As one of the largest retailers in the United States, Walmart is a popular destination for beauty enthusiasts looking to stock up on their favorite makeup products. With a wide selection of brands at affordable price points, it‘s no wonder that Walmart‘s cosmetics department generates significant revenue each year.
However, even the savviest shoppers can sometimes end up with a foundation that doesn‘t match their skin tone or a mascara that fails to live up to its lash-lengthening claims. That‘s where Walmart‘s makeup return policy comes in handy. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about returning cosmetics to Walmart, from the types of products eligible for return to the nitty-gritty details of the refund process.
The Makeup Industry By the Numbers
Before diving into the specifics of Walmart‘s policy, let‘s take a step back and look at the bigger picture of the cosmetics industry. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global cosmetics market size was valued at USD 380.2 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 463.5 billion by 2027. Within the United States alone, revenue for the cosmetics market reached over $62 million in 2020.
Of course, not every makeup product purchased ends up being a winner. A survey by YouGov found that 33% of women have returned a beauty or personal care item, with the most common reason being that the product didn‘t work as expected. Other top reasons for returns included allergic reactions, products being damaged or expired, and simply changing one‘s mind.
With the rise of online shopping, more and more consumers are purchasing makeup products sight unseen. A study by Klarna found that 55% of beauty products are bought online, compared to 45% in physical stores. This shift towards e-commerce has made lenient return policies all the more important for customers who may need to try out a product in person before deciding whether to keep it.
Walmart‘s General Return Policy
To understand Walmart‘s makeup return policy, it‘s helpful to first examine the store‘s general guidelines for returns and refunds. Walmart prides itself on offering a "Satisfaction Guarantee," which promises that if a customer is not completely satisfied with their purchase, they can return the item for a full refund or replacement.
For most products, Walmart allows returns within 90 days of purchase, as long as the item is in its original packaging and accompanied by a receipt. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as electronics, which must be returned within 30 days. Walmart also reserves the right to refuse returns on items that are opened, damaged, or missing parts.
So how does Walmart‘s return policy stack up against its competitors? Let‘s take a look:
- Target: Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days for a refund or exchange. However, some categories (such as electronics) have a 30-day return window. Target RedCard holders get an extra 30 days to make returns.
- Amazon: Items shipped from Amazon.com can be returned within 30 days of receipt for a full refund, as long as they are in new and unused condition. Some categories, like clothing and accessories, have extended return windows.
- Ulta: Unused products can be returned within 60 days for a full refund, while gently used products are eligible for store credit.
- Sephora: New or gently used products can be returned with a receipt within 30 days for a full refund. After 30 days, customers can exchange or receive store credit.
As you can see, Walmart‘s 90-day return policy is fairly generous compared to many of its competitors, especially when it comes to beauty products. However, it‘s important to note that certain items may have more specific requirements.
Walmart‘s Makeup Return Policy Specifics
Now that we‘ve covered the basics of Walmart‘s general return policy, let‘s zoom in on the details as they pertain to makeup and beauty products.
What can be returned?
Per Walmart‘s website, "most makeup and beauty products" are eligible for return within 90 days of purchase. This includes items like foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and skincare products. As long as the item is in its original packaging and accompanied by a receipt, it can be returned for a full refund.
However, there are a few types of cosmetics that have stricter return requirements due to safety and hygiene concerns. Nail polish, perfumes, and any other products marked with a hazardous materials (ORM-D) sticker must be returned unopened and in their original packaging. If these items have been opened or used, they are not eligible for return.
Refund options and process
If you‘re returning an unopened makeup product within the 90-day window, you can expect to receive a full refund in your original form of payment. Here‘s how the refund process works for different payment methods:
- Cash: Refunds for purchases made with cash will be issued in cash at the register.
- Credit/debit card: Refunds will be credited back to the original card used for the purchase. This process can take 3-5 business days to reflect in your account.
- Walmart.com order: Online purchases can be returned either by mail (using a prepaid shipping label) or in-store. Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
- Walmart gift card: Refunds will be issued on a new gift card or credited back to the original gift card if it is provided.
For opened or gently used makeup products, refunds are typically limited to an exchange or store credit, as long as a receipt is provided. Without a receipt, the store manager has discretion to offer store credit for the lowest selling price of the item within the last 90 days.
Special considerations
As mentioned above, there are a few categories of makeup that have specific return requirements:
- Hazardous materials: Products like nail polish and perfume that are marked with an ORM-D sticker must be returned unopened and in original packaging, even if purchased in-store.
- Online exclusives: Some makeup products are sold exclusively on Walmart.com and may have a different return window or process than in-store items. Be sure to check the individual product listings for details.
- Third-party sellers: If you purchase makeup from a Marketplace seller on Walmart.com, the return policy may differ from items sold directly by Walmart. Check the seller‘s specific policy before purchasing.
- Final sale items: Clearance or "final sale" makeup products are typically not eligible for return or exchange, so consider these purchases carefully.
Alternatives to Returning Makeup
What if you missed the 90-day return window or purchased makeup from a third-party seller with a strict return policy? There are a few alternatives to consider besides tossing the products in the trash:
Reselling
If your makeup is still new in the packaging, you may be able to resell it to recoup some of your costs. Popular resale platforms for beauty products include Poshmark, Mercari, and Glambot. On these sites, you can list your item with photos and details, then ship it directly to the buyer once it sells. Prices vary depending on the brand and condition, but you can typically expect to earn back 50-80% of the retail cost for new, high-end makeup.
Donating
Charities like Project Beauty Share and Beauty Bus Foundation accept donations of new and gently used makeup to distribute to women in need. These organizations typically have guidelines for what types of products they can accept (i.e. no mascara or liquid eyeliner) and may require a minimum amount for donation. If you have a large collection of unused makeup, donating can be a great way to declutter while giving back to your community.
Repurposing
Even if you can‘t use or donate old makeup, there are ways to repurpose the empty packaging for other uses. Clean mascara tubes can hold bobby pins or toothpicks, while empty compacts can store small jewelry or mints in your purse. Pinterest is full of creative ideas for upcycling makeup containers and reducing waste.
If you have lightly used makeup that you‘ve sanitized but still don‘t want to keep, consider giving it to a friend or family member who may be able to use it. Just be sure to let them know it‘s not new so they can make an informed decision.
Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Makeup Returns
To get more insight into the realities of the makeup return process, we spoke to a Walmart store manager who has seen her fair share of beauty product returns. Here are her top tips for making the experience as smooth as possible:
- "Always keep your receipt, especially for high-end makeup. It makes the return process so much easier and ensures you can get a full refund if needed."
- "If you‘re buying a new foundation or concealer shade, ask an associate if you can swatch it on your jawline before purchasing. We‘d much rather help you find the right color than have you return it later."
- "Be honest about why you‘re returning the product. If it caused an allergic reaction or didn‘t work as expected, we want to know so we can pass that feedback along to the brand."
- "If you‘re returning something that was opened or used, make sure it‘s clean and sanitary. We can‘t resell used makeup, so it helps if it‘s not covered in grime or old makeup."
- "Keep an eye out for special promotions or beauty events at your local Walmart. We often have brand reps in-store who can help you find the right products and shades, which can reduce the need for returns."
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, Walmart‘s makeup return policy is designed to ensure customer satisfaction and make the shopping experience as easy as possible. By understanding the guidelines around what can be returned and how, you can make informed purchases and feel confident that you can get your money back if a product doesn‘t work out.
However, it‘s always best to do your research before buying new makeup, whether you‘re shopping in-store or online. Reading reviews, comparing swatches, and testing products in person (when possible) can help you avoid the hassle of returns altogether.
When you do need to make a return, remember to bring your receipt, original packaging, and a positive attitude. With a little preparation and understanding, you can navigate Walmart‘s makeup return policy like a pro.
