As a college student on a budget but still wanting to look my best, I’ve spent countless hours scouring the internet for the perfect beauty products. Let’s face it, we all want to feel confident and gorgeous, whether we’re rushing to an 8 AM lecture or heading out for a night on the town with friends. But with so many online beauty stores out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I’ve done the legwork for you, compiling a list of the 10 best online beauty stores that cater to every need and budget.
From clean beauty havens to luxury skincare destinations, and from trendy makeup brands to ethical beauty outlets, this list has it all.
1. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty has established itself as a leader in the clean beauty movement. This online retailer specializes in offering a curated selection of natural, organic, and non-toxic beauty products from a variety of brands. Credo is known for its rigorous standards, banning over 2,700 potentially harmful ingredients from the products it sells. The store carries a wide range of skincare, makeup, hair care, and body care items, making it a one-stop shop for those seeking clean beauty alternatives. Credo also provides educational resources to help consumers understand clean beauty and make informed choices about their personal care products.
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an emerging online beauty store that aims to revolutionize the way consumers shop for beauty products. Founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace, this e-commerce platform offers a wide range of skincare, makeup, hair care, and body care products designed to cater to diverse beauty needs. 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 prioritizes safety, cruelty-free products, and eco-friendliness when selecting brands to partner with. They adhere to a strict “against animal testing” policy, refusing to source products from suppliers that test on animals. Additionally, the store is actively fighting against overpackaging in the cosmetic industry, with many of their products designed to be solid and sold without excessive packaging.
The online store offers a user-friendly shopping experience, with products categorized into Body Care, Hair Care, Makeup & Nails, Skin Care, and Tools & Brushes. Customers can easily navigate through the collections and filter products based on their preferences. Eternal Beauty Outlet prides itself on offering affordable prices without compromising on quality, making high-end skincare items accessible to a wider audience.
3. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, offering a vast selection of both high-end and drugstore beauty products. Their online store mirrors the extensive range found in their physical locations, featuring over 25,000 products across makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance categories. Ulta’s website is user-friendly, with detailed product information, customer reviews, and a rewards program that allows shoppers to earn points on purchases. The retailer frequently offers sales and promotions, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious beauty enthusiasts. Ulta also provides beauty services information and allows customers to book appointments at their in-store salons.
4. Tatcha
Tatcha is a luxury skincare brand that has gained popularity for its Japanese-inspired beauty products. While not a multi-brand retailer like Credo or Ulta, Tatcha’s online store offers a focused collection of high-quality skincare items. The brand emphasizes traditional Japanese ingredients and rituals, combined with modern skincare technology. Tatcha’s website provides detailed information about each product’s ingredients, benefits, and recommended use. The online store also features a skincare quiz to help customers find the right products for their skin type and concerns. Tatcha is known for its elegant packaging and luxurious formulations, appealing to those seeking a premium skincare experience.
5. Dermstore
Dermstore is a premier online destination for skincare enthusiasts and those seeking professional-grade beauty products. Founded by a dermatologist in 1999, the retailer offers a carefully curated selection of high-end skincare, haircare, and makeup brands. Dermstore is known for its focus on dermatologist-recommended and clinical-grade products, making it a trusted source for those with specific skin concerns or those looking for results-driven formulations. The website features detailed product descriptions, ingredient lists, and expert advice to help customers make informed decisions. Dermstore also offers a rewards program and frequent promotions, making luxury skincare more accessible to a wider audience.
6. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics, founded by reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, has become a major player in the online beauty space. The brand initially gained fame for its lip kits but has since expanded to offer a wide range of makeup and skincare products. Kylie Cosmetics is known for its trendy packaging, bold color palettes, and social media-driven marketing strategies. The brand’s online store features a user-friendly interface with high-quality product images and swatches. Kylie Cosmetics has faced some criticism for its ingredients and formulations, but it has made efforts to improve product quality and sustainability. The brand’s popularity among younger consumers and its frequent limited-edition releases often lead to products selling out quickly.
7. Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty, founded by singer and actress Selena Gomez, is a relatively new entrant in the online beauty market but has quickly gained a loyal following. The brand focuses on creating makeup products that enhance natural beauty and promote self-acceptance. Rare Beauty’s online store offers a range of complexion products, lip colors, and eye makeup, with an emphasis on inclusive shade ranges and user-friendly formulations. The brand stands out for its commitment to mental health awareness, donating 1% of all sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which supports mental health services. Rare Beauty’s products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without potentially harmful ingredients. The brand’s marketing strategy emphasizes authenticity and diversity, featuring real people alongside celebrities in their campaigns.
8. Nordstrom
Nordstrom, a well-established luxury department store, has successfully translated its high-end shopping experience to the digital realm. Their online beauty section offers an extensive range of premium and designer beauty brands, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, and haircare. Nordstrom’s website is known for its user-friendly interface, detailed product descriptions, and helpful customer reviews. The retailer frequently offers exclusive beauty sets and limited-edition products, making it a go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts seeking unique items. Nordstrom’s beauty rewards program, part of their broader Nordy Club, allows customers to earn points on purchases and access special perks. The store also provides virtual beauty consultations and tutorials, bringing personalized service to the online shopping experience.
9. Kosas Cosmetics
Kosas Cosmetics has carved out a niche in the clean beauty market with its “makeup powered by skincare” approach. This direct-to-consumer brand offers a curated line of makeup products formulated with nourishing, skin-friendly ingredients. Kosas is known for its minimalist aesthetic and focus on multitasking products that simplify beauty routines. Their online store provides detailed information about each product’s ingredients, benefits, and usage tips. Kosas emphasizes inclusivity in their shade ranges and features diverse models in their product imagery. The brand’s commitment to clean formulations extends to their packaging, which is made from recyclable and FSC-certified materials. Kosas’ website also includes a shade-matching tool to help customers find their perfect match in complexion products.
10. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty, a UK-based online beauty retailer, has gained international recognition for its carefully curated selection of innovative and cult-favorite beauty brands. The store specializes in bringing hard-to-find and niche beauty products to a global audience, often being the first to stock emerging brands. Cult Beauty’s website features an extensive range of skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness products, with a focus on clean and results-driven formulations. The retailer is known for its detailed product descriptions, ingredient analyses, and expert recommendations. Cult Beauty also provides a wealth of beauty content, including buying guides, trend reports, and expert interviews, making it a valuable resource for beauty enthusiasts. The store offers international shipping and frequently runs promotions, making it accessible to beauty lovers worldwide.