Safely Buy Cosmetics on eBay

Have you considered buying cosmetics from eBay, but didn't because you couldn't be sure you'd get something new and never used? That's a valid concern in makeup, because you put it on your face, your eyes, and your lips. You don't want bacteria from someone else there! But there are good reasons to shop for cosmetics on eBay. You can get items you want for less than retail prices. If your favorite shades have been discontinued, you might find them on eBay. And if you really wanted a special edition item but got to the department store too late, you can probably get it on eBay.

To be sure that you're getting quality, new products, try to find sellers who are business people and buy their products from a wholesaler. Because they have no overhead to speak of, their prices can be a lot less than retail. Start by making sure that the seller is a "Top Rated Seller." If you're looking at a list, you'll see a gold medal in the line; if you're looking at the listing, you'll see it in the box on the upper right. EBay doesn't hand those out to every seller; they have to keep high sales and high positive feedback levels to keep that title, so you can be pretty sure that they're trustworthy. Sales should be over 2000 and positive feedback should be over 98%.

Next, read the seller's feedback. You'll find out if they ship quickly, if they package carefully, if they resolve problems promptly, and other things that you need to know. If you don't see things like that, you shouldn't assume that they aren't good but you can assume their customers weren't blown away by their awesomeness. If you see multiple positives from one buyer, you can assume the seller is good enough that the buyer went back for more, always a good sign.

An eBay store listed on the item listing is another indication that the seller buys from a wholesaler. If you've shopped for anything on eBay, you probably know that "NIB" means New In Box, another possible indication that the item came from a wholesaler. Bear in mind that some items are sold, even by wholesalers, in sets, and if they set is broken up, the lipsticks or eyeshadows may not have a box not because they were used, but because they never had a box to begin with. A seller who buys wholesale should have a lot of products from two or more lines.

If the listing looks like this one and indicates that the seller has a lot of one item, you can safely assume she uses a wholesaler. Some sellers who buy from wholesalers only list one of something of which they have 10 at a time, then list another when the first one sells. Never hesitate to ask the seller if they have more of a specific item. Also, never hesitate to ask a seller if he's a real business and uses a wholesaler. The worst that can happen is you won't get an answer, and you'll know not to buy there.

If you find that must-have lipstick, but the seller has a score of 201 and 95% positive feedback, and no one else has it, go for it, but when it arrives, clean the product with a piece of gauze moistened with rubbing alcohol. If you buy a "new"eyeshadow, blush, or foundation that looks used, contact the seller and send it back. Take a photo of it before you send it. If the seller refuses to give you a refund, take the issue to eBay, and they'll resolve it for you. DON'T buy or use mascara or eyeliner if you aren't absolutely certain that it's new and never used. The risk of eye contamination is just too high.

So what's stopping you now? Look for your favorite brand at eBay!