9 Leading Online Beauty Stores for All Your Needs

The world of beauty has undergone a digital transformation, with online stores revolutionizing how we discover, purchase, and experience cosmetics and skincare products. Gone are the days when we had to rely solely on local brick-and-mortar shops for our beauty needs. Today, a vast array of online beauty retailers offers unparalleled convenience, extensive product ranges, and personalized shopping experiences right at our fingertips.

In this article, we'll explore the 9 best online beauty stores that stand out in the crowded digital marketplace. From luxury brands to clean beauty havens, and from global giants to niche specialists, these retailers have carved out their unique spaces in the beauty industry.

1. Glossier

Glossier is a beauty brand that emphasizes a "Skin First, Makeup Second" philosophy, focusing on enhancing natural beauty with simple, effective products. Founded in 2014 by Emily Weiss, Glossier started as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand and has since expanded to physical retail locations and partnerships with major retailers like Sephora. The brand offers a range of products including skincare, makeup, body care, and fragrance, all designed to be easy to use and to promote a natural look. Glossier is known for its minimalist packaging and strong online community, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers.

Pros:

• Natural Look: Glossier's products are designed to enhance natural beauty, making them ideal for those who prefer a minimalist makeup routine.
• Community Engagement: The brand has a strong online presence and community, which helps in building customer loyalty and brand awareness.
• Innovative Retail Spaces: Glossier's physical stores are uniquely designed to provide an immersive shopping experience, fostering strong customer relationships.
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan Options: Many of Glossier's products are cruelty-free and vegan, appealing to ethically conscious consumers.

Cons:

• Price: Some customers feel that Glossier's products are overpriced for the quantity and quality offered.
• Product Performance: Reviews are mixed on certain products, with some users finding them ineffective or not worth the hype.
• Limited Product Range: Compared to other beauty brands, Glossier offers a relatively small range of products, which might not meet all consumers' needs.

2. Eternal Beauty Outlet

Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty retailer founded by Olivia Grace in 2020. The store offers a wide range of skincare, makeup, and beauty devices, focusing on sourcing high-quality, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly products. Eternal Beauty Outlet aims to cater to diverse beauty needs while promoting sustainable and ethical practices in the beauty industry.

Pros:

• Extensive selection of affordable beauty products, including skincare, makeup, and beauty devices
• Free worldwide shipping on all orders
• Strong emphasis on cruelty-free and eco-friendly products
• Secure online ordering with SSL encryption to protect customer information
• Positive customer feedback on product effectiveness and customer service
• Regular promotions and discounts on popular items
• Offers innovative beauty devices like the RegenaLight LED Mask for at-home treatments

Cons:

• Shipping times can take up to 2 weeks, which may be longer than some competitors
• No physical retail stores, limiting the ability for customers to test products before purchase
• Potential for items to be damaged or lost in transit, with limited responsibility taken by the company
• International orders may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are the customer's responsibility
• As a relatively new company (founded in 2020), it may have less brand recognition compared to established beauty retailers

3. Dermstore

Dermstore is an online retailer specializing in skincare, hair care, and beauty products. Founded in 1999 by dermatologist Craig Kraffert, the company was acquired by THG plc in 2021. Dermstore offers a curated selection of dermatologist-recommended brands and professional-strength formulas, making it a trusted source for high-quality beauty products. The platform also provides expert advice and educational content to help customers make informed decisions about their skincare routines.

Pros:

• High-Quality Products: Dermstore is known for its wide variety of high-quality products, including brands that are typically only available through dermatologists, med spas, and specialty boutiques.
• Promotions and Discounts: The site frequently offers promotions and discounts, making it easier for customers to purchase premium products at reduced prices.
• Expert Advice: Dermstore provides access to expert advice from dermatologists and estheticians, helping customers choose the best products for their specific skin concerns.
• Free Shipping: Dermstore offers free shipping on all orders, which adds value for customers and enhances the shopping experience.
• Authenticity: As an authorized retailer, Dermstore guarantees the authenticity of its products, ensuring customers receive genuine items.

Cons:

• Customer Service Issues: Some customers have reported poor experiences with Dermstore's customer service, including difficulties with returns, refunds, and resolving order issues.
• Fulfillment Problems: There have been complaints about fulfillment issues, such as missing items in orders and delayed shipments.
• Website Usability: Some users have found the website and mobile app to be less user-friendly, with occasional technical issues that hinder the shopping experience.

4. Sephora

Sephora is a French multinational retailer specializing in beauty and personal care products. Founded in 1970 by Dominique Mandonnaud, the company is now owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a leading luxury goods conglomerate. Sephora operates over 2,700 stores in 35 countries and has a robust online presence, making it a global leader in the beauty industry. The brand is known for its extensive range of products, including makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair care from both established and emerging brands. Sephora also offers its own private label, the Sephora Collection.

Pros:

• Wide Product Range: Sephora offers a vast selection of beauty products from nearly 340 brands, including exclusive lines like FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna and Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez.
• Innovative Shopping Experience: The brand is known for its open-sell environment, allowing customers to try products before purchasing. This is complemented by interactive in-store experiences and a user-friendly online platform.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Sephora has been a champion of diversity and inclusivity, with initiatives like the "We Belong to Something Beautiful" campaign and a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
• Rewards Program: The Beauty Insider Program offers points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for rewards, exclusive products, and experiences.
• Customer Service: Sephora has been recognized for its excellent customer service, including personalized consultations and a flexible return policy.

Cons:

• Price Point: Sephora's products are often on the higher end of the price spectrum, which may not be accessible to all consumers.
• Inconsistent Sample Policy: Some customers have reported dissatisfaction with the sample policy, noting a reduction in the number of free samples and issues with receiving the correct samples.
• Shipping and Fulfillment Issues: There have been occasional complaints about slow shipping times and problems with order fulfillment, particularly for online purchases.

5. Beautylish

Beautylish is an online beauty retailer that offers a curated selection of high-quality beauty products from global brands. Founded in 2010, Beautylish aims to provide a personalized shopping experience with expert advice and exceptional customer service. The platform features a wide range of products, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and tools, and is known for its meticulous packaging and fast shipping. Beautylish also offers beauty tutorials and articles to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.

Pros:

• Curated Selection: Beautylish offers a carefully curated selection of high-quality beauty products from well-known and niche brands, ensuring a diverse and premium product range.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The platform is highly praised for its outstanding customer service, including quick responses, easy returns, and personalized assistance.
• Fast and Reliable Shipping: Beautylish provides fast shipping options, with free shipping on orders over $35 in the US, and ensures that products are well-packaged to prevent damage during transit.
• Educational Content: The site offers beauty tutorials, reviews, and articles, helping customers make informed decisions and learn new beauty techniques.

Cons:

• No Discount Codes: Beautylish does not offer discount codes or participate in cashback programs, which might be a drawback for bargain hunters.
• Limited Physical Presence: As an online retailer, Beautylish lacks physical stores, which might be a disadvantage for customers who prefer to try products in person before purchasing.
• App Performance: Some users have reported that the Beautylish app can be slow and frustrating to use, which might affect the overall shopping experience.

6. SkinStore

SkinStore has been a prominent online destination for premium beauty products for over 24 years. It specializes in innovative clinical skincare and luxury spa products, offering a wide range of items including hair care, cosmetics, electrical beauty tools, and fragrances. The store features over 8,000 products from more than 300 brands such as SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, and Peter Thomas Roth. SkinStore prides itself on providing dermatologist-created and recommended products, with a focus on delivering high-quality beauty solutions to its customers. The company is part of THG Holdings plc, which enhances its global reach and technological capabilities.

Pros:

• Wide Range of Products: SkinStore offers an extensive selection of over 8,000 products from more than 300 brands, ensuring a diverse range of beauty and skincare options.
• Exclusive Deals: Customers can benefit from exclusive free gifts and significant discounts, making premium products more accessible.
• Expert Recommendations: The store provides dermatologist-created and recommended products, ensuring high-quality and effective skincare solutions.
• Free Shipping: Orders over $30 qualify for free shipping, adding value to the shopping experience.

Cons:

• Customer Service Issues: There are numerous reports of poor customer service, including slow response times and difficulties with returns and refunds.
• Product Quality Concerns: Some customers have experienced issues with product quality, such as receiving expired or damaged items.
• Shipping Delays: Several reviews mention slow shipping times and problems with order tracking.

7. Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty is one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, offering a comprehensive range of products and services. The company provides over 25,000 products from more than 600 established and emerging brands, including its private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection. In addition to cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products, Ulta Beauty operates a salon in every store, offering a variety of beauty services. The company is known for its inclusive approach, catering to a diverse customer base and supporting various charitable causes, such as breast cancer research.

Pros:

• Extensive Product Range: Ulta Beauty offers a vast selection of over 25,000 products from more than 600 brands, covering a wide spectrum of beauty needs.
• In-Store Salon Services: Each Ulta Beauty store features a salon that provides a range of beauty services, enhancing the overall customer experience.
• Rewards Program: The Ultamate Rewards program is highly praised for its generous points system, allowing customers to earn and redeem points for discounts and free products.
• Charitable Initiatives: Ulta Beauty is actively involved in charitable causes, such as raising funds for breast cancer research, which adds a positive social impact to its business.

Cons:

• Customer Service Complaints: Some customers have reported issues with customer service, particularly regarding online orders and delivery problems.
• Shipping and Delivery Issues: There are frequent complaints about delayed shipments and difficulties with tracking orders, which can affect the overall shopping experience.
• Return Policy: While generally good, some customers have found the return process to be cumbersome and have faced challenges when returning items in-store.

8. Lookfantastic

Lookfantastic is a prominent online beauty retailer offering a wide range of premium beauty products, including makeup, skincare, fragrances, and haircare. The US version of the site features over 400 high-end beauty brands, such as NuFACE, Dermalogica, Eve Lom, Matrix, EX1, and Stila.

Pros:

• Extensive selection of premium beauty brands
• Free US delivery
• Regular promotions and discounts (e.g., 15% off selected items with code 15LF)
• Quick shipping, sometimes faster than Amazon Prime
• Responsive customer service, replying to 99% of negative reviews within 24 hours

Cons:

• Focuses primarily on mainstream and luxury brands, which may not appeal to those seeking natural or clean beauty products
• Some customers may find the vast selection overwhelming

9. Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty is a specialized online retailer focused on clean and sustainable beauty products. They offer a curated selection of skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care products from brands that meet their strict standards for ingredient safety, sustainability, and ethical practices.

Pros:

• Rigorous vetting process for clean beauty products
• All products are cruelty-free and free from 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients
• Emphasis on sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing
• Carries both well-known clean beauty brands and smaller, indie labels
• Offers in-store shopping experiences in select locations
• Provides detailed information about ingredient safety and sustainability practices

Cons:

• More limited selection compared to mainstream beauty retailers
• May have higher prices due to focus on clean, sustainable products
• Fewer promotional offers compared to larger retailers