The 21 Best Online Makeup Stores for Every Beauty Lover
Discover the top online destinations for makeup shopping, exclusive deals, and expert picks in beauty.
The Best Online Makeup Stores to Shop for Beauty in 2025
Online makeup shopping has revolutionized the way beauty lovers discover, try, and buy their favorite products. From cult-favorite brands to budget finds, the best online makeup stores offer extensive selections, fast delivery, and often, expert-driven content to guide every purchase. Whether you’re restocking a holy grail concealer or exploring runway-inspired trends, these hand-picked online retailers make your beauty buying experience seamless, exciting, and rewarding.
Why Shop for Makeup Online?
- Wide Selection: Access more brands and shades than most local stores carry.
- Convenience: Shop 24/7 from home or on-the-go.
- Exclusive Online Deals: Benefit from special discounts, bundles, and first-looks at new collections.
- Customer Reviews & Swatches: Real opinions and photos help inform your decisions.
- Virtual Try-On Tools: Many retailers now offer AR technology so you can preview lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows on your face before you buy.
21 Best Online Makeup Stores Every Beauty Fan Should Know
1. Sephora
Sephora remains a beauty mecca with an unparalleled mix of high-end, indie, and exclusive brands. The site stands out with robust reviews, a powerful filter system, an incredible rewards program, and same-day delivery in select areas. Their virtual try-on features let you test products digitally, while in-depth how-to videos boost buyer confidence. Don’t miss their regular promotions and free samples with every order.
2. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is beloved for carrying both prestige and drugstore brands in one spot, including exclusive collaborations and value packs. Their Ultimate Rewards program is one of the most generous in retail, delivering routine coupons and birthday gifts. In 2025, Ulta’s redesigned site also features expanded shade finders, user-uploaded galleries, and frequent gifts with purchase.
3. Credo Beauty
For clean beauty enthusiasts, Credo curates the most effective and innovative natural brands, only offering products that meet strict ingredient guidelines. Their expert team helps demystify labels and offers samples so you can test before you buy. The site has become a destination for shoppers looking to avoid potentially harmful chemicals without sacrificing performance.
4. Bluemercury
Bluemercury specializes in luxury beauty, featuring boutique brands and spa-level skin care. Their online site frequently releases exclusive previews and deluxe samples for loyalty members. Beauty experts are available for virtual consultations, and the sleek interface makes shopping for makeup, skincare, and fragrance effortless.
5. Violet Grey
Violet Grey’s motto is simple: only the best, most editor-approved products earn a place here. Their selection is tightly edited, with many products personally tested by industry heavyweights. The Violet Code guarantees top quality, while glamorous editorial content helps you shop like a celebrity or pro makeup artist.
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6. Nordstrom
Nordstrom offers a well-curated section of top beauty brands, exclusive launches, and their famous customer service reputation. Fast, free shipping and returns (no minimum), virtual beauty advice, and regular sampling events set them apart. The site often carries limited-edition sets unavailable elsewhere.
7. Dermstore
Dermstore caters to serious skincare and makeup shoppers by focusing on dermatologist-recommended products and professional-grade brands. Expert advice, detailed ingredient breakdowns, and subscription discounts make Dermstore a favorite for those seeking targeted beauty solutions.
8. Beautylish
Beautylish combines a boutique shopping experience with a creative community. Handpicked selections, in-depth product guides, and a unique interest-free payment plan option for higher-ticket items boost the site’s appeal. Their annual Lucky Bags and exclusive launches generate online buzz among makeup collectors.
9. Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay delivers a vast array of trending and hard-to-find global brands. Fast, affordable shipping and frequent site-wide sales attract shoppers looking for viral products and innovative formulas before they hit the U.S. market. Beauty Bay also offers comprehensive tutorials and buyer’s guides for all skill levels.
10. Space NK
Space NK packs designer beauty brands and cult classics into a slick, globally-minded shopping site. They often secure early access to international brands and seasonal exclusives. The rewards program provides loyal shoppers with sneak peeks and deluxe samples each month.
11. YesStyle
For K-beauty and J-beauty aficionados, YesStyle is an unbeatable resource. Stocking hundreds of brands, their makeup offerings are often ahead of the curve in trends and packaging innovation. The site runs frequent promotions, and shopper reviews help decipher Asian formulas and shade matches.
12. Target
Target’s digital beauty aisle brings together beloved drugstore names and newer, buzzworthy brands at wallet-friendly prices. Regular value packs, BOGO sales, and a robust in-house rewards program make this a top pick for cost-conscious beauty lovers who value convenience and quick shipping.
13. Amazon Beauty
With its massive inventory and lightning-fast delivery via Prime, Amazon is a beauty lifesaver for last-minute makeup runs. Shoppers should stick with products marked “Ships from and sold by Amazon” for authenticity and speed. Deep-dive reviews and verified-buyer images enhance the digital shopping experience. Pro tip: Watch for daily Lightning Deals on top brands.
14. Glossier
Known for a minimalist, skin-first aesthetic, Glossier’s official site is the best place to shop its viral favorites and limited-edition drops. Their editorial approach gives clear, visual how-tos and real-customer images. Free shipping and samples on qualifying orders sweeten each purchase.
15. MAC Cosmetics
MAC’s own site is a hub for makeup artistry and exclusive, early-access product launches. Custom engraving, shade-matching tools, and virtual appointments connect MAC’s professional know-how with a global audience. Shop iconic bestsellers as well as web-only collections and rapid restocks.
16. ColourPop
Budget-friendly yet always on-trend, ColourPop’s direct-to-consumer website launches buzzworthy collections first—sometimes months before they hit shelves elsewhere. Custom palettes, frequent sitewide discounts, and fun collabs keep things fresh and affordable for dedicated fans and trendsetters alike.
17. Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath’s official shop is the gold standard for high-fashion makeup and inventive artistry. Not only is her entire runway-inspired line available, but online exclusives, rare restocks, and limited deals are often found only here. Expect efficient shipping and the option to join early-access events as a newsletter subscriber.
18. Soko Glam
Korean beauty shopping is streamlined at Soko Glam, which spotlights the best in K-beauty makeup and skincare. Rich educational content, product duos, and starter kits make it inviting—even for newbies. The rewards program and curated new arrivals keep shoppers coming back.
19. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic is Europe’s beauty retail giant, now shipping globally with beloved brands ranging from affordable to luxury. The online-only store touts generous gift-with-purchase offers, monthly beauty boxes, and regular discount codes to help customers stock up for less.
20. Walmart
Walmart’s e-commerce beauty shelves are lined with budget all-stars, including both heritage and emerging brands. Their effortless pick-up and delivery options add major value for families and on-the-go shoppers. Frequent bundle packs and travel sets stretch budgets even further.
21. Beauty Heroes
Eco-conscious beauty fans flock to Beauty Heroes for its focus on ingredient integrity and sustainability. Their subscription discovery boxes feature full-size clean products, while the online shop makes it easy to further explore favorite brands and restock hero items.
How to Choose the Best Online Makeup Store for You
Consider these factors to tailor your shopping experience:
- Desired Brands: Not all websites carry the same labels or exclusive launches.
- Rewards & Loyalty: Frequent shoppers benefit most from robust points or perks programs (Sephora, Ulta, Space NK).
- Clean Beauty Options: Clean beauty and eco-conscious selections vary by retailer (Credo, Beauty Heroes, Soko Glam).
- Shipping Restrictions: International shipping and delivery speed differ widely by retailer and region.
- Return Policy: Hassle-free returns are a hallmark of top sites like Sephora and Nordstrom.
Top Tips for Shopping for Makeup Online
- Check for sales, coupon codes, and limited-time bundles before buying.
- Read customer reviews and look for user-uploaded swatches to gauge true shades and finishes.
- Sign up for loyalty programs to access early releases and exclusive offers.
- Use virtual try-on tools to preview shades on your own face.
- If in doubt, start with mini sizes or travel sets before committing to full-size products.
Table: Quick Comparison of Top Online Makeup Retailers (2025)
| Retailer | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sephora | Vast selection, rewards, virtual try-on | Broad range, in-depth reviews |
| Ulta Beauty | Drugstore + prestige, top rewards | Affordable finds & exclusives |
| Credo Beauty | Clean, eco-friendly, expert advice | Natural/clean beauty lovers |
| Violet Grey | Editorial reviews, luxury brands | High-end and celebrity picks |
| Amazon Beauty | Fast shipping, huge inventory | Urgent, last-minute needs |
| Beautylish | Interest-free payment, guides | Makeup collectors & enthusiasts |
| Lookfantastic | Global brands, subscription boxes | International shoppers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are online makeup stores trustworthy?
Yes, especially when shopping directly from brand sites or established retailers like Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom. To minimize the risk of counterfeit goods, avoid third-party sellers on wholesale marketplaces and ensure that your products are marked as “sold and shipped by” the official source.
Q: Can I sample or return makeup I bought online?
Most major online beauty stores allow returns or exchanges on gently used or unopened items. Sephora and Nordstrom, for example, offer very flexible return policies. Some retailers also include free samples, and many now offer virtual try-on features so you can see how products look before you buy.
Q: How do I find my perfect shade online?
Leverage shade-matching tools, inclusive swatch galleries, and customer-uploaded photos to narrow down your best match. Major retailers provide virtual consultations or augmented reality try-on to help match your skin tone more accurately.
Q: What are the benefits of loyalty programs at online beauty stores?
Loyalty or rewards programs typically grant access to exclusive promos, birthday gifts, early product launches, and points that can be redeemed for future purchases—maximizing your value over time.
Final Thoughts
Online makeup stores have created boundless opportunities for discovery, education, and self-expression for every type of beauty lover. Whether you crave the latest drops, eco-friendly favorites, luxe designer picks, or pharmacy gems, today’s retailers make it easy and accessible to find your perfect products from anywhere in the world. With smart strategies and the right store, your next makeup haul is just a click away.
References
- https://www.marketingdive.com/news/cosmopolitan-teams-with-macys-juicy-couture-on-first-print-to-mobile-shop/532918/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a64514082/holy-grail-beauty-awards-2025-makeup/
- https://improvado.io/resources/cosmopolitan-media-kit
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/
- https://www.zinio.com/publications/cosmopolitan-uk/5519/issues/674646/articles
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