Beauty Return Policies in 2026: Sephora, Ulta, Target, MAC & 12 More Compared

If you bought a $55 foundation at Sephora in March 2025, you had 60 days to decide if the shade worked. Buy that same foundation today and you have 30 days — no exceptions, no extensions, no store credit after the deadline. The item is simply denied and you keep it.

Sephora is not alone. In November 2024, Ulta Beauty cut its full-refund window from 60 days to 30 days. Both moves affected millions of shoppers and marked a fundamental shift in how beauty retailers handle returns. The message is clear: the era of generous, open-ended beauty returns is ending.

But beauty return policies still vary enormously between stores. Some retailers — like Target and CVS — remain extremely generous. Others, like Kylie Cosmetics, do not accept returns at all. A few, like Dermstore, require products to be completely unopened. And the rules around "gently used" makeup are inconsistent, unwritten, and often left to the discretion of the person standing behind the counter.

We compared the beauty return policies of 15 major retailers across every dimension that matters: return windows, opened-product rules, refund methods, shipping fees, receipt requirements, loyalty benefits, and the fine print most people miss. Here is what we found.

Beauty Return Policies at a Glance

This table covers every major retailer that sells beauty products in the US. Use it to quickly compare return windows, opened-product rules, and costs.

The Big Change: Why Beauty Returns Got Stricter in 2025-2026

The beauty return policy landscape shifted dramatically between late 2024 and early 2026. Two of the three largest beauty retailers in the US shortened their return windows within six months of each other.

Ulta Beauty (November 2024)

Ulta changed its policy on November 3, 2024. Previously, shoppers had 60 days for a full refund to their original payment method. Under the new policy:

• 0-30 days: Full refund to original payment method (with proof of purchase)
• 31-60 days: Merchandise credit only (in-store) or e-gift card (online returns)
• 60+ days: Item returned to you, no refund

Ulta stated that nearly 90% of guests already made returns within 30 days, framing the change as alignment with actual customer behavior. But the timing — just before the 2024 holiday shopping season — drew criticism from loyal customers who relied on the longer window to properly test skincare products.

Sephora (April 2025)

Sephora followed on April 24, 2025, with an even stricter change:

• 0-30 days: Full refund to original payment method (with proof of purchase)
• 31+ days: Return denied. The item is not shipped back to you.

The key difference from Ulta: Sephora completely eliminated the 31-60 day grace period. Under the old policy, days 31-60 were eligible for store credit or exchange. Now, there is simply no recourse after 30 days. If you mail a return on day 31, it will be denied and you will not get the product back either.

Why this matters

Skincare products often take 4-6 weeks to show results — or adverse reactions. A 30-day window means you may not have enough time to determine if a product works before the return deadline expires. This is especially problematic for:

• Acne treatments that take 6-8 weeks to show improvement
• Retinol and retinoids that require a gradual introduction period
• Hair growth treatments with 3-6 month efficacy timelines
• Foundation shade matching that looks different in natural vs. store lighting

Can You Return Opened or Used Makeup? Store-by-Store Rules

This is the single most common question about beauty returns. The answer depends entirely on where you bought the product. Here is the detailed breakdown.

Stores that explicitly accept opened/used beauty products

Sephora accepts "new or gently used" products. In practice, this means the product should not be more than ~50-75% used. Sephora employees and warehouse staff have discretion to reject returns that appear excessively used. There is no published definition of "gently used."

Ulta Beauty also accepts "new or gently used" products. Individual employees have reported that "gently used" typically means around 10% of the product used, though this is not official policy. All original components must be included.

Target is the most explicit of any major retailer. Its website states directly: "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." No ambiguity.

Walmart accepts opened beauty products for return within 90 days, provided only a small amount has been used for testing. This is not explicitly written in the policy but is widely confirmed by customer experiences.

CVS has the strongest guarantee in the industry: a "100% satisfaction guarantee on beauty purchases." The policy explicitly states that beauty products can be returned "opened or unopened." No time limit is specified for beauty products specifically.

Nordstrom is famously flexible. Reddit users confirm returns of lightly used cosmetics (under ~10% usage for items like eyeshadow and lipstick) with no issues. There is no published time limit at full-line Nordstrom stores.

Macy's explicitly states that "new or gently used cosmetic or fragrance products purchased at Macy's that do not meet your needs will be accepted for return." This includes fragrances, which many other retailers exclude.

MAC Cosmetics accepts lightly used products within 30 days. Items must be in sellable condition.

Stores that do NOT accept opened beauty products

Dermstore has the strictest policy of any major beauty retailer: products must be "in pristine condition: unopened, unused, and any seals are intact." You cannot return a skincare product after trying it once.

Fenty Beauty requires products to be "unused and in original condition." This is notably stricter than Sephora — even though Sephora sells Fenty products with its own "gently used" return policy. If you buy Fenty directly, you cannot return used items.

Kylie Cosmetics does not accept any returns at all. All sales are final. The only exception is if the product arrives damaged, and you must report it within 48 hours.

The unwritten middle ground

Glossier does not explicitly state its policy on opened products, but Reddit users report successful returns of gently used products. The official policy only mentions returning within 30 days with the original order number. Bluemercury (owned by Macy's) does not publish specific beauty return rules, but given its Nordstrom-level service model, lightly used returns are likely accepted.

Best Beauty Return Policies: Ranked

Based on return window, flexibility with opened products, return shipping costs, and overall consumer-friendliness, here is how the 15 retailers rank.

Detailed Store-by-Store Breakdown

Sephora

Sephora— 30-day return window (changed from 60 in April 2025)

• Return window: 30 days from order placement date. Hard cutoff — no returns, exchanges, or store credit accepted after 30 days.
• Opened products: New or gently used accepted.
• Refund method: Full refund to original payment method. PayPal purchases receive merchandise credit instead.
• Return shipping: Free prepaid FedEx label. Original outbound shipping not refunded.
• In-store returns: Online orders accepted in-store. Sephora at Kohl's purchases accepted at freestanding Sephora stores.
• Receipt: Proof of purchase required — receipt, order confirmation, or Beauty Insider account lookup.
• Holiday extension: 2025 holiday purchases (Oct 31 - Dec 30) returnable through Jan 31, 2026. Beyond 30 days during holiday = merchandise credit only.
• Watch out for: Items returned past 30 days are denied and not shipped back to you. Mail returns can take up to 30 days to process. Pre-promotional items (gift with purchase) must be included with the return or your refund is reduced.

Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty— 30 days full refund, 31-60 days merchandise credit

• Return window: 30 days for full refund; 31-60 days for merchandise credit only. Past 60 days: item returned to you.
• Opened products: New or gently used accepted. Must include all original components.
• Refund method: Original payment within 30 days. Merchandise credit or e-gift card for 31-60 days. Gift card purchases refunded as Ulta gift card.
• Return shipping: Customer pays for mail returns. Shipping and handling charges not refunded unless product is defective. Must ship ground-only (hazmat rules for aerosols).
• In-store returns: Online orders accepted in-store. Ulta at Target purchases must be returned to Target, NOT Ulta.
• Receipt: Proof of purchase required. Ultamate Rewards members can have purchases looked up.
• Holiday extension: 2025 holiday purchases (Nov 1 - Dec 31) returnable through Jan 31, 2026. During holiday period, even 31+ day returns qualify for original payment refund.
• Watch out for: Online return processing takes up to 30 business days after warehouse receipt. Credit card refunds take an additional 7-10 business days. Ulta at Target purchases cannot be returned to Ulta stores.

Target

Target— 90 days (120 with Circle Card), opened beauty explicitly accepted

• Return window: 90 days standard. 120 days with Target Circle Card. Target-brand beauty items: 365 days with receipt.
• Opened products: Explicitly accepted. Target's website states: "Most beauty items bought in stores or online can be returned, even if opened, within 90 days."
• Refund method: Original payment. Gift receipt returns issued as Target GiftCard.
• Return shipping: Free prepaid label. Drive Up returns available via Target app.
• In-store returns: Online orders returnable in-store. Return window for online orders starts when received.
• Receipt: Receipt or app barcode. Target Circle Card purchases tracked automatically.
• Loyalty: Target Circle Card extends window to 120 days. Target Circle 360 members get an extra 30 days.
• Watch out for: Target does not specify what "gently used" means. In practice, products should not be mostly empty.

Walmart

Walmart— 90 days, opened beauty accepted, free returns

• Return window: 90 days for health and beauty products.
• Opened products: Accepted if only a small amount used for testing, within 90 days with receipt.
• Refund method: Original payment. Without original card: Walmart shopping card. Without receipt: Walmart gift card after ID verification.
• Return shipping: Free for Walmart.com orders. Marketplace sellers may charge restocking fees up to 20%.
• In-store returns: Online orders returnable in-store or curbside drop-off. No printing or repackaging needed.
• Receipt: Receipt preferred. Without receipt: valid government-issued photo ID required.
• Watch out for: Marketplace beauty products follow third-party seller rules, not Walmart's own generous policy.

CVS

CVS— Unlimited beauty guarantee — 100% satisfaction or 100% money back

• Return window: No time limit on beauty products under the 100% satisfaction guarantee.
• Opened products: Explicitly guaranteed — "opened or unopened" beauty products accepted.
• Refund method: With receipt = original payment. Without receipt = exchange or store credit at lowest advertised price in past 60 days. PayPal purchases = store credit unless you call Customer Care.
• Return shipping: In-store returns recommended.
• Receipt: Preferred. CVS brand products returnable opened with receipt. Without receipt: store credit.
• Watch out for: Subject to "third party return authorization process." Some healthcare and personal care items cannot be returned for health/safety reasons.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom— No set time limit, lightly used cosmetics accepted, free returns

• Return window: No set time limit at full-line Nordstrom stores. Handled case-by-case. Nordstrom Rack: 40 days online, 30 days in-store.
• Opened products: Lightly used cosmetics accepted. Reddit confirms eyeshadow and lipstick returns at under ~10% usage.
• Refund method: Original payment.
• Return shipping: Free prepaid label for Nordstrom.com. Nordstrom Rack: $9.95 per label deducted from refund.
• In-store returns: Nordstrom.com orders can be returned at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack stores.
• Receipt: Proof of purchase expected but Nordstrom is famously flexible.
• Watch out for: Nordstrom Rack beauty items are final sale unless otherwise specified — this is a major difference from full-line Nordstrom. Late Nordstrom Rack returns (40-60 days) are accepted at discretion but issued as e-gift card equal to only 50% of purchase amount, minus $9.95 shipping.

Macy's

Macy's— 30 days, gently used cosmetics and fragrances accepted

• Return window: 30 days standard.
• Opened products: Explicitly accepted — "new or gently used cosmetic or fragrance products" can be returned. Fragrances included, which is notable.
• Refund method: Original payment. Without receipt: store credit at current selling price.
• Return shipping: Free for Star Rewards members (free Bronze tier). Non-members: $9.99 deducted from refund. QR code available for label-free UPS drop-off.
• In-store returns: Online orders accepted in-store. Macy's Backstage items must be returned to Backstage locations.
• Receipt: Preferred. Without receipt: store credit after purchase verification.
• Watch out for: Beauty Box items are not returnable. Last Act items may be final sale. BOGO refunds reflect the discount spread across both items, not the full price of each.

MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics— 30 days, lightly used accepted, free returns for members

• Return window: 30 days. After 30 days: not guaranteed, handled at MAC Online's discretion (may receive e-gift card or refund check).
• Opened products: Accepted within 30 days if not heavily used. Must be in sellable condition.
• Refund method: Original payment. Split payments: credit/debit card refunded first, then gift card.
• Return shipping: Free returns for M.A.C Lover Rewards members.
• In-store returns: At MAC stores and counters.
• Receipt: Required.
• Watch out for: Engraved items, final sale items, and eGift Cards are not returnable. Items sent back that are ineligible for return will not be returned to you.
• Bonus: Back-To-MAC recycling program still accepts empty containers at stores/counters (though the free lipstick incentive was discontinued in 2023).

Glossier

• Return window: 30 days from receiving the order.
• Opened products: Unofficially accepts gently used products (confirmed by Reddit users), though official policy does not explicitly address opened products.
• Refund method: Full refund to original payment, excluding delivery costs. Option to choose Glossier gift card via self-service returns. In-store cash purchases get store credit.
• Return shipping: Customer pays for return shipping unless Glossier's error.
• In-store returns: At Glossier retail locations in select cities.
• Watch out for: Products purchased at Sephora, Space NK, or Mecca cannot be returned to Glossier directly — must go through the retailer you bought from. Final sale items include sweatshirts, merchandise, and engraved items.

Fenty Beauty

• Return window: 30 days from purchase date.
• Opened products: No. Products must be "unused and in original condition." Stricter than Sephora, which sells Fenty products with its own generous return policy.
• Refund method: Full refund to original payment, NOT including original shipping charge. Processed within 10 business days.
• Return shipping: Free pre-paid returns for active FentyBeauty.com account holders on US orders. $5 fee for non-account holders.
• In-store returns: Online purchases from FentyBeauty.com must be returned online, NOT at Fenty stores. Items from authorized retailers must be returned to that retailer.
• Watch out for: No exchanges offered. Gift with purchase items must be included with return or refund is reduced. TikTok Shop purchases not eligible for exchanges.

Dermstore

• Return window: 60 days from receiving item.
• Opened products: No. Must be "in pristine condition: unopened, unused, and any seals are intact." The strictest policy among major beauty retailers.
• Refund method: Original payment. 3-5 working days from receipt.
• Return shipping: Customer pays for return shipping.
• Exchanges: Not offered — must return and place a new order.
• Watch out for: SkinStore has merged into Dermstore for US customers — all SkinStore orders now follow Dermstore's strict unopened-only policy. This is a major downgrade if you were used to SkinStore's separate policy.

Kylie Cosmetics

• Return window: ALL SALES FINAL. No returns, refunds, or exchanges.
• Opened products: Not applicable — no returns accepted.
• Refund method: Only for damaged items. Must contact customer service within 48 hours of delivery with photos and order confirmation. Both purchase price and shipping costs refunded for justified damage claims.
• Watch out for: Kylie Cosmetics "reserves the right to refuse all returns, reshipments, and refunds." BBB complaints are common. Customer service response times are widely criticized as slow.

Rare Beauty

• Return window: No published return policy. The Rare Beauty website does not have a returns policy page.
• Opened products: Not stated.
• Refund method: Unknown — contact support at hello@rarebeauty.com or 1-888-892-RARE (7273), Mon-Fri 7am-4pm PT.
• Note: Products purchased at Sephora follow Sephora's 30-day return policy. Direct website purchases require contacting support with no published guarantees.

Return Shipping Fees for Beauty Products

If you return beauty products by mail, the shipping cost comes out of your refund at many retailers. Here is what you will actually pay.

Cross-Retailer Return Rules You Need to Know

Beauty shopping spans multiple channels, and the return rules are not always obvious.

Can you return Sephora products at Kohl's?

Yes — but only at freestanding Sephora stores. Sephora at Kohl's purchases can be returned to freestanding Sephora stores. However, you cannot return freestanding Sephora purchases at Kohl's. Kohl's handles Kohl's returns; Sephora handles Sephora returns.

Can you return Ulta products at Target?

No. Even though Ulta operates shop-in-shops inside Target stores, Ulta at Target purchases must be returned to Target, and standalone Ulta purchases must be returned to Ulta. The two retailers have separate return systems and cannot process each other's returns.

Can you return Glossier products bought at Sephora to Glossier?

No. Products purchased at Sephora, Space NK, or Mecca must be returned to the retailer where you bought them. Each retailer applies its own return policy — so if you buy Glossier at Sephora, you get Sephora's 30-day, gently-used policy rather than Glossier's policy.

Can you return Fenty Beauty bought at Sephora to Fenty?

No — and this creates a strange policy gap. Fenty Beauty's own website requires products to be "unused and in original condition." But if you buy the same Fenty product at Sephora, you can return it gently used within 30 days. If you think you might return a Fenty product, buy it at Sephora instead of FentyBeauty.com.

What about third-party delivery (Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats)?

At Sephora, products ordered through third-party delivery services must be returned in-store. Delivery fees and tips are not refundable. Other retailers generally do not offer beauty products through third-party delivery.

How to Maximize Your Beauty Returns: 7 Strategies

1. Test new products within the first week

With both Sephora and Ulta now at 30 days, you cannot afford to wait. Test new products immediately — especially foundation shades, skincare actives, and fragrance samples. If a product irritates your skin, does not match, or simply does not perform, initiate the return within 7-10 days to leave buffer time.

2. Buy higher-risk products at Target or CVS

For products where you are most likely to return — new foundation shades, unfamiliar skincare brands, expensive serums — buy at Target (90-120 days) or CVS (unlimited) instead of Sephora or Ulta (30 days). You get the same products with three to four times the return window.

3. Join free loyalty programs before buying

Almost every retailer with a return shipping fee waives it for loyalty members:

• Macy's Star Rewards (free Bronze tier) = waives $9.99 return shipping fee
• MAC M.A.C Lover (free to join) = free returns + free shipping
• Bluemercury BlueRewards (free to join) = free returns + free shipping
• Fenty Beauty account (free to create) = free prepaid return label

4. Always return in-store when possible

In-store beauty returns are free at every retailer with physical locations. They are also processed immediately — you get your refund on the spot instead of waiting 2-4 weeks for mail returns to be processed.

5. Keep all original packaging

Even retailers that accept "gently used" products expect you to include all original packaging: boxes, inserts, lids, applicators, and any sealed components. Returns without original packaging are more likely to be rejected or downgraded to store credit.

6. Keep proof of purchase accessible

Most retailers require proof of purchase for beauty returns. If you are a loyalty member (Beauty Insider at Sephora, Ultamate Rewards at Ulta, Target Circle), your purchases are tracked in the app and can be looked up without a physical receipt. Download the app and link your account before you shop.

7. For DTC brands, check the return policy before you buy

Direct-to-consumer beauty brands have wildly different return policies. Fenty Beauty requires unused products. Glossier unofficially accepts gently used. Kylie Cosmetics accepts no returns at all. Rare Beauty does not publish a policy. Always check before buying from a brand's own website — you may get a better return deal buying the same product at Sephora, Ulta, or Target.

Beauty Return Fraud and Abuse Policies

Beauty return fraud is a growing concern for retailers, and several have implemented tracking systems that can flag or ban habitual returners.

How retailers track beauty returns

• Sephora monitors return activity through your Beauty Insider account. Excessive returns can result in warnings or restrictions.
• Ulta tracks returns and reserves the right to deny returns that "exceed a reasonable frequency."
• Macy's uses third-party return verification (The Retail Equation) at some locations.
• Nordstrom has historically been lenient but is increasingly tracking return patterns.

What counts as abuse

Retailers generally flag:

• Returning the majority of products purchased (high return rate)
• Returning products that are nearly empty
• Frequent "wardrobing" — buying makeup for an event, using it, then returning
• Serial returners who buy and return the same type of product repeatedly

The environmental angle

Returned beauty products are rarely resold. Even unopened items may be destroyed because of hygiene concerns and the cost of re-inspection. The beauty industry generates an estimated 5.3 billion units of packaging waste per year, and returns contribute significantly to that total. Retailers are tightening policies partly to reduce this waste — though cost savings are the primary driver.

Fragrance Return Policies: A Special Case

Fragrance returns are handled differently from makeup and skincare at some retailers.

Fragrance is uniquely subjective — a scent that smells wonderful on a tester strip may develop completely differently on your skin over the course of a day. If you are buying an expensive fragrance, prioritize retailers with generous opened-product policies: Sephora, Macy's, Nordstrom, and Target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return opened makeup to Sephora?

Yes. Sephora accepts "new or gently used" beauty products within 30 days of purchase. There is no published percentage threshold, but in practice, the product should not be more than 50-75% used. You need proof of purchase (receipt, confirmation email, or Beauty Insider account lookup).

Can I return opened makeup to Ulta?

Yes. Ulta accepts "new or gently used" products within 30 days for a full refund or 31-60 days for merchandise credit. Some employees interpret "gently used" as roughly 10% of product used, though this is not official. All original components must be included.

Did Sephora change its return policy?

Yes. On April 24, 2025, Sephora shortened its return window from 60 days to 30 days. The old policy allowed full refunds within 30 days and store credit/exchange from 31-60 days. The new policy offers full refunds within 30 days only — no returns, exchanges, or store credit are accepted after 30 days.

Did Ulta change its return policy?

Yes. On November 3, 2024, Ulta shortened its full-refund window from 60 days to 30 days. Days 31-60 now receive merchandise credit instead of a full refund. Ulta stated that nearly 90% of guests already returned within 30 days.

Which store has the best beauty return policy?

CVS has the best beauty return policy overall — unlimited returns on opened or unopened beauty products under its 100% satisfaction guarantee. For prestige beauty, Nordstrom (no set time limit, lightly used accepted) and Target (90-120 days, opened explicitly OK) are the most generous. Sephora and Ulta remain solid but their recent policy changes make them less consumer-friendly than before.

Can I return makeup without a receipt?

It depends on the store. At Sephora and Ulta, loyalty members can have purchases looked up in the system without a physical receipt. At Target, purchases made with a Target Circle Card are automatically tracked. At Walmart, you can return without a receipt but need a valid government-issued photo ID. At CVS, returns without a receipt receive store credit at the lowest advertised price.

What happens to returned beauty products?

Most returned beauty products are destroyed, not resold. Even unopened items may be disposed of because of hygiene concerns and the cost of re-inspecting packaging seals. Some retailers (like Target and Walmart) may return unopened items to shelves, but this is the exception. Opened or used products are virtually never resold.

Can I return beauty products bought online to a physical store?

At most retailers, yes. Sephora, Ulta, Target, Walmart, Macy's, Nordstrom, and MAC all accept online beauty returns in-store. Exceptions include Dermstore (no stores), Kylie Cosmetics (no returns at all), and Fenty Beauty (online purchases must be returned online).

Can I return a Sephora product to Kohl's?

No. Sephora at Kohl's purchases must be returned to a freestanding Sephora store, not Kohl's. Kohl's cannot process Sephora returns. You can, however, return Sephora at Kohl's purchases directly to Sephora stores.

Can I return an Ulta product to Target?

No. Ulta shop-in-shops at Target operate under Target's return system for purchases made there, but standalone Ulta purchases cannot be returned to Target and vice versa.

The Bottom Line

Beauty return policies are tightening across the industry, but the landscape is far from uniform. Here are the key takeaways for smart beauty shoppers in 2026:

• For maximum flexibility, shop beauty at Target or CVS. Target gives you 90-120 days on opened products. CVS has no time limit at all. Both are more generous than Sephora or Ulta's new 30-day windows.
• For prestige beauty with a safety net, Nordstrom is unbeatable. No time limit, lightly used products accepted, free returns. The only catch is the higher price point.
• For Sephora and Ulta, test fast and return early. You now have 30 days — use the first week to test any new product.
• Avoid buying directly from DTC brands unless you are sure. Fenty Beauty requires unused products. Kylie Cosmetics accepts no returns. Rare Beauty does not publish a policy. Buying these brands through Sephora or Ulta gives you a better return safety net.
• Always return in-store when possible. In-store returns are free and instant at every retailer with physical stores. Mail returns can take weeks and may cost you shipping fees.

For the complete return policy of any store — including every beauty-specific rule, exception, and processing timeline — check our full return policy database.

Last updated: April 1, 2026. Return policies change frequently — Sephora and Ulta both changed their policies within the past year. Always verify the current policy with the retailer before making purchasing decisions.