As a young accountant juggling long hours and demanding clients, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain a beauty routine while climbing the corporate ladder. But let’s face it – looking polished and put-together isn’t just about vanity. It’s about feeling confident and ready to take on whatever the workday throws our way.

That’s why I’ve become somewhat of an expert in online beauty shopping. After countless late nights spent scrolling through product reviews and testing out new finds, I’ve curated a list of the 9 best online beauty stores that cater to busy professionals like us. 

These retailers offer everything from quick-fix solutions for those inevitable under-eye circles to luxurious self-care treats for when we finally get a moment to ourselves.

1. Beauty Bay

Beauty Bay is a UK-based online beauty retailer that offers a wide range of makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty accessories from both well-known and indie brands. Founded in 1999, Beauty Bay has grown to become one of the largest independent beauty retailers in Europe, known for its extensive product selection and competitive pricing.

Pros

• Extensive product range with over 7,000 products from 200+ brands
• Offers international shipping to many countries
• Competitive pricing and frequent sales/promotions
• Has its own affordable signature product line
• Excellent customer support services
• TRIBE rewards program allows customers to unlock free products
• Free shipping on orders above $50

Cons

• Customers must pay for return shipping
• Some complaints about inconsistent customer service quality
• Product selection is smaller compared to some major competitors like Sephora
• Some customers report issues with order processing and delivery times

2. Eternal Beauty Outlet

Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty retailer founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace. The store specializes in selling a wide range of beauty and skincare products, focusing on eco-friendly and cruelty-free options. Eternal Beauty Outlet aims to challenge traditional beauty industry standards by offering products that cater to diverse needs and promoting self-acceptance through their “Beauty &” campaign.

Pros

• Wide selection of beauty and skincare products
• Focus on eco-friendly and cruelty-free options
• Commitment to redefining beauty standards
• Transparent about product ingredients and benefits
• Offers personalized product recommendations
• Free shipping on orders over a certain amount (in the US)
• Regular promotions and sales events

Cons

• Relatively new company, established in 2020
• Limited brand recognition compared to more established retailers
• Some customers report inconsistent experiences with customer service
• Higher price point for some products compared to drugstore options
• Limited physical store presence

3. Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals is a natural, plant-based skincare brand founded in 2011 by a husband and wife team in Seattle. The company focuses on creating non-toxic, cruelty-free products using organic ingredients. Herbivore has gained popularity for its minimalist aesthetic and effective formulations.

Pros

• All products are cruelty-free, plant-based, and made with natural ingredients
• Aesthetically pleasing, minimalist packaging design
• Innovative product formulations with unique ingredients
• Products are generally well-received for their effectiveness
• Available through multiple retailers including Sephora and Nordstrom
• Transparent about ingredients and manufacturing processes

Cons

• Products are on the pricier side compared to drugstore brands
• Some users report issues with product stability and shelf life due to minimal use of preservatives
• Limited product range compared to larger beauty retailers
• Some products may not be suitable for sensitive skin types
• Fragrances in products may be too strong for some users

4. Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty is an online and brick-and-mortar retailer specializing in clean beauty products. Founded in 2014, Credo has become known as the “Sephora of clean beauty,” offering a wide range of skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care products from numerous clean beauty brands. The company is committed to rigorous standards for ingredients, sourcing, working conditions, and packaging, ensuring all products are cruelty-free and free from their “Dirty List” of 2,700 potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients.

Pros

• Extensive selection of clean beauty products from various brands
• Rigorous standards for product ingredients and brand practices
• Both online and physical store presence
• Offers skincare, makeup, haircare, and body care products
• All products are cruelty-free
• Prohibits single-use packaging materials
• Focus on sustainable and ethical supply chain practices

Cons

• Products may be more expensive compared to conventional beauty brands
• Limited physical store locations
• Some customers report inconsistent customer service quality
• Product selection may be smaller compared to larger beauty retailers

5. Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics is an American cosmetics company founded by Kylie Jenner in 2015. Initially known for its Kylie Lip Kits, the brand has since expanded to offer a wide range of makeup products. In 2019, Coty Inc. acquired a 51% stake in the company for $600 million. Kylie Cosmetics markets itself as a clean beauty brand, with products that are cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, and paraben-free.

Pros

• Wide range of makeup products, including popular Lip Kits
• Strong brand recognition due to Kylie Jenner’s celebrity status
• Products are marketed as clean, vegan, and cruelty-free
• Frequent collaborations with other celebrities and brands
• Innovative product formulations and packaging designs

Cons

• Inconsistent product quality reported by some customers
• Numerous complaints about customer service and shipping issues
• Limited shade range for complexion products compared to some competitors
• Some users report skin irritation despite clean beauty claims
• Concerns about the brand’s transparency and marketing practices
• Higher price point compared to drugstore brands

6. Beautylish

Beautylish is an online beauty retailer founded in 2010 that offers a curated selection of high-end and professional-grade cosmetics, skincare, and beauty tools. The platform is known for its editorial content, including product reviews, tutorials, and beauty tips. Beautylish carries a mix of well-known luxury brands and niche cult favorites, with a focus on providing a premium shopping experience.

Pros

• Wide selection of high-end and professional beauty brands
• Excellent customer service with personalized assistance
• Detailed product descriptions and user reviews
• Offers interest-free payment plans through Afterpay
• Free shipping on orders over $35 in the US
• Beautifully designed website with high-quality product images
• Educational content and tutorials to help customers make informed decisions

Cons

• Higher price point for many products
• Limited selection of drugstore or budget-friendly options
• Shipping can be expensive for international customers
• Some customers report occasional issues with inventory and backorders

7. Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty is a cosmetics brand launched in 2017 by singer and entrepreneur Rihanna. The brand is known for its inclusive approach to beauty, offering a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones. Fenty Beauty has gained popularity for its innovative formulas and trendsetting products, particularly in complexion and color cosmetics.

Pros

• Extensive shade range for foundations and concealers (50+ shades)
• Cruelty-free products
• Innovative formulas and unique product offerings
• Strong focus on inclusivity and diversity
• High-quality, long-wearing products
• Trendy packaging and marketing
• Frequent new product releases and collaborations

Cons

• Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
• Limited skincare options (though the brand has expanded into this category)
• Some products may not work well for all skin types
• Occasional stock issues due to high demand for new releases
• Customer service quality can be inconsistent according to some reviews

8. Space NK

Space NK is a high-end beauty retailer founded in 1993 in London. It offers a curated selection of luxury skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance products from various prestigious brands. Space NK has both physical stores and an online presence, catering to beauty enthusiasts seeking premium products and expert advice.

Pros

• Wide range of luxury and niche beauty brands
• Excellent customer service, both online and in-store
• Generous rewards program with frequent gift-with-purchase offers
• Expert beauty advice and personalized recommendations
• Fast processing and shipping of orders
• Regular promotions and sales events

Cons

• Higher price point compared to drugstore or mid-range beauty retailers
• Limited availability of budget-friendly options
• Some customers report inconsistent experiences with customer service
• International shipping can be expensive

9. Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty is a makeup and skincare brand founded by singer and actress Selena Gomez in 2020. The brand focuses on creating easy-to-use products that promote self-acceptance and mental health awareness. Rare Beauty is known for its inclusive shade ranges and commitment to social impact through the Rare Impact Fund.

Pros

• Inclusive shade range with 48 foundation shades
• Cruelty-free and vegan products
• Strong focus on mental health awareness and social impact
• User-friendly products suitable for makeup beginners
• Innovative formulas and packaging design
• Positive brand mission promoting self-acceptance
• Effective website features like shade finder tool and user-generated content

Cons

• Limited product range compared to more established beauty brands
• Some users report issues with product longevity and wear time
• Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
• Mixed reviews on product performance, particularly the foundation
• Some customers experience longer setting times for certain products
• Limited availability in physical stores