As a nurse working the night shift, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy skincare routine. The long hours, harsh hospital lighting, and constant hand washing can wreak havoc on our skin. But just because we work odd hours doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our glow!
That’s why I’ve become somewhat of an expert in online beauty shopping. With limited time between shifts and the convenience of doorstep delivery, online beauty stores have become my secret weapon in the battle against tired, dull skin. Whether I’m looking for a hydrating night cream to combat the effects of air conditioning or a brightening serum to restore my glow after a long shift, I’ve found that the digital beauty world has so much to offer.
In this article, I’ll share my top 9 picks for the best online beauty stores that cater to the unique needs of night shift workers like us. From clean beauty havens to dermatologist-recommended retailers, these stores offer a wide range of products to help us look our best, no matter what time our “morning” routine starts.
1. Violet Grey
Violet Grey is a luxury beauty retailer founded in 2013 and based in Los Angeles. The company curates high-end skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance products that have been tested and approved by a committee of beauty industry experts. Violet Grey is known for its selective product offerings, focusing on luxury and prestige brands.
Pros
- Curated selection of high-quality, luxury beauty products
- Products are tested and approved by beauty industry professionals
- Offers exclusive and hard-to-find items
- Provides expert beauty advice and tutorials through their content platform
- Sleek, user-friendly website design
- Free shipping on orders over $50
Cons
- Higher price point for most products
- Limited selection compared to larger retailers
- Only ships within the United States
- Some customers report issues with returns and customer service
- Opened products cannot be returned, which can be problematic for testing new items
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet is an online beauty retailer founded in 2020 by Olivia Grace. The company aims to provide a wide range of beauty products for skin, hair, and body at affordable prices. They focus on sourcing high-quality products with transparent ingredients and emphasize a commitment to cruelty-free and eco-friendly practices. Eternal Beauty Outlet offers products from various brands and has quickly gained attention for its diverse selection and customer-centric approach.
Pros
- Affordable prices: The store offers competitive pricing, making high-quality beauty products more accessible.
- Wide product range: Customers can find a diverse selection of skincare, makeup, and hair care products.
- Cruelty-free and eco-friendly: The company is committed to sourcing products that align with modern ethical standards.
- Customer-centric approach: Emphasis on customer satisfaction with good customer service.
- Free shipping: Offered on orders over a certain amount, enhancing overall value for customers.
- Fast shipping: Some customers report receiving their orders quickly.
- Positive customer experiences: Many customers praise the quality of products and helpfulness of customer service.
Cons
- Relatively new market presence: As a newer player in the online beauty market, the company may not have the same level of brand recognition as more established competitors.
- Limited in-house brands: The focus is primarily on sourcing products from various brands rather than developing a substantial in-house line.
- Potential shipping delays: Some customers have reported occasional delays in shipping.
- Questionable product legitimacy: There are concerns about the authenticity and safety of some products, particularly those related to injectables or medical devices.
- Legal concerns: Some reviewers claim the company may be selling products that are not FDA-approved or require prescriptions.
- Mixed customer reviews: While some customers report positive experiences, others have raised concerns about product effectiveness and legitimacy.
3. Milk Makeup
Milk Makeup is a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand founded in 2016. The brand offers a range of makeup and skincare products known for their clean ingredients, innovative formulas, and user-friendly packaging. Milk Makeup has gained popularity for its multi-use products and stick formats that cater to a modern, on-the-go lifestyle4.
Pros
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free products
- Innovative, multi-use products
- Clean ingredient formulations free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals
- User-friendly packaging, often in stick format for easy application
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Offers mini sizes of many products, allowing customers to try before committing to full-size items
Cons
- Some products may be considered pricey for the amount provided
- Limited shade ranges in some product categories
- Some users report issues with product longevity or packaging durability
- Not all products may work equally well for all skin types or concerns
- Some customers have experienced shipping delays or customer service issues
4. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic is a UK-based online beauty retailer founded in 1996. It offers a wide range of skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrance products from over 660 brands. The company has expanded internationally and ships to over 200 countries worldwide. Lookfantastic is known for its extensive product selection, competitive pricing, and frequent promotions.
Pros
- Vast selection of products from luxury and drugstore brands
- Competitive pricing and frequent sales/discounts
- International shipping available to over 200 countries
- Beauty Box subscription service offering curated monthly products
- User-friendly website with detailed product information
- Free UK delivery on orders over £25
- Loyalty program offering points on purchases
- Regular promotions and special offers
Cons
- Some customers report issues with delivery times and tracking
- Customer service can be slow to respond to inquiries
- International shipping can be expensive for some locations
- Some users report difficulties with returns and refunds
- Website can be overwhelming due to the large number of products
- Limited in-person shopping experience compared to physical stores
5. Bluemercury
Bluemercury is a luxury beauty retailer founded in 1999 and headquartered in the United States. The company operates both physical stores and an e-commerce platform, offering high-end skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance products. Bluemercury is known for its curated selection of prestige brands and its focus on personalized customer service.
Pros
- Curated selection of high-end and luxury beauty brands
- Knowledgeable staff and personalized beauty advice
- Clean and well-organized stores
- Offers both in-store and online shopping experiences
- Loyalty program (BlueRewards) offering points on purchases
- Free samples with orders
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- In-store spa services available at some locations
Cons
- Higher price point for most products compared to drugstore brands
- Limited selection compared to larger beauty retailers
- Fewer promotions and discounts compared to some competitors
- Smaller online presence compared to other beauty e-tailers
- Limited international shipping options
- Some customers may find the luxury focus intimidating
- Fewer physical store locations compared to larger beauty chains
6. The Detox Market
The Detox Market is an online retailer specializing in clean, natural beauty and wellness products. Founded in 2010, it curates a selection of high-quality, non-toxic skincare, makeup, haircare, and lifestyle products from various brands. The company is known for its strict standards, ensuring all products are free from harmful chemicals and ingredients.
Pros
- Extensive selection of clean beauty products from multiple brands
- Strict standards for ingredient safety and product quality
- Offers a monthly subscription box for trying new products
- Free shipping on orders over $80 with surprise samples
- Knowledgeable staff providing personalized beauty advice
- User-friendly website with detailed product information
- Loyalty program offering points on purchases
Cons
- Higher price point compared to conventional beauty products
- Limited selection compared to larger beauty retailers
- Some customers report issues with delivery times and customer service
- Monthly subscription box is more expensive than traditional beauty boxes
- Potential to receive full-sized products that don’t work for you in the subscription box
7. Tatcha
Tatcha is a luxury skincare brand inspired by Japanese beauty rituals. Founded in 2009 by Victoria Tsai, the company offers a range of high-end skincare products formulated with traditional Japanese ingredients and modern technology. While primarily focused on its own brand, Tatcha’s online store provides a curated shopping experience for its product line.
Pros
- High-quality, Japanese-inspired skincare products
- Formulas based on pure, gentle ingredients
- Effective products for hydration and improving skin texture
- Lightweight formulations suitable for various skin types
- Beautifully designed packaging
- Free shipping on orders over a certain amount
- Loyalty program offering points on purchases
Cons
- Expensive price point for most products
- Limited product range compared to multi-brand retailers
- Some products may be too fragrant for sensitive skin
- Certain formulas may be too heavy for oily skin types
- Only ships to select countries internationally
- Some users report issues with customer service and returns
8. Dermstore
Dermstore is an online retailer specializing in professional skincare and beauty products. Founded in 1999 by a board-certified dermatologist, the company offers a wide range of high-end skincare, makeup, and haircare brands. Dermstore aims to provide customers with dermatologist-recommended products and expert advice.
Pros
- Extensive selection of premium skincare and beauty brands
- Offers professional-grade products often found only in dermatologist offices
- Frequent sales and promotions
- Loyalty program that allows customers to earn points on purchases
- Detailed product information and ingredient lists
- Free shipping on orders over a certain amount
Cons
- Higher price point for most products compared to drugstore brands
- Numerous customer complaints about poor customer service
- Issues with order fulfillment and shipping delays reported by many customers
- Difficulties with returns and refunds mentioned in multiple reviews
- Some customers report receiving expired or near-expiry products
9. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics is a beauty brand founded by reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner in 2015. The company initially gained fame for its Lip Kits but has since expanded to offer a wide range of makeup and skincare products. Kylie Cosmetics is known for its trendy packaging and social media-driven marketing.
Pros
- Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, and sulfate-free products
- Trendy and aesthetically pleasing packaging
- Some products, like the lip glosses, receive high praise for their quality
- Offers a range of shades to suit different skin tones
- Frequent new product releases and collaborations
- Available at major retailers like Ulta, increasing accessibility
Cons
- Mixed reviews on product quality, with some items receiving criticism for being dry or patchy
- Higher price point compared to drugstore brands
- Limited shade range for some product categories
- Some customers report issues with customer service and shipping
- Products can sell out quickly, making it difficult to purchase desired items
- Skincare line has received criticism for potentially harsh ingredients
