Can You Return Makeup? A Store-by-Store Guide to Beauty Return Policies

That foundation looked absolutely flawless in the TikTok video. The influencer's skin was glowing, dewy, perfect. You ordered your usual shade—maybe one darker, just in case—and when it arrived, it was completely wrong. Three shades off and oxidized within an hour. You're out $46, and now you're spiraling: Can I even return this? I swatched it once. Will Sephora think I'm trying to scam them?

Buying beauty products online is hard and getting the wrong shade or formula isn't your fault. Colors look different on every screen. Finishes that seem matte in photos turn out greasy. That "universal" concealer? Not so universal on your skin tone. And when you're dropping $40-50 on foundation, being stuck with the wrong product feels like throwing money away.

The good news? Many beauty retailers actually want you to try products, even if that means accepting returns on opened makeup. They'd rather you come back and buy more than write off their store entirely because one foundation didn't work out. The key is knowing which stores will take back that wrong-shade lipstick and which won't before you buy.

Why Beauty Returns Are Different

Walk into most stores, and opened products are usually a hard no for returns. But beauty retailers operate differently because they understand their fundamental problem: you can't tell if makeup actually works until you've tried it on your own skin. That TikTok filter isn't your bathroom lighting, and the influencer's undertones aren't yours.

To make it even more complicated, you're often juggling multiple returns across different stores at once. That wrong-shade foundation goes back to Sephora, the patchy concealer to Ulta, maybe a mascara to Target. Suddenly you're tracking three different return windows, three different refund timelines, and manually checking your credit card to see if the money actually came back. 

Luckily, there’s a tool to help you! Refundly solves this by automatically monitoring all your returns in one place. The free app scans your email for return confirmations and connects to your credit cards through Plaid, so you get an alert the moment each refund posts. 

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The Most Generous Beauty Return Policies

Sephora

• Can you return opened makeup? YES! Sephora welcomes returns for products that are in new or gently used condition.
• Time window: Within 30 days of purchase for a full refund to the original method of payment. Items shipped back to Sephora more than 30 days after the purchase date may not be credited or returned.
• Receipt requirements: Need proof of purchase. Acceptable proof for in-store returns includes an original packing slip, order confirmation email, the order on your mobile device, or your Beauty Insider information.
• Refund method: If returned within 30 days, the purchase price is refunded to the original method of payment. (Note: If an online purchase made with PayPal is returned in a Sephora store within 30 days, the refund is issued as a Sephora store credit).

• Special benefits: You can use your Beauty Insider information as proof of purchase when making returns in a Sephora store. Items returned without a receipt that are found within their system (via Beauty Insider details) will be processed. Returns of Sephora.com purchases by mail are FREE if you use the pre-paid return shipping label.

Ulta

• Can you return opened makeup? Yes, Ulta Beauty accepts returns for most products, even if they are in gently used condition. However, Ulta reserves the right to limit returns if they suspect misuse, excessive returns, reseller activity, or fraud, and all returns are subject to validation and approval at their discretion.
• Time window: You have a standard window of 30 days from the original purchase date to return new or gently used products for a refund to the original form of payment. If you return the item between 31–60 days from the original purchase date, you will receive a merchandise credit instead. For products purchased during the holiday season (November 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025), the return window is extended through January 31, 2026.
• Receipt requirements: Proof of purchase is required for any return unless Ulta can verify the original purchase in their system. To process any return, Ulta Beauty requires a government-issued physical ID along with either a phone number or email. If the product cannot be verified in their system or lacks proof of purchase, it will be ineligible for a refund, exchange, or merchandise credit.
• Refund method: If the return is made within 30 days, the refund is issued to the original form of payment. Returns made between 31–60 days receive a merchandise credit. If the original purchase was made with an Ulta Beauty gift card, the refund will be issued as a new Ulta Beauty gift card. When products purchased with online payment services (like PayPal or AfterPay) are returned in-store, the refund is issued to your preferred credit card, debit card, or as a merchandise credit.
• Special benefits: Customers who redeemed Ulta Beauty Rewards® points for a product that is later returned will have those points added back to their Rewards balance. Conversely, points earned on a product that is returned will be deducted from the Rewards balance. If you choose to return an Ulta.com purchase by mail, you must cover the shipping charges. Returns of UB Marketplace™ Products can be made within 60 days of purchase and may be returned by mail or in an Ulta Beauty store.

Target

• Can you return opened makeup? The website does not explicitly state whether opened makeup or cosmetics are accepted for return, though they confirm that the return policy applies to "most items sold by Target". Their FAQ states "Most beauty items bought in stores or online can be returned, even if opened, within 90 days with your receipt, or up to 120 days if purchased with your Target Circle™ Card." With this, people have experienced positive results in returning gently used makeup to Target in the past. 
• Time window: The standard return window for most items sold by Target is 90 days. However, items that are Target brand products receive a significantly extended return period of 365 days when accompanied by a receipt.
• Receipt requirements: While a receipt is generally necessary, especially to utilize the full 365-day window for Target brand items, guests who use the Target app can complete in-store returns using their Wallet barcode which eliminates the need for a paper receipt.
• Refund method: In most cases, your refund automatically goes back to the original form of payment used for the purchase. If you paid using multiple methods, the refund may go back to all of them. Just keep in mind how certain payments are handled: if you paid with a Target GiftCard, you will be credited back with a new Target eGiftCard and if you return something in a store but don’t have the original receipt or return barcode, you may be issued a merchandise return card for the refund instead.
• Special benefits: Guests can access special benefits, including receiving an extra 30 days for returns on most items if they have a Target Circle 360 membership or pay with a Target card. The Target app facilitates convenient Drive Up returns—allowing items to be returned without leaving the car—and provides the Wallet barcode for easy, paperless in-store returns. Furthermore, most items purchased from a registry can be returned up to one year from the event date.

CVS

• Can you return opened makeup? Yes, under the CVS 100% satisfaction guarantee on beauty purchases, customers who are dissatisfied for any reason can return the beauty product, even if it is opened or unopened, to any CVS Pharmacy store for money back. For most standard, nonprescription items, however, CVS generally requires them to be new and unopened for a return or exchange to be accepted.
• Time window: Most new, unopened nonprescription items purchased in-store or online can be returned to any CVS Pharmacy store within 60 days of purchase. However, products under the 100% money-back guarantee on Our CVS Brands are an exception, as this guarantee applies to both opened and unopened packages and has no time limit.
• Receipt requirements: Customers should present their original receipt or invoice for returns, especially when using the "Our Brands" or beauty satisfaction guarantees. A return made with the original receipt may receive a refund up to the amount of the original purchase price. Returns lacking proof of purchase may be limited or denied, or the refund may be limited to the lowest advertised price in the 60-day period prior to the return. CVS also requires a valid photo ID for all returns and exchanges to assist with a third-party verification process designed to detect improper returns.
• Refund method: If an item is returned with the original receipt and was purchased with a credit card or debit/cash card, the refund will be made back to that card. If a return is made without a receipt, it may be refunded as store credit. Refunds for items purchased online using PayPal and returned in a CVS Pharmacy store will also be issued as store credit, though customers can contact Customer Care if they seek a refund to their PayPal account.

Walgreens

• Can you return opened makeup? The return of cosmetics is explicitly addressed as being handled at the discretion of the store manager. However, the policy guarantees 100% satisfaction on all Walgreens brand products, allowing the unused portion to be returned for a full refund. Items returned without a receipt are also subject to the approval of store management. Walgreens reserves the right to refuse returns if they violate the policy or pose a health or safety risk.
• Time window: Most eligible items purchased at Walgreens or on Walgreens.com may be returned or exchanged within 30 days of the purchase date. The 100% satisfaction guarantee for Walgreens brand products does not specify a separate time limit but simply states that the guarantee applies if the customer is not completely satisfied.
• Receipt requirements: Returns or exchanges must be accompanied by the original receipt or Order number. If you do not have the original receipt, you can check your online account under "Product Purchase History" to find your order number and details. Products returned without a receipt or order number are subject to the approval of store management.
• Refund method: Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment. For online orders returned to a store, immediate credit will be given to your credit card account, or by cash if you paid via check or PayPal. Products returned without a receipt or order number, if approved by store management, will be refunded as a Walgreens gift card.
• Special benefits: Walgreens offers a strong benefit with its 100% satisfaction guarantee on all Walgreens brand products, promising a refund of the full price, including shipping, when the unused portion is returned. Additionally, customers can return online orders to any Walgreens store. For products like cosmetics or electronics, the store manager has discretion over the return, which is usually processed as a Walgreens gift card.

Amazon

• Can you return opened makeup? Amazon's policy for most items requires them to be returned in "original or unused condition". The website does not specifically mention makeup or cosmetics being accepted in a "gently used" state, unlike other retailers, but they do list "products that may pose potential health and safety risks if returned" as non-returnable. Since opened makeup often falls into this category, it is not explicitly permitted under the general return policy requiring original or unused condition.
• Time window: Most items sold on Amazon.com can be returned for a refund or replacement/exchange within 30 days of delivery. During the 2025 Holiday Season, most items purchased between November 1 and December 31, 2025, can be returned through January 31, 2026.
• Receipt requirements: To initiate a return for an eligible item, customers must go to "Your Orders" and click on the "Return Items" button next to the item. When sending the item back, it should be returned in its original condition, including the original manufacturer's packaging, tags, components, accessories, manuals, and certificates of authenticity. The return must be completed before the "return by date" shown in the return request confirmation email or in the "Return Request" tab in your Order History.
• Refund method: Once Amazon (or the third-party seller) receives the item and determines that the customer is eligible, a refund is provided. The time it takes for the refund to be processed and available varies by payment method: refunds to a Credit Card take 3–5 business days, to a Debit card take up to 10 business days, and to an Amazon.com Gift Card take 2–3 hours. If the returned item was part of a discount qualification, the refund amount will be reduced to account for the return.
• Special benefits: Amazon allows customers to return most items for free at over 8,000 convenient locations, and most returns do not need to be boxed or labeled. If returning an item from a gift, the recipient can use the 17-digit order number found on the packing slip or digital gift receipt to initiate the return. However, customers may incur a damage fee of up to 50% of the item price if the returned item shows obvious signs of use or is not in original condition for reasons not due to an Amazon or seller error.

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The Restrictive Policies: What You Need to Know

Not every retailer will accept your opened makeup, and it's important to know where you stand before making a purchase.

Dollar stores and discount beauty retailers like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls typically have final sale policies on cosmetics. You'll see signs at checkout warning that beauty products can't be returned. This is the trade-off for those deep discounts. You're taking a risk buying that $8 name-brand lipstick because if the shade's wrong, you're stuck with it.

Final sale items are everywhere during the holiday season. Those beauty gift sets and holiday palettes? Check the fine print. Many are marked final sale, meaning no returns even if unopened. Limited-edition collections and clearance beauty products often fall into this category too. If you're buying a discounted item or a seasonal set, always confirm whether returns are allowed before you check out.

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Special Cases: What About...

Opened vs. Used: "If I only swatched it once, is that different from using it daily?" Yes. "Gently used" typically means you tested the product a few times—swatched it, wore it once or twice, tried it at home. A foundation bottle that's half-empty or a lipstick worn down to a nub isn't gently used; that's heavily used, and most stores will decline the return.

Gift Returns: "Can I return beauty gifts without a receipt?" It depends. If the gift came with a gift receipt, you can usually exchange it for store credit at the retailer. Without any receipt, you're at the mercy of the store's no-receipt policy. 

Online Purchases: "Are return policies different for online vs. in-store buys?" Generally, online purchases from Sephora, Ulta, and Target can be returned in-store or by mail, with the same return windows applying. Amazon purchases have more variability. Some retailers charge return shipping fees for online orders unless the return is due to their error, so returning in-store is often easier and free.

Luxury Beauty: "Do high-end products have different return rules?" Not usually. Whether you bought a $12 drugstore mascara or a $60 high-end foundation, the same return policies apply at each retailer. 

Broken/Defective Products: "What if the product arrived damaged?" Retailers absolutely recognize that products sometimes arrive broken or defective, and they will generally work with you to resolve the issue. If your online order arrives with a broken mascara wand or a leaking serum, you should contact customer service immediately. You may be asked to provide documentation, as retailers actively monitor returns to prevent abuse, including "false damage claims". Ulta, for example, instructs customers to contact Guest Services for assistance with mailing a damaged item back. 

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How to Shop Beauty Smarter

Now that you know which stores will take back that wrong-shade foundation, here's how to make returns less necessary in the first place and how to protect yourself when they are.

Join loyalty programs for easier returns. Seriously, sign up for Beauty Insider, Ultamate Rewards, and Target Circle today. Your purchase history is automatically saved, which means no more frantic email searches when you need to return something.

Read reviews, especially about shade accuracy. Look for reviews from people with your skin tone. Search for terms like "oxidizes," "runs dark," "runs light," or "separates." Other shoppers have already tested that foundation.

Don't wait too long. Return windows are real. Sephora's 30-day policy means you need to test that product relatively quickly. If it's sitting in your bathroom for six weeks, you've probably missed your window.

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Tracking Your Beauty Refunds

Here's the thing about beauty returns: even when stores are generous with their policies, you still have to track whether your refunds actually came through. If you're like most beauty shoppers, you're juggling returns from multiple retailers all at once and manually checking if those refunds posted is exhausting.

Refundly takes one thing off your plate, automatically tracking your returns everywhere you shop. The app scans your email return confirmations and monitors your credit cards through Plaid, so you get an alert the moment each refund hits. You're never left wondering if that $46 return actually came through. You're already strategic about returns. This just makes tracking them easier. You can find Refundly for free on the App Store today.