Benefit Cosmetics

Full review
BeneFit has some great cosmetics and I often buy them at Sephora but I have made a few purchases at Benefit Cosmetics Online Store and was pleased with my experiences.

What the Site Sells

Benefit Cosmetics Online Store sells Benefit cosmetics, skin care, and fragrances. Almost everything they sell is on the site except for special kits and such that individual sites sometimes sell. Their most popular and newest items are showcased, as are their consistent sellers.

Navigation

The site is inviting. If you like their products, you will love seeing the many choices on the front page. Usually their newest offering is showcased along with their most popular items.

When you get past the front page, the site is very simple in white with just a touch of color. Nothing flashes or drives you crazy. You can browse or shop in peace.

You can click on the category links: What's New, Top Sellers, Make Up, Skin & Body Care, Fragrance, Fake-Its & Fix-Its, and Tips & Treats. The last link doesn't sell products. It is informational with tips, the story of Benefit, and other media.

You can do a keyword search as well to find what you need.

Drop down boxes appear when you mouse over each category and then you can choose a subcategory to browse.

Choosing a product brings up an enlargeable photo and a good description. No ingredient lists though.

They have some links to related products on the bottom that you can click.

If you want an item, pick a shade (If necessary) and add it to your cart.

When you are finished shopping, head to the checkout.

There are usually shipping specials - free shipping over a certain dollar amount - as well as free gifts with purchase so definitely check for promotions on this site through a google search. Shipping is free for orders over $65.00 at the moment.

At checkout, if you are a returning customer, you will enter your email and password. If you're new, just enter your email address and you will pick a password later in the process.

Fill out your information and check to be sure your order is correct. Then use your Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover card to complete your purchase. You also will put any promo code in the box on that page.

You will have a chance to be sure all is as it should be before you click to complete your transaction.

You will get a confirmation email with your order details. You can track your orders on the site.

Usually it takes under a week to get your order, which is nicely packed. I received a free sample with my last order which I didn't know was coming. I love those samples!

My Experience

I only will shop on the site when they have a promotion or free shipping. I never paid shipping for an order. I also received a few gifts with purchase which were nice extras.

Because the prices are the same on the site as they are on other sites that sell their products, I will shop where shipping is free or less than the standard shipping charges on this site unless Benefit is having a good special. I pledge loyalty to no site!

However, when I have shopped at Benefit Cosmetics, I have had positive experiences.

The products were as described and came quickly. Packing was good and communication was fine.

I once had to return a product to the site because the shade was wrong and I called customer service. They were friendly and told me to send the item back and they made a note of the shade I wanted in exchange. My exchange arrived quickly and I was not charged shipping for it.

In all, I had fine experiences on the Benefit site but won't pay the slightly higher than I want to pay shipping costs. I'll wait for the promotions!

Shipping and Returns

When there are no shipping specials going on, the rates as of this writing are:

Standard shipping $4.49 plus $0.99 per item
Second day shipping $8.99 plus $0.99 per item
Next day air shipping $14.99 plus $0.99 per item

Returns are accepted with your invoice within 30 days of purchase. They reserve the right to refuse items that have obviously been heavily used. Shipping is non-refundable.

Contact Info

They have an onsite email form for questions and feedback.

Customer Service: 1-800-781-2336

Mailing Address:

Benefit Cosmetics
685 Market St. 7th floor
San Francisco, CA 94105

Conclusion

This site doesn’t offer live help or any of the perks that some large sites do but it has a load of unique cosmetics and skin care and customer service is solid.

Most items are in stock and arrive quickly.

Prices are the same as they are all over the net so you won't get a deal per se but, when they have free shipping promotions and gifts with purchase deals, it's worth shopping on the site. Plus, they have a decent returns policy.

I shop at Benefit Cosmetics Online Store now and then. I am sure I will be back to shop there again. I give it 4 stars. I am not a fan of their regular shipping costs but luckily, they have promotions running quite often.