As a young dancer, I know how important it is to look and feel your best, both on and off stage. Whether it’s finding the perfect shade of lipstick that won’t budge during a performance or discovering a skincare routine that keeps my complexion camera-ready, I’m always on the hunt for beauty products that can keep up with my active lifestyle. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with online beauty stores – they’re like having a treasure trove of cosmetics at my fingertips!
In this article, I’ll share my top 10 favorite online beauty destinations that have helped me achieve that coveted dancer glow. From affordable finds to luxurious splurges, these stores have everything you need to shine bright under the spotlight or dazzle during a night out with friends.
1. Credo Beauty
Credo Beauty has established itself as the premier destination for clean beauty products. Often referred to as the “Sephora of clean beauty,” Credo offers a carefully curated selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, and body care products from dozens of clean beauty brands. What sets Credo apart is its rigorous standards for ingredient safety and sustainability. Every product sold on their platform is cruelty-free and free from their “Dirty List” of 2,700 potentially harmful cosmetic ingredients. Credo’s commitment to transparency extends to their packaging and supply chain practices, ensuring that both people and the planet are treated ethically. With a mix of well-known clean beauty brands like OSEA and Ilia, alongside smaller, harder-to-find labels, Credo Beauty offers a comprehensive shopping experience for those seeking natural and non-toxic beauty solutions.
2. Eternal Beauty Outlet
Eternal Beauty Outlet has emerged as a promising player in the online beauty retail space, offering a comprehensive selection of skincare and makeup products. This e-commerce platform caters to beauty enthusiasts looking to elevate their routines with high-quality products at competitive prices. Eternal Beauty Outlet’s website is designed with user experience in mind, featuring clear categories for skincare and makeup & nails, making it easy for customers to navigate and find what they need.
One of the key strengths of Eternal Beauty Outlet is its commitment to customer satisfaction. The store prides itself on putting customers first and offering expert guidance in the beauty industry. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who are new to skincare or looking to upgrade their beauty routines, as the platform provides support in creating personalized regimens tailored to individual needs and goals.
3. Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic has grown to become Europe’s leading beauty destination and the second-largest globally since its inception in 1996. This online beauty powerhouse boasts an impressive inventory of over 22,000 products from more than 650 premium brands, catering to a wide range of beauty needs. Lookfantastic’s user-friendly website makes navigation a breeze, allowing customers to easily find the latest deals, trending products, and curated selections. The platform goes beyond just selling products by offering expert beauty advice through its content library, helping customers make informed decisions about their purchases. With frequent promotions, a loyalty program, and even a subscription-based beauty box, Lookfantastic provides a comprehensive and rewarding shopping experience for beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
4. Drunk Elephant
While Drunk Elephant operates as a brand rather than a multi-brand retailer, its online store has become a go-to destination for skincare aficionados seeking clean, effective formulations. Founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, Drunk Elephant has gained a cult following for its unique “ingredient-elimination philosophy”. The brand is known for avoiding what it calls the “Suspicious Six” – essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS. Instead, Drunk Elephant focuses on biocompatible ingredients that directly benefit the skin, blending cutting-edge synthetics with natural components. Their online store offers a curated selection of skincare, haircare, and body care products, all adhering to their clean beauty ethos. With its distinctive brightly colored packaging and effective formulations, Drunk Elephant’s e-commerce platform has become a favorite among those seeking a “skin reset” and a simplified approach to beauty.
5. Dermstore
Dermstore has established itself as a premier destination for skincare enthusiasts and those seeking professional-grade beauty products. Founded in 1999 by a dermatologist, the platform was created to provide easier access to high-quality skincare treatments. Dermstore offers a carefully curated selection of over 350 brands, including many professional-strength formulas typically only available at dermatologists’ offices. The online store specializes in skincare, but also carries hair care, makeup, and spa products. What sets Dermstore apart is its focus on expert-backed beauty solutions and its commitment to offering hard-to-find brands alongside more mainstream options. In 2021, Dermstore was acquired by THG plc, further expanding its reach and capabilities in the e-commerce beauty space.
6. YesStyle
YesStyle has become a go-to destination for Asian beauty and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. As part of the YesAsia e-commerce group, which has been operating for over 20 years, YesStyle offers an extensive range of Asian beauty products, with a particular focus on Korean and Japanese brands. The platform boasts an impressive selection of over 300 beauty brands, many of which are not easily accessible in Western markets. YesStyle caters to various beauty preferences, offering clean beauty, cruelty-free, organic, vegan, and eco-friendly options alongside popular mainstream brands. With its affordable pricing and vast product range, YesStyle has gained a significant following, boasting over 1.3 million Instagram followers and a network of over 200,000 online influencers.
7. Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty, founded by singer and actress Selena Gomez in 2020, has quickly become one of the fastest-growing celebrity beauty brands in the industry. The brand’s mission goes beyond selling makeup; it aims to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and promote mental health awareness. Rare Beauty offers a range of makeup products, including foundations in 48 shades, lip creams, eyebrow definers, and their viral liquid blush. The brand’s commitment to inclusivity and mental health is reflected in its Rare Impact Fund, which donates 1% of all sales to support mental health initiatives. Rare Beauty’s rapid success is evident in its impressive financial performance, with estimated revenue reaching $300 million in 2023 and a current valuation of over $2 billion. The brand’s popularity is further bolstered by its strong social media presence and viral moments on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
8. Sephora
Sephora has long been a dominant force in the beauty retail industry, both in-store and online. Founded in 1970 in France, Sephora has grown into a global beauty powerhouse, offering a vast array of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from hundreds of brands. The Sephora website and mobile app provide a seamless shopping experience, featuring detailed product information, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. One of Sephora’s key strengths is its loyalty program, Beauty Insider, which offers tiered rewards and exclusive perks to frequent shoppers. The retailer is also known for its commitment to inclusivity, offering a wide range of shades and products for diverse skin tones and types. Sephora’s online platform continually innovates, incorporating features like virtual try-on tools and AI-powered skincare recommendations to enhance the digital shopping experience.
9. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics, founded by reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner in 2015, has revolutionized the celebrity beauty brand landscape. Initially launched with a line of lip kits, the brand quickly expanded to offer a full range of cosmetics and skincare products. Kylie Cosmetics’ online store is known for its sleek design and user-friendly interface, reflecting the brand’s youthful and trendy image. The brand’s success is largely attributed to Jenner’s massive social media following and her ability to create buzz around product launches. In 2019, Coty Inc. acquired a 51% stake in Kylie Cosmetics for $600 million, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. The brand has since undergone a revamp, focusing on vegan and cruelty-free formulations. Kylie Cosmetics’ e-commerce platform continues to be a major driver of sales, with limited-edition drops and collaborations frequently selling out within minutes of launch.
10. Violet Grey
Violet Grey has carved out a unique niche in the luxury beauty e-commerce space since its launch in 2013. Founded by Cassandra Grey, the platform is known for its highly curated selection of high-end beauty products, often referred to as “the best in beauty.” Violet Grey’s product curation process is rigorous, involving a committee of beauty industry experts, makeup artists, and dermatologists who test and approve each item before it’s added to the site. This approach has earned Violet Grey a reputation as a trusted source for premium beauty products. The online store offers a mix of established luxury brands and emerging cult favorites, focusing on skincare, makeup, haircare, and wellness products. Violet Grey’s website is designed to emulate the experience of shopping in a high-end boutique, with editorial content, expert advice, and beautifully shot product imagery. The platform’s “Violet Code” seal of approval has become a mark of quality in the beauty industry, influencing consumer choices and brand reputations.