Living in Australia, we’re used to being the ones who always arrive late to the game. While the rest of the world was happy clicking “add to cart” on Amazon for years, we sat here waiting until it finally rolled around in 2018. Same with Netflix, high-speed internet… the list goes on.
Australian beauty brands didn’t wait for the arrival of Amazon or other global brands to offer worldwide shipping. Instead, our local industry has been focused on ensuring we have quick and easy access not only to incredible local brands, but also international launches that one seemed inaccessbile.
For a list of the best online beauty stores to shop in Australia, keep reading. As an added bonus, you can feel good about shopping these brands by supporting local businesses.
RY (Recreate Yourself)
Launched in 2005 on the Gold Coast, RY is a haven of skincare, hair and beauty products. RY is a fully authorised retailer of all the brands it stocks, which is over 250 including Dermalogica, ghd, Cloud Nine, Skinstitut and Olaplex. “This means we can offer you the very latest in new product innovations alongside hundreds of exclusive deals, free gifts and product samples.”
The team at RY also provides industry-leading advice on the latest beauty trends and host regular Facebook Q&As to give you a chance to pose your questions to the team. RY offers a 120 day returns policy (as long as products haven’t been used or opened) and free delivery over $50.
Priceline
The very first Priceline store opened in Highpoint, Victoria in 1982. All these years later, Priceline is a leading health, beauty and leading retailer in Australia. While there are over 400 bricks and mortar Priceline stores across the country, the retailer also has an extensive online store.
Priceline stocks a plethora of affordable cosmetics, skincare and haircare products online from brands like Revlon, Sukin, Antipodes and Avene. Free standard shipping is available on all orders over $50, while orders under that amount include a $9.95 shipping fee.
Chemist Warehouse
Created in 2000 by Aussie pharmacist Jack Gance and his business associate Mario Verrocchi, Chemist Warehouse might not be a traditional beauty retailer but the range of makeup and skincare products it stocks is impressive. Entering a Chemist Warehouse store can be overwhelming, so shopping online is the easier option by far.
Browse brands like L’Oreal, Nude by Nature, La Roche-Posay and Olay online at Chemist Warehouse and often the prices offered by the retailer are some of the most competitive you’ll find. “Our great savings on products are due to aggressive pricing and larger volumes of trade,” the Chemist Warehouse website reads.
Shipping costs $8.95 for orders under $50, while orders over that amount receive free delivery.
Adore Beauty
Basically an online beauty warehouse, Adore Beauty is one of Australia’s biggest beauty retailers. Stocking over two hundred global brands, Adore Beauty thinks of itself as a democracy, letting customers control which brands and items get listed on the site. The online store’s selection “includes high-end department store brands, professional salon brands, hard-to-find cult brands, and everyday affordable brands. So you can mix and match to your heart’s content.”
After borrowing $12,000 in early 2000 to start the brand from her garage, the site’s founder, Kate Morris, has quickly become one of Australia’s leading businesswomen. Leave it to fans to praise the brand, as it’s been one of the leading forces in bringing the best of the best overseas products to our shores (and makeup bags.)
Mecca Cosmetica
Australian owned and operated, Mecca Cosmetica is one of the most beloved makeup brands in the country. With both storefront and online operations, every beauty aficionado is well versed in what the store has to offer. Offering an exclusive list of over one hundred brands, Mecca’s focus on high-quality items has earned it a luxurious reputation.
Celebrating two decades in business, it’s safe to stay that Mecca will be around for years to come. What began as one expertly-curated store in Melbourne in 1997 has now grown to 90 Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima stores across the country.
Gritty Pretty
Not your average online store, Gritty Pretty magazine and online beauty shop is for the biggest — and most in-the-know makeup and skincare fans. According to the brand’s site, “It is for the woman who is confident and assertive in her own style but wants to learn more about beauty trends, techniques, products and innovations.” We couldn’t agree more.
Created in 2010 by the beauty editor Eleanor Pendleton, the brand has won several awards and only continues to grow. One look at the site gives you the impression you’re looking at a magazine but the added shopping experience will help you find beauty favourites that you’ll come to rely on for years to come.
Read more stories from The Latch and follow us on Facebook.
