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Ever bought a foundation that looked perfect in the store, only to realize at home it’s the wrong shade? Or tried a skincare product that didn’t work for your skin? You may have more options than you think.Many major retailers allow customers to return beauty products, even after they’ve been opened and used, as long as they meet certain conditions. Policies vary by store but mostly focus on items that are “gently used” and returned within a specific timeframe.To see how those policies work in practice, we tested returns at three retailers — CVS, Target and Sephora — using opened products with receipts. All three accepted the returns.CVS, which advertises a 100% satisfaction guarantee on beauty purchases, accepted the return of an opened $30 moisturizer with a receipt.Target, which says most beauty items can be returned within 90 days even if opened, also processed the return of a $20 concealer without issue. Sephora, which allows returns on gently used products within 30 days but says it monitors return activity, accepted the return of a $40 liquid foundation.The findings reflect broader industry practices.Several major retailers — including Ulta, Macy’s, Walmart, and Bluemercury — say they accept returns on “gently used” beauty products within set time frames, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.Ultimately, the store gets the final say on what “gently used” means. In general, it refers to products that have been tried a few times and didn’t work, not items where you used up half of the bottle.Other retailers take a less standardized approach.Nordstrom told us it handles returns on a case-by-case basis, with a goal of keeping customers satisfied.Walgreens says returns on cosmetics may be handled at the discretion of store managers, often in the form of store credit.Amazon’s policies can vary depending on the product and seller. Some beauty items may not be eligible for return once opened, though exceptions may apply.It’s worth noting that returned beauty products often can’t be resold and may be discarded, contributing to retail waste. These policies are generally intended for purchases made in good faith — for example, when a product doesn’t match or work as expected. While a return may make sense in those cases, frequent or bulk returns can add to unnecessary waste. The bottom line: if a product doesn’t work for you, a return may be worth considering. Just be mindful of store policies — and use them responsibly. Stay Connected With the National Consumer UnitGet clear, actionable consumer reporting delivered across platforms.Follow National Consumer Correspondent Allie Jasinski for real-time updates, myth-busting videos and behind-the-scenes reporting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.Have a question you’d like us to investigate? Email us at askallie@hearst.com
Ever bought a foundation that looked perfect in the store, only to realize at home it’s the wrong shade? Or tried a skincare product that didn’t work for your skin? You may have more options than you think.
Many major retailers allow customers to return beauty products, even after they’ve been opened and used, as long as they meet certain conditions. Policies vary by store but mostly focus on items that are “gently used” and returned within a specific timeframe.
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To see how those policies work in practice, we tested returns at three retailers — CVS, Target and Sephora — using opened products with receipts. All three accepted the returns.
CVS, which advertises a 100% satisfaction guarantee on beauty purchases, accepted the return of an opened $30 moisturizer with a receipt.
Target, which says most beauty items can be returned within 90 days even if opened, also processed the return of a $20 concealer without issue.
Sephora, which allows returns on gently used products within 30 days but says it monitors return activity, accepted the return of a $40 liquid foundation.
The findings reflect broader industry practices.
Several major retailers — including Ulta, Macy’s, Walmart, and Bluemercury — say they accept returns on “gently used” beauty products within set time frames, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Ultimately, the store gets the final say on what “gently used” means. In general, it refers to products that have been tried a few times and didn’t work, not items where you used up half of the bottle.
Other retailers take a less standardized approach.
Nordstrom told us it handles returns on a case-by-case basis, with a goal of keeping customers satisfied.
Walgreens says returns on cosmetics may be handled at the discretion of store managers, often in the form of store credit.
Amazon’s policies can vary depending on the product and seller. Some beauty items may not be eligible for return once opened, though exceptions may apply.
It’s worth noting that returned beauty products often can’t be resold and may be discarded, contributing to retail waste. These policies are generally intended for purchases made in good faith — for example, when a product doesn’t match or work as expected. While a return may make sense in those cases, frequent or bulk returns can add to unnecessary waste.
The bottom line: if a product doesn’t work for you, a return may be worth considering. Just be mindful of store policies — and use them responsibly.
Stay Connected With the National Consumer Unit
Get clear, actionable consumer reporting delivered across platforms.
Follow National Consumer Correspondent Allie Jasinski for real-time updates, myth-busting videos and behind-the-scenes reporting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Have a question you’d like us to investigate? Email us at askallie@hearst.com
