Ulta vs Planet Beauty

Think about your morning routine - the number of products you reach for adds up fast. You wake up, hit the shower, lather with shower gel, shave your legs, then wash and condition your hair; you've already gone through six items: shower gel, a razor, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, and a loofah. And that's before you even grab a toothbrush or moisturizer.

After that, you'll likely smooth on lotion, spritz some perfume, do your makeup, brush your hair, give it a pass with a styling tool, and finish by brushing your teeth. By the time you're ready to go, you've probably used 10 to 15 products before you're out the door. Beauty stores make it easy to keep those daily essentials on hand - from full sizes to travel minis and refills - so you never miss a step. Many even offer rewards or subscriptions that help you restock without thinking.

Most of us are particular about the exact shade, brand, scent, and finish of our beauty staples, so nothing's worse than rushing to the store only to find your go-to sold out. Shopping online sidesteps that headache - the inventory's bigger and you can check real-time availability before you buy. You'll see what's in stock, when it can arrive at your door, or whether you can grab it with same-day pickup. Many sites also let you set restock alerts or suggest close shade matches, saving you time and a wasted trip.

Whether you're grabbing a new lip gloss or chasing the latest curling-iron tech, a beauty store has you covered. With hundreds of brands to suit different tastes and budgets, you can snag a wallet-friendly pick from a lower-end line or step up to higher-quality, non-toxic options that aren't tested on animals and skip synthetic fragrances and irritating ingredients. Many sites also make it easy to compare ingredients and read reviews - a lifesaver if you're trying to avoid specific triggers. The selection is huge, and shopping online gives you access to all of it.

Browsing beauty products online gives you the ability to compare the prices of similar items at the same store and the prices of the same products between competing beauty stores. We also recommend taking the following things into consideration when you're about to make a purchase from a beauty store:

• Selection. Does the company have a big selection of brands and products that are in-stock and ready to ship? You want to shop at a place that will always have what you need in the future for a restock, so the bigger the selection, the better. A wide inventory of beauty supplies also means you'll likely be able to find all the other things you need at the same time.
• Pricing. How do the prices of beauty products compare between retailers? Does the company offer any big sales or buy-one-get-one deals? How about free shipping? Beauty products can add up, so if you find somewhere with good pricing, jump on it.
• Return policy. There's always a chance that you'll order the wrong shade or makeup or a conditioner that doesn't work for your hair. In the event that anything you buy isn't what you hoped for, it's ideal if the beauty store you bought from offers a full refund on their products. Check the return policy from a store before ordering so you know what to expect.

You should have fun shopping for beauty products online. You'll be open to a world of products you never even knew you needed, from stores carefully reviewed and ranked on our list from best to worst. We hope this information from our experts at Top Consumer Reviews helps you find a one-stop beauty shop to take care of all the needs you have for you and your family.