Buying products online may seem straightforward, but an appealing photo and a short product claim don’t always tell the whole story. Small details can affect suitability, shelf life and the overall cost, especially for lip products, haircare, frozen food and dog supplements.
Look out for these common pitfalls:
If you’re looking to buy lip gloss, don’t focus on colour alone. Compare the contents, applicator, finish and ingredients. According to the product description, Rimmel Thrillseeker Glassy Gloss contains glycerine, sodium hyaluronate and panthenol, among other ingredients. The listing describes it as vegan and intended for adults. This tells you something about its ingredients and intended audience, but it doesn’t guarantee a particular result for you.
When buying lip balm, texture, fragrance and tint are often key. According to the product information, LANEIGE Glowy Lip Jelly Sweet Candy is a balm with a subtle pink tint and shea and murumuru butter. If you have sensitive skin, always check the full ingredients list and stop using the product if irritation occurs.
When buying conditioner, your hair type matters more than a general promise. According to the product description, Garnier Loving Blends Avocado Oil & Shea Butter Conditioner is designed for very dry or frizzy hair. The same source says Honey Conditioner is intended for damaged, fragile hair. So choose according to your hair texture, not just the fragrance or packaging.
If you’re looking to buy Asian products, you’ll often see terms such as siu mai, fish cake, surimi or narutomaki. Always check:
According to its ingredients list, MENGFU Fried Pork Siu Mai contains wheat, molluscs, soya and sesame, among other ingredients. The product information for Meng Fu Shiitake Pork Glutinous Rice Siu Mai lists gluten and soya, and its cooking instructions say to steam it. This is worth bearing in mind when buying siu mai for a quick meal, particularly if you need to take extra care around allergies.
When buying frozen products, you should also check that your order will stay chilled from storage through to delivery. Products such as Busan fish cake, panga fish balls and narutomaki are labelled as needing to remain frozen. According to the product information, once thawed they should be kept chilled and not refrozen.
Buying dog treats is different from buying dog supplements. A regular snack is mainly a treat, while a complementary pet food comes with specific instructions for use.
According to the manufacturer, Excellent Pets No Stress Soft Chews are a complementary pet food containing valerian, L-tryptophan, magnesium and green tea, among other ingredients. The recommended amount varies according to body weight. The packaging says that side effects such as excessive drowsiness or digestive problems may be a reason to stop use and consult a vet.
Glandex Soft Chews Chicken are available in packs of 30 and 60 treats. According to the manufacturer, they’re intended for dogs aged 12 weeks and over, and the daily amount depends on the dog’s weight. The product information recommends starting with a smaller amount to introduce the extra fibre gradually. Always check the label, minimum age and use-by date.
Why it suits this profile: A compact lip product for anyone who wants to combine shine with a subtle tint without buying several products at once.
The product information lists 10 g, a subtle pink tint and application to clean, dry lips. This lets you check the quantity and how to use it before you buy.
10 g; shea and murumuru butter according to the product description; light pink colour.
Why it suits this profile: A good choice if you’re looking for a specific shade, a glossy finish and a practical applicator.
The shade, 150 Pink Candy, the 10 ml quantity and the doe-foot applicator are all clearly listed. This makes it easier to compare products than relying on the word “glassy” alone.
10 ml; vegan according to the product listing; applicator for even application.
Why it suits this profile: A practical option if you’re looking to prepare siu mai and want clear cooking instructions.
The packaging lists a 300 g weight, storage at -18 °C or below, and steaming for 12 to 15 minutes without thawing first.
300 g; shiitake and glutinous rice according to the ingredients list; clear steaming instructions.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Check the ingredients, allergens, net contents, origin and use-by date. Storage temperature is especially important for chilled or frozen snacks. Also compare the price per 100 g, rather than just the price per pack.
It depends on the quantity, delivery costs and offers available. When comparing lip glosses, check the amount, colour, applicator and ingredients. A lower purchase price doesn’t automatically mean better value if the pack contains less product.
Always follow the date and storage instructions on the packaging. Store frozen products at the stated temperature, don’t let them thaw unnecessarily and, according to the product information, don’t refreeze them after thawing.