While there are many ways to buy discount cosmetics online, eBay has a really large market for designer and cult items in good condition. It can be a great source for buying everything from obscure, imported products to famous luxury items. But does eBay always represent a bargain? And how can buyers make the most of eBay as an online cosmetics store?
What Beauty Products Should I Buy?
Buying cosmetics on eBay can be useful for professional make-up artists, on a budget, looking for bundles and kit extras. It is often even possible to buy several items from a make-up kit clearance along with professional brands that are hard to buy in the UK. Professional nail polish colors from the USA are often easy to find on eBay, as are new product launches, from large brands, that have not yet been launched worldwide. If looking to get your hands on a cult seasonal color from a US or Asian brand, then eBay is always a first stop, to at least compare prices and see what may be on offer.
Old or obscure limited editions that are no longer available in store are also often to be found in eBay auctions. Although these may have a high price tag, they will be worth it for avid make-up collectors: The Christian Dior limited edition lip-glosses, packed in rings and charms, have been famous eBay sellers for some years. Occasionally even original Paloma Picasso lipsticks and fragrance surface. Whether buying cosmetics for gifts, for a Saturday night out or for professional use, there are some safe buying points to consider.
Safe Cosmetics Buying on eBay
- Beware of items that look good to be true, especially bulk deals on designer brands. There is always the possibility that such products will be fake or stolen.
- The eBay site contains plenty of advice for avoiding buying stolen or fake cosmetic items, in forums and in official guides. If new to buying cosmetics on eBay then check these before making a purchase.
- For cosmetics, private sellers who have a few good quality items on offer yield the best and safest deals.
- Buy It Now prices, from large-scale commercial sellers, do not always represent the best value, especially as some include a hefty postage charge for even small items such as nail polish and lipstick.
- Some retailers now have eBay Outlets and these are a good place to buy with confidence but get good prices.
- Check the market prices before buying as many items are often cheaper elsewhere online than on a fixed price eBay listing.
- If buying items close to full price during popular sale times, check well known beauty sales, such as Space NK. This ensures that you do not pay close to full price for an item that is currently half price in a popular store.
- Look out for packaging that gives a key to a product’s age. If bidding more than pocket money, make sure to check the current look of the bottle and box for the brand.
- Make sure that size, product name and volume correspond with the photograph. Make sure that there is no confusion about whether the item is full sized or a sample / trial size.
- If a boxed item comes without a box, it does not mean that it is not worth buying but this should be reflected in the price.
- Check the spelling of brands for authenticity.
Samples are acceptable to buy on eBay as long as the sample size is made clear in the listing. However, if buying a high-end moisturizer, check that it is the actual product for sale, rather than just 10 or 20 samples that add up in volume to the full size. These should not be the same price as a new, boxed product, especially as there is a high chance that someone got them for free.
As with most eBbay purchases, using Paypal gives the buyer more protection. Cosmetics are items for personal use and so should be listed as accurately as possible. It is important that your item arrives sealed or new if described as such. If a product arrives and looks unhygienic or has finger marks in it, then do not use it but contact the seller for a refund: Bacteria, viruses and parasites are easily spread through cosmetics. Using the Paypal system allows eBay to issue a refund if there are any unresolved issues with bought cosmetics.
Shefali Choudhury - Writer and visual artist, Suite Beauty topic editor, Shefali spent 10 years in professional makeup artistry from beauty to blood ...
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