Target Makeup Return Policy: Time Limit, Open/Used Cosmetics, etc

Short Answer

You have 90 days to return most makeup purchases to Target. If you paid with a Target RedCard, you have up to 120 days to make the return, and if the brand is Target-owned, you have a full year. Even open or lightly used products are eligible for return. You’ll need your receipt, but if you don’t have it, the store may be able to look up your purchase. Find more details of the Target makeup return policy below.

Table of Contents

Target Makeup Return Policy

Target accepts makeup returns, even if open and used. You’ll need your original receipt. If you’ve slightly used a beauty product but want to return it for any reason, Target will accept it. However, we were told that you can’t return empty or nearly-empty product containers.^[1]

You can return beauty items (including makeup) bought in stores or online within 90 days, or 120 days if you paid with a Target RedCard. There’s also an exception for Target-owned brands, which you can return within a full year. For example, if you purchase a Sonia Kashuk item, you have up to a year to return it.^[2]

Target does not offer a special holiday return policy for makeup. The standard return policy applies to defective products (including dried out makeup), gifts, and clearance items.^[2]

We contacted Target stores in Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Nevada, Vermont, and Washington; all of these stores confirm that they follow the corporate makeup return policy.

How to Make a Return

Target processes in-store returns at the customer service counter during regular store hours. You can return items purchased in-store and online to any Target store; online purchases are also eligible for return by mail.^[1]

If you made your original makeup purchase on a debit or credit card, you should bring that card with you. Your refund will be made to the method of the original purchase.^[2] You should also bring your ID. Target may track your return to avoid fraud, especially if you don’t have the receipt.^[1]

Returns Without a Receipt

If you don’t have your receipt, Target can look up your purchase as long as you used a Target RedCard, credit card, debit card, check, or gift card. Keep in mind that it takes the Target point-of-sale system 24 hours to update, so you will need a receipt to make a return the same day you purchased an item.^[1]

Note that if you used a gift card, you’ll need to provide it for receipt lookup. If you paid with a check, bring a blank check so store associates can look up your transaction.^[1]

If you paid with cash and don’t have your receipt, your refund will be on a merchandise return card.^[2]

Returns After the Time Limit

Target typically refuses to accept returns outside of the return policy time limits noted above. If you are not happy with your purchase, but it’s past the return window, you may still be able to exchange the item at the discretion of the store manager.^[2]

Returns by Mail

If you’d prefer to return an online cosmetics purchase by mail, log into your Target.com account to request a return. You will be able to print a free UPS shipping label. You should receive your refund credit about 10 days after Target receives the returned item. If you don’t have a payment method on file, you should receive a refund check in about 14 days.^[2]