As a young entrepreneur constantly on the go, I’ve always struggled to find time for in-person beauty shopping. Between meetings, networking events, and late nights working on my startup, my beauty routine often took a backseat. But let’s face it – looking polished and put-together is crucial when you’re trying to make your mark in the business world. That’s when I discovered the game-changing convenience of online beauty stores.
These digital beauty havens have become my secret weapon for staying glamorous while building my empire. From cult-favorite skincare to the latest makeup trends, these online beauty retailers offer a treasure trove of products right at my fingertips. No more rushing to the mall during lunch breaks or settling for whatever’s left on the shelves.
In my quest for the perfect power look, I’ve scoured the internet and tested countless online beauty stores.
Today, I’m thrilled to share my top 10 picks that have revolutionized my beauty routine and helped me put my best face forward in the boardroom and beyond.
1. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty has established itself as a leading destination for clean beauty enthusiasts. This online retailer curates a wide selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, and body care products from dozens of clean beauty brands. What sets Credo apart is its rigorous standards for the products it carries. Every item sold is cruelty-free and free from Credo’s “Dirty List” of 2,700 potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients. The company also prioritizes sustainability, prohibiting single-use packaging materials and ensuring ethical working conditions throughout its supply chain. With its user-friendly interface and commitment to clean beauty education, Credo Beauty has become a go-to platform for those seeking high-quality, natural beauty products.
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is a relatively new player in the online beauty retail space, having been founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace. This e-commerce platform has quickly established itself as a comprehensive destination for beauty enthusiasts, offering a wide range of skincare, makeup, and nail products. What sets Eternal Beauty Outlet apart is its commitment to redefining beauty standards and promoting inclusivity through its products and campaigns.
The company’s mission goes beyond mere retail, aiming to celebrate the power of beauty in people’s lives. Eternal Beauty Outlet positions itself as a movement and community dedicated to changing perceptions of beauty, encouraging customers to embrace their unique attributes. This philosophy is reflected in their product selection, which caters to diverse skin types and beauty needs.
One of Eternal Beauty Outlet’s core values is its dedication to ethical and sustainable practices. The company prioritizes safety, cruelty-free products, and eco-friendliness when selecting brands to partner with. Founder Olivia Grace has taken a strong stance against animal testing, ensuring that Eternal Beauty Outlet does not source products from suppliers that conduct animal testing for any purpose. Additionally, the company is committed to reducing packaging waste in the cosmetics industry, with many of their products designed to be solid and sold without excessive packaging.
3. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics, founded by reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, has become a powerhouse in the online beauty space. Operating through Shopify, the brand’s e-commerce store is known for its user-friendly interface and clear product categories. Kylie Cosmetics offers a range of makeup and skincare products that are cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. The brand has mastered the art of creating buzz through limited edition releases and collaborations, driving customer engagement and prompting quick purchases. Kylie Cosmetics also leverages various tools to enhance the customer experience, including email marketing platforms, customer review systems, and shipment tracking services. With its sleek design and strategic marketing approach, Kylie Cosmetics has carved out a significant niche in the online beauty market.
4. The Detox Market
The Detox Market positions itself as a curator of premium, clean beauty products. This online marketplace offers a carefully selected range of organic, vegan skincare, makeup, and cosmetics. Founded in 2010, The Detox Market has evolved from a pop-up shop in Venice, California, to a global online presence with physical stores in major cities. What distinguishes The Detox Market is its unwavering commitment to high standards. Less than two percent of product submissions make it through their rigorous vetting process, ensuring that every item sold is free from harmful ingredients and aligns with their ethos of clean beauty. The Detox Market also emphasizes education, helping customers understand the importance of clean beauty and make informed choices. With its focus on transparency, sustainability, and quality, The Detox Market has become a trusted source for conscious consumers seeking clean beauty and wellness products.
5. Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay has established itself as a leading online cosmetics retailer since its inception in 1999. Originally launched as ‘Fragrance Bay’, the company rebranded and expanded its offerings in 2007 to become a comprehensive beauty destination. Based in Manchester, Beauty Bay now stocks over 10,000 products from both UK and international brands, as well as its own line of makeup, skincare, and other beauty essentials. The company’s growth has been impressive, evolving from a small local store to a global online beauty marketplace. Beauty Bay’s success can be attributed to its diverse product selection, user-friendly website, customer review system, global shipping options, and active social media engagement. This approach has allowed Beauty Bay to cater to a wide range of beauty enthusiasts worldwide, offering everything from budget-friendly options to high-end brands.
6. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty, founded in 2008 by Jessica DeLuca and Alexia Inge, has become a prominent player in the online beauty retail space. The company’s mission was to simplify hair and beauty retail online, with a focus on sustainable beauty and industry transparency. Cult Beauty differentiates itself by offering a curated selection of around 250 products, based on recommendations from a panel of unaffiliated experts. This approach has resonated with consumers, leading to significant growth. In 2020, the company recorded sales of £123.4 million, benefiting from the surge in online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cult Beauty’s success attracted the attention of larger players in the industry, culminating in its acquisition by THG plc for £291.3 million in 2021. The company continues to be a go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts seeking independent and niche brands.
7. Dermstore
Dermstore was founded in 1999 by a dermatologist who aimed to provide patients with easier access to the skincare treatments they needed. Since its inception, Dermstore has focused on offering professional-strength formulas from top skincare brands that were previously only available through dermatologists’ offices. The company has expanded its product range to include hard-to-find spa care items, natural beauty brands, professional hair care, makeup products, and specialty brands from around the world. Dermstore differentiates itself by positioning as a vibrant community of dermatologists, consumers, and brands, all united by a passion for skincare. In 2013, the company was acquired by Target for an estimated $150 million, solidifying its position as the second-largest beauty and skincare e-commerce retailer behind Sephora. Dermstore’s success is built on its commitment to providing high-quality products and expert information to guide customers through their skincare journey.
8. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic has established itself as a prominent online beauty retailer since its launch in 1996. Based in the UK, the company offers a wide range of skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products from over 660 premium brands. Lookfantastic’s success can be attributed to its extensive product selection, competitive pricing, and global reach. The company ships to over 200 countries, making it accessible to beauty enthusiasts worldwide. Lookfantastic’s user-friendly website features detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers. While some customers have reported occasional issues with customer service and shipping delays, many appreciate the site’s frequent promotions and free gifts with purchases. Lookfantastic’s commitment to offering both well-known and niche brands has helped it maintain a strong position in the competitive online beauty market.
9. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the United States, offering a comprehensive range of cosmetics, fragrances, skincare, haircare products, and salon services. The company’s success lies in its unique “all-things-beauty, all in one place” concept, which caters to a wide range of customers across various price points. Ulta Beauty’s e-commerce platform complements its extensive network of physical stores, providing customers with a seamless omnichannel shopping experience. The company stocks over 25,000 products from more than 600 established and emerging brands, including its own private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection. Ulta Beauty’s online platform features user-friendly navigation, detailed product information, and customer reviews to help shoppers make informed decisions. The company’s loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, has been particularly successful in driving customer engagement and repeat purchases.
10. Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017 by music icon Rihanna, has quickly become a major player in the online beauty space. The brand’s e-commerce platform, housed on fentybeauty.com, offers a sleek and user-friendly shopping experience that reflects the brand’s modern and inclusive ethos. Fenty Beauty’s success is largely attributed to its groundbreaking approach to inclusivity, offering an unmatched range of shades and colors for all skin tones. The brand’s online store features detailed product descriptions, shade-matching tools, and tutorials to help customers find their perfect products. Fenty Beauty’s website also incorporates elements of Rihanna’s personal style, creating a unique and engaging shopping experience. The brand frequently offers promotions and free gifts with purchases, and its loyalty program provides additional incentives for customers. Fenty Beauty’s strong social media presence and celebrity backing have helped it build a dedicated online following and establish itself as a go-to destination for diverse beauty needs.
