Lots of my friends and family ask me where I like to shop for beauty products. There are so many different stores, both brick-and-mortar and online, and some are definitely better than others. So here I am going to highlight the stores that I normally shop at, along with the pros and cons of each.
Nordstrom
- Pros:
- Great selection of products from both existing and up-and-coming brands.
- A generous return policy if you don’t like something. Basically they will take back anything, no questions asked, even if you have tried it.
- The best customer service overall, hands down. Every employee is customer-focused, and is always willing to go above and beyond for a customer. Nordstrom is truly one of my favorite places to shop.
- In-store beauty advisors for both specific brands and for general advice.
- Amazing beauty deals and specials during their Anniversary Sale, which is in July each year.
- The Nordstrom Credit Card has amazing rewards.
- Cons
- Individual store stock varies, so you may have to rely on online shopping instead of in-store.
- Shipping is sometimes slow.
Sephora
- Pros
- What can I say about Sephora that hasn’t already been said? It’s the gold standard for beauty products at all price ranges.
- Always on the cutting edge of new products and releases.
- Great return policy for slightly used products.
- Cons
- Rewards program is good, but not great.
- Salespeople may not be knowledgeable about the stock. But the volume of products is so great that I wouldn’t expect them to know everything!
BlueMercury
- Pros
- Wonderful selection of high-end and niche bands.
- Great discounts periodically throughout the year, including on brands and products that don’t always go on sale.
- Lots of in-store product and brand demos, including complimentary services and makeovers.
- Cons
- Slow shipping for online purchases.
- Not a lot of stores in the country.
- Not the best return policy.
CosBar
- Pros
- Smaller number of stores but the employees have exceptional knowledge of products and brands
- Great semi-annual sales.
- Cons
- Because of the small number of stores, online returns have to be made via the mail in most instances.
Saks Fifth Avenue
- Pros
- Subscribing to emails can get you occasional 10% – 15% off beauty
- Often will have early launches of new products from high-end brands
- Participation in ShopRunner can get you delivery in 2 business days.
- Cons
- The worst return policy of any of the high-end department stores. I only buy products from Saks if I know I want them.
Neiman Marcus/Bergdorf Goodman (putting these together because they are owned by the same company)
- Pros
- Lots of good 10% – 15% off deals on beauty, or even bonus points events.
- Great early launch selections
- Cons
- Most deals are only available to Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman credit card holders. (Note – if you have one of these cards, you can use it to shop at either store.)
Amazon
- Pros
- You’re going to shop there anyway, why not get your beauty products there?
- Amazing selection of products, and you can often get access to Asian beauty products, which are hard to find elsewhere.
- Fast and usually free shipping, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member.
- If you are part of Amazon Luxury, you can get access to some high-end brands.
- Cons
- Be very careful when shopping on Amazon. Sometimes you can get fake or expired products. Check all reviews and the selling company before ordering.
Individual Company Stores/Websites
- Pros
- Great product advice and knowledge.
- Best place to get deals, especially if you sign up for email notifications.
- Can often have products only available on their site/in their store.
- Cons
- Most of the time you need to have items shipped.
- Any rewards will be for that company only.