It's predicted that we'll be spending £56.7 billion on the web by 2019. Who would have thought a few years ago that we'd be turning to the t'internet for more than a discounted DVD and rubbish we probably don't need from eBay? It seems that brands such as ASOS have changed the way we shop, opening up huge opportunities for fashion and beauty brands that previously weren't able to reach the masses. Although buying clothing online has become mainstream, there's still an air of caution when it comes to buying beauty from websites rather than high street stores. Admittedly it's much harder to find the perfect shade of foundation or breathe in the scent of a new perfume, but there are some serious advantages to buying your beauty products online. Here are my reasons why buying beauty products online is probably a better idea than you think...
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Grab Some Great Deals
With websites such as HQ Hair, Look Fantastic, Cult Beauty and Beauty Bay bringing cosmetics to consumers in a whole new way, there are incredible deals to be had and offers to be picked up. You're much more likely to find a fab discount or receive a free gift online than you are on the high street, where retailers' promotional calendars are restricted and dependent upon investment from the brand. It's much easier to execute irresistible offers online, meaning they're always changing them up and adding additional savings; it's always a great idea to do your research in store and then have a look online to see if you can get a product at a better price!
Samples Are Often Included
Unlike beauty counters who tend to treat samples like they're covered in diamonds, online beauty retailers are very generous with their additional extras. Most sites pop in a few samples from other brands with every order, helping you to get to know new products from the comfort of your own home. These samples often have quite a high value, especially if they're from premium or more luxurious brands, so can add a significant treat to your order.
Discover New Brands & Cult Products
Mainstream retailers only have so much floor space within their stores, meaning they only stock products they know they're going to be able to shift in high volume (or brands that have a huge amount of money to spend with them on promotions and offers.) Unfortunately this prevents smaller brands and local companies from getting the exposure they may well deserve. As the internet is limitless, beauty websites have the ability to sell as many products as they wish - with lower expectations on sales. This means they're fab for discovering new brands, cult products and secret must-haves that you may never have known about otherwise.
Reviews, Honesty & How To Guides
How many times have you picked up a product in Boots and wished there was someone around to have a chat about it to? Online it's much easier to do your research, read reviews and customer feedback, have a look at some tutorials and even speak to the brand founders; sites such as Cult Beauty work with many bloggers to ensure the products featured have context, helping their customers make smart decisions and pick the perfect products for them.
It's Easy To Get Hold Of What You Want
Instead of traipsing around seven different stores trying to find a replacement for the concealer you can't live without, searching online and stocking up for the foreseeable is a much more effective use of your time. I change up my makeup all the time, but there are certain products I simply can't part with; more often than not they're out of stock everywhere I go, leaving me feeling incredibly frustrated. If you're after something specific or a replacement product you know the exact details of, buying online can not only save you money but save you time and effort. You don't need to get in a flap just trying to stock up on your favourite mascara.
Buy Bigger Sizes
Because of limited shelf space, high street stores often only stock standard sizes of product they know they can stack high. However, many brands often offer huge pots of cream or bottles of shampoo that you can only get online. If you know you're in love with a certain product and won't be changing it up any time soon, stocking up on a huge quantity can save you a massive amount of cash. Professional hair brands, luxurious skin creams and even cleansing products can often be found in exclusive sizes online.
Are you a fan of buying beauty online, or are you cautious about parting with your cash without being able to touch and smell a product?![]()
Grab Some Great Deals
With websites such as HQ Hair, Look Fantastic, Cult Beauty and Beauty Bay bringing cosmetics to consumers in a whole new way, there are incredible deals to be had and offers to be picked up. You're much more likely to find a fab discount or receive a free gift online than you are on the high street, where retailers' promotional calendars are restricted and dependent upon investment from the brand. It's much easier to execute irresistible offers online, meaning they're always changing them up and adding additional savings; it's always a great idea to do your research in store and then have a look online to see if you can get a product at a better price!
Samples Are Often Included
Unlike beauty counters who tend to treat samples like they're covered in diamonds, online beauty retailers are very generous with their additional extras. Most sites pop in a few samples from other brands with every order, helping you to get to know new products from the comfort of your own home. These samples often have quite a high value, especially if they're from premium or more luxurious brands, so can add a significant treat to your order.
Discover New Brands & Cult Products
Mainstream retailers only have so much floor space within their stores, meaning they only stock products they know they're going to be able to shift in high volume (or brands that have a huge amount of money to spend with them on promotions and offers.) Unfortunately this prevents smaller brands and local companies from getting the exposure they may well deserve. As the internet is limitless, beauty websites have the ability to sell as many products as they wish - with lower expectations on sales. This means they're fab for discovering new brands, cult products and secret must-haves that you may never have known about otherwise.
Reviews, Honesty & How To Guides
How many times have you picked up a product in Boots and wished there was someone around to have a chat about it to? Online it's much easier to do your research, read reviews and customer feedback, have a look at some tutorials and even speak to the brand founders; sites such as Cult Beauty work with many bloggers to ensure the products featured have context, helping their customers make smart decisions and pick the perfect products for them.
It's Easy To Get Hold Of What You Want
Instead of traipsing around seven different stores trying to find a replacement for the concealer you can't live without, searching online and stocking up for the foreseeable is a much more effective use of your time. I change up my makeup all the time, but there are certain products I simply can't part with; more often than not they're out of stock everywhere I go, leaving me feeling incredibly frustrated. If you're after something specific or a replacement product you know the exact details of, buying online can not only save you money but save you time and effort. You don't need to get in a flap just trying to stock up on your favourite mascara.
Buy Bigger Sizes
Because of limited shelf space, high street stores often only stock standard sizes of product they know they can stack high. However, many brands often offer huge pots of cream or bottles of shampoo that you can only get online. If you know you're in love with a certain product and won't be changing it up any time soon, stocking up on a huge quantity can save you a massive amount of cash. Professional hair brands, luxurious skin creams and even cleansing products can often be found in exclusive sizes online.
Are you a fan of buying beauty online, or are you cautious about parting with your cash without being able to touch and smell a product?