January 29, 2016

Do You Have Beauty Buyer Remorse When Shopping In Store?

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buyer's remorse

Last night I did a little damage at Sephora (in store) and I got home and I had complete and utter beauty buyer remorse because I did my hauling in store.

Why?

Because Ebates is having 8% back on purchases made at Sephora.com.

Plus there’s the 10% VIB code floating around at the moment and I just felt like “Man, I should have purchased this stuff online!”

I’m an online shopper for the most part. And just like video killed the radio star, at some point Internet will kill the retail stores. It already is though isn’t it?! I do want to help my local stores (especially smaller businesses) but I like the variety online more, the easy returns, and the lack of aggressive sales reps when I’m shopping at home, in my PJs, at 2AM.

How about you?

Do you ever have beauty buyer remorse after shopping in store and wish you had made the purchase online?

Do you ever consider returning the items and buying them online instead?

Do share!

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About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • FazfarmaNet

    I do want to help my local stores (especially smaller businesses) but I like the variety online more, the easy returns, and the lack of aggressive sales reps when I’m shopping at home, in my PJs, at 2AM.

  • amy

    I prefer shopping in-store, even if it means spending a little more. Honestly, saving 10% isn’t worth the inconvenience of having to arrange my schedule to either be home when the package arrives, reschedule delivery if I miss it (or worse, deal with the Post Office if sent USPS), etc… I do have a mailbox I pay for every month, but again, scheduling is an issue (the hours are limited). I just wish stores like Sephora & ULTA would focus more on niche brands inside of stores, especially the locations inside of malls. I also like to swatch things, and not worry about having to return if it doesn’t work, arrives damaged, wrong peoduct sent, etc…

    • Isabella Muse

      I agree Amy. I’d love to see more niche in store. I WAS SHOCKED to see Derek Lam in store last night as it does fall into the niche category! I am happy though to see more and more niche fragrances and beauty picks online at Sephora at least! It’s a nice refreshing change!

  • Codename Duchess

    Nope, never! When it comes to makeup, I prefer shopping in store. The only beauty purchases I make online are for stuff I can’t source locally. I know that probably means I might pay a little bit more for my stuff, but I just get more joy from going to the store and being able bring my goodies home with me that day than I do from placing online orders and waiting for stuff to come to me. Plus I tend to be way more indecisive about what I want when I shop online than when I shop in person. It takes me a lot longer to pull the trigger on a purchase when I haven’t had the opportunity to swatch something on my own skin.

  • Rebecca

    This is so me. I go to Sephora or Ulta looking for something I need to repurchase, which at Ulta is probably out of stock anyway, or to get a sample or look at something new, which again is probably not in stock in the store. In the meantime I fill my bag up with impulse buys or something the SA pushed on me, and then miss out on discounts, points rebates, free samples etc. that go along with an online purchase, and I end up not liking what I got because I didn’t read ingredients, check reviews, and do the other homework that usually accompanies online purchases.
    The other pitfall is shopping when I’m feeling down and buying things to cheer myself up. That fabulous lipstick has never once changed my life but I remain optimistic!
    Thank goodness for generous return policies!

  • Christina

    All the time, and it’s usually with my beauty purchases! Hey, ebates is money back, so 8% adds up when you’re making a big purchase. 🙂

    • Isabella Muse

      haha glad I’m not alone. I got home last night and I was like “$h1t! I should have got this all online!”

      • Brady

        Hi Isabella,

        I almost ALWAYS purchase online for Sephora…or as my friends and I like to call them “Sephys” ;-). My MAIN reason is that when you purchase in store, you are NEVER offered the 3 samples you get online! I actually have to ASK for samples, even though I am a VIB Rouger. And then the samples are just random stuff under the counter….it’s not like you have a nice variety to choose from like you do online. I also like the online purcashing because you can choose all sorts of specials they have or use your points for bonus stuff, etc. I have endlessly complained about the lack of sample selection with in store purchases but to no avail. I will go IN Sephys just to look at color selections or for a sample, but then I purchase online. My 2nd reason, is, yes, the Ebates!! Love them and use them for virtually everything I purchase online!! 🙂

      • Ashley

        Ebates now has the ability to give cash back in store as well. Check out the site for more information. We don’t have a Sephora here so I have to do all my shopping for them online but we do have an Ulta and I still prefer to get it online because like someone stated above they’re usually out of stock and the sales staff just doesn’t seem very knowledgeable.

  • Elisa

    Interesting question!Honestly I have beauty buyer remorse when after shopping online! I usually buy more than I would do in a retail store : for example to avoid shipping cost I can add an extra item, or I buy a lipstick / eyeshadow colour that doesn’t work for me or is different than what expected. At the end you spend more than planned and maybe you’ll get some stuff you are not going to use!
    Yes, sales reps are not bothering you and you can shop online at any hour and with any outfit 😉 but I enjoy as well going outside and stroll in the city!
    That’s why I usually buy online only brands I can find nowhere else.

    • Isabella Muse

      This is so true Elisa! I always buy more online than in stores! Actually everything you said is true! it really is nice being out and about 😀

  • Tatiana

    I don’t really feel buyer’s regret in that I regret not buying something online. I actually prefer shopping in store because I get to test different products and see how the shades look or how it swatches which is very important since most o my regrets are because the shade of a product was just not what I was expecting because I wasn’t able to test it first.

    (Also I just feel buyer’s remorse after pretty much every purchase, beauty or none. I guess I’m just frugal.)

  • Moda31

    Generally no, because I’m super impatient about waiting to try out new beauty products; as soon as I hit the “place order” button, I hate that I don’t already have it. With Sephora specifically, I definitely do, just because my nearest brick and mortar store is an hour away, so I have to be super sure that it’s a keeper, because returning it will be a huge pain.

  • Gillie

    Particularly for Sephora, I love the in-store experience because I can swatch, test, explore, etc.

    However, I love ordering online, too, because I am guaranteed to get at least 3 samples with an order, though there’s usually a promo code for an extra mini or curated set of samples. The SA’s at my Sephora aren’t consistent about giving samples, and some of them get snotty if I ask, so I don’t bother.

    Lastly, I think Sephora’s selection of BI rewards is better online. I usually end up with more samples and minis than the number of things I actually purchase. I know some people don’t like samples, but I think they’re fun!

  • Kristy

    The only thing that I don’t like is that the store most of the time doesn’t offer free samples and a gift like online does. I prefer to shop in store but I wish sephora would also give out samples and the little gifts you can get online.

  • Lorraine

    Hmm..I truly like both ways. I love the instant gratification of shopping in stores but I’ll order online if I’m getting a better deal that way.
    I only order beauty purchases online sans searching in person if I have to, like if it’s a brand not locallly available. In that case I research it like crazy , looking up searches and reviews before spending my money.
    I often feel a little buyers remorse even if I like what I got because I don’t like spending a lot of money at once on something I don’t *need*. It just makes me a little guilty!

  • Kimmwc03

    Hmm, good question. I have had remorse with Sephora since they make it so much nicer to shop online with all the samples, promotions and discount codes. But I do like to go to the store and try things and get out of the house for awhile. I usually get ignored for the most part at the stores I go to a lot. The only time I’ve gotten sales pressure recently was the first time I went to Blue Mercury and I walked out with over $100 of Laura Mercier stuff that I rarely use.

  • TropicalChrome

    I still prefer shopping in stores for many reasons:

    – I can see the actual product in actual real lighting conditions rather than just beauty shots online. I can’t tell you how many times the actual product looks so different when I have it in hand.
    – Returns are a lot easier and cheaper in person. Most of the stores I purchase from regularly are on my usual shopping routes, so if I don’t like something I know I’ll be back that way next week. Instead of having to find a box (because most of the boxes online purchases are sent in in are so cheap and flimsy they arrive damaged beyond reuse), box it up, fill out forms, make a special trip to the post office, and then pay extra to return it.
    – I hate paying for shipping and tax. If I want to avoid paying shipping, I have to order far more than I’m usually looking to buy. And half the time, the staples I’d round out my order with are in store only (I’m looking at you, Ulta.)
    – 90% of the time, the free samples are nothing I’d ever use.
    – Maybe it’s because I’m of a certain age, but I rarely receive any sales pressure. In fact, I often have to hunt down a salesperson if I have a question.

    This isn’t to say I don’t shop online – I do, but mostly for items I can’t get easily in person.

  • mirandagrosvenor

    I hate shopping online and avoid it if I possibly can. Tiny percentages off, miniscule samples of things I often have no interest in and worst of all, the pain in the butt-ness of returning something that doesn’t work (anything, not just makeup) don’t make up for knowing what I am getting when I see it in-store. My online cosmetic shopping is mostly confined to things that are discontinued and I know what I’m getting.

    With all the issues that Amazon has had with third-party seller confusion and exposure of their very poor record of employee treatment, I suspect the bloom will be off the internet rose sooner rather than later. The upscale catalog boom in the early 1990s was very similar. At some point, people want to get the hell out of the house.

  • anna

    I much prefer shoping for sephora online than in stores. I can shop in my pjs at midnight after I get offa work. I also have the flash shipping. Plus their gift with purchases are great and I have my husbands credit card saved so it’s just so frickin easy. Maybe to easy lol

  • koolchicken

    I do for sure, but if that happens I just make a return. For me getting the best deal possible is like a sport. I clearly have too much time on my hands, but I love it. Sales, coupons, GWP, you figure these things are all offered at some point, so why not search them out? I do actually have the time to put into it and it’s not hard. And sometimes those higher end GWP make good gifts, I always save some for my sister. Just look at the stuff Nordstrom offers as a GWP, half the time Sephora is selling similar stuff come Christmas as a “Value” kit. It’s an even better value if you get it for free. 🙂

    So I want, and I save, then I have, twice as much for half as much. I travel all the time, yet I’ve never had to buy or even refill my favorite Living Proof hair products (I go away as much as once a month). I never have to buy my travel Fresh or L’Occitane face washes and moisturizers, same with the body washes and lotions. I have a second bathroom literally crammed with this stuff. I’m not paying for something people are going to give me for free. I actually left out Matrix hair products and Tarte bronzers for my guests this week. Why shouldn’t they benefit too?

  • dia

    I personally prefer shopping for beauty products online. The Sephora near me is always crazy packed – like you cannot walk through the store; you have to squish between people and mumble “excuse me” a dozen times to get from one end of the store to the other. The Ulta closest to me is a mess. Half the colors for their prestige (i.e. non-drugstore) brands are always out of stock, and a lot of packages are opened and tested. When I order online, I get to pick exactly what I want, and I don’t have to worry about the product having been opened/tested.

  • Kate

    Much prefer in person shopping, certainly for things like cosmetics/perfumes where color and scent is of utmost importance.
    I am lucky to live where I can be at any store within 5-10 minutes so that certainly makes a difference

  • Susan

    I shop for a lot of beauty products online these days. Mostly because I got fed up with going to the Ulta and Sephora stores in my area and finding that the items I wanted were out of stock! Plus I hate the fact that depending on the packaging you have to worry about store bought products being opened / tried. I am a germaphobe!

    I do still go to a physical store if I’m trying a new foundation type product for purposes of shade matching in person.

  • danadoo

    Well, there’s no sephora in my city, and i’m just not up for an hour long car trip after working a 12 hour shift, so online shopping in my pj’s it is!

  • Katherine T.

    I like shopping online for the convenience, discounts, free samples, no lines, and no SAs hovering over you. But I also like to go in-store for the experience –swatching colors, testing samples, finding stuff that’s out-of-stock online, finding new stuff. If I’m buying foundation, concealer, or some tricky shade of lipstick/shadow, must go to store.

  • S

    Honestly? Sometimes I will go to the store and check things out, see if I like them in person and if I’m not bombarded then I will purchase in store but I keep getting asked if I need help (I know it’s their job, I’ve done retail) it sets my anxiety off and I’d just rather purchase online. Plus online sometimes there are discount codes that you can’t use in store.

  • Bella

    Hi,

    I never shop online. I work downtown and can always pop in either Sephora or Nordstrom. I like to see, touch and sample make up before buying. Especially for skin care items, I always ask for samples to try at home so that I can see if I like it! People don’t realize that Sephora does this too.

  • Annette

    Yes, I have buyers remorse. Today I see you can save 20% off all prestige brands online only at Ulta. A couple of days ago I went into Ulta and purchased a couple Urban Decay Gwen Stefani lipsticks and prior to that the new Bare Minerals Skin Longevity face products. I will be returning them today and rebuying all this online. Ughhhh…

  • Marie

    When I shop at Sephora and Ulta I prefer to shop – online. Which is what I do the majority of the time. The reasons are, the sales people are pretty rude at both (not friendly at all at the Sephora and IF you are able find a sales person at our Ulta most of the time they aren’t friendly). The other reason is, I really like samples and neither of the local Sephora or Ulta give you any samples when you make a purchase.

  • 80sChicWithGlasses

    I prefer both. If it’s a repurchase item I will buy online because I know it works. If it’s something new, I will wait and check it out in the store. Esp. trying a new foundation, or watching blush/ shadow colors or formula. I have also swatched in the store and then go home and order it online. It’s such a huge inconvenience to have to drive to the mall, hassle with parking and go inside to buy 1 or 2 things. Then, if I change my mind to go back and deal with it all again. However, nothing worse than drooling for a package to arrive only to find it broken and color ALL OVER the place…have to call and send it back to wait for what seems like forever to get back to you. Pros and cons of both, I suppose 🙂

  • Jeri S

    I prefer shopping in store because I like to see and feel what I am buying. Is that moisturizer really greasy? Is that eye shadow too sparkly? Is that lipstick color too bright? And I am lucky to have both a Sephora and an Ulta just five minutes away, but the bad news is that they frequently do not have the items I want in stock so I am forced to order online and hope for the best,

  • genevieve

    I like shopping instore because I can see and feel the product for myself – especially foundations, blushes and even skincare items. I like the samples they give you so that you can test it out yourself at home.
    However I do buy most of my eye shadow palettes online because we simply cannot get them here in Australia. So it’s a mixture of both worlds. I don’t think retail shops will ever disappear because lots of people still prefer to go to the shops and see it for themselves.

  • Cindy

    I almost *ALWAYS* remember while I’m in-store that I can buy online with more benefits. Unless it’s a small purchase, I buy online all the way! I don’t like being bothered by salespeople unless I have a question. If I’m in a store like Sephora and I see something I like (and Ulta doesn’t have it) I’ll use the Sephora app and put it on my “loves” list for a possible future purchase. I’m all about the $$ back. Ulta is always a first choice because their points program turns into $$ that I can use to buy ANYTHING in the store with. I use EBates, which racks up $$ over time and I use my Discover card which has a Discover Deals program. Most times Discover Deals offer more cash back than EBates (but I always look to see who is offering more first). With the $$ back from Discover you have options on how to use it, but I like to spend it at Amazon. Last year I saved up enough cash back and Amazon gift cards to get a Kindle Voyage for free, and this year I saved up enough to get a new digital camera w/accessories that I’ve been wanting. So for me it’s DEFINITELY worth it to shop online and get the $$ back. Sometimes Discover Deals offer as much as 10% on Ulta and Sephora. This weekend Ulta sent out a 20% coupon good on prestige brands (to use online only) and I used it to get some of the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani lipsticks. I’m getting another 5% back on my Discover card. Between both discounts the lipsticks are costing $13.30 each. Worth it? YES.

  • dark_nyx

    Uh…yeah! Just about EVERYTHING I buy. I’ll see cute clothes or makeup from Japan in an Asian mall and buy it, only to find it online later and see that it costs half of what I paid. WHY!?!? =[

  • Jes

    As a Sephora employee I feel like I need to encourage everyone to shop in store. The less money we make, the less I get to work. There are also fewer full time and management positions. I understand that there is a better variety online, but if something is available in your local store, please buy it there. Just because a store is an international chain doesn’t mean that shopping at your local Sephora won’t benefit your local economy. The more I get to work, the more money I make to spend in local establishments.

    • Codename Duchess

      I feel you on this! We didn’t have a Sephora in an area for a long time because I live in a smaller city, and it was a really big deal when they opened their first (and only, not including the SiJCP locations) location here in 2008. I shop in store both because I prefer buying in store and because I really want my location to stay open and keep investing in that store. If it closed, it’d be a long time before we got another store.

  • Iris

    I like shopping in store better than online. I can try the products, ask questions, and have instant gratification by taking my products home right away. The only times I shop online are when products are not available in store. I don’t like having to spend a certain amount to get free shipping (if it’s even available at all) and if the item/shop is non-Canadian, there’s the high exchange rate, high shipping, and possible import taxes.

  • Lauren

    I buy online unless it is a “need it now” thing, something I must swatch, or something small just for fun. But honestly, my online shopping has been reduced to in frequent massive hauls when I can use one of the VIB % offs, like in December. Also fun story: if you shop online you can’t inadvertently terrorize a small child. I picked up a glitter nail polish and forcefully shook it by the cap, not realizing the cap had a second decorative “cap” on it. The actual capped bottle flew out of my hands and shattered at the foot of a baby in a stroller, speckling the baby legs with glitter polish. I thought for sure some shards or something might have hit the baby. I was mortified and so apologetic to the mom. So yeah, maybe stores aren’t the best for me.

  • Justin

    I think you’re right ebate plus there’s online incentives. I shop in store if I need something right away or if I really want to test somethings first I’ll go in store