• Escentual

Escentual

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Overview

Escentual has a rating of 2.52 stars from 21 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Escentual most frequently mention customer service problems. Escentual ranks 300th among Cosmetics sites.

  • Service
    5
  • Value
    5
  • Shipping
    5
  • Returns
    2
  • Quality
    5
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
2
5
See all photos
How would you rate Escentual?
Top Positive Review

“Satisfied”

Alexandra E.
4/7/20

I ordered some face products, i like they have a wide range of brands and products. I liked the fact they had all i needed except 1 cream, but that's ok. The products were packaged so well like even if you drop that it was no way they could brake. I do give 4 stars because of the time of delivery. I placed the order on a sunday, royal mail received it on a tuesday and i received it the next tuesday. + i got a little present (the nail file) :D

Top Critical Review

“Stay away and save your hard earned money.”

n s.
11/23/20

This is how you get the delivery of 800 pounds worth of cosmetics. Out of 20 pcs I just got 8 and the customer service refused to help me and denied that even this was the box which they send to me. The label clearly put on the last taping that was done. It cant be me because I don't have access to it. I contacted within the next 15 minutes when I got delivery. The customer care supervisor Nikki contradicts her ownself what she wrote in her first email in the second one. Its one of the worst experiences you will have with anyone. STAY AWAY SAVE YOUR MONEY

Reviews (21)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Thumbnail of user ns225
1 review
5 helpful votes
November 23rd, 2020

This is how you get the delivery of 800 pounds worth of cosmetics. Out of 20 pcs I just got 8 and the customer service refused to help me and denied that even this was the box which they send to me. The label clearly put on the last taping that was done. It cant be me because I don't have access to it. I contacted within the next 15 minutes when I got delivery. The customer care supervisor Nikki contradicts her ownself what she wrote in her first email in the second one. Its one of the worst experiences you will have with anyone. STAY AWAY SAVE YOUR MONEY

Thumbnail of user sianlouisemcauliffe
1 review
3 helpful votes
July 13th, 2023

I was sceptical prior to ordering my item (there was a stock issue with what I was looking for and so I was delighted yet surprised to see this company had it.)
It did not arrive.
I was told that Royal Mail had supposedly delivered it (no proof) and so no refund.
I feel completely played. What a fool I was.
I may as well put thirty pounds straight into the bin :(

Thumbnail of user vikm2
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 4th, 2020

I came across Escentual after trying to find my usual face stuff out of stock everywhere else, I was a bit weary as not only had I never used them, I'd never heard of them! I personally wouldn't say it's a 'pathetic business' as another reviewer has mentioned. I paid for next day delivery and that is exactly what I got, I was impressed given we're currently in lockdown. All my products arrived perfectly. I would highly recommend this company! I will be buying again very soon! I received a free nail file too, bonus.

Thumbnail of user rebeccah634
1 review
3 helpful votes
May 13th, 2020

Absolutely appalled by Nikki one of the customer service reps, I have today received an incomplete parcel and have been told that it was packed fine and nothing that they can do - contacting my bank straight away

Thumbnail of user jiangyijing1
1 review
1 helpful vote
July 28th, 2023

It is Nikki again:)
I purchase a Dior lipstick from the website. The batch code is 7X01. I checked to find out that this was produced in 2019.
When I asked for a refund, Escentual insisted that I return the item. I find this extremely dubious; Escentual is obviously hoping to resell the item to another unsuspicious customer who won't check the batch code at all.
They also insisted that cosmetics that last more than 3 years don't need to have an expiration date printed. However, there is obviously an upper limit. If the product is 5 years old, no sane person will use it.

Does anyone want to buy this 5 year-old lipstick for 20 pound from me? If no, then why does anyone want to buy it from Escentual? Although I can get my money back, I view it as morally bad to return the item to Escentual for resale. A legitimate company should tell me to destroy the product instead.

Thumbnail of user gerwynd
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
December 13th, 2021

Apalling.

I ordered an Estee Lauder perfume gift set. The price was comparable to elsewhere but I chose to order through Escentual due to there being a free 'facial set'.
It came but the free gift wasn't included. I've since had an email exchange with Nikki in customer services who said that there is video of it being packaged, and in other words I must be lying about it!
I have asked for a return out of principle, but received a generic reply.
I am afraid to return the item, as I don't know if I will receive a refund, given their apalling attitude.
Would not go near this company again and I would suggest thinking very carefully about purchasing from them.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user emmaj453
1 review
1 helpful vote
December 2nd, 2022

Order a bottle of £85 aftershave, delivery took a full week and the packaging was very poor for an item of this price. Very disappointed, wheres the wow factor and customer experience to make us return

Products used:
Aftershave

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user alexandrae32
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 7th, 2020

I ordered some face products, i like they have a wide range of brands and products. I liked the fact they had all i needed except 1 cream, but that's ok. The products were packaged so well like even if you drop that it was no way they could brake. I do give 4 stars because of the time of delivery. I placed the order on a sunday, royal mail received it on a tuesday and i received it the next tuesday.
+ i got a little present (the nail file) :D

Thumbnail of user louises379
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 20th, 2021
Verified purchase

I ordered a perfume gift set. It arrived well packaged and on time, they even included a small perfume sample which was a nice touch. I'd use Escentual again.

Products used:
Perfume

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user amandap222
1 review
11 helpful votes
May 31st, 2018

Pathetic company, pathetic customer service, failed to deliver my order and when i contacted them and spoke to a very rude, unprofessional representative by the name of Nikki, extremely unhelpful and purported to shift blame that i had failed to give the right address which is inaccurate! Sad excuse of a company, do NOT use this company!

Thumbnail of user celinak
1 review
8 helpful votes
September 15th, 2018

Escentual customer service is very rude and unprofessional and in their e mail I have felt like they where implying that I am stupid when I did not agree with they way of resolving issues. When I have asked for refund they didn't bother to inform me in any way that the cream has been refunded.
Customers of escentual if you receive damaged product they will ask you to send it back (if it get lost in mail you loose your money because the are not responsible for lost goods) and when they receive it eventually they will send you another product so generally it is quite long process and hassle before you receive it. Very bad company, I regret that I ever found this Web site.

Thumbnail of user lesleyw153
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 1st, 2023

I ordered a body lotion from this site as their prices were the cheapest around, placed the order and it was promptly delivered two days later. I was e mailed when they received my order and kept up to date with when it was dispatched then the time of delivery. No delivery charge and exceptional prices and service so will not hesitate to purchase again.

Tip for consumers:
Check this company out before you shop.

Products used:
Perfume.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user ebrahimm1
2 reviews
10 helpful votes
April 12th, 2018

My order was cancelled without notice. When I emailed to ask why, I was told because I was reselling their products.

Thumbnail of user ginap333
1 review
0 helpful votes
April 22nd, 2022

The order arrived extremely quick, it was well wrapped and I really appriciated the samples and nail file that came with my order. Thank you, will order again for sure.

Products used:
skincare

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user nonp2
1 review
6 helpful votes
February 3rd, 2017

Ordered Bioderma product worth almost $100 including shipping but never received. No delivery status or shipping updates.

Thumbnail of user monical22
1 review
23 helpful votes
May 24th, 2014

They sell fake perfumes, there were totally different cap, bottle bottom, and nozzle, there were written arabic words, I saw real box from guerlain site, bottom was written differently without any arabic words. Smell was just alcohol, most people say that the smell is berry, very rich and so on. But my was like a gel or I don't know, but cheap, and all could smell was alcohol. They delete bad reviews, so you couldn't find any bad review about them. Never use this site, better buy from for
Example macy's, debenhams...

Thumbnail of user victoriah9
4 reviews
14 helpful votes
December 18th, 2013

This is the second time that I have used this site and the service and delivery is fantastic. They sell designer beauty goods and great prices. I buy my Diorliner from them and always find their price more competitive, plus I received an extra 7% off for Christmas. I find that they always have a good stock level. Cannot recommend them enough!

Thumbnail of user tamarag1
10 reviews
45 helpful votes
July 23rd, 2013

I had a great 1st-time experience with Escentual.com.

I was ordering some perfumes to send to my sister in London for a present. I was originally gonna order from House of Fraser. For House of Fraser, the prices are no cheaper than a department store if there's no sale. I was okay with that, but on top of that if u want fast shipping, you have to pay between 6 to 10 pounds. On top of the 140 pounds i was already spending on perfumes for her, I was reluctant to spend another 10 pounds for shipping.

Then I happened to find Escentual. Not only was there a good discount on each perfume bottle, they also provided FREE 2-day shipping! And free gift wrap! I was really happy. Instead of spending 150pounds at HoF, my Escentual bill was about 100pounds!

I will definitely re-order again when I want to send cosmetics/perfumes to my sister. And maybe for myself too, because I see they have very cheap international delivery!

Thumbnail of user joanav1
1 review
6 helpful votes
September 2nd, 2016

It is a time for a rant about a poor customer service. I have a friend coming from UK to visit me next week so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to treat myself to new perfumes. I had placed an order with escentual.com to be shipped to UK address. I received an email telling me that nothing to worry but the payment is pending for review and if anything is needed, they will be in touch. They do have a policy online for pending payments where they say that should they have a question, they will be in touch otherwise not to worry. But I did not wait and wrote to escentual offering to provide any info if they need. In return I got an email from them saying that my order is cancelled without ANY explanation or any question made. I made 2 international calls in attempt to clarify whatever questions but they said that my billing info didn't match my card. I have sent to them the proof of my bank account where the money are reserved for the payment to them showing that all the details are correct otherwise it would not show up on my account. They just kept on being rude, short and said no, the order is cancelled, they cant help and hanged on me(!). No sorry, no apologies for messing with your money, no intent to find a solution. NADA. So I am left with an order that is for no reason cancelled, the trader who is not compliant with their own policies, and the bank account that froze my payment for the next 5 working days which means I cannot go and offer my business to another trader that wants to be 300GBP richer. I said to Escentual that they made impossible for me to continue to be their customer. To be honest this mistreatment, unwillingness to correct their mistake and my lost opportunity to get the perfume I really wanted made me upset. So I looked up the Consumer Rights in UK and filed the complaint. Clearly they keep on ignoring my emails and I really really do not get how they plan to do business when they reject the money that the customer tried its best to give their business.

Thumbnail of user cellr
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
November 7th, 2018

I reviewed two items purchased from Escentual in October, 2018 - Avene Men's After Shave Balm & Avene Men's Shaving Foam - these two products are not great and do not justify cost. Escentual makes good money from this brand, hence decided not to publish. Almost same review I wrote on a moisturising stick (lips) - but it was published. It is clear Escentual does not respect honest, genuine review. The excuse that review did not meet their guidelines for posting on their site was ludicrous because the logic was not applied on the review of the cheaper product and got published.
I still have nothing against Escentual as a seller - they are very good, but I do not like their dishonest business and marketing strategy.

Thumbnail of user suer15
7 reviews
22 helpful votes
April 2nd, 2013

This site has designer brands of beauty supplies at discounted prices. Their selection is amazing. If you already buy certain designer brands, it wouldnt hurt to check out this site. They might have the product you already know you like at a better price.

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About the business

The Premier Beauty Destination? Authorised retailer for Beauty, Fragrance, Skincare, Make-up and Haircare brands from Clarins to Vichy, Calvin Klein to Versace. Free Delivery & Gift Wrapping.

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2.5
21 reviews
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