Sparkle N Dazzle - All about Makeup!: 2013

Hey guys, I'm back with a new post that'll help many of you who are makeup lovers like me, residing in UAE especially. For a very long time I have been buying makeup from the stores near me like Lifestyle, Beauty Bay, etc. But the problem with that is, Dubai has very limited low-end makeup range. There are high-end and luxury makeup stores everywhere, then there's Sephora of-course. But I don't like to buy too much high-end makeup. I want affordable stuff, the low-end stuff here is considerably pricey compared to what they retail for in say in US or UK. We have brands like NYX, Max Factor, Revlon, L'Oreal, Prestige, Bourjois, etc. After loads of research and actually ordering from the following websites, I can say with guarantee that these websites are safe and legit. My makeup buying has become so so very easy now, plus I have saved tons of money.

Sometimes the shipping cost can be a lot, more than what you’d expect but I think that’s okay. Because you anyhow save money compared to the high price here. Some website ship within couple of days while some take weeks.

1. www.iherb.com

This website is superb. It’s US based. Clearly my favorite. They sell organic stuff, skin care, some makeup items too. Please check my detailed post on iHerb, here .

Good:

· They sell everything from coffee, tea, chocolates, shampoos, essential oils, makeup brushes, cosmetics, etc

· Delivery to UAE took 3-4 days (super fast!)

· Shipping cost is low compared to other sites (Yay!)

· Ships through DHL mainly, reliable service

· Was able to track my orders although I didn't pay for the tracking

· Package comes safely

· Customer service is awesome, they reply in a day or two

· Prices are awesome, they have regular sales and offers each month

· First time customers get a discount using a code (GFZ472) *More details below*

· You get some freebies too

· Even after placing the order, you can change the quantity of items in your list before the order is shipped

· Safe transaction

Bad:

· Limited cosmetic brands

· Brands don’t have many products

My experience:

I stumbled upon this site during my search of ways to get Real Technique brushes. I was elated to find them here. My first order (Click the link to know what items I got http://goo.gl/jzYnoV) was $142 including $10 shipping cost. Since I was a new customer, I used a code and got $10 off my order. Plus, they were having a 10% off offer going on for the month of May. I saved up $25 in total. Cool right?

The shipping is weight based. If you buy less, less shipping charge. My order was mainly Real Techniques brushes (http://goo.gl/38EwmM), some ELF brushes (http://goo.gl/yqfzx3) and Eco Tools brushes (http://goo.gl/K2gsLT). I was pleasantly surprised to receive the package within 3 days. I was able to track the order although I didn't pay for the tracking service. I was like “What?! No way!” I hate waiting for 2-3 weeks for my order to arrive. The brushes came in excellent condition, nothing damaged.

All the beautiful brushes...Ahhh! Iherb Haul

I was so happy that I ordered again, this time for skincare. Again received in 3 days and all in good condition. Amazing service they have got. Will order again in the future. I highly highly recommend iHerb.

The second order, mainly skincare

Update (16th March 2014): Placed in my fourth order(http://goo.gl/2dYC8k). Mostly skincare. I had a few reward points, plus they were having a 5% off $60 or above offer. And as expected the package got shipped the same day and got to me in 3 days!! Wohoo. Gotta love iHerb for this. Everything came in perfect condition.

3 day shipping!

Ahhh!

My fifth order (14-5-2014) (http://goo.gl/2pjl7M) was mainly to redeem my reward points and I paid for just the shipping. I wanted to try the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge (http://goo.gl/U8vYPY) which is a potential dupe for the infamous Beauty Blender. Also, the ELF Studio Blushes (http://goo.gl/7ip6Ia) and J.R. Liggett Bar Shampoo (http://goo.gl/JEec9C). It was, like always, a super fast shipping (4 days). Details below.

Goodies. Play time. :)

My sixth order (30-7-2014) (http://goo.gl/e1VGHZ) was a rewards redemption order. It was a Free International shipping month so my shipping cost was zero. The package this time came through International Airmail and that took dreaded 4-5 weeks. This was expected because IA always takes this long. I suggest spend a few more dollars and get the package through DHL so that you can get it in 3-4 days. Most excited about the EcoTools Mini Essential Set (http://goo.gl/vbPaxL) and Real Techniques Lash-Brow Groomer (http://goo.gl/4Twf1b). Ordered a bunch of ELF Lock and Seal (http://goo.gl/bseMV2). Details below:

Sixth Order

My seventh order (04-01-2015) from iHerb was a recent one. Click to view my cart (http://goo.gl/dIygzJ). I was most excited about the Andalou Naturals Kits for Clarifying (http://goo.gl/WF5rIk) and Sensitive (http://goo.gl/OKqczl). They are the perfect sizes to try out a formula and see if it works for your skin. Also the much hyped ELF Prism Eye shadow palette in Sunset (http://goo.gl/n0mdDC) was on iHerb, I had to get this. It's amazing. My next order will definitely include the Naked (http://goo.gl/nRuDkF) one. Also wanted to try the ELF Lip Exfoliator (http://goo.gl/hoK9hc). The package came through International Airmail and as expected it took super long for it to deliver to me, 6 weeks (O.O) Shocking I know. For sure spend the extra $5-6 and get through DHL if you aren't the patient kind.

Seventh Order

My eighth order (05-03-2015) was huge one. Click to view my cart (http://goo.gl/sbnwHZ) (http://goo.gl/kBAVbz). I got multiple quantities of items this time. ELF 32 piece Eyeshadow palette (http://goo.gl/aOtfsq), ELF Primer & Liner Sealer (http://goo.gl/eDYjeN), ELF Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder (http://goo.gl/rYNndD), Ecotools 5 piece Mineral Set (http://goo.gl/4wThi0), ELF Mineral Eyeshadow (http://goo.gl/8Dxxti), ELF Blush Brush (http://goo.gl/ugwsUH) and ELF Jumbo Lipgloss Stick (http://goo.gl/X4j4Ch). The order came in exactly 3 days through DHL.

My Ninth Order was as follows. Ordered two ELF Sugarkiss eyeshadow palettes (http://goo.gl/FTbd5p) as a gift. The ELF Mineral Blush in Jet Setter (http://goo.gl/9H2Yje) is stunning. For the first time I tried Bdellium Tools and I am impressed. You can never have too many blending brushes. I ordered the Bdellium Green bamboo 785 (http://goo.gl/pEFLZc) and the Bdellium Pink Bamboo 776 (http://goo.gl/5ovVuD). Ordered many ELF Brushes (http://goo.gl/JIRB2m), I would recommend the Blush Brush (http://goo.gl/wZsVbp), Small Angled Brush (http://goo.gl/s0QWHL) and Powder Brush (http://goo.gl/TM0i4j). Always wanted to try the ELF Mineral Face Primer (http://goo.gl/Mdb3QX) and ELF Mist and Set Spray (http://goo.gl/q4SGbu). Also the hand creams were really really amazing, Andalou Naturals Clementine Cream (http://goo.gl/NVO8nG) & Lime Blossom (http://goo.gl/jV05Bp).

Rating: 9/10

(Wish they had more makeup brands. That’s what took 1 point out.)

Update: IHerb now has a option of International Airmail shipping, which is a mere $4 shipping charge for upto 4 pounds, no tracking though, takes 4-7 weeks to deliver. This is AMAZING. $10-20 DHL shipping was already cheap but now $4 is incredible. Such cheap international shipping rate is very rare. Go shop on iHerb!

Update: Iherb now gives its new customers a free gift with purchase. Wish this was there when I was a new customer. Click the link to go to the Free items page. http://goo.gl/C8RTEB

***Use code GFZ472 to get $10 off your purchases of $40 or above and $5 off for $40 below purchases, for first time customers on Iherb.***

2. www.sleekmakeup.com

OMG, I love Sleek makeup!! I can’t say enough good things about this brand. They are UK based. It’s the best drugstore makeup can get. I have always wanted Sleek, but was never sure how to order.

Good:

· Amazing amazing products, especially the iDivine palettes & blushes

· Low shipping cost (Super cheap, $3?!)

· Almost always have products in stock

· Package arrives safely, no damage

· Safe website

· Safe transaction

Bad:

· Customer service is bad, they don’t reply on time

· Shipping takes 2-3 weeks

· Don’t have a choice for the shipping method

· Very few sales and offers

· No freebies or samples with purchase

My experience:

My first order was a test order, I wanted to see how fast the shipping is. My order was $42 including $6 shipping cost. I received it within 2-3 weeks, the wait was horrible, I started thinking that I’ll never get the package. I mailed Sleek makeup to know the status but didn't receive a reply in time. There was no tracking, nothing. You just know when it’s shipped and then you know nothing till you receive the package, that is IF you receive your package. Scary right? But a little patience can get you through the 3 weeks. The package came safely though, in a bubble-wrapped envelope. I loved all the products. Although I didn't like the customer service and the shipping method, I ordered again and now I'm waiting for the package to come. I ordered solely because the products are GREAT! The service, not so much. I highly recommend Sleek products.

Sleek Haul

A-H-mazing!

Update (25-6-2013) : Received the order and am extrememly happy with the products. I think now I have almost all the iDivine palettes and Blushes. You have got to order atleast once and try Sleek Makeup.

Second Order

Update (Jan 2014) : Sleek Makeup now has a tracking option available. Super cheap shipping cost. Hence, you can keep a check on your order.

Update (Feb 2015) : Sleek now has FREE SHIPPING!!!

Rating: 7/10

3. www.souq.com

This is like Amazon of UAE. Sellers, buyers and all that. I didn't like that thing about it. You are more prone to frauds and faulty items.

Good:

· Wide range of items available, ranging from clothes, shoes, electronics, watches, cosmetics, etc.

· Some sellers offer free shipping

· Good deals during clearance

· Choices for the shipping method available

· Tracking available

· Package arrives safely

· Good customer service

· Quick refund in case of damaged products

· Cash-On-Delivery option available

Bad:

· Too much shipping cost, mostly AED16

· Keeping in mind that the seller is in the same country as you, the shipping should be free or at least low

· Shipping takes 1-2 weeks, that’s too much for the seller and buyer being in the same country

· Prone to frauds and fake items

· Prices are too high, according to me

My experience:

This was one of the first website I ordered from and I didn't know much at that time. I ordered from different sellers and the shipping cost came to almost AED100, I was so mad because the sellers were in UAE itself yet they charged shipping fee that equal to international shipping fee. I was super upset because of this.

I had a bad experience with one seller who sent me a fake The Balm Nude Tude Palette. I immediately contacted Souq customer service, they soon replied and asked the seller to arrange for a pick-up of the package from me and Souq then transferred the amount to my Souq account. From there I transferred it to my bank account. This really turned me off and since then I didn't order from Souq.

Rating: 5/10

4. www.cherryculture.com

My order on Cherry Culture was fairly recent. It’s US based. They have many brands like NYX, Palladio, Model In A Bottle, Milani, L.A Girl, Jordana, etc. I was super excited to see so many brands.

Good:

· Many brands available

· They have sales all the time

· Coupon codes available

· Reward points with each purchase

· Safe transactions, safe website

· Package arrive safely, bubble wrapped, no damage

· Many shipping methods available

Bad:

· Bad customer service, reply to your mails is very late

· Shipping takes 3-4 weeks

· Shipping cost is fairly high

My experience:

My Cherry Culture order was a huge one, $280 including $32 shipping. I was just super excited to find NYX products for such a cheap price. CC was having a 40% on NYX. I saved almost $60. It took 3-4 weeks for the package to arrive and all came undamaged. I just wish it had arrived faster. Iherb ships within 4 days from US and CC takes 4 weeks from US. Just seems odd. But the fact that the makeup here is affordable and they always have sales, coupons and rewards makes shopping on CC addictive. I highly recommend Cherry Culture. Order during sales though.

OMG!

Cherry Culture Haul

Rating: 8/10

5. www.laylam.ae

My first online shopping website. It’s UAE based. I was excited to find this website but now when I look back, I think this website has insanely high prices.

Good:

· They have brands and products not available in UAE

· Shipping is fast

· Customer service is fast

· Many brands available ranging from Wet n Wild, OCC, Lorac, Sigma etc

· Cash-On-Delivery available

Bad:

· Insanely high prices

· Shipping cost is AED25 (crazy!)

· The website is UAE based, hence they should offer low/no shipping cost for UAE customers

· Customer service doesn't listen to customer advice

· Package doesn't come bubble-wrapped or in a box

· No discounts

My experience:

I ordered a Sigma brush set and the total was AED450 including AED25 shipping. The package arrived within 1 week in a PAPER BAG, no bubble-wrapping nothing. I was shocked! The brushes were not damaged, thank God for that. After enough experience in online shopping and shipping rates, I contacted Laylam and advised them to lower their prices and shipping rate. They replied back saying,

"Thank you for your comment however we are very happy with our prices. More than 97% of our customers love our prices and some requested we increase since they understand how much expensive it is to bring products here. Regarding delivery charge we do not have a driver so we deal with companies who set the prices and not us. All charge same prices and not less based on our 5 year experience in the market."

I was like “What!?”. I didn't even feel like replying back. Then I searched on Souq.com for the same brushes, I found Laylam as a seller there and the shipping they charged on Souq was AED16. I was shocked. If they could charge AED16 then why charge AED25 on their website. Ridiculous. Also, if you order in bulk from an international website, they usually offer free shipping. Yes, you get custom charges for ordering in bulk but that is just 2-5% of the total amount, nowhere near how much Laylam claims it costs. So bizarre! This really turned me off and I never ordered from them again, nor ever will. It’s better to order from international websites with same shipping as AED25 on Laylam. I don’t recommend this website at all.

Rating: 3/10

6. www.skindinavia.com

I was so fascinated by the whole makeup setting spray thing that I checked online for setting sprays that could possibly ship to UAE. I found Skindinavia, they had an free international shipping offer for $45 above purchases plus a free mini spray (They always have this offer). I placed an order.

Good:

· The setting spray is amazing

· International free shipping for $45 above purchases

· Quick package dispatch

· Good customer service

· Package arrives safely

· Free mini setting spray included with purchase, depends on offers

Bad:

· The package takes 4-6 weeks to arrive in Dubai

· No tracking available whatsoever

· No choice of shipping method available

My experience:

I ordered from Skindinavia on 2^nd May. My order was The Kit, $55. I assumed it’d take 2-3 weeks for the package to arrive. It had been 3 weeks and I didn't get the package. I mailed Skindinavia customer service, they were quick to reply that if by 31^st May I don’t receive it, they’ll re-ship my order. I didn't receive and on 2^nd June I asked them to re-ship. Then on 12^th June I received the package and it seemed it was the original shipment. I mailed the customer service about this, they confirmed it was the original shipment and cancelled the re-shipment. Overall, inspite of the delay in delivery of package, I am still satisfied. I highly recommend this website. Free shipping is always good and the spray is just amazing.