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Tuesday, November 26th
2024 Makeup Store Reviews
Sephora
- Over 2,300 makeup products
- Convenient options for in-store pickup or same-day delivery of online orders
- Free shipping on guest checkout purchases on orders of $50+
- Free shipping on all orders for members of Beauty Insider loyalty program
- 30-day returns for a refund on new and "gently used” products
- Returns accepted from 31-60 days for store credit
- "A-” rated by the BBB
Who doesn't love shopping at Sephora? From makeup to hair care, there's always something new and exciting to try, plus an ample selection of everyone's tried-and-true favorites. With in-person locations across the nation and an easy-to-shop online store, Sephora is probably one of the most well-known names in the beauty industry at the moment.
Only had 1 of the brands we focused on
As one of those big names in beauty, how did Sephora do with our three items we used as an apples-to-apples comparison? Take a look:
- e.l.f. primer: none
- bareMinerals blush: 7 products from $26 (Warmth All-Over Face Color Loose Bronzer) to $31 (Endless Summer Bronzer)
- ColourPop lip products: none, but lots of recommendations for Sephora Collection, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, and Buxom
Still has tons of trending and traditional brands
So, we'd say this store did relatively average for those three specific products. But, there are more than 2,300 makeup items to choose from at Sephora, across trending brands like Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Anastasia Beverly Hills, tarte, and GXVE by Gwen Stefani, as well as classic labels such as Clinique, Lancôme, and Bobbi Brown.
Website is easy to shop
The filters and tabs make it really easy to get right to the kinds of makeup you need. Whether you're shopping for a particular type (like cheek, face, eye makeup), you want to prioritize clean and/or vegan formulations, or you need some mini-size items for your next vacay, Sephora's website is smooth to navigate.
Could get in-store pickup or same-day delivery
Another plus is having the option for in-store pickup of your items. Just look to check that the website accurately detected the Sephora store nearest you in the dropdowns, and then click to only see makeup items that can be ordered online and picked up there. Some products also qualify for same-day delivery, if you can't squeeze a trip to the mall into your busy schedule but you need a new lippie ASAP.
Customer reviews are super-helpful
Not sure which makeup to buy on this trip to Sephora? Try looking at the unfiltered customer reviews on individual products. With nearly 12,000 ratings averaging 4.3 stars, the Sephora Collection Cream Stain Liquid Lipstick is one of this brand's most popular makeup items, and it was affordably priced at just $10.50 during our visit to the online store. There were over 60 shades to choose from (though about a third were out of stock), it was available for both same-day delivery and in-person pickup after ordering online, and we loved seeing so many user photos.
Loyalty program is just one way to save
Much of what Sephora sells is exactly that affordable already, but signing up for their text updates as a new subscriber could save you an extra 10% on your next order. Just look for the pop-up. Plus, take the time to sign up for Beauty Insider, Sephora's free-to-join loyalty program. It gets you free standard shipping on all orders (otherwise, you'll need to order at least $50 for free delivery), and you'll earn rewards points on every purchase you make. When you reach 500 points, you'll get $10 off. If you're a frequent buyer at Sephora, you may qualify for the higher-tier loyalty programs, VIB (spending at least $350/year) and Rouge (spending $1,000+/year). Check the Sephora website for more details on the benefits of each tier, but expect to get free birthday gifts, to be able to exchange rewards points for samples, and to get advance notice of special events and savings opportunities.
30-day refunds on new and "gently used” makeup
We're generally pleased with Sephora's return policy, too. You've got 30 days to get a refund on any new and "gently used” makeup. In other words, yes, try that new eyeliner and see if it's the right shade, but don't use it down to a stub and think you'll get your money back. You can still make a return up to day 60, but you'll get store credit instead of a refund.
Too many complaints on online orders
Unfortunately, while you might love your local Sephora store, ordering makeup online can be quite disappointing. Checking Trustpilot, we found that 70% of the 2,400+ reviews gave Sephora the lowest 1-star rating. Many complaints were about online orders, with customers missing products and getting little to no help from Sephora's customer service team. One customer said, "My order with Sephora was over $1,000, and not reimbursing me or resending the missing items is beyond low, especially when they blame me for the missing products." While many issues came from international orders, there were still significant problems with deliveries and customer service within the US too.
Online order problems
It's disappointing, but we can only give Sephora a "just average" rating. The in-store experience is so different from the often-frustrating online one that you might think you're shopping at two different stores. You can try to avoid missing items by ordering online for in-store pickup, but since that option isn't available to everyone, we can't rate Sephora highly for makeup anymore. It's not the worst place to shop, but we expect more from one of today's biggest names in beauty.
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Today's makeup trends are all about diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression. The beauty industry is seeing a massive shift towards products that cater to a wide range of skin tones and types. Certain brands have set a high standard with extensive shade ranges. Moreover, there's a huge emphasis on skincare-infused makeup. Products like tinted moisturizers with SPF and foundations containing hyaluronic acid are popular for their dual benefits.
Minimalist makeup, often dubbed "no-makeup makeup," is also trending. This look emphasizes a fresh, natural appearance with subtle enhancements. On the other end of the spectrum, bold and vibrant looks are making a statement, with colorful eyeshadows and graphic liners. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become hubs for makeup inspiration, showcasing everything from avant-garde creations to everyday wearable styles.
Continue reading below
Makeup Store FAQ
Depending on the customizability of the product, you need to know your skin type to manage your issues, understand what your skins undertone are, and the type of coverage you want. When choosing an undertone there are usually six to choose from including pink, peach, neutral, olive, yellow, and red/blue. Once you have an understanding of the correct undertone you can also define it more specifically and classify the color as warm or cool. Having this knowledge about your skin will help you find your perfect skin tone match. If you have doubts on which color, it is recommended to choose the lighter and shop from a company that allows returns.
The life span of the makeup depends entirely on the type of makeup. Mascara should be replaced every 3 months, and if the product has not had any exposure to water, eyeliner pencils and powder eyeshadows can last up to a year. Powder makeup, such as powder blushes, bronzers, and foundations, are safe to use for 9 months to a year if there is no water present within the product. Cream makeups on average can be used up to 9 months, but if you have acne problems or are exposing the product to your fingers it is recommended to replace more frequently. Lip gloss and lipstick should be replaced every 6 months especially if you have sensitive skin. In general, if you have an illness (cold sore, pink eye, cold or flu), that has directly contaminated your product, you should replace that item and clean your exposed brushes.
On average you should clean your brushes every 2-4 weeks with warm soapy water. Soaps such as shampoo are recommended to clean the brushes. When drying the brush, to avoid damage, blot the damp brush with a clean hand towel then blow dry the brush bristles gently.
Foam blending sponges should be replaced every 2 - 3 months after initial use. When using this product stop use immediately if there is bubbling under the foam surface because this is sign of mold and bacterial growth that could be exposed to your skin. When it comes to makeup brushes, brushes can be washed many times and only need to be discarded when the bristles begin falling out and disrupting your makeup.
Concealer is used to hide problematic areas that need more coverage such as under-eye circles, acne spots, and redness. It is suggested that you apply foundation first and then finish your makeup before using concealer. Waiting till your makeup is fully on allows for the concealer to clean up any loose eye shadow dust and prevent any build-up of the product.
On average the standard delivery takes 3 - 9 business days. Some companies offer different shipping methods that include next day delivery, 2nd day, and standard. Costs of shipping can range from free, with a minimum purchase, and up.
When refining the type of product that you prefer, most companies allow you to filter by product, and area of concern. For example, common skin concerns that can be refined is acne, aging, rosacea, dry skin, oiliness, etc. Some companies even allow the customer to search by skin undertones and types.
Of course, depending on the company, if you accidently purchase the wrong product you can return for a full refund if the item is unopened and unused. If you purchase a product that you are not 100% satisfied with after use, a refund is available within a 30-60-day return window from original shipment. Be sure and check the stores specific policies before you purchase.
Continued from above...
Makeup has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use cosmetics, applying kohl to their eyes and painting their faces with natural pigments. This practice was not just about beauty; it also had spiritual significance. Fast forward to the Renaissance era when makeup became popular in Europe, and people used white lead powders and rouge to achieve a pale complexion. By the 20th century, makeup evolved into a booming industry, with iconic brands like Maybelline and Max Factor leading the way. Today, makeup is a global phenomenon, celebrated for its ability to enhance natural beauty and allow self-expression.
Buying makeup online has revolutionized the way you can shop for beauty products. It's incredibly convenient - you can browse and purchase your favorite items from the comfort of your home, avoiding crowded stores and long lines. Online stores often have a wider selection than physical stores, including exclusive products and shades that may not be available elsewhere.
Price is another significant advantage. Online retailers frequently offer discounts, sales, and bundles that you might not find in-store. You can also easily compare prices across different websites to ensure you're getting the best deal. Finally, the variety is unbeatable. You can explore numerous brands, read customer reviews, and even watch tutorial videos to help you decide.
So, where should you buy your makeup online? Keep these criteria in mind as you shop:
- Overall selection. Choose retailers that offer a wide variety of brands and products. A broad selection of makeup increases your chances of finding exactly what you're looking for, from everyday essentials to niche items.
- Price and promotions. Consider the pricing and promotional offers available. Look for websites that frequently have sales, discounts, or loyalty programs to save money on your makeup purchases.
- Shipping and delivery. Evaluate the shipping options and delivery times. Reliable and fast shipping is essential, especially if you need your makeup quickly. Some websites also offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which is a nice bonus.
- Satisfaction guarantee. Look for online stores that offer a satisfaction guarantee or easy return policies. This is crucial because buying makeup online can be tricky, and you want the option to return or exchange products that don't meet your expectations.
- Customer reviews. Check customer reviews and ratings, both on individual makeup items and on the retailer as a whole. These can provide valuable insights into product performance, quality, and customer service experiences, so you don't waste your time and money.
To make it easier to find the perfect products for your beauty routine, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked some of today's most popular makeup stores. Whether your style is "full face” or "barely there”, you'll be able to find everything you need (and lots of new products to try). Have fun!
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