There is always a never-ending debate on whether buying cosmetics online is beneficial or whether in-store shopping works better. On a broader perspective, to each their own, as it totally depends on individuals on how they want to navigate the realm of beauty landscape where convenience and variety combine with cutting-edge technology. Talking about technology, the impact of E-commerce platforms has been huge over the past few years in terms of generating revenue, providing user satisfaction, and creating a rock-solid relationship with consumers. The cosmetic industry is no exception, as it is evident from the emergence of makeup shopping apps.
Let us dive into the discussion of nitty and gritty details about the availability of sample packs in the makeup category and what ways we can compare this experience with in-store shopping. In this battle of beauty retail, brands must be open to addressing all the relevant issues in both segments if they want to tap into the larger customer base. Both options have their own set of pros and cons. Let us break them down in the following pointers:
In-store shopping:
- Offline makeup stores brag about their element of providing real-life experiences where users can see, touch, and feel the products before drawing any conclusions, and this makes decision-making easy for them.
- Technological integration is apparent in this category as there are smart hairbrushes, digital color match departments, and tech-based application tools for consumers to try and experience firsthand in technically equipped cosmetic stores.
- Offline shopping serves as a quality bonding time for people who seek a reason to step out of their comfy abode and spend some time socializing.
- They get the assistance of beauty experts present in stores who can assist customers to shop makeup that suits their skin type and tone. Buying quality makeup is nothing less than a tangible investment that should be under the guidance of legitimate geniuses in this field.
- Such stores may provide a sample makeup session or allow a little application of any makeup product to check how it works on the person. However, they do not provide a sample package only if they are promoting a certain brand or any of their products.
Online shopping:
- The most preferred mode of shopping these days is mostly from mobile-based applications as they are on the quest to satisfy their consumers by combining variety with flexibility and convenience.
- Apart from providing the liberty to order products on the go, they also provide detailed information about the product along with reviews and feedback from folks who have used it before.
- Shopping apps India has to offer in this category are innovative in ways more than one. Some of these apps, like Smytten, have made the mark by providing thousands of products in the range of beauty, skin, body, and hair care, along with other essentials in trial packs. Yes! You read that right. They initially offer miniature versions of the products, as mentioned above, to let users explore them and decide to buy a final full-size product after that. Isn’t that something so sustainable and exciting?
No matter what platform one selects for buying makeup samples, the “try and buy” concept is a great alternative to test multiple products and then finalize the one that suits the best. Skin & hair care combos and lip and perfume kits are some of the trending products that are popular among consumers these days, especially when it comes to buying the miniature version.