Beauty Supply Store Inventory: List and Control
By mise · Updated September 29, 2026
Quick answer: cosmetics inventory is tracked by exact SKU (shade, size, volume) using each product barcode, with testers kept apart from sellable stock and expiration dates checked monthly.
One foundation line has twenty shades, and every shade is its own product. Counting "foundations" instead of SKUs is how stores lose control.
What to count in a beauty supply or cosmetics store
| Category | What it includes | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Hair care | Shampoo, relaxers, color, extensions | Monthly |
| Makeup | Foundation, lipstick by shade | Monthly |
| Skin care | Creams, serums | Monthly |
| Testers | Kept apart | Monthly |
Step by step
- Count by brand and line.
- Separate testers.
- Check expiration and PAO.
- Reorder the best-selling shades first.
Mistakes that throw the count off
- Testers counted as stock.
- Shades mixed up.
- Returns not logged.
How mise helps
Scan the barcode with your phone camera or snap a photo of the label; mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it with name, brand, category, photo and price. Scan each product; the barcode tells shade and size apart without typing. Every count is saved with a date and a name, par levels warn you before you run out, and you see shrinkage and food cost for the period without building a spreadsheet.
Scan the barcode or snap a photo: mise's AI finds the product and categorizes it. 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month (£26 in the UK).
Start free
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid mixing up shades?
Scan the barcode: each shade has its own.
Is there an inventory template?
Yes: item, unit, par, count and variance. With mise you count by scanning and export to Excel or PDF.
How much does mise cost?
A 7-day free trial, then US$33 a month per location (£26 in the UK).