(Latest update: Jan 2012) Online fashion shopping and buying cosmetics online is so incredibly convenient – not only can you browse for unique items and the cheapest prices, your purchases are delivered to your home and thanks to social media, you can easily find out the most popular trends this season.

All my friends know I’m the most fanatic online shopper around, so they’re always asking to join in my shopping sprees. If you’re looking to do some online fashion shopping or finding reliable places to buy makeup online, here’s my must-visit list of the best online shopping websites.

^{Best Online Shopping Sites: Fashion
Best Online Shopping Sites: Cosmetics, Makeup, and Beauty Products}

Best Online Shopping Sites: Fashion

1.  Gmarket Korea

If you’ve read my guide to Korea online shopping with Gmarket, you’ll know that Gmarket Korea is my ultimate one-stop online shopping mall for buying clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, and Korean cosmetics. Purchasing agents are not needed: Gmarket consolidates purchases from different sellers into one package, lets you pay with PayPal or credit card, and ships internationally. Gmarket has a site in English, plus a new translation function for every item/page to make online shopping a breeze for international buyers.

Recommended purchases: Korean cosmetics, Mango/Zara quality shoes and bags, nail polish, sunglasses, cheap men’s shirts, fancy stationery

2. Gilt

The pioneer of online sample sales, Gilt Groupe started with designer clothes and accessories for women but has swiftly expanded into an exclusive online store for menswear, kids, home, and even luxury travel. Their eclectic, indie designer offerings are a delight to browse and the site exudes minimalist luxe, so much so that hundreds of competitors have copied its elegant website design and layout.

3. Victoria’s Secret

I love Victoria’s Secret not just for their sexy, feel-good lingerie, but also for their well-cut, flattering clothes, which are pretty affordable during sales. A great option for taller and bigger-built ladies since most clothes cut for Asian women are too small and short.

4. Etsy

Etsy is paradise for those who love one-piece-only, exquisite handcrafted goods. Talented artisans offer fashion and beauty finds in the way of jewelry, accessories, and soaps. You can be sure of quality goods as these creatives take pride in their masterpieces – and rest assured no one will ever go “Hey, I have that necklace too!”

5. Forever21

The original fast fashion retailer, Forever 21 is chock-full of cheap runway-inspired clothes for teenagers and young adults.

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7. RetailMeNot

It’s not really an shopping site, but the coupon codes you find here will definitely make you want to start shopping online. RetailMeNot offers discount codes for fashion and beauty shopping sites, as well as practically every online store you can find on the Internet.

8. Reebonz

Reebonz offers products from mainstream luxury brands at discounts from 10% up to a jaw-dropping 99% during their clearance sales. This Singapore-based luxury online shopping site fulfills the urges of fashionistas who prefer the wares of more established design houses, though I do find the blatant Gilt-copying mildly distasteful.

9. ASOS

The number 1 online fashion retailer in the UK, ASOS is one of the best online shopping sites to find and grab discounted mid-range branded clothes.

10. ClubCouture

Although they don’t have a huge current collection, ClubCouture’s pieces combine original design, quality material, and reasonable prices. This is what I call chic.

Best Online Shopping Sites: Cosmetics, Makeup, and Beauty Products

1. Sephora

The cosmetics store everyone loves, Sephora is a one-stop shop for established beauty houses and cult makeup brands alike. Although there are plenty of physical outlets to shop, the Sephora online store offers a much wider range of products and exclusive beauty deals.

Recommended purchases: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Blinc Kiss Me Mascara

2. Crabtree & Evelyn

One of my favorite brands for pampering body care, Crabtree & Evelyn sells not just soaps and lotions, but also a lovely collection of tea, biscuits, and home fragrances. I absolutely adore the light and natural scents of their products, as well as the great Crabtree and Evelyn membership card program. You won’t go back to The Body Shop, I promise.

3. StrawberryNet

StrawberryNet is one of the best online shopping websites to buy makeup online, order perfume, and source for high-end skincare products at duty-free prices – plus they offer free worldwide shipping! Despite some claims that they sell fake goods, I’ve always had good experiences with StrawberryNet – so do give them a shot if you haven’t already done so.

4. Sally Beauty Supply

5. Eyes Lips Face

e.l.f. Cosmetics is the ruler of drugstore cosmetics. Not only can you get your beauty (and impulse shopping) fix from just $1 a pop, elf Cosmetics makeup and beauty tools have been positively reviewed by thousands of beauty bloggers, magazines, and consumers. Who doesn’t love beauty on a budget?

Recommended purchases: Luscious Liquid Lipstick, elf Studio Blush, elf Studio Glossy Gloss

6. Folica

7. Ulta

8. Sasa

If you love trying Taiwanese and Korean cosmetics, you’ll love Sasa. Sasa is a well-known beauty supply chain in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, offering Asian drugstore brand cosmetics as well as high-end beauty salon skincare brands.

9. Groupon

Groupon is actually a group discount/deal site, but it’s my go-to site for unbelievable beauty and wellness offers. Spa treats, hair treatment and manicure deals, gym packages – you name it, they have it. Hotter than a bikini model slow-roasting on the beach in July, Groupon is killing every women’s magazine.

Note: research the merchant before buying a Groupon – you don’t want to end up with shady company offering appalling service.
Recommended purchases: IPL hair removal, yoga, and pampering massages.

10. eBay

That’s my list of the best online shopping sites, at least for these few months. Do you have your own favorite online shopping sites? Share them in the comments.