Buying cosmetics online can be easier, more rewarding, and sometimes even cheaper than buying them in a store.The key is to find trustworthy retailers and use customer reviews or advice from friends to choose the right items.Make sure you take advantage of all of the money-saving opportunities online.Retail therapy!
Step 1: If you know what you want, do an online search.
If you want to find out more about an item, you can start by looking online.Some of the retailers who sell that particular product can be found on the first page.You can click on the ones that you know or trust.If you searched for a specific brand, visit their website as they will often list suggested retailers or online stores where their products are sold.
Step 2: Don't be fooled by online beauty stores.
If you are using a smaller retailer that is not a big chain, do your research to make sure it is legit.To find out if it has a secure payment page, look for the beginning of the URL and a seal of accreditation somewhere on the page.Trust your gut!If the price seems too good to be true, it's a sign of a scam.It is a good idea to stay away from eyeshadows that are listed for less than $5.
Step 3: If you want to try new products, sign up for a subscription service.
When you purchase a monthly subscription service, you will receive a box once a month filled with a variety of sample-size cosmetics or beauty products.If you like any of the samples, you should order the full-sized product.It is a good way to test out new things before committing to a bottle.If you prefer lipsticks over face masks, some services will let you change the types of products you receive each month.Depending on how many samples are in the box and whether they are drugstore or designer brands, most beauty box services cost between $20 and $40 per month.
Step 4: You can check the auction sites for discontinued cosmetics.
If you have a discontinued product, like a scent of perfume or lipstick, you can find it on an auction site.The items have never been used, so look for listings that specifically say "MIB" or "mint in box."If you think the price is too high, you can type it into the box on the page to bid on it.
Step 5: You can find the lowest price on different sites.
Even if you know what you want, don't buy the first thing you see.If you want to find out what other retailers sell it at, you can do an online search for the brand and product you're interested in.You can't pay more for something that you could have gotten for less if you shop around.If you install a price comparison extension like ShopGenius or Honey, you will be able to compare prices across websites.
Step 6: You can get exclusive deals by joining a rewards program.
Membership or rewards programs at most large retailers offer incentives to join.If you join one of the retailers that you like to shop at, you can receive notifications about upcoming product releases or be given first access to a big sale.You can subscribe to the email newsletter of the retailer.25% off or free shipping is an incentive for your first purchase as a new subscriber, and you will get inside information on when products go on sale.Before you sign up for a membership program, read the FAQ or customer service page to make sure you don't have to pay.
Step 7: Check to see if the retailer offers free shipping.
The final price of a product should always include the shipping cost.When you add in shipping, a product may seem cheaper on one site, but it is more expensive on other sites.You can find out if free shipping is available on the customer service page of the website.Some retailers give members of their rewards programs free shipping.If you spend $50 or more, some sites will waive the shipping cost.
Step 8: There are discount codes and sales for specific retailers.
There are many ways to get cosmetics at a discount.All of the different promo codes and sales going on at each large retailer can be found on coupon sites.You can find current sales and promotions on the retailer's website, as well as 10% of your first order.You can download an app that will let you know when a certain store has a big promotion or when an item is on sale.
Step 9: To find out if a product is worth buying, read reviews.
If you want to switch to a new brand or buy an item you have never bought before, this is helpful.Look at the reviews on retailers sites to find out what other people think.If there is a recurring issue with cheap quality, or if most of the reviews are negative, think twice before buying that item.When reading reviews, keep an open mind.One bad review is not going to scare you away.You can contact the company via phone or website if you have questions about the product after reading the reviews.Say something like, "I read a lot of reviews that say your polish leaves stains on nails."Is it due to misuse by the customer or is it related to your product's ingredients?
Step 10: If you want to learn from their experiences, talk to your friends.
If you are frequent online shoppers, ask your friends what sites and products they recommend, and if they had issues with them.One of the best resources is a beauty bloggers, who often post videos or pictures reviewing new cosmetics or sharing tips about picking out products.You can get updates by following their social media pages.If you have a question about a specific thing, like where they bought their new eyeliner or whether they've had luck buying perfume online, you can email or comment on their account.
Step 11: To find the right shade of face makeup, use a color-matching website.
Don't assume that a new brand or color will match your skin tone, it's very specific to your complexion.If you want to find a product that is very close to the shade you are already using, use a site that lets you enter the details of your current makeup, like brand and color, to get a list of products that match that specific shade.Pick the brand, product name, and shade you use if you want a new concealer that matches your current one.You will be shown recommended concealers in the same color.MatchMyMakeup.com and Findation are two popular color matching websites.An online search engine can be used to find similar colored products.If you don't know what color matches your skin, look for a foundation similar to a nude one.
Step 12: If you don't know what you need, visit a store.
It is very risky to buy a new cosmetic without having tried it.If you want to buy a new color, brand, or type, you should go to a beauty store or makeup counter in a department store.If they have samples, you can test it out on your skin.After you decide which one is your favorite, buy them online.Write down as much information as you can about the item you want to buy.Mention the brand, color, finish and so on.The product number is very minimum.It's a good idea to go into the store to get a professional opinion.Ask a makeup artist if they recommend products.