Has your favorite shade disappeared? Not to worry—it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be able to find it, new and unused, via eBay.

From Prescriptives to Max Factor, several venerable beauty brands have shuttered in the U.S. over the past couple of years. And for healthier companies—such as Nars, Revlon and Estee Lauder—it’s common practice to discontinue items each year. While these businesses or products may have fallen short when it comes to sales, that doesn’t mean there’s not a loyal pocket of fans out there.

Consider Prescriptives, best known for its customized lipstick and foundation formulas. During the first three months of 2010, over 6,100 Prescriptives items were sold on eBay, despite—or maybe because of?—the fact that it was pulled out of stores at the end of January. An in-demand item? Flirt, one of the makeup firm’s most popular fragrances. Right now, a 3.4 oz bottle is up for a Buy it Now price of $134.99. Other popular products include the Anywear Makeup Stick, as well as any lipstick or lip pencil in Ginger.

For some, finding limited-edition items is the greatest challenge. For instance, MAC typically produces its Paint Pots in very small quantities, which means each season’s colors tend to sell out. The market for Paint Pots is incredible—over 675 were sold on eBay in the first three months of 2010. But they’re not cheap. For instance, the “Pharaoh” Paint Pot, part of the Alexander McQueen for MAC collection, is currently available for a Buy it Now price of $49.99.

Regardless of what type of cream, pencil or perfume you’re after, you might be wary of buying them via a secondary seller, but fear not: the makeup business on eBay has been so successful that the marketplace posted $16 million in makeup sales for the first three months of the year. (It also sold $25 million worth of skin care and $17 million in fragrances.) To ensure you’re getting a never-used item, look for products labeled New, or NIB for “new in box.” Top sellers will indicate whether or not the product is still in its original packaging, and many offer a money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the color or scent.

For those anxious to scoop up some of the country’s most coveted beauty products, we’ve put a list together to give you a head start.

Clockwise from top left: Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara in Black Brown (buy it now price, $29.99) While Max Factor is still available abroad, it’s been pulled off the shelves here in the US. Good news: The brand’s ever-popular 2000 Calorie Mascara is still available–new and unused–via eBay. NEW MAC Rollickin’ Paint Pot (buy it now price, $39.99) This aqua eyeshadow paint pot is brand-new, unopened, and unused. What’s more, it’s a rare and discontinued color–ideal for avid collectors. CALYX by Prescriptives Four Piece Gift Set (buy it now price, $73.95) While Prescriptives’ Flirt was popular, CALYX is more of a cult item. Around since 1986, the scent is fruity and citrusy. This set includes a 1.7 oz. fragrance spray, 3.3 oz. body lotion, .33 mini spray, and carrying case. NEW Chanel Nouvelle Vague Resort Nail Polish (buy it now price, $38.99) Chanel has a knack for creating nail polish colors that sell out within days, and it’s new Resort collection is no difference. A spin on last fall’s popular Jade color, Nouvelle Vague is a pastel bluish-green. Chris Benz “Chris and Tell” Lipstick for Lancome (buy it now price, $65) Like Proenza Schouler and Behnaz Sarafpour before him, this spring designer Chris Benz created a lipstick for Lancome’s Pout-a-Porter series. The peachy lipstick hit stores in February 2010, but quickly sold out. Originally $29, it’s now selling for more than double the price.

Lauren Sherman is a fashion and culture writer based in Brooklyn. She currently works as an editor at Fashionista.com.

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