Bought a foundation that looked perfect under store lighting and turned orange the second you got home? We've all been there. The good news: Sephora's return policy is surprisingly flexible — especially for opened products — so you don't have to get stuck with beauty regrets.

Whether you're dealing with a lipstick that looked amazing online but terrible in real life, or you need to cancel an order you placed five minutes ago, knowing how returns work can save you time and money. Right before you check out, give Groupon’s Sephora discount codes a glance — your cart (and wallet) will thank you.

How Sephora's 30-Day Return Policy Actually Works

Here’s the headline rule: Sephora accepts returns of new or gently used products for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. You don’t have to keep something sealed to bring it back, which is rare in the beauty world.

The 30-day clock starts from your purchase date, not the day your package lands on your doorstep. So if you ordered online and shipping took a week, you’ve got about 23 days left to decide whether it’s a keeper.

What You Can and Can’t Return at Sephora

Quick note: Store managers can use their discretion, especially if something looks heavily used, so it helps to bring items back in good condition when you can.

Why Sephora Accepts Opened Products

This is where Sephora really earns bonus points with beauty lovers. You can return opened makeup, skincare and perfume as long as you’re within the 30-day window and the product is gently used. Tried a serum that broke you out? Return it. Foundation that oxidized and turned a strange shade on your skin? Back it goes.

The policy exists because Sephora knows beauty is personal — what’s holy-grail for one person can be a disaster for someone else. They’d rather you land on products you actually love instead of letting unwanted items collect dust in a drawer.

Verdict: If a product doesn’t play nicely with your skin, hair or nose, Sephora usually doesn’t make you keep it.

How to Return Sephora Items the Easy Way

You’ve got three main routes for returns, and each one works a little differently.

Fastest Option: Return In Store

If you live near a Sephora location, this is almost always the easiest and quickest way to get your money back.

• Bring the item and your receipt or packing slip.
• If you’re a Beauty Insider (it’s free), they can usually look up your purchase.
• You may be asked to show a government-issued ID.
• Refunds typically go back to your original form of payment.

Saving tip: Returning in store usually means faster refunds and no return shipping costs.

Pro tip: If you want to make the most of your Beauty Insider perks, make sure your account is always linked to your purchases — it makes returns and exchanges much smoother later on.

Verdict: Choose in-store returns whenever you can. It’s the fastest way to get both your refund and your new shade match.

How to Return Sephora Online Orders by Mail

If there’s no store nearby, you can mail your order back instead.

• Log into your Sephora account and view your order history.
• Start a return to generate or request a return label.
• Pack the items securely with any original packaging if you still have it.
• Drop it off with the carrier listed on your label.

It takes longer for your refund to process and appear on your card, but you can handle the entire return without leaving your neighborhood.

Verdict: Mailing your return is slower, but perfect if the nearest Sephora is a road trip away.

How Sephora at Kohl’s Returns Work

Here’s the curveball: if you bought Sephora products at Kohl’s, you have to return them to Kohl’s — not a regular standalone Sephora store.

• Returns go through Kohl’s, so follow their return process and policies.
• You’ll usually need your Kohl’s receipt or order confirmation.
• Return windows and rules may differ slightly from standard Sephora stores.

Verdict: Check where you bought the product. If it was Sephora at Kohl’s, that’s exactly where your return needs to go.

How to Cancel a Sephora Order Before It Ships

Hit “buy now” and instantly changed your mind? It happens. You may be able to cancel the order before it leaves the warehouse.

Your Roughly One-Hour Cancellation Window

Most orders can be canceled for a short period after you place them. Here’s how to check:

• Log into your Sephora account.
• Go to your “Order Details” page.
• Look for a cancel option next to the order.
• If you see it, click it and you’re done.

Verdict: If you decide fast, you can usually stop the order before anything ships.

Missed the Cancel Window? What to Do Next

If the cancel button is missing, your order is probably already being prepped for shipping, which means you can’t cancel it online.

Don’t stress, though — you still have options:

• Wait for the order to arrive.
• Return it in store or by mail within the 30-day window.

You’ll just need to go through the standard return process instead of canceling upfront.

Verdict: Once the cancel button disappears, treat it like a normal order — but you’re still covered by the return policy.

How to Handle Tricky Sephora Return Situations

Returning Gifts You Don’t Love

Got a gift that isn’t quite your shade or style? You can usually return it in store for an exchange or store credit.

• Bring a gift receipt, order confirmation email or packing slip if you have it.
• If you don’t have any proof of purchase, Sephora may still be able to help, but you’ll almost definitely need a government-issued ID.

Verdict: Awkward gift? Don’t let it sit unused. Swap it for something you’ll actually wear.

How Holiday Returns Work at Sephora

During the holiday season, Sephora usually extends the return window to account for early shopping and gift-giving. Items bought in the lead-up to the holidays often can be returned into January.

Exact dates can change from year to year, so it’s smart to double-check the current holiday return policy when you’re shopping for gifts.

Verdict: Holiday shopping gets extra wiggle room — great for those “bought it in November, opened it in January” presents.

What Happens If You Try to Return After 30 Days?

Once you’re past the 30-day mark, things get more case-by-case.

• Your return might be denied altogether.
• In some cases, you may only be offered store credit instead of a full refund.
• The condition of the product and proof of purchase can make a difference.

Verdict: Try to make decisions quickly. The closer you are to 30 days, the better your chances of a smooth refund.

What Sephora Does With Returned Products

Ever wonder what happens to that half-used foundation once you hand it back over the counter? While policies and practices can vary, there are a few general things to know.

• Used products aren’t typically resold. Once something has been opened or used, it usually can’t go back on the shelf for health and safety reasons.
• Some items may be discarded. Especially if they’re clearly used, damaged or not suitable for donation.
• Occasionally, unopened items in perfect condition may be eligible for resale or donation. This can depend on local rules and the brand’s guidelines.

You don’t get to choose what happens to your individual return, but it’s helpful to know that bringing something back doesn’t mean it’s secretly put straight back on the shelf.

Verdict: Returned beauty products aren’t just quietly repackaged and resold — especially if they’ve been opened.

How to Shop Smarter at Sephora Next Time

Now that you know how the return policy works, you can shop with a lot less risk — and a little more strategy.

• Join Beauty Insider. It’s free, and it makes looking up past purchases and processing returns much easier.
• Test before you commit. Whenever you can, grab free samples or gifts so you can try products before buying full sizes.
• Time your hauls. Use the Sephora sales calendar to plan around major promos and events.
• Keep packaging when you’re unsure. If you’re on the fence about a product, hang onto the box and receipt for a couple of weeks.

Saving tip: Before you hit checkout, take a quick look at Groupon’s latest Sephora discount codes. It’s one of the easiest ways to save on beauty you actually plan to keep.