Are you more or less comfortable purchasing products online than a few years ago?

Definitely a lot more comfortable buying online since I make most of my purchases that way! That being said, my purchasing decisions come from me as a reviewer vs. me as a consumer. I think I’d be more comfortable/confident as a consumer, but I would still be cautious about preferring retailers with good return policies.

— Christine

6 Comments

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Kitty Avatar

Comfortable if the retailer allows for returns (including shipping costs, if applicable), has realistic swatches, and doesn’t charge too much (or anything, ideally) for shipping. Also if I can find some trustworthy reviews online. Otherwise, I rarely buy online.

Pearl Avatar

Thanks to Temptalia, my purchasing is much more strategic and I am well informed so I don’t really worry about any purchasing flops. Customer service, faster shipping and adequate packaging are my concerns and I do feel more confident buying online because I feel like brands/companies understand that online is just as viable as brick and mortar now. I’m not worried about a return policy though it is very helpful for the very few times I’ve needed to return/replace something (due to arriving damaged). Anything that arrives that I don’t like, I give a way.

Deborah S. Avatar

Living where I do, I am forced to purchase quite a bit on line. I am comfortable with purchasing most things, except foundation, unless it is a repurchase. I have a pretty good handle on what my preferences are, what shades work for me and what I can spend so it is convenient.

Ana Maria Avatar

I’m way more confident, but it’s mostly because I nowadays mostly repurchase things and I order from the same brands (so I know what to expect even for new releases). I know what I like, I know what looks good for me and I have learned how to interpret reviews, I got it all streamlined.

I have a low limit credit card I use only for these purposes, so I don’t worry that much about fraud.

Even if I go out in stores to swatch specific colors and texture, I end up doing most of my shopping online.

Genevieve Avatar

For the past several years I have been comfortable with online purchases of selected cosmetics. I had to be, otherwise there was no way that I could buy UD, bareMinerals, Tarantino and some Lancome products. These were just not available in any stores here… Same today for CP, Sydney Grace etc.
I remember scouring the internet to buy the bareMinerals The Playlist – I ended up purchasing it from a beauty shop in Ireland…lucky I did because I love it so much today.
The only product that I wouldn’t buy online would be a new foundation shade – that I would have to try myself. Otherwise I am happy ordering online – from trusted retailers.

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