Skip the Trip to Sephora, These 8 Stores Have Better Beauty Products

These days, you have many choices for places to go when you’re looking for the best skincare, hair care, and nail care products. You can walk down the aisles of almost any grocery store or retailer like Walmart and find great products. However, many folks like to bring their skincare and beauty needs to the next level by trying a high-end company like Sephora for their needs. However, while Sephora offers a great selection, they’re far from the only game in town. In fact, it may be time to skip Sephora and try some of these other stores, many of which sell better beauty products.

From major competitors like Ulta Beauty and Nordstrom to some of the up-and-coming stores like Birchbox and Beauty Bay, there’s a lot out there to discover. We’ve compiled some of these great stores here along with some of their best products. We hope you find something you like.

Ulta Beauty

One of the Sephora competitors with better beauty products is Ulta Beauty. The store has had a major impact on the industry, and many people consider it to be amongst their favorites. They sell products for all beauty needs and from all the major manufacturers.

Why You Should Shop Here

You should shop at Ulta Beauty, because they have something for everyone. Ulta is known for both high-end and affordable brands, so everyone can shop there. They also put an emphasis on the customer experience, so you’ll feel truly special when you walk in the front door. Go there for makeup, haircare, and skincare products.

Nordstrom

Many people are familiar with Nordstrom, and it’s for good reason. This is a great store with a lot to offer, and they just get better with time. They sell beauty products plus clothing, accessories, and home decor. Nordstrom doesn’t try to be like Sephora. Instead, Sephora tries to be like Nordstrom. However, we say stick with the original.

Why You Should Shop Here

Nordstrom has some of the best beauty products on the market. Many of them are high-end, which makes them great for customers searching for premium beauty products. When you go into Nordstrom, you’ll typically get personalized service so you get the products that are best for your needs.

L’Oreal

You’ve likely seen commercials for L’Oreal on TV and that’s because they’re always putting out great new products. They have their headquarters in France, where the fragrances and beauty products are top notch. If you want to show off to your friends and the people at work, L’Oreal is the place to go.

Why You Should Shop Here

There are many reasons why people like L’Oréal. For one, the company cares about how their customers look. That’s why their tagline is “Because You’re Worth It.” The company offers a wide range of beauty products, many of which are made from sustainable materials. Many customers especially like their lipstick and true-match foundation products.

Douglas

This is one of the lesser known beauty brands, but trust us, they’re a great choice when you’re looking outside of Sephora.They’re a beauty brand that has been around since 1821. They’re based out of Germany. The company is huge in Europe, and they’re making a splash around here, too, so check them out.

Why You Should Shop Here

There are a couple of factors that make Douglas the place to go for beauty products. The company offers a very personalized experience in the physical store. They’ll sit you down, ask about your needs, and send you on your way with the beauty products that you deserve. Some of their best products include their sun lotions and eyeshadow options.

Sally Beauty

Sally Beauty is one of the newer kids on the block, but they have a lot to offer. They are one of the leading suppliers of professional-grade products, so you’ll look your best. You can buy their products on their site or see them at many major retailers.

Why You Should Shop Here

Sally Beauty is a great option for all things beauty. They offer a huge selection of skincare, healthcare, and nail care products that blow away the competition. Some of their best products include their hair color options, the various colors of nail lacquer, and their highly reviewed devices, including hair dryers and irons.

Birchbox

Birchbox is a great company and a competitor to Sephora that does things a bit differently. They are a subscription box service that delivers high-quality beauty products right to your door. To be honest, they are sample-size items. However, you get a chance to try the items you like before committing to the full-size purchase. You can enjoy Sephora-level products without leaving home.

Why You Should Shop Here

Birchbox has a lot of amazing products to offer. Some of their best sellers include their incredible line of face rejuvenators, their mascara, and their lip screen. They also offer hair products, including shampoo and conditioner. If anything catches your interest, you can try it without breaking the bank. It’s a big difference from some of the more expensive options on this list.

Beauty Bay

One of the newest faces in the world from beauty products is Beauty Bay. They’re a newer company but they have an incredibly vast selection of beauty, skincare, and haircare products. They’re also a great company to try if you’re on a budget. All of their products are reasonably priced, and they often have sales and promotions so you can try everything they have to offer.

Why You Should Shop Here

There are many great products to choose from at Beauty Bay. Many people like the fresh feeling of their cleansing balms. They also have a huge selection of hydration products. There’s also the relaxing Lineage lip sleeping mask that can do wonders overnight. The company is also famous for its toning solutions and eye-tightening products.

Avon

Yes, Avon is still a thing, and they’re as great as ever. They’ve been around forever, and during that time, they have come up with some amazing beauty products. They still have the same routine of providing you with your own representative who will give you personalized beauty tips.

Why You Should Shop Here

Avon is firing on all cylinders in 2025 and beyond. Try their Glimmersticks, which are highly-rated eyeliners. Their waterproof mascara is also legendary. They offer moisturizers for all needs and types of skin. If necessary, try the Anew Clinical dual eye lift system that promises great results. There’s a lot to try, so go there from now on and skip Sephora.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com.