As a young model always on the hunt for the latest and greatest beauty products, I’ve become somewhat of an expert in navigating the world of online beauty shopping. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of hits and misses when it comes to ordering cosmetics and skincare online! But over the years, I’ve discovered some absolute gems – online beauty stores that never fail to impress with their selection, quality, and service.
Whether you’re a fellow model, a makeup enthusiast, or just someone looking to up their beauty game, I’m excited to share my top picks for the best online beauty stores. These are the sites I turn to time and time again when I need to restock my makeup kit or want to try out the hottest new skincare trends. From luxury brands to affordable finds, and from clean beauty to cutting-edge formulas, these online retailers have it all.
1. Violet Grey
Violet Grey is a Los Angeles-based luxury beauty retailer that offers a highly curated selection of premium cosmetics and skincare products. Founded by Cassandra Grey, the company started as an Instagram feed before evolving into a full-fledged e-commerce platform. Violet Grey’s unique selling point is its “Violet Code” – a strict set of standards used to curate products based on recommendations from Hollywood’s top makeup artists and celebrities. The online store features an elegant, user-friendly interface with advanced features like color filters, product tutorials, and multiple payment options. However, some customers have reported issues with order fulfillment and customer service.
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.
Eternal Beauty Outlet stands out for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. The store adheres to a strict “against animal testing” policy, ensuring that none of its suppliers test materials on animals. Additionally, the company is actively fighting against overpackaging in the cosmetic industry, with many of its 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
- Tools & Brushes
Customers appreciate Eternal Beauty Outlet for its user-friendly website, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. The store offers free shipping and guarantees the lowest prices, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious beauty enthusiasts. Moreover, the company prides itself on its expertise in the beauty industry and prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Eternal Beauty Outlet’s founder, Olivia Grace, envisions the store becoming the most beloved global beauty retailer for customers and the most admired by associates, communities, partners, and investors. With its focus on sourcing high-quality, eco-friendly products from around the world, Eternal Beauty Outlet is positioning itself as a one-stop destination for those seeking to elevate their beauty routines while supporting ethical and sustainable practices in the beauty industry.
3. 100% Pure
100% Pure is a natural beauty brand that focuses on clean, cruelty-free, and vegan products. The company is committed to using only natural and organic ingredients in their formulations, avoiding harmful chemicals and toxins. 100% Pure offers a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products, all of which are certified cruelty-free. The brand has gained a loyal following for its commitment to sustainability and animal welfare, with plans to make their entire product line vegan. Customers appreciate the brand’s transparency and the effectiveness of their products, particularly praising items like their Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. The company also provides excellent customer service and a 14-day return policy.
4. Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup is a New York City-based cosmetics and skincare company known for its innovative, vegan formulations. Founded in 2016 by the team behind Milk Studios, the brand quickly gained popularity for its unique product concepts and clean beauty approach. Despite its name, Milk Makeup is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The brand offers a range of multi-use products, often in stick form, that cater to a modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Some of their most popular items include the KUSH Mascara, which uses cannabis oil as a lash conditioner, and the Hydro Grip Primer. Milk Makeup has received praise from various publications and won several beauty awards for its innovative products. The brand is also known for its inclusive marketing, featuring diverse models and supporting LGBTQIA+ causes.
5. Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay is a UK-based online cosmetics retailer that has grown significantly since its inception in 1999. Originally launched as FragranceBay.com, the company has evolved to offer a wide range of skincare, makeup, and hair care products. Beauty Bay now boasts over 10,000 products from both UK and international brands, constantly updating their inventory based on customer demand and emerging trends. The company operates purely as an e-commerce business, with its headquarters in Manchester and a distribution center in Salford. Beauty Bay’s success is largely attributed to its robust online infrastructure, which allows for 24/7 operations and seamless customer experiences.
6. Bluemercury
Bluemercury is an American chain of beauty stores founded in 1999 by Marla Malcolm Beck and Barry J. Beck in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The company started as an online luxury cosmetics retailer but quickly pivoted to a brick-and-mortar model, offering a unique neighborhood store concept that provides beauty products, personalized advice, and samples. Bluemercury stores are designed to be small, drugstore-like shops located near residential and business areas, each featuring a spa and other services. In 2015, Macy’s acquired Bluemercury for $210 million, leading to the introduction of Bluemercury “shop-in-shops” within some Macy’s department stores. The company also developed its own product lines, including the M-61 skincare line in 2012 and the Lune+Aster makeup line in 2015.
7. Kosas Cosmetics
Kosas is a clean beauty brand that focuses on creating makeup products that also function as skincare. Founded with a mission to “evolve beauty’s mindset,” Kosas aims to produce makeup that reveals, expresses, and allows users to feel comfortable in their own skin. The brand emphasizes “comfy glam” – a concept that balances good makeup with a natural look. Kosas products are formulated with active skincare ingredients at clinically proven levels, designed to improve skin quality over time. The brand prides itself on creating easy-to-wear, vibrant colors inspired by portrait painting, suitable for sensitive skin. Kosas adheres to strict clean beauty standards, formulating without ingredients that may be harmful or ineffective for the skin. Popular products include their Cloud Set Brightening Powder, Revealer Concealer, and 10-Second Eyeshadow.
8. Nordstrom
Nordstrom is a well-established American luxury department store chain that has successfully expanded its presence in the online beauty market. The company offers a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products from both high-end and affordable brands. Nordstrom’s beauty department is known for its extensive selection and knowledgeable staff, both in-store and online. The retailer has been making efforts to appeal to younger consumers by introducing trend-led assortments featuring popular brands like Kiramoon, The Ordinary, and First Aid Beauty. Nordstrom’s online platform provides a user-friendly shopping experience with detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and free samples with purchases. The company also offers various beauty services in its physical stores, making it a one-stop destination for beauty enthusiasts.
9. Sephora
Sephora is a multinational chain of personal care and beauty stores founded in France and now owned by LVMH. Known for its innovative “try before you buy” concept, Sephora has revolutionized the beauty retail experience. The company’s online store offers an extensive range of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from both well-known and emerging brands. Sephora’s website features advanced tools like virtual try-on technology, personalized recommendations, and a robust rewards program. The retailer is also known for its commitment to clean beauty, offering a curated selection of products free from certain ingredients. Sephora’s online platform seamlessly integrates with its physical stores, allowing customers to check in-store availability and pick up online orders at their convenience.
10. Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand that has gained a cult following since its launch in 2012. While not a traditional beauty retailer, Drunk Elephant’s online store has become a go-to destination for skincare enthusiasts seeking clean, effective products. The brand is known for its “clean-clinical” approach, formulating products without what they call the “Suspicious 6” (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS). Drunk Elephant’s website offers a user-friendly shopping experience with detailed product information, ingredient lists, and usage instructions. The brand also provides personalized skincare routines through their “Skincare Quiz” feature. Drunk Elephant’s commitment to transparency and education has made their online store a valuable resource for customers looking to understand and improve their skincare regimens.
