your skin. If your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone. If your veins look green or a greenish blue, you have a warm skin tone. If you can't tell whether or not your veins are green or blue, you probably have a neutral skin tone.
What color goes best with my skin tone? ›The general rule of thumb is that skin with cool undertones look best with greys, browns, blues, greens and purples. Skin with warm undertones look best with either bright or light colors. And skin with neutral undertones looks great in bold, bright colors.
What makeup should you wear everyday? ›That includes a long-wear foundation or base product made for your skin type, concealer for brightening, smudge-proof eyeliner, a mascara that gives you length and volume, bronzer for warming up your complexion and lipstick to finish your look.
Which makeup quality is best? ›Lakme is India's one of the best makeup brands because it addresses the needs of different skin tones and skin types ranging from dry to oily. With many presences across the world, Lakme is known for its natural makeup.
What cosmetics are cheap but good quality and effective? ›- Blue Heaven X Factor Foundation Rs. ...
- Lakme Perfecting Liquid Foundation Rs. ...
- Coloressence Aqua Base Makeup SPF Rs.150 for 35 ml: Provides light coverage with a dewy finish. ...
- Elle 18 Glow Foundation Rs. ...
- Street Wear Color Rich Perfect Foundation Rs.
How do you apply primer? ›
It's simple. If you're using a moisturizer, apply that first, then let your skin dry for a few minutes. Beginning at the center of your face, apply just a light layer of primer, dabbing it in with your fingers ​or a makeup sponge. Allow the primer to dry for a few minutes before applying your foundation.
What does every girl need for makeup? ›- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #1: MAKEUP PRIMER. ...
- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #2: STICK FOUNDATION. ...
- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #3: BB CREAM. ...
- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #4: COLOR CORRECTING CONCEALER. ...
- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #5: BLUSH COMPACT. ...
- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #6: CONTOUR KIT. ...
- MAKEUP ESSENTIAL #7: HIGHLIGHTING STICK.
- Primer: A primer is probably the first and the most important makeup item that you simply cannot miss. ...
- BB Cream: ...
- Foundation: ...
- Kajal: ...
- Eyeliner: ...
- Eyeshadow: ...
- Blush: ...
- Lipstick:
When it comes to product costs, Sephora has a reputation for being pricey. However, comparing identical products between Sephora and Ulta yields identical prices. The reason you may end up spending more at Sephora lies in the fact that it does not offer inexpensive drugstore alternatives at all.
Is Sephora or Ulta better? ›If you're looking for more prestigious brands and sophisticated employees who are true makeup connoisseurs, Sephora has the edge. But if you're looking for one-stop shopping that includes salon services and drugstore brands alongside a more relaxed environment, Ulta should top your list.
Where can I buy makeup in London online? ›...
Scroll down for the best online beauty retailers with speedy delivery.
- Net-A-Porter. Most Popular. ...
- Feel Unique. Most Popular. ...
- Selfridges. ...
- LookFantastic. ...
- Cult Beauty. ...
- Beauty Bay. ...
- SpaceNK. ...
- ASOS Face & Body.
Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty has finally launched in the UK and Ireland. The beauty brand from the star has is now exclusively available to shop at Space NK. Fans can get their hands on products from the brand both in-store and online at spacenk.com.
Is Target cheaper than Ulta? ›Even before adding my 5% Target Red Card discount, Target clearly had much better prices than Ulta for these drugstore makeup products. On average, products tended to be 30% more expensive at Ulta, with the main exception being Nyx products. However, none of the drugstore makeup products were cheaper at Ulta.
Can I go to Ulta and get my makeup done? ›Yes! Each Ulta Beauty store that carries MAC will have three dedicated MAC makeup artists that can do applications, as well as offer their expertise on what products are best for you.
Does Ulta give free samples? ›Cosmetics, Fragrance, Skincare and Beauty Gifts | Ulta Beauty. FREE SHIPPING on any $50 purchase. FREE SAMPLES with every order.
How do you get a 20 off coupon for Ulta? ›
You can get a 20% off coupon code when you register for Ulta's Ultamate Rewards Credit Card. This coupon code is applicable on beauty and first purchase only. You must agree to receive Ulta Beauty emails to receive the code.
Is Sephora makeup expensive? ›Sephora carries exclusively high end makeup, no drug store products at all. The cheapest brand they sell is the Sephora Collection brand, which is still more expensive than drug store brands.
Does Ulta do price matching? ›No, Ulta does not price match competitor prices.
Can you buy makeup online? ›If you know what you want, go to a company's site, which will have the broadest color selections. To browse multiple brands, head to sephora.com or ulta.com. Both have great variety, but sticking with one means you'll rack up more shopping rewards.
Is milk makeup available in the UK? ›And you can SHOP ALL MILK MAKEUP products available in the UK on the Cult Beauty website now.
What does Rare Beauty stand for? ›Rare Beauty is breaking down unrealistic standards of perfection. ​ This is makeup made to feel good in, without hiding what makes you unique—because Rare Beauty is not about being someone else, but being who you are.
Where is Rare Beauty from? ›The brand isn't just efficacious (with most products made in South Korea, the beauty capital of the world), but seems authentic, well thought out, and extremely focused on inclusivity.