Shopping for Skincare & Cosmetics
Published January 2026
Finding beauty products in unfamiliar territory doesn't have to feel like a scavenger hunt. Whether you need to restock your skincare stash or you're ready to discover soemthing new, YLB has you covered. Divided into real-life shops and realiable online stores, here’s my guide to Lisbon’s beauty scene without losing your mind…or your glow.
Stores
Sephora
Starting with the one you’ll likely be most familiar with, though it won’t be anywhere near as expansive as you’re used too. I am certain we have the smallest ones in the whole of Europe.
They stock the brands you’d expect, such as Fenty, Drunk Elephant & Olaplex, but your more niche faves might be harder to find.
The main one, located in the Armazéns mall in Chiado, has what I am sure is THE best view from a Sephora, anywhere, though it’s always hectic and crowded. There is another in Chiado on Rua Augusta. They also have a tiny (pointless) kiosk at El Corte Inglés near the Starbucks entrance. They have an online store, but most people - including myself - favour the other websites I’ve listed below.
Floor G - Armazéns Do Chiado | R. Augusta 17 37, Chiado | Website
The view to the castle from Sephora
Perfumes & Companhia
Various locations dotted around the city, P&C stocks a variety of cosmetic brands, with a perfume-forward focus. You can get legacy brands here like Cinique and Estee Lauder, but for more modern brands, stick to Sephora. Every store I have been in, staff have been really lovely. Again, there’s an online store though I don’t use it.
Bestie Tip: There is also a similar store called Douglas, but P&C has a better range, in my opinion.
Wells
My absolute go-to store for skincare. As mentioned on my pharmacies page, Wells is more of a chemist than a beauty boutique. However, they do stock familar drugstore cosmetic brands like Rimmel & Maybeline if that’s what you’re after but I come here for creams, serums and anything else I can slap on my face by Avéne, Uriage, & La Roché Posey. Upper-mid range brands like Clinique and Clarins are also here.
I will do a whole page on European Beauty brands, so follow on social media for updates.
Bestie Tip: There are often great deals on their online store. Shopping online with a pick-up from store option (they are eveywhere) works great if you are never home for deliveries.
Normal
This Danish chain has expanded through Lisbon with gusto. It’s not a traditional beauty store as they stock all kinds of haircare, toiletries and cleaning supplies, but it is a great spot for trending beauty products and European drugstore brands at the lowest possible prices. Online shopping is not available, I assume because they cycle through products quickly.
Bestie Tip: They stock the super-affordable UK brand W7, and I promise their brow pencils are better than your exxy Anastasia ones at a poofteenth of the price.
El Corte Inglés
The ground floor has a beauty hall typical of any international department store, with each brand showcasing their most popular items and promotions in their designated, small section. You can find your Dior, Chanel & M.A.C here.
Benamôr 1925
The beauty icon of Lisbon since the era of Art Deco, these creams and lotions only use Portuguese products, smell amazing and feel luxurious without being over priced. If it was good enough for Queen Amélie herself, then it’s good enough for my regular mug.
Bestie Tip: Lovely packaging makes Benamôr perfect for gifting to loved ones back home.
Kiko Milano
Selling only their own brand, this is my favourite if you want to experiment with a new look or find a specific eyeshadow colour. Affordable and fun from Italy, they used to be all about makeup but have started focusing on their skincare also.
Bestie Tip: They have the best lip oils, glosses & balms in the biz.
Online Only
You’ll find out soon enough that Portugal has a real problem with receiving product from outside of the EU. Import tax can often be more than what’s in your parcel. Sometimes it will just get sent back without notification or reason. It’s an issue to be discussed at another time. But don’t worry, below are YLB’s trusted, regularly used sites.
Notino
The first place to go to if an influencer has influenced you. The widest range online as far as I can tell, it’s the easiest place to find a specific product. I like to buy face masks, and nicer body wash, shampoos & handsoaps from here. They also have a wide range sunscreen and fake-tan brands. Also for those into Korean & Japanese beauty products. A Czech based company, delivery is always timely.
Look Fantastic
A less clunky site than above yet still very similar. They stock all of the familar and most of the cult brands. I usually cross reference with Notino for the best deals as both seem to be a continual promotion cycle. A UK Company but I think they get around the EU Brexity thing by shipping from Ireland.
iHerb
This site leans heavily on the vitamin & supplement side of things but I still use them for the occasional skin or cosmetic item.