Shopping for makeup online has become increasingly popular, offering convenience and a wide selection of products at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury brands or affordable drugstore options, there’s a website out there to meet your beauty needs.
Here are the 10 best USA websites to buy makeup online in 2024.
1. Sephora
Sephora is a beauty lover’s paradise, offering a vast array of makeup, skincare, and fragrance products from both well-known and up-and-coming brands. The website is user-friendly and provides detailed product information, customer reviews, and helpful tutorials.
Online store's key features
- Beauty Insider rewards program
- Virtual try-on tool
- Free samples with every order
- Exclusive brands and products
Sephora’s website is designed to make your shopping experience as seamless as possible. You can easily filter products by category, brand, price range, and even specific ingredients. The Beauty Insider rewards program allows you to earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for free products or exclusive experiences.
One of the standout features of Sephora’s online platform is their virtual try-on tool, which lets you test makeup products virtually using your device’s camera. This innovative technology helps you find the perfect shade match without leaving your home.
2. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is another major player in the online beauty retail space, offering a mix of high-end and drugstore brands. Their website caters to a wide range of budgets and preferences, making it a one-stop-shop for all your beauty needs.
Online store's key features
- Ultamate Rewards program
- Salon services booking
- Exclusive products and collaborations
- Frequent sales and promotions
Ulta’s website is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear categories and helpful filters to narrow down your search. The Ultamate Rewards program allows you to earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.
One unique aspect of Ulta’s online platform is the ability to book salon services directly through their website. This integration of retail and services sets Ulta apart from many other online beauty retailers.
3. Amazon
While not exclusively a beauty retailer, Amazon has become a go-to destination for many makeup shoppers due to its vast selection, competitive prices, and fast shipping options.
Online store's key features
- Wide range of brands and products
- Customer reviews and Q&A sections
- Prime shipping for eligible items
- Subscribe & Save option for regular purchases
Amazon’s beauty section offers products from both well-known brands and smaller, independent companies. The customer review system is particularly helpful, allowing you to see real-life experiences and photos from other shoppers.
For Prime members, many beauty products are eligible for free two-day shipping, making it an excellent option for last-minute purchases or restocking your favorites.
4. Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s online beauty department offers a curated selection of high-end and luxury makeup brands. The website provides a more upscale shopping experience, with excellent customer service and a generous return policy.
Online store's key features
- Free shipping and returns
- Beauty stylist consultations
- Exclusive gift sets and limited-edition products
- Nordstrom Rewards program
Nordstrom’s website features detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and high-quality images to help you make informed decisions. The beauty stylist consultation service allows you to get personalized advice from experts, even when shopping online.
The Nordstrom Rewards program lets you earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for Nordstrom Notes to use on future purchases.
5. Target
Target’s online beauty section offers a great selection of affordable drugstore brands, as well as some exclusive collaborations and in-house lines.
Online store's key features
- Target Circle rewards program
- Drive Up and Order Pickup options
- Affordable prices and frequent deals
- Virtual try-on tool for select products
Target’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, with clear categories and helpful filters. The Target Circle rewards program allows you to earn 1% back on your purchases and access exclusive offers.
One standout feature of Target’s online beauty shopping experience is the option for Drive Up or Order Pickup, allowing you to shop online and pick up your items at your local store, often within a few hours.
6. Dermstore
Dermstore specializes in skincare but also offers a curated selection of makeup products, focusing on brands that prioritize skin health.
Online store's key features
- Expert-curated product selection
- Rewards program
- Detailed ingredient lists and product information
- Regular sales and promotions
Dermstore’s website provides in-depth product information, including detailed ingredient lists and explanations of how each product works. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are ingredient-conscious or have specific skin concerns.
The Dermstore Rewards program allows you to earn points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.
7. Glossier
Glossier is a direct-to-consumer beauty brand known for its minimalist aesthetic and “skin first, makeup second” philosophy.
Online store's key features
- Cruelty-free and mostly vegan products
- Minimalist, user-friendly packaging
- Bundle deals for multiple products
- Regular limited-edition releases
Glossier’s website reflects the brand’s clean, simple aesthetic, making it easy to navigate and shop. The brand focuses on multipurpose products that enhance your natural beauty rather than covering it up.
While Glossier doesn’t offer a traditional rewards program, they frequently offer bundle deals that allow you to save money when purchasing multiple products.
8. ColourPop
ColourPop is known for its trendy, affordable makeup products and frequent new releases.
Online store's key features
- Affordable prices
- Cruelty-free products
- Frequent new releases and collaborations
- Build-your-own palette option
ColourPop’s website is colorful and fun, reflecting the brand’s playful aesthetic. The brand is known for its fast-paced release schedule, with new products and collections launching regularly.
One unique feature of ColourPop’s website is the ability to build your own custom eyeshadow palette, allowing you to choose exactly the shades you want.
9. Cult Beauty
While based in the UK, Cult Beauty ships to the USA and offers a curated selection of cult-favorite and up-and-coming beauty brands.
Online store's key features
- Curated selection of trending and cult-favorite products
- Detailed product information and ingredient lists
- Regular promotions and gift-with-purchase offers
- Beauty Box subscription service
Cult Beauty’s website provides in-depth product information, including detailed ingredient lists and how-to guides. The site also features a “Cult Concierge” service, offering personalized product recommendations based on your skin type and concerns.
While international shipping fees apply, Cult Beauty often runs promotions that include free shipping to the USA on orders over a certain amount.
10. Beauty Bay
Similar to Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay is a UK-based retailer that ships to the USA, offering a wide range of makeup brands, including many that are hard to find elsewhere.
Online store's key features
- Wide range of international brands
- Regular sales and promotions
- Detailed product information and tutorials
- Rewards program
Beauty Bay’s website is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear categories and helpful filters. The site also features a blog with makeup tutorials and trend reports to help inspire your purchases.
While shipping fees to the USA apply, Beauty Bay often runs promotions that include discounted or free international shipping on orders over a certain amount.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, affordable drugstore options, or hard-to-find international products, these 10 websites offer something for every makeup lover. Each site has its own unique features and benefits, from rewards programs and virtual try-on tools to expert advice and exclusive products.
When shopping for makeup online, it’s important to read product descriptions carefully, check customer reviews, and take advantage of virtual try-on tools when available. Many of these websites also offer generous return policies, allowing you to shop with confidence.
Remember to consider factors like shipping costs, delivery times, and any potential customs fees when ordering from international retailers. By exploring these top makeup websites, you’re sure to find the perfect products to enhance your beauty routine, all from the comfort of your own home.
