5 Beauty Products You Should Think Twice About Before Buying Online

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

We here at Racked National love shopping online for everything from shoes to hair accessories. But when it comes to beauty, there are a couple of things that you might be better off picking out in person. Five products to beware of, below:

1. Foundation
Even if you think it is going to match and you’ve used the exact same shade before, tread carefully. Some companies gently tweak their color formulas over time. Age and wear can also alter your products slightly, so this is one of those things you should consider always buying in person.

2. Fragrance
Fragrance is commonly knocked off, and if you're not buying from a reputable site, you never know when you're going to end up with a bottle diluted with water or mixed with something else. Perfume is also a very individual decision, and no number of reviews or recommendations can tell you if you're going to love it or not. If you’re buying a fragrance you haven't smelled yet, you run the risk of hating it and not being able to get a refund or send it back.

3. Makeup brushes
If you're buying straight from a retailer you know and trust, it's probably okay. But the web is full of synthetic brushes advertised as made from real hair or low-quality ones with fancy labels slapped on the side. At best, the wrong brush is an inconvenience; at worst, it could set off your allergies or irritate sensitive skin.

4. Super bright or bold colors
If you regularly rock lime green shadow, go ahead and stock up on more. But if you're branching out into a shocking new look for the first time, you're better off testing it out at a makeup counter or getting advice from a professional before you blow your money on something that winds up gathering dust in your bathroom.

5. Anything that has been prescribed to you
If you have a skin or hair condition that requires a prescription product, get that filled at your pharmacy and not at an online retailer. It's not worth the risk, even if you’re going to save money.

· Shop Here: Racked National's 38 Favorite Beauty Sites [Racked]
· All Beauty Week coverage [Racked]