Seems like we do everything online these days. And I’m no exception. I catch myself constantly checking prices online and buying things here and there. But what about makeup?
Buying makeup online can be kind of tough. It’s hard enough going through the cosmetic aisle at Walmart and trying to figure out which foundation shade is best for you when you can’t try the color on your skin.
So in a way, buying makeup online isn’t as hard as you might think. And there can definitely be some benefits to making the purchase online versus in store.
Research the Product
First of all, I don’t know about you, but when I buy makeup in the store, a lot of the time I’m making an impulse purchase. “Oh this lipstick color is so PRETTY…” Yep, that’s where you get in trouble.
If you’re buying online, there’s no rush. You can add stuff to your cart or just keep it in mind before you actually make the purchase. And with this, you have the advantage of being able to do your research. Check the products rating on makeup alley, or see what beauty bloggers (like me!) think about them. Watch YouTube videos!
Doing your research before buying a product is pretty much the biggest favor you can do yourself. You might even learn something in the process.
For example, I really wanted a contouring kit. I did some research and found the Anastasia Contouring Kit. But then, I watched a video on YouTube from Give Good Face (Johnathon ***), and he said he didn’t recommend the kit because the contouring shades were just weird. They’re way too warm for contouring and are basically just a bronzer.. So then I started watching contouring videos and learning more about that. Now I saved myself from buying a bad product and I know so much more about natural contouring.
Check for Deals
Don’t buy anything from anywhere before you comparison shop! Look around at different websites and see how cheap you can get the product.
Also, look for coupon codes and discounts. Sometimes, you can get free shipping or even percentage discounts. Consider joining different rewards programs. The opportunities to save online are endless.
Brands
Not every brand is sold in stores. Some brands might not be available in your area. There are a lot of less expensive brands (and some more expensive ones) that are exclusively online. You’d be surprised at some of the awesome stuff you can find! Brands like Sigma, Sedona Lace, and BH Cosmetics are online only!
Buy Sephora / Ulta
Wait… This is about buying stuff online… Why would you buy something from Sephora or Ulta online when you could go in store….? Well, sometimes they have deals that are exclusively online, and a lot of times, you can get free samples with your online purchase.
Another great thing about buying makeup online from Sephora or Ulta is that you don’t have to worry about what happens if you don’t like the makeup. If that foundation isn’t your color or that eye liner makes your eyes burn, not to worry! Just take the product back to the store, and Sephora/Ulta will take care of it for you 🙂
Consider eBay and Amazon
It sounds strange, but you can even buy some good stuff from these retailers online. Maybe you already have a favorite foundation that you always buy every 6 months. Check online to see if you can save any money on this stuff.
You can even find products that are sold exclusively through one or both of these online retailers. I actually just bought some new makeup brushes on both of these sites (which I will be reviewing soon!). You’d be surprised what you can find!
Happy shopping 🙂
