As an avowed beauty-product junkie, I found that Sephora.com set the
standard in this category.
Like Sephora's retail stores, the site offers a plethora of beauty
products and gadgets. Its biggest draw is the many cosmetic lines not
widely available in local department stores. Looking for BeneFit's new
"Kitten Goes to Paris," featured in the latest issue of your favorite
fashion magazine? Here's the place to get it.
You can shop by brand or product category. A special section of gift
suggestions for women, men, teens and little ones offers surprising
variety. Sephora's own line of products is also available. A nice
plus?a prepaid merchandise return label is included with your order.
My second favorite is FragranceNet.com, unparalleled for bargains on all
things good-smelling, for men and women alike. It's not always the
cheapest, but its diverse inventory compensates. There are classics such
as Chanel No. 5?at 7 percent below retail?and newer fragrances such as
DKNY New York and Gucci Rush. Free shipping and gift-wrap on all items
are big pluses. All fragrances are the real thing.
Beautyjungle.com is another favorite. Like Sephora, it offers an
incredible inventory, including several European lines. The site is
running a 30-percent-off preholiday sale, as well as free domestic
shipping. Lots of free gift-with-purchase deals are available. Also
recommended is the popular line of MAC cosmetics, available at
www.maccosmetics.com.
Make sure you check out return policies. Sites that offer free returns
are best for experimental purchases. Most offer e-gift certificates. And
it does pay to comparison shop. If you like products from a particular
line, then its Web site is your best bet.
Many of these sites also offer great gifts for all genders and ages,
such as candles, bath products and even jewelry.
– Victoria Benning
Other Category Comparison Charts:
Dep't Stores |
Beauty |
Books |
Clothing |
Computers |
Electronics |
Food |
Movies |
Music |
Toys
Online Holiday Shopping Stories:
Return to the Lead story, or read about:
Decking the Halls With a Mouse;
Avoiding Pitfalls;
Shopbots;
Foreign Purchases;
Online Greetings;
Customizing Gifts;
Comparison Shopping
