If there's one thing I have when I'm traveling, it's enter pharmacies along the way. Take your time to look through all the makeup and hair product aisles, comparing prices and seeing what’s new.
Maaas, I know that many people don't have the availability or patience to look store by store, and that it would be much more practical to know where to go and buy everything possible on the list at once.
After many walks through the beauty sections, I have already learned that wet n wild is cheaper at Rite Aid, that the best place to buy elf is at Target, and that everyone should sign up for Sephora's loyalty program.
With that in mind, I've put together my recommendations for where to buy makeup in the United States! There are four places that are super easy to find anywhere in the country, and Each of them has different brands and prices to please everyone!
Where to buy makeup in the United States
Sephora
Suitable for: Who searches for brands high-end or luxury.
Probably the best-known store, after all it is a global franchise that is even present in Brazil.
It sells several well-known brands such as Kat Von D, Tarte, Too Faced, NARS, Hourglass, Urban Decay. If you intend to invest in makeup in this price range, it is likely that a visit to the store will complete your entire list at once. Unlike the Brazilian online store, they do not sell MAC* either online or in physical stores.
You can ask to try all the products and even for samples! Just ask one of the sellers and they will put it in a little jar for you to take home. for free.
If you are going to make large purchases and can get by in English, ask to register with Beauty Club American. You don't need to be a resident of the country and you still accumulate points for each item purchased.
Unlike the proposal in Brazil, in the USA the prizes are very affordable and start at 100 points. They often run promotions worth 4 times more points, so it's not too difficult to exchange products. In the month of your birthday you even get a free gift!
The website is also sensational, and in addition to scoring in the Beauty Club you can choose three free samples per purchase. They do not accept Brazilian cards, only Paypal.
*Remembering that MAC is tested on animals.
Pharmacies
Recommended for: Those looking for some cheap brands.
On the main networks (CVS, Walgreens, Rite aid) you can find brands like L'oreal, Maybelline, Revlon... And also wonderful ones like elf, Milani and wet n wild, which in addition to having very high quality products are also cruelty-free.
Haven't heard of any of them yet? So check out the post with 7 cheap makeup brands to buy in the USA!
If you have time, it's worth visiting some pharmacies before making your purchases, as the price tends to vary a lot depending on location. The further away from prime areas and tourist attractions, the better.
Sometimes they have incredible promotions for those who have a store card, and just do it! You don't need to be a resident and they practically don't ask for any documents. The other day I got an offer for 40% off all wet products n wild.
Ulta
Suitable for: Who wants to buy makeup high-end and cheap ones in one place.
Ulta is a hidden paradise that many Brazilian women still don't know about. It's a mix of a pharmacy and Sephora, because you can find so much US$5 and US$50 products.
The number of brands of each type is smaller, so if you want a specific product it's a good idea to check the website to see if they really sell it. NARS, Anastasia Beverly Hills and Hourglass, for example, are not found there.
They have a great selection of brushes, with Real Techniques, ecotools and elf, and are a great place to shop lesser-known brands like essence.
There is also a loyalty card and they return the points for credit towards your future purchases! You can even get some products for free (ok, you need to spend a lot before that).
Department store - Target e Walmart
Recommended for: Who wants cheap brands for an even better price.
My favorites, without a doubt. Although they do not specialize in beauty, the selection of products and brands is very large. Half of my makeup drawer was purchased at Target.
Don't know what to buy? Then check out this post with the 10 best makeup dupes to buy in the United States!
They are the best places to buy cruelty-free products, as they have exclusive brands such as Pixi Beauty, Sonia Kashuk and Flower Beauty. Additionally, they also tend to have aisles of “natural” skin care products, with brands like Dr. Bronner's, Yes to Carrots and Alba.
If you only have one day to buy everything and your focus is cheap makeup, I recommend you stop by the biggest Target or Walmart you can find! They tend to be a little further away from the centers, as they are huge and popular stores.
Do you have any other suggestions on where to buy makeup in the United States? Didn't know any yet? Tell me in the comments!
Hello! I loved the tips! I will continue following you!
That's great, Rose! Welcome 😀
Wow, how cool, I loved the tips!!! You do a great job, thank you for making these tips available to us, wow!!!
Glad you liked it <3
Hi Alyssa! All good?!
I'm going to travel to New York this year, and I wanted to know if I could find Morphe and CoulorPop in any physical store.
Thank you!
Hi Vanessa! Unfortunately, these brands only sell online through the official website! 🙁 But most hotels accept packages and both sites accept purchases with international cards or Paypal! Have a nice trip 😀
Good afternoon, I loved the tips!!! I want to buy Morphe palettes, I'm going to Orlando and NY, do you know where I can find them?
Hi, Pamela! Morphe only sells online, so you will need to buy on the website and have it delivered to your hotel! 🙂
Hi Alyssa, do you know the websites that deliver in Brazil, the brand Anastacia, Huda, Urban Decay?
Hi, Rogéria!
To buy Anastasia I would choose Beauty Bay. It is reliable and delivers to Brazil and if I'm not mistaken shipping is free.
I already bought Urban Decay at Brigettes boutique, but I know it also sells at Loja Glamourosa (which is in Portugal). I've already bought there twice and everything was fine. Last time I looked, they even had a shipping option that covered costs if the purchase was taxed at customs.
Only Huda Beauty that I don't know where to find to deliver in Brazil. I think the best chances would be at import stores (although they are price gouging) or buying at Sephora and using a redirection service, like Shipito.
I hope it helps you!
Kisses and thanks for the comment!!
Hello Alyssa, do you know the websites that deliver in Brazil, the brand Anastácia, Huda, Urban Decay, Morphe and Milani? that they are trustworthy. Have you ever been taxed on large purchases?
Hi Bruna!
That deliver these brands in Brazil, I think Beauty Bay is the best choice. I've been taxed on small purchases in some stores, I think it depends more on the season and the packaging... I practically never made large purchases, but Beauty Bay sent a huge box when I bought it and it went through without any problems!
Hi, I loved your suggestions. Have you ever bought makeup at tree dollar stores? Everything costs $1. I'm going to travel to New York and I'm going to stay near one of these stores. I don't know this store. You know?
Hi, Cleide!
I've never bought makeup, but I've already bought several wet n wild brushes from the white and pink collection! These stores have lots of finds, just look carefully!
Have a good trip and take the opportunity to stop by Ricky's, a great beauty store full of cheap brands!
Hi Alyssa! I found her blog and I think it's great!! Do you have a list of the best stores to buy clothes and makeup products and the best brands in NYC? Thank you very much 🙂
Thais, I definitely need to write a post on the subject! Off the top of my head I remember Ricky's and Duane Reade/Walgreens for cheap makeup, Sephora and Ulta for more expensive brands like Tarte, Urban Decay, Becca, etc. Clothes depend a lot on the style, for working out I like to look in stores like Ross and Tj Max which have brands like Nike and Adidas for great prices. There's also the biggest Forever XXI ever in the middle of Times Square and a huge Victoria's Secret next to the Empire State Building. If you want good prices, I recommend taking a bus to Jersey's Garden, an outlet in New Jersey. It's quick and there are lots of cool stores, including VS with bras for US$10!!!
I'll think more calmly about the matter and send you an email with more tips, kisses!!