How to sell beauty products on eBay and Vinted

• That it's new, unused and sealed, shown clearly in photos.
• The expiry date or the period-after-opening symbol, and the batch code.
• That it's genuine, with the original packaging.
• The exact shade, size and formulation.
• Whether it has been stored away from heat and sunlight.
• Whether it's a full size or a sample or travel size.

1. The product in its box, front and back, on a plain background.
2. The seal or cellophane up close.
3. The ingredients list and batch code.
4. The expiry date or period-after-opening symbol.
5. The shade name or number.
6. For gift sets, every item in the set.

• Brand and product name first.
• Then shade, size and type (eau de parfum, eau de toilette).
• Add "new", "sealed" or "boxed" only when true.
• Say if it's a travel size, sample or gift set.

Example title

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H 50ml New Sealed Boxed

Words buyers search for

• new
• sealed
• boxed
• unused
• gift set
• travel size
• full size
• eau de parfum
• skincare
• make-up
• palette
• shade

• Size in ml or g, as printed.
• Shade name or number.
• Expiry date or period after opening.
• Number of items in a set.

• Only use "new" for items that are unused and sealed.
• Say whether the outer box has any damage.
• Mention if the item was a gift with purchase or a sample.
• Never list opened or used make-up, skincare or similar where the platform doesn't allow it.

eBay has a health and beauty category and tends to suit branded, boxed products and gift sets. Check its policy on used and expired cosmetics before listing.

Vinted has a beauty category and tends to suit unused make-up, skincare and fragrance in original packaging. Check its catalogue rules for what's accepted.

Both platforms remove listings that break their rules, so check first rather than after.

• Wrap glass bottles in bubble wrap and pack in a box, not a padded envelope.
• Seal liquids in a plastic bag in case they leak.
• Perfume, nail polish and aerosols can be restricted or banned by carriers because they're flammable. Check the carrier's rules before you choose a service.
• Small items usually fit a small parcel; check the postage guide for sizes.

Not sure which parcel size you need? Check the postage size guide.

• Listing used or opened products where the platform doesn't allow it.
• Not checking the expiry date.
• Posting perfume or aerosols with a carrier that prohibits them.
• Packing glass bottles loosely.
• Calling something new when the seal is broken.

Can I sell used make-up?

Platforms generally restrict used cosmetics for hygiene reasons. Check eBay's and Vinted's own rules for your country; if in doubt, only list new and sealed items.

Can I post perfume?

Perfume is flammable, so some carriers and services restrict or ban it. Check the carrier's prohibited items list before choosing a service.

What is the period-after-opening symbol?

It's an open jar symbol with a number such as 12M, meaning the product should be used within that many months of opening.