Purchasing cosmetics/creams online

Hopefully this is the correct forum, apologies if not.

I have been looking into purchasing some cosmetics and creams online (from US and outside EU) some of which are not available in ireland. AFAIK they aren't available here due to the ingredients/concentrations used, etc- not dangerous or anything of the sort just more readily available elsewhere.

however I am wary of buying online because I was talking to a friend and they told me that I may have to pay extra tax once it arrives here and that there may also be customs problems.

My question is, does anyone know what possible problems may arrise?

I have no problem paying tax etc. but if im paying a price online which includes tax, plus shipping, and then I've to pay tax when it arrives here im assuming it'll cost a bit.

im a bit clueless when it comes to online shopping and customs etc. so i would like to know if i should even bother or if it'll all end up being alot of hassle. i read somewhere about peoples items being kept in customs and them being left with no delivery and no refund...

Any advice?

Yes more than likely if something comes from outside the Eu that requires VAT it will be added by customs and you will have to pay it.
I used to purchase some cosmetics from outside the EU as it was cheaper but once customs became more vigilant I stopped as it was cheaper for me to get them in the long run.

I think if the value is under 22 Euro you will be ok. I've got stuff from the US without any problems very recently but nothing I got amounted to more than that.

If the items you are bringing in are prohibited from sale here (subject to import restrictions), they may be seized by customs and you will lose your money.
Leo