As a TV host always in the spotlight, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have access to the best beauty products. Whether I’m prepping for a big interview or just running errands, looking my best is part of the job. But let’s be real – who has time to hop from store to store searching for that perfect lipstick or miracle serum? That’s why I’ve become obsessed with online beauty shopping. It’s like having the world’s biggest beauty counter right at your fingertips!
Over the years, I’ve discovered some absolute gems in the world of online beauty retail. These stores aren’t just about selling products; they’re about providing an experience. From clean beauty pioneers to cult-favorite curators, each of these online beauty havens offers something unique. They’ve helped me discover new brands, learn about the latest beauty trends, and find products that make me feel like a million bucks both on and off camera.
So, whether you’re a fellow beauty enthusiast or just starting to build your collection, I’m thrilled to share my top 10 picks for the best online beauty stores. These are the sites I turn to when I need to restock my makeup bag, try out a new skincare routine, or find that perfect gift for my beauty-obsessed friends.
Trust me, these stores will change the way you shop for beauty products – and maybe even the way you feel about yourself. Let’s dive in!
1. Kosas Cosmetics
Kosas is a clean beauty brand that focuses on “makeup for skincare freaks.” Founded in 2015, Kosas has quickly gained popularity for its innovative formulas that combine makeup with skincare benefits. Their products are designed to be easy to use, comfortable to wear, and clinically proven to improve skin health over time. Kosas offers a range of makeup products including foundations, concealers, lipsticks, and eyebrow products, all formulated with nourishing ingredients at active levels. The brand emphasizes a “comfy glam” aesthetic, aiming to enhance natural beauty rather than mask it. Kosas is committed to clean beauty standards, formulating without potentially harmful ingredients and focusing on skin-friendly formulations.
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty store that aims to revolutionize the way people 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 needs and preferences. The store’s mission is to celebrate the power of beauty and redefine beauty standards through its products and campaigns.
Eternal Beauty Outlet stands out for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The company adheres to a strict “against animal testing” policy, ensuring that none of their suppliers test materials on animals. Additionally, they prioritize eco-friendly packaging, with many products designed to be solid and sold without excessive packaging.
The online store offers an extensive collection of beauty products across various categories, including skin care, makeup & nails, body care, hair care, and tools & brushes. Customers can easily navigate through these categories to find products that suit their specific needs and preferences.
One of Eternal Beauty Outlet’s key strengths is its customer-centric approach. The company prides itself on providing excellent customer service, offering personalized product recommendations, and ensuring a seamless shopping experience. They also offer competitive pricing and free shipping, making high-quality beauty products more accessible to a wider audience.
3. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty has established itself as a go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts seeking both well-known and niche brands. Founded in 2008, the online retailer curates a selection of products from around the world, offering customers access to trendsetting and innovative beauty items. Cult Beauty’s product range spans skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance, with a focus on bringing the best and most talked-about products to their customers. The site features expert reviews and guides to help shoppers make informed decisions. However, it’s worth noting that some customers have reported issues with customer service and delivery in recent reviews, which potential shoppers should consider.
4. Sephora
Sephora is a multinational beauty retailer that has become synonymous with high-end cosmetics and skincare. With both physical stores and a robust online presence, Sephora offers a vast array of products from hundreds of brands, including its own Sephora Collection. The company’s website provides a user-friendly shopping experience, complete with detailed product information, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. Sephora’s loyalty program, Beauty Insider, is popular among frequent shoppers, offering points on purchases that can be redeemed for products. The retailer is known for its generous sample policy and in-store experiences, which translate to online perks like free samples with orders. However, some customers have raised concerns about the reliability of Sephora’s online reviews, suggesting that shoppers should approach them with a critical eye.
5. Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is a natural, cruelty-free beauty line founded by a husband and wife team in Seattle. The brand focuses on plant-based skin and body care products that are safe, non-toxic, and organic. Herbivore’s product range includes innovative items like their popular Bamboo Charcoal Bar Soap, which effectively cleanses and balances skin without causing dryness. Their formulations are thoughtfully crafted, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients that provide both aesthetic appeal and skincare benefits. Herbivore Botanicals offers a variety of products including facial mists, moisturizers, and post-shave elixirs, all designed to be gentle yet effective.
6. Dermstore
Dermstore is a premier online destination for skincare, hair care, and beauty products, specializing in dermatologist-recommended brands. The site offers a curated selection of high-quality products from over 600 brands, ranging from well-known names to niche discoveries. Dermstore’s focus on skin health is evident in their expert-driven approach, providing customers with access to professional-grade skincare solutions. The platform also features educational content and expert advice to help shoppers make informed decisions about their skincare routines. As an added benefit, Dermstore offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, making it a convenient option for beauty enthusiasts seeking premium products.
7. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic has established itself as the UK’s ultimate online beauty shop, offering a vast array of skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare products. With over 600 brands available on their platform, Lookfantastic provides customers with an extensive selection of beauty items to choose from. The site caters to a global audience, making it a go-to destination for beauty lovers worldwide. Lookfantastic also offers a loyalty program called LF Beauty Plus+, which allows customers to earn points on their purchases. This program enhances the shopping experience by providing additional value to frequent shoppers. With its wide range of products and customer-centric approach, Lookfantastic has become a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive online beauty shopping experience.
8. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics, founded by Kylie Jenner in 2015, has quickly become one of the most sought-after beauty brands in the industry. The company started with the iconic Kylie Lip Kits and has since expanded to offer a wide range of makeup products. Kylie Cosmetics prides itself on being clean and cruelty-free, using ingredients that balance efficacy, safety, and responsibility. The brand’s product lineup includes lip makeup, eye makeup, face makeup, and makeup tools & accessories. Kylie Jenner’s personal involvement in product development and marketing has been a key factor in the brand’s success, with her stating, “I created Kylie Cosmetics to give my fans access to the makeup products that I love and use every single day to create my looks”.
9. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty has established itself as a leader in clean beauty retail. The company recently launched its own private label skincare line, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Credo’s new line features products packaged with a sustainable pump developed in collaboration with Pact Collective, a nonprofit focused on reducing beauty packaging waste. The brand’s commitment to clean beauty extends to its curated selection of other brands, offering products that are free from harmful ingredients. Credo Beauty’s approach combines eco-friendly practices with effective skincare solutions, catering to consumers who prioritize both performance and sustainability in their beauty routines.
10. Bluemercury
Bluemercury, founded in 1999 by Marla Malcolm Beck and Barry J. Beck, has grown from a single store in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., to a nationwide chain of beauty stores. The company offers a unique shopping experience, combining high-end cosmetics retail with in-store spa services. Bluemercury’s success is built on its “Assisted Selling” model, where knowledgeable staff provide unbiased advice across all brands, creating a low-pressure environment that fosters customer loyalty. The company also developed its own product lines, including M-61 skincare and Lune+Aster makeup. In 2015, Bluemercury was acquired by Macy’s for $210 million, leading to further expansion through shop-in-shops within Macy’s department stores. Bluemercury’s strategic location choices, focusing on convenient neighborhood spots, have contributed to its popularity among beauty enthusiasts seeking personalized service and a curated selection of prestige beauty products.