Is Buying Beauty on Amazon Safe?
A Flattering Eyeshadow Palette I’ve been Loving
Amazon has become the first place we check to make a purchase because it typically has the fastest shipping. Sometimes it even has the best price! But are you sure you know where your items are coming from when you buy off of the massive Amazon marketplace?
There is a way to check, and it’s what I do when I’m making a beauty purchase through Amazon.
See the text under the yellow and orange “add to cart” and “buy now” buttons? It states where the item is shipped from and who it’s sold by.
If it’s shipped and sold by the brand of the item you’re purchasing, then, in my opinion, you can trust that the product is authentic.
Here is an example of a beauty product that is not sold by the matching brand.
Do you see what it says under the orange “buy now” button? It says it’s shipped from Amazon and sold by Club Distributors. I don’t know what club distributors are, so that would be a retailer name I would want to check out.
This isn’t foolproof, of course. And one of the most essential steps you can take before making a purchase from an unknown seller is to check the return policy.
I’ve purchased plenty of beauty items from Amazon and it has all been fine. The only time I was sent an empty product was when I purchased a ring cleaner for my jewelry. It arrived to me completely dried out!
I hope this helps you feel a little bit more secure about making purchases from Amazon!
comments
Thank you for this. I haven’t purchased beauty products on Amazon because I’ve been worried about their authenticity.
My previous stylist would often warn me that “sold at salon only” hair products, that I found at target did not seem legit to her. She wasn’t sure how they were purchasing them. Just food for thought! Thank you!
I once purchased OPI nail polish from Amazon. The address of the company was incorrect. Having toured the actual company, I knew it was bogus product. I’ve never bought beauty products from Amazon since then. BTW, your blog is wonderful–been reading it for YEARS. Appreciate your “down to earth” approach on everything.
What a valuable tool! Thank you so much!
As a consultant on many Amazon businesses, I confirm the logic of “bought and sold by Amazon” for the “buy box” is the best way to be sure you’re getting what’s known as first party product that’s sold directly by Amazon. Another good tip is if it says it’s shipped by the manufacturer. Random company names that have little to do with Amazon or the brand would be something I’d stay away from, but it’s usually very safe to buy health and beauty products from reputable brands on Amazon.
One time we ordered the AG hair products my husband uses off Amazon, and I did not check the company. Huge mistake. Total knock off. Product consistency and color wasn’t remotely the same! Now we triple check every beauty product! Where is it coming from! Never had a problem since.