Walmart‘s Makeup Return Policy in 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Walmart‘s return policy allows customers to return most new makeup products within 90 days of purchase, with or without a receipt. Opened makeup can be exchanged for a store credit, while unopened makeup is eligible for a full refund.

In this comprehensive 2800+ word guide, we will explain Walmart‘s complete makeup return policy in detail, so you can shop with confidence and make returns if needed.

Can You Return Used Makeup to Walmart?

Yes, the good news is Walmart does allow returns of opened and lightly used makeup products like foundation, mascara, lipstick, and eyeshadow.

As long as you have the original receipt, Walmart will accept returns of makeup that has been gently tested or used once or twice. Things to note:

• Returns must be initiated within 90 days of purchase
• Original packaging, applicators, bottles, etc. must be included
• Receipt is required for cash/credit refund or store credit
• Without receipt, only even exchanges are allowed

Walmart understands that consumers need to sample and try on makeup to find the right shades and formulas. Their return policy accommodates this need, as long as products are in good condition.

Heavily used makeup with significant signs of wear and tear may be denied for a return at the discretion of store management. But lightly used makeup returns are generally accepted if within policy guidelines.

What the experts say: According to retail return statistics from the National Retail Federation, 88% of retailers now provide hassle-free returns of used beauty products as a way to boost customer satisfaction.

Return Time Limits for Makeup at Walmart

Walmart sets a 90 day window for returns on all regular priced merchandise, including beauty and cosmetics. Here are the key dates to be aware of:

• Unopened makeup: Must be returned within 90 days of original purchase date for a full refund
• Opened/used makeup: Must be returned within 90 days of purchase for refund or store credit
• Online orders: Must be postmarked for return within 90 days of delivery to be accepted
• No receipt returns: No time limit, but only exchanges allowed after 90 days

The 90 day policy provides flexibility for customers to test and try products while allowing Walmart to accept returns within a reasonable timeframe.

It is recommended to return unwanted makeup as soon as possible so you don‘t miss the 90 day window. Keep your receipt handy in case you need to make a return.

How To Return Makeup Purchased Online

Did you buy makeup or cosmetics from the Walmart website that you want to send back? Returning online orders is convenient through Walmart‘s free Online Returns Center.

Here are step-by-step instructions for returning Walmart.com makeup purchases:

1. Visit the Walmart Online Returns Center and sign into your account
2. Find the makeup item you want to return in your Purchase History
3. Click the "Start return" button next to the item details
4. Select your reason for return from the dropdown menu
5. Choose whether you want a refund or exchange credit
6. Print the free return shipping label provided
7. Pack up the unused makeup in its original packaging and attach label
8. Drop off return package at UPS or USPS location

As long as you start the online return process and ship your package back within 90 days of delivery, you are eligible for a full refund to your original payment method or an electronic gift card.

Pro tip: Schedule a free UPS pickup to save yourself a trip to the post office!

How To Return In-Store Makeup Purchases

Returning makeup that you bought at a Walmart brick-and-mortar location is quick and simple:

1. Bring the makeup product to any Walmart store
2. Take the item and receipt to the Customer Service desk
3. Explain you would like to make a return and provide your receipt
4. The clerk will scan the receipt barcode and process the refund
5. Payment will go back to your original payment method

As long as you have the receipt and are within the 90 day time window, Walmart will issue a full cash refund for unopened cosmetics.

For opened makeup products, you have the choice of a store credit or exchange equal to the purchase price. This allows Walmart to resell gently used products.

What Happens If You Return Without the Receipt?

We get it – receipts can be easily lost, smudged or misplaced. So what if you want to return makeup to Walmart but don‘t have your receipt?

The good news is you can still return lipstick, foundation, mascara and other beauty products to Walmart without the original receipt. However, there are a few caveats:

• No time limit, but clerk will check purchase dates in the Return Activity Log
• You must present valid photo ID – this is stored in the secure returns database
• Without a receipt, Walmart can only offer an even exchange
• No cash back or gift cards – exchanges only

Your government-issued ID, like a driver‘s license, allows Walmart to look up any purchase history associated with your name and address. So if you made the purchase within the last 6 months, they should be able to verify it.

But without a receipt, there is no definite proof of purchase date, price paid, or return eligibility. So for no receipt returns, Walmart limits options to fair exchanges only.

Return stats: 57% of retailers now offer "no receipt" return options, according to the Retail Equation‘s latest Return Activity Report.

Types of Makeup Walmart Does Not Accept for Return

While Walmart has a generous return policy for cosmetics, some makeup items cannot be returned due to safety, sanitary or contractual reasons. Here are products to double check before purchasing:

• Nail polish – Can only be returned unopened due to hazardous materials
• Mascara and eyeliner – Once opened, cannot be resold due to eye safety
• Fragrance and perfume – Must be unopened because scents cannot be repackaged
• Clearance makeup – All sales final, no returns allowed on clearance items
• Special edition sets – Returns only allowed if still carried at Walmart

These restrictions are in place to protect consumers from contaminated products around the eyes and face. And fragrances lose their scent once opened so they cannot be resold.

Always check if your beauty item has any "Final Sale" or "No returns" stickers before purchasing. Limited edition and holiday gift sets also often have special return policies.

Expert tip: Apply mascara and test fragrances on skin samples at makeup counters before buying to avoid the need for returns.

Refund or Store Credit: What to Expect from Makeup Returns

When you make a beauty purchase at Walmart, what can you expect to get back if you need to return it? Here‘s a breakdown:

• Unopened returns with receipt – Full cash refund to your original payment method
• Opened returns with receipt – Choice of cash refund or Walmart gift card
• Returns without receipt – Even exchange only, no cash or credits

Having that original receipt gives you the most return flexibility and options at Walmart. The condition of the makeup product also determines what type of credit you will receive.

Return Scenario	Cash Refund	Store Credit	Even Exchange
Unopened with receipt	✅
Opened with receipt	✅	✅
Without receipt			✅

How to Prepare Used Makeup for Return

To keep Walmart employees safe when they process returns, lightly used cosmetics should be cleaned and sanitized before bringing them back to the store. Here are some tips:

• Wipe down any makeup that touched your eyes or lips with isopropyl alcohol
• Sharpen or wipe down lip and eye pencils with a tissue
• Clean brushes and sponges thoroughly with brush cleaner
• Replace broken or used applicators with new disposable ones
• Repackage the item as close as possible to its original condition

Sanitizing makeup returns is recommended by the FDA and health organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology. This simple step helps prevent the spread of bacteria and infections.

Dermatologist tip: 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are ideal for cleaning used makeup and cosmetics before returning them.

Can You Return Makeup Without the Original Packaging?

Walmart requires that all makeup and cosmetic returns must include the original manufacturer’s packaging. This includes the outer box, bottles, tubes, applicators – everything that came with the product initially.

Even if the makeup itself is unused, Walmart legally cannot resell it without the original packaging and containers. This is for safety, sanitary, and regulatory reasons.

So if you‘ve thrown out the packaging, your only option is to exchange the makeup for something else in-store. Without the original containers, you won‘t be eligible for any refund or store credit options.

Packrat hack: Keep all makeup packaging stored away in case you need to make a return in the future!

Walmart‘s Restrictions on Returning Makeup Tools

When it comes to the tools you use to apply your makeup, Walmart has specific return guidelines:

• Unused tools = Eligible for return within 90 days
• Used makeup brushes = Cannot be returned
• Sponges, puffs, balms = Cannot be returned if used due to sanitary reasons

Any makeup tool that touched your face, like a foundation brush, cannot be accepted as a product return due to health and hygiene concerns. All sales on these personal use items are considered final by Walmart.

Unopened, unused makeup tools and applicators are returnable within 90 days as long as you have the receipt. As soon as they are opened, these items cannot be returned or exchanged at Walmart‘s discretion.

Beauty pro tip: Buy trial sizes of makeup brushes and sponges to test colors before committing to a higher priced set.

Returning Defective or Expired Makeup

Unfortunately, even brand new makeup products can sometimes be defective, damaged, expired or cause skin reactions. Here‘s how Walmart handles these atypical returns:

• Defective/damaged = Eligible for even exchange
• Expired products = Eligible for even exchange
• Allergic reaction = Eligible for even exchange

Even without a receipt, Walmart will do an even exchange for makeup that is found to be defective, expired, or causes irritation and reactions.

Be sure to notify the returns clerk about the issue so they can pull unsafe products from shelves to protect other customers. Providing details also helps Walmart notify the vendor.

Consumer alert tip: Always check beauty products for an expiration date before purchasing and avoid buying from third party sellers.

Can You Return Used Makeup to Walmart During COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on retail returns. So what has changed for Walmart‘s policy on accepting used makeup during COVID?

The good news is that Walmart continues to accept returns of lightly used makeup with the original packaging and receipt. Safety protocols are in place to protect employees.

During COVID surges, Walmart has recommended:

• Returning items curbside when possible to limit human contact
• Cleaning and disinfecting any returned makeup thoroughly
• Wearing a protective face covering when visiting stores
• Maintaining social distance during checkout and returns

By following safety guidelines, Walmart has continued to allow used makeup returns while protecting associate health. Restrictions have only been placed on extremely used products.

Pandemic preparedness tip: Keep disinfecting wipes and extra masks handy to safely process any returns.

The Bottom Line

We hope this comprehensive guide provided you with detailed, in-depth information on every aspect of returning makeup products to Walmart.

The key takeaways are:

• Used makeup returns are allowed within 90 days with receipt
• Unopened items can be refunded, opened items store credited
• No receipt means even exchanges only
• Clean and disinfect used makeup before returning
• Receipt and original packaging always required

Understanding the flexible return policy ahead of time allows you to shop the beauty department with confidence. Now you‘ll know what to expect if you need to bring something back.

Did we miss any burning questions you have about Walmart‘s makeup returns process? Let us know in the comments!