**”4 Costly Mistakes to Watch Out for When Shopping for Makeup Online—And How to Steer Clear of Them”**
Many women in the U.S. now prefer shopping for makeup online, a trend that has only grown since the pandemic. While online shopping is convenient, it comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to choosing the right products. Without the right approach, you could end up wasting money on makeup that doesn’t suit you. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls of buying cosmetics online.
### Finding the Right Foundation Shade
Choosing the wrong foundation color can be a disaster. A shade that’s too pink can make you look flushed, while one with too much yellow might make you appear unwell. In stores, you can test shades on your skin, but even that isn’t foolproof—lighting inside a store can be misleading.
So how do you get the perfect match when shopping online? The **Temptalia Foundation Matrix** is a game-changer. Simply enter a foundation shade you already know works for you, and the tool will suggest similar shades from other brands. The more shades you input, the better the recommendations. If you want extra confirmation, you can always visit a store and compare the matrix’s suggestions with a beauty advisor’s recommendation.
Another option is **shade-adjusting makeup**, which adapts to your skin tone. Products like Perbelle CC Cream start out white but adjust as you blend them in, creating a natural finish. Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup is another affordable option worth considering.
### Choosing the Right Lip Color
Lipstick shades can be tricky—what looks like a perfect red online might turn out to be too bold or too dull in person. Since different brands have different undertones, it’s important to know your own.
– **Cool undertones**: Look for lipsticks with blue, pink, or purple bases, such as mauves, berries, and cool reds.
– **Warm undertones**: Opt for shades with orange or yellow bases, like corals, peaches, and brick reds.
A **color wheel** can also help. If you want to complement your existing makeup collection, find a shade on the wheel and look directly across to see its complementary color.
### Avoiding Expired Products
Old makeup doesn’t just perform poorly—it can also be unsafe. Expired foundation can separate, lipstick can become crumbly or moldy, and old eye products can harbor bacteria. While physical stores usually remove expired products, online retailers may not be as diligent.
To avoid this, shop from reputable retailers with **good return policies**. Stores like Sephora and Nordstrom allow easy returns, so you can test products at home and send back anything that doesn’t work. Always check your makeup in natural light before deciding whether to keep it.
### Steering Clear of Counterfeits
Counterfeit cosmetics are a real concern. A government study found that nearly half of the beauty products purchased from third-party sellers on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay were fake. These knockoffs aren’t just low quality—they could contain harmful ingredients.
To stay safe, always buy directly from the brand’s official website or from trusted retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom. If you shop on Amazon, make sure you’re purchasing from the brand’s official store rather than a third-party seller.
### The Bottom Line
Shopping for makeup online can be tricky, but with the right strategies, you can avoid common mistakes. Use shade-matching tools, understand your undertones, check return policies, and stick to reputable sellers. With these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online beauty shopping—without the risk of wasting money on the wrong products.