5 Red Flags in a Resale Listing (And When to Walk Away)

Because sometimes, your wallet (and your skin) deserve a hard pass.

Scoring a beloved beauty product secondhand feels like finding a hidden gem. But when it comes to the resale world, not every listing is a diamond. Some? Straight-up duds. And since secondhand beauty doesn’t always come with return policies, knowing when to walk away is key.

Here are 5 resale red flags every beauty lover should know — and what to do when you spot them.

🚩 1. Blurry Photos or Only One Angle

A seller who only posts one photo (and it’s suspiciously low-res or filtered) might be hiding something.

• Why it’s a problem: Good listings show you the front, back, the bottom label (hello, batch codes), and in some cases, the usage levels. Blurry or minimal pics = low transparency.

• What to do: Don’t be shy — ask for more photos. A trustworthy seller won’t mind showing the goods.

🚩 2. Vague Descriptions

If a listing says something like “barely used” or “like new” with no further context, proceed with caution. And don't forget, that age of the product matters! Was it opened and abandoned 2 years ago?

• Why it’s a problem: “Barely used” means different things to different people. Did they swatch it once? Use it for a month? Who knows!

• What to do: Ask for specifics: “How many pumps was used?” or “Can you show a photo of the pans? or "Can you twist the product all the way up and down, so I can see the usage?”

🚩 3. Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices

If someone’s selling a new-in-box $90 serum for $5? Something might be up, especially if the price is suspiciously lower than other listings.

• Why it’s a problem: Super low prices could point to counterfeits, expired products, or items that were improperly stored.

• What to do: Trust your gut — and always ask for proof of purchase or batch codes when in doubt.

🚩 4. No Info on Storage or Expiry

If the seller can’t tell you when or where they bought the product, or how it’s been stored, that’s a red flag.

• Why it’s a problem: Beauty products (especially creams and clean beauty formulas) degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat or humidity. Bathroom storage is not an ideal place for storage.

• What to do: Politely ask, “How was this stored?” or “Do you know when this was purchased?” If they don’t know or won’t answer, skip it.

🚩 5. Copycat Packaging or Misspelled Labels

If the fonts are slightly off, the logo is blurred, or the label says “eyshdaow” instead of “eyeshadow,” back away slowly.

• Why it’s a problem: Counterfeit products are everywhere—and while they might look legit, they can be made with unsafe or unregulated ingredients.

• What to do: Always compare the packaging to the official brand’s website, and better yet, go in store and handle the real thing in person. When in doubt, don’t risk it.

👋 Know When to Walk Away

If you feel unsure, pressured, or just off about a listing — trust that intuition. There are plenty of beauty deals out there, and it’s better to miss out than to end up with a shady product that could harm your skin (or your bank account).

Smart resale = sustainable and safe.💄 

Follow @gloubeauty for more real-talk tips from one beauty lover to another.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Glou Beauty, we've spent years immersed in the beauty resale space — building the first purpose-built marketplace for secondhand beauty, gathering real-world data, and working closely with buyers and sellers. Our insights aren’t just theory — they’re informed by lived experience, interviews, and behind-the-scenes knowledge from every corner of the industry. We know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your time (and money). Whether you're here to rehome your stash or shop smartly, you can trust that every Glou guide is grounded in honesty, expertise, and a deep love for beauty — minus the waste.