Tips for Online Makeup Shopping

Online shopping can always be a gamble due to the fact that you can't see the actual product you're planning to buy. Whenever you click on "Submit Order" when you're checking out, you're taking a big leap of faith, hoping that what you get in the mail a couple of weeks from now will be in good condition; will be exactly what you ordered; or will arrive at all.

Ordering makeup online is even scarier. Because everyone's computer monitors are calibrated differently, the colors you see on the websites could be spot on, or they could be light-years off. As such, the only benefit to ordering makeup online is for the convenience (not dealing with aggressive salespeople, or the possibility of making the trip only to find out what you want is sold out) and for the discounts. So, before you get yourself any more ahead in the checkout process online, I'd advise you to do the following:

• 1. Go to your nearest makeup counter to swatch/try out the products you want.
  Unfortunately, some online retailers do not allow you to return opened/used makeup. Going to the store is the only way you can try the products out beforehand.


• 2. I've said this time and time again here on this blog: Visit Ebates.com and Retailmenot.com for cash back deals and promo codes.
  Really, this is the only reason online shopping is more useful than going to your local store. Especially in today's economy, it's more important for you to make use of these discounts!


• 3. If you don't particularly feel like getting yourself to the nearest Sephora, Ulta, mall, etc., then at least make sure you check out any online forums for product reviews.
  Websites like Makeup Alley are filled with reviews and pictures by fellow members/users. If anything, you'll at least be able to make a better informed decision before you purchase.

Hopefully, these tips will help you in making an online cosmetics purchase that you'll be happy with. Happy shopping!