How to Shop for Makeup When You Can’t Test It

Do Your Research

Combing through product reviews and social media is a great way to find other people who have bought a product you have your eye on and have either swatched it, reviewed it, taken a photo with it on or all of the above. Looking for a beauty blogger or a fellow makeup enthusiast who has a similar skin tone and aesthetic can be especially helpful in discovering new products that have a high chance of working well for you. 

Sign Up for Loyalty Programs

Joining a brand or retailer’s loyalty program is an easy way to get samples of products you might be curious to try but aren’t ready to pull the trigger on. Through Essie’s loyalty program with CVS, for example, the brand gifts customers a full-size nail polish after the purchase of four bottles. IT Cosmetics’ Love IT Rewards program also offers special perks like samples to customers. 

Know the Return Policy

Shopping retailers with good return policies has always been helpful when buying beauty products, but it’s even more important now that in-store testers are a thing of the past (at least for now). Ulta, for example, offers free returns within 180 days of the purchase date, even if you opened and tried the product.