Buying Cosmetics on EBay

Germs and Infections can be passed on via cosmetics. All those "don't share mascara" rules apply all the more to strangers. Make sure that mascaras have not been tried and whenever possible. Icky stuff like Staff infections can pass from person to person with wet eye makeup like crèmes and mascaras that have been used by someone else. Skip over mascaras or wet crème products that have been tried as well as pre-used lipsticks that provide a great host for various infections. When possible stick with cosmetics that are overwrapped and sealed.

Crème de La Mer and Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Touch Éclat are two products that are rumored to have had occurrences of counterfeits on eBay that sell for a high but cheaper than retail price. If the price is too good, there is likely a reason. Check the feedback of this person and see how often they are accused of selling fakes. Usually such accusations occur several times if the product is not authentic. Some people sell samples they got in the store, and some sell samples in large quantities which can be a bargain. Many people sell the "GWP" or gift with purchase items they get with other purchases, especially if they have no use for the gift promo or want to defray the cost of the item they actually wanted. If you just purchase items to get the gift with purchase, you can often find the gift with purchase at a reasonable cheaper price on eBay soon after the gift with purchase promo has started.

Perfumes are generally a safe bet, but they can be old or oxidized. Learn about how creams and perfumes can oxidize in this article "How To Tell If Your Shampoo, Anti-aging Creams and Lotions Have Gone Bad". Perfumes may be available for auction if they were received as an unwanted gift. Personally, I do not mind if a perfume is used if it is in a spray bottle and the seller has good feedback that they are clean and neat, but it is important to make sure it is not so old so as to have changed the scent.

Try to stick to sellers that have a picture of the product. Try to deal with sellers who have multiple of products and good feedback. This way you are less likely to get someone's once tried. Also, people's idea of "new" may not be your idea of new - if you have any questions about if a product has been opened, ask what is the status of the product. Has it been tried with a clean sponge? Has it been "tried on the hand" but not used on the face? Did they touch it with a clean swab or sponge, but did not "double dip" and apply the dirty sponge or swab back on the product? Is the product very old and likely to be dried out or not fresh? These all fit into some peoples' definition of new, but many products are not what are not "new" like you would get in the store so proceed accordingly.

Some perfectly good products are for sales that are irregulars or a dented box. This can be legitimate seller who just cannot sell the item in their boutique because it is dented. Sometimes a company changes packaging but the product is intact. If you are attracted to a price but do not know why it is for sale for such a good price, ask the seller and check their feedback.
Decide what items will travel well or not. In the hot sun, creams and lipsticks can melt. Perfumes in glass bottles can crack or even break in freezing weather. Make sure to check if you find the shipping costs reasonable and that your item will be adequately packaged if it is a breakable item.

Assess the return policy, and if they do accept returns, evaluate if you could potentially be getting an item returned by someone else.