The Best Makeup Stores

Saturday, March 22nd

2025 Makeup Store Reviews

Ulta

Ulta earns our top spot among makeup retailers for several compelling reasons. Ulta's online store offers an unparalleled selection of over 5,500 makeup products from more than 200 brands, ensuring you'll find exactly what you're looking for, whether it's high-end favorites like Dior or budget-friendly essentials like CoverGirl. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through features like free shipping on orders over $35, convenient in-store pickup options, and a generous 60-day return policy that applies to both new and used products. Ulta's Beauty Rewards program is also unmatched, giving you points for every dollar spent, with opportunities to earn even more perks as you reach Platinum or Diamond status. Their stellar "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their dedication to resolving any issues promptly. With all of these perks and a diverse range of beauty products trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike, Ulta remains your ultimate destination for makeup shopping online.

Nordstrom

Since its humble beginnings as a small shoe store in Seattle in 1901, Nordstrom has transformed into a leading fashion retailer celebrated for its luxurious products and outstanding customer service. With more than 100 stores and an extensive online shop, Nordstrom offers approximately 2,700 makeup products, many of which have thousands of customer reviews to help you choose what to buy. Nordstrom excels with features like free shipping on every order, a no-time-limit return policy, and a loyalty program that rewards regular shoppers. These benefits make Nordstrom a fantastic option for those seeking high-end makeup brands.

Strawberry Net

Strawberrynet is a surprisingly good option for makeup, offering nearly 2,400 items from top brands like Estee Lauder and bareMinerals at lower-than-average prices. Founded in 1998 and based in Hong Kong, this online-only retailer provides free shipping on orders over $50, and a loyalty program that could be a big perk for frequent shoppers. Although delivery can take 10-14 business days and returns aren't really cost-effective here, Strawberrynet's selection and deep discounts make it a great makeup store to check out.

Planet Beauty

Founded in 1992 in Newport Beach, California, Planet Beauty has grown to over 40 locations and a strong online platform, making it convenient for you to find exactly what you need. With nearly 450 makeup products to choose from, you can stick with your trusted favorites or try out new brands. You'll also enjoy free shipping on orders over $59 and price matching with major national retailers. Thousands of customers have praised Planet Beauty with 5-star reviews for its excellent service and diverse selection of high-quality items. While the return policy is a bit strict and they don't offer a rewards program, the overall shopping experience remains positive. If you're searching for a dependable place to buy makeup, Planet Beauty is a solid option if they carry what you need.

Safe and Chic

If you value "clean, non-toxic, and ethical" beauty products, Safe & Chic is a fantastic choice for makeup. Since 2015, they have offered a curated selection of over 2,500 products from 160 brands, all cruelty-free and meeting high safety standards. However, Safe & Chic does suffer from a few downsides. They offer around 500 natural makeup options but often miss popular mainstream brands and products. The site can be hard to navigate without better sorting options, and although they have a generous return policy and a loyalty program, the rewards are modest compared to how much you need to spend. Customer reviews are mixed, showing both the brand's dedication to quality and issues with customer service. Despite these drawbacks, Safe & Chic is a solid choice if you are committed to clean, cruelty-free makeup.

Sephora

Sephora is a big name in beauty, offering over 2,300 makeup options in their online store. You'll find the website easy to use, with lots of filters to help you find what you need. In-store pickup and same-day delivery are convenient perks too. Despite an "A-" rating from the BBB, many complaints about online orders, such as missing products and poor customer service, make it hard to fully recommend them. Even with a great loyalty program and occasional discounts for signing up for text updates, the inconsistency between in-store and online experiences is disappointing. So, while Sephora is great for browsing and discovering new trends, it might not be the best choice for online makeup shopping.

Bluemercury

Bluemercury is a high-end makeup retailer with both brick-and-mortar locations and a fully-stocked online storefront. Although the brands are top-shelf, you can still find competitive prices and perks like a rewards program and free gifts when you shop here. Some makeup items have thousands of unfiltered customer reviews, to help you know exactly what to expect. Unfortunately, while the in-store experience is generally positive and Bluemercury offers a generous return policy, online shoppers have reported numerous disappointing experiences that we can't overlook. That's the biggest factor in our rating for Bluemercury.

Beauty Brands

Since 1995, Beauty Brands has provided convenient retail-and-salon spa services across the U.S. With around 450 makeup items in their online store, free shipping on orders over $70, and a free Take 10 rewards program, you have plenty of options and perks here. They offer a great return policy, allowing returns within 60 days for a full refund and store credit after that. Unfortunately, despite an "A+" BBB rating, many Beauty Brands' customers report issues with poor response to problems, leaving us not so confident in their satisfaction guarantee. That disappointing reputation, combined with a lower-than-average inventory, earns Beauty Brands a lower score when compared with rival makeup stores on our list.

BH Cosmetics

BH Cosmetics wants to help you create a look with an LA vibe: colorful, carefree, and noticeable. While their cruelty-free, vegan, and inclusive products are appealing, many top items are frequently out of stock. Even the Best Sellers page often features products with few or no reviews, casting doubt on their actual popularity. Additionally, all sales are final, which is a significant drawback compared to other makeup brands. The company has a "C+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, and elsewhere you'll spot unresolved complaints about delayed orders and poor customer support. Despite BH Cosmetics' bold mission and affordable prices, this makeup brand earns a below-average rating.

Luminess

You might find Luminess intriguing because of its unique airbrush makeup system, but there are reasons why it earns one of our lowest ratings. Founded over 25 years ago, Luminess aimed to bring a professional, long-lasting look to your daily routine with an affordable airbrush system. While the idea sounds great, the reality is more complicated. Although Luminess offers a 30-day trial for $2.90, you might be surprised to find out the trial period sometimes drops to 14 days without clear reasons. After the trial, you'll be charged $39.95 every two weeks until you pay nearly $160 for the system, an additional $37.95/month for foundation refills, plus undisclosed shipping and handling fees. Many customers have complained about issues like unexpected recurring charges, difficulties with shade matching, and trouble getting refunds. Despite their "A+" BBB rating and good customer service response, Luminess has frequent problems that make the experience frustrating. While half of the reviews are glowing, a significant number call Luminess a scam, leading to its low rating here. If you're considering Luminess, be prepared for potential hassles that might overshadow its innovative approach.