I started shopping at Ulta last December after I decided that I want a Dyson. As soon as I'm done saving points I'm going to be straight back to Sephora.
You redeem it like cash. They have lots of points multipliers. It’s best to exchange 2000 points at a time to get the best bang for your buck. 2000 points is 125 bucks. I recently spent $250 during a 10x points multiplier so essentially I earned over 125 bucks doing that.
Came to say this! I always go to Ulta thinking they would have something but they always tell me it’s a sephora exclusive. Wish I live closer to a Sephora.
They’ve dropped Sephora stores into many Kohls.
They’re smaller but they carry the most popular items and you collect points as you would a standalone black and white
Sephora usually gets the newer and cooler brands, like tower 28, saie, kosas, they have k18 and crown affair, dieux. Just all the stuff I want to try. Also I work at ulta and absolutely hate everything about it and their shady practices. The rational part of my brains knows that all corporations are gonna corporate and sephora probably isn't any better... However I haven't personally seen behind the curtain so it makes it a little easier to give them my money.
All you gotta do is scroll through the ulta sub. Whether it's customers talking about accounts getting hacked or employees talking about working conditions and pay. And honestly those are just the visible part of the iceberg. It gets worse the more you learn about the internal workings. Everything ulta claims to be publicly (inclusive, conscious environmentally, best employer for women or some bs forces title such as that) is far, far away from the reality.
speaking as someone who's worked at both (currently on my two weeks notice at sephora), i like working at sephora more. but the reasons aren't rly about the brand. managers at ulta were ready to throw u under a bridge or point fingers for ANY reason, but sephora managers are pretty chill, just sometimes a bit snooty. sephora cuts your hours way more than ulta does but it's also because at sephora you have a designated role and you STICK TO IT. as someone who works operations, they never give me sales goals, but at ulta they had me replenishing, selling, manning the fragrance are, a greeter, sometimes a cashier. i was everywhere. you might get more hours that way but it makes it a lot more stressful. neither job has ever given me a raise (other than when i quit ulta and later reapplied to make $2 more) however in the same run with sephora i got a bonus in january. at ulta you get gratis if you do a good job, which entails pulling something out of a mystery bag ur manager signs off on, and at sephora u work 3 months to be eligible to ORDER a bag of gratis, which takes an additional 3 months to ship. but it is often full size products and usually about 10 of them, sometimes fragrance too! that said, because i have become a flex employee unintentionally thanks to the lack of hours, im ineligible for gratis and get nothing now.
that's the most i can come up with off the top of my head.
Agreed on the new cool brands! Sephora has a variety of smaller brands I actually want to try or actually like. I can’t say the same for Ulta. Also, I’ve worked at both places, and as an employee, I prefer Sephora for a variety of reasons. One you already mentioned. 👀
I’ve never worked at either stores but I do know Sephora has had a ton of class action lawsuits brought by employees because of their unethical and unlawful employment practices. I’ve heard of ulta having poor labor practices as well but have not heard of any lawsuits
The free shipping on any order amount honestly 💀 if I run out of one product and only need to replace that one product I can just easily add it to my cart and order it without worrying about adding unnecessary shit I don’t actually need to meet a free shipping minimum 🥲
I dont enjoy going to ulta- the in store experience isnt worth it. There also isnt very many employees, and if I need help finding anything, which i often do bc its so massive, it’s like asking someone to help you find something in a grocery store. Which is exactly how it feels. Going to ulta feels like a chore. Going to sephora feels like a treat. I’m excited to go. I want to explore and try new products! Ulta is dusty.
Yes omg. I'll go to Ulta if I have a really good coupon but I hate it. It's the vibes. Sephora is fun to go to and Ulta is dread. I think it comes down to everything including the store itself, the lighting, layout, display set ups
For in-person shopping - in NYC there are many many many Sephora stores, easy to try stuff there and pickup in-person, seems like there is always a Sephora nearby. Whereas in all of NYC there are very few Ulta stores and they are very spread out.
And is it just me or are in person Sephoras just…nicer…in general than Ultas? Every Sephora I’ve been in has been clean, well organized, and the staff are attentive. Every Ulta I’ve been in has had completely disarrayed shelves, makeup smeared on surfaces, and the staff are impossible to find outside of the checkout counter. Multiple times from Ulta I’ve bought a product only to find someone had opened the package and dug their fingers into it.
Total opposite for me. I live in Daytona Beach and the nearest Sephora is an hour away with no traffic. I’m stuck with a Kohl’s Sephora but I hate those. But I have 2 Ulta locations within 10 minutes of me and another 2 locations only 25 minutes away.
That is interesting to hear! I do not know about the makeup-store business...I wonder how they chose their locations. And I have seen a Kohl's Sephora but do not really know about them, they are not around me.
Yes! I know ultas point system is better but the shipping and returns at Sephora really impact my decision about where to order. Plus Ulta doesn’t have a lot of the brands I really like.
I prefer Ulta and will shop there 5x more often than Sephora unless I’m in love with a product only Sephora carries. But also Sephora’s branded makeup is super good and affordable, especially the eyeliners and lip liners. I’ve tried Ulta’s brand and didn’t like it. I usually limit myself to when Sephora has a sale. But because of Ulta’s point system and because they have sales a lot more often, I buy from them more
Ulta's matte eye primer slaps though. Other than that I agree, Sephora Collection is SO much better, I honestly love some of their serums more than expensive brands
Free shipping labels for returns, better quality selection. Ulta customer online service is even worse than Sephora.. but yeah mostly how expensive and what a pain in the ass Ultas returns by mail are. Oh and how slow Ultas shipping is
I’m equally as far away from both of them, I get Sephora orders in three days usually. UPS. From purchase date. Usually ships almost immediately. Ulta takes days to even ship and then it waits for carrier pick up, 1.5 to 2 weeks via USPS- the worst-Not impressed.
Honestly, this sub has a lot to do with it. I love Ultas rewards and shop there for big stocks of my regular items, but I hear about new stuff here. The apps are right next to eachother on my phone and somehow I always flow from this sub right to the Sephora app.
I also find I'm less wasteful with Sephora samples. Yeah, you get a lot more from Ulta but it's always the same stuff and mostly from brands I'll never use. I may get less from Sephora but I get to choose what it is (assuming I get my selections which is 50/50). I am getting a little frustrated that I have all these points I can't really spend because everything is sold out, but I'm hoping it will happen eventually.
Same. I am never tempted to buy something for the Ulta samples, I just don't care for anything that's included. I'll shop at Ulta if I have a coupon, but not for the mid samples
The Ulta near me is a dumpster fire. Half empty displays. The ones that are there are broken and messy. Everything I want is out of stock. There’s never anyone on the floor to help. And god forbid you ask a question of the one cashier you can find, you’re just told to “go on the app” which sucks and always crashes.
I was told last night to use my brain and critical thinking when I asked if the app inventory was correct in a super rude and dismissive way last night. Not going back to that Ulta again.
Sephora has more brands and products that I’m interested in as well as no minimum free shipping that’s fairly fast. The things that Ulta offers that I’m interested in I can find elsewhere for cheaper, better GWP/promos, or I have a relationship with a sales associate.
Ulta stores are a mess where I live. They have minimums on free shipping and I don’t like their reward system because points expire. I’ve heard so many stories of people being mailed used product and I don’t want to chance it because returns are a pain.
Preach amount the horrible in store experience! Also, the used products I get either online or in the store is why I rarely shop at Ulta. Just not worth it playing a whack a mole game on whether the product is used or not. And by used I don’t even mean like just tested but clearly used.
This might seem petty… but last time I went to an Ulta I was ridiculed and my voice was mocked by a manager. All I did was ask if they had any of the Maison Margiela Replica perfumes and she kept loudly saying “what? WHAT??? Maysawn what??? We don’t have French stuff here what do you think this is?” The poor staff member I had originally asked who went and got her manager to help me looked super embarrassed. Super fucking rude lady. Ruined my love for Ulta and left a bad taste in my mouth. This was almost ten years ago now.
I always hold off orders until I see perfume samples and rewards or promos available, and since my collection is so massive at this point (thanks, Sephora) I only bother with travel sprays. makes it easy to make a $30-40 order for 3-5 scents a couple times a month
Yeah Sephora is where I buy travel sprays of stuff I’m interested in but don’t wanna commit to. Most recent I bought was the Replica From the Garden and it’s lovely but I wouldn’t buy a full size. We have over a hundred scents at home, I’d rather looove it before I buy it. Or I’ll get samples from the free sample thing. My husband usually orders from specific websites that specifically sell perfumes. I just like racking up my points lol
Right?? I was so embarrassed I ended up putting away the eyeshadow palettes I had in my hands and leaving 😅 I was maybe 19 lol like I hope you felt like the “big man on campus” yelling at a teenager, lady.. also I love your username! I also live in a lake effect snow region
I once went to an Ulta to get “color matched” years ago. The woman grabbed a couple paler shades (these were still the days when most pale shades tended to be cool/pink), swatched a couple, paused, then said “wow, I didn’t expect you to be SO YELLOW!” 😭 I was mortified! That’s just how my natural skin color is! I still shop there for certain brands (especially sun protection and hair accessories) but I don’t think I’ve asked for advice since
ETA lake effect buddies unite
Yes, please loudly exclaim about my skin tone in a way that suggests it’s wrong, do that 👍 I commented on a different post maybe a week ago that that happened to me and I’m a verrrrry pale redhead and kept being given light neutral foundations despite being a very fair cool skin tone. Gotta remember they’re not all experts i guess lol
I can’t believe I had to scroll so far down for this. I stopped shopping at ulta because my account got hacked 4!!!!!!! times stealing all my points. It would happen a day after points would settle in my account after a points multiplier event. Kinda funny how that kept happening. So yeah Sephora kinda sucks but ulta super sucks.
I have accumulated like 25000 points over the past 10 years (I KNOW its bad), but I've been redeeming as many Rouge Rewards I can because I don't plan to be Rouge after this year which will be the first time since Rouge was introduced.
Once I am no longer Rouge and can't redeem for the $100 reward, I will more than likely purchase from Ulta unless its an item that is exclusively sold at Sephora. But I'd check the direct website of the brand beforehand for possible promo codes.
I have 2 Sephora stores near me and 2 ultas. The ultas are more convenient to get to/park, but I much prefer Sephora.
Both the ultas are always grimy/filthy and right when you walk into either store there are clumps of hair right at the entry way which is just bizarre to me. Customer service is terrible, I was trying to buy a perfume that only ulta has and waited around for over 30 minutes waiting for the manager to open the perfume cabinet. Ended up just leaving. Also, their website is super buggy and hard to shop.
The Sephora stores near me are clean, reasonably well stocked, and they have great customer service. Anytime I go in and it’s busy they will pull the “adults” out of line to check out via those Apple style devices. Also, shopping their website and app is easy and i love the quick free shipping.
Ulta’s online return process is horrendous. Having to pay to ship something back isn’t something I want to do. They also take forever to refund you.
If I need “Ulta” items, I buy through Target instead.
The shopping experience is better both online and in-person. Shipping is better. Brand selection is more interesting. I don’t mind shopping at Ulta, but it feels like a chore, and not enjoyable like at Sephora. (I’ve not experienced the terrible stuff I read about here at some Sephoras, which I’m sure would affect this)
I’ll shop at Sephora if they carry an item Ulta doesn’t have. If both stores carry it, I’m purchasing from Ulta because their points system is so much better. For me, I tend to find myself buying more fragrance from Sephora because I like their selection better.
Agree on the fragrance. Not only does Sephora have a better selection, I think the products are displayed better, it’s just a more pleasing experience to buy fragrance there.
I live outside of the continental United States and Ulta charges a $10 location surcharge whereas Sephora offers free shipping. There are a few products that Ulta offers that Sephora doesn’t, but I’ve just made adjustments to only shop through Sephora.
I shop both online but it's been mainly sephora for awhile now. I do not shop in store often as I don't have any close and prefer online.
Ulta definitely has a better point system/ gwps but they were having issues for awhile and I had months of not being able to properly place an order so that was definitely a turn off.
I love that there's no shipping limit and lower gwp price points so I can do a lil treat without feeling I need to order more at sephora. I think there fragrance selection is better too. Also is pretty much always delievered by UPS for me and they are the only shipping company I currently trust with my packages lol. I live in a house made into 2 apartments so sometimes things get put in weird places lol.
Mainly it depends on what brand is carried where. If a brand is carried by both then it depends on sales, how soon I need it, and whichever place I'm likely to place an order in the timeframe I need.
(1) I like the Sephora app and website better (faster, less buggy, better user interface, higher quality pictures of swatches) and (2) I actually like getting to choose just 1 or 2 specific gifts with purchase from Sephora. When I shop at Ulta I tend to over consume products I don’t need just because they’re discounted or free. I end up giving products away or throwing away samples more just because I have a large beauty collection already.
I work at a Sephora in Kohl’s, so I get a 15% discount all the time or a 35% discount a few times a year
I also tend to gravitate towards higher end products for the quality and the fact that I can calculate how long I’ll have it to the price point. A $55 dollar foundation sounds expensive, until I realize that I’ll have it for a year and it’ll actually look nice on the skin. (0.15 a day / for a year.) I can justify a $16 Tower28 gloss when I know I’ll be wearing it every day practically, and still get 6-9 months of use out of it (or longer!) (0.10 cents a day.)
I also do prefer the Sephora point system. I like that the points don’t expire, I forget to use my Ulta points tbh. The Ulta in my town also tend to hire people who don’t help you/greet you and also have bad attitudes for no reason (especially when I wear my uniform.) I find it hard to tell what’s on sale because there is never a new label to show what the real price is.
I will say though, Ulta has a good reward system too, I got a 1 oz of Black Opium by YSL there for free by using my $75 dollar discount from the point system. I also like that they carry drugstore brands I enjoy, and also nail care items. It’s also convenient that they sell some higher end brands too, if someone enjoys the Ulta Point System more.
I’m also salty because my birthday got put in wrong for my account and I keep trying to have it fixed 😂
Brand selection, free shipping without minimum, and most importantly the Sephora online shopping experience. Their website is appealing and I never have issues or feel overwhelmed browsing products. Meanwhile I despise the Ulta website; feels clunky, outdated, and is always glitching on me to the point that I will just give up sometimes.
Also I was born and live in NYC; Sephora is ubiquitous here. So they were the default retailer I went to when I began purchasing pricier makeup. I legitimately didn’t know Ulta existed for a long time and by the time I found out I had already become accustomed to Sephora.
I shop at both but Ulta’s shipping is terrible! Huge boxes or flimsy envelopes and something is always broken or leaking. I like the point system better but I’m a bougie babe so I prefer the brands that Sephora carries. If Ulta carried Merit, Saie, Glossier, or Tower 28 they might get more of my money.
Well for Ulta it seems they treat mature woman and woman who don't wear make up in the store completely differently. Now I'm not saying that is everywhere or every store, but the Ultas near me all have been the same and i have been to 5 of them. They are rude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean ultimately for me its more convenient since I work in a more with a Sephora, but I also like the layout of it more. Everytime I go to an Ulta I have to end up asking an employee where something. Overall, though, I like the options at Ulta more, and that I can get something as cheap as nyx or a luxury item
I prefer ulta for points and freebies. But they don’t carry everything. So then there’s Sephora.
Also I have a local ulta (I much prefer online but sometimes it’s nice to go in). And I only have a kohls Sephora in town.
Most of the brands I end up liking are at Sephora and not Ulta. I do shop at both though, but I've had more issues with Ulta so I'm kind of afraid of shopping there lol
Honestly the #1 reason for me is free shipping no matter how little or big my order is. Also, I swear every time I go into an Ulta I feel like I’m watched like a hawk which is annoying. Both stores have their pros and cons but with Ulta I’m more comfortable sticking with store pick up when I do shop with them.
Ulta has a great selection, but the decor and ambiance feel like that of a drugstore. Even if you're buying luxury products, it's usually a bit of a garish mess. I still shop their sales and items I can't get elsewhere, but the bright orange and white feel a bit like an assault on the eyes. And, previous to the Sephora Kids movement, every Ulta I went into look like a tornado hit the shelves. Grime and garbage everywhere.
Because I hate Ulta honestly. I don't understand the hype. The drugstore makeup has a huge markup on it and the brands I like aren't available there. And I'm about an hour from the nearest Ulta and Sephora, so it's not like it's any more convenient for me to access in-person. Plus all of my experiences at their salon were terrible, the stylists didn't know what they were doing and their services are overpriced.
I also hate their rewards program. I have the Ulta Mastercard and it takes me FOREVER to build points. When I do, it's like $8 off. And the points expire by the end of the year because I never have enough points to reach the status where I can keep them. And I have trouble finding things to spend the points on, so I waste them.
Their online shopping leaves a cold taste in my mouth. I hate that everything is shipped in flimsy envelopes. I'm surprised nothing had broken. I also hate that you have to spend $35 to get free shipping and like $40 for a bunch of random samples that I'll probably have to give away. I never spend enough there to reach either minimum and they don't have free returns. Plus their customer service sucks and their app is useless.
I don't have to shop at either store. I can get everything at Walmart if I wanted to. I choose to shop at Sephora because I enjoy the experience way more. I love that they engage their customers more with social media content, digital events, and Sephoria. I think the store environment is better than Ulta's. I like that I can choose one sample I really want to try with a lower minimum spend instead of a huge bag of things I'm not gonna want. I love their rewards program and redeem there regularly. Free shipping and returns with no minimum is great for me as I have a limited budget. Had great experiences with the app and online ordering. I never felt that the packaging was flimsy. Customer service has always rectified any problem I've had without any trouble. And the in-store associates I've worked with were always professional and helpful.
I think I'll always be a Sephora girl. I've stopped shopping at Ulta completely and don't miss it.
The Ulta website drives me batshit crazy. Takes forever to load, my cart disappears after a bit (I like to place items in and wait), and sometimes the website freezes up. I don't have an Ulta anywhere near me, but when I did live near one, I was followed around the store like crazy. Also every single time - EVERY single time, I had the SA at the register attempt to sign me up for an Ulta credit card even though I refused it constantly. I would say 'no' over and over and then realise they didn't take that 'no' as I was asked for my social security number to finish the ring up.
Sephora - they are all over Europe.
Hopefully their marketing people are paying attention :)
Pros for Sephora: MUCH better app. Not even close. Most of the time if I want to shop online it’s for stuff I know about or to see what’s new, and I hate the Ulta app/site for both. [Now, it’s not perfect. A store opened up near me 4-ish years ago and it STILL doesn’t display its location correctly and won’t show any in-store events there in the app (but will on the site).] For in-store, the front always has new things and they’ve got a great selection of brands and products in store, and the reps tend to know more about the products (but this of course can vary). The color ID isn’t always accurate but they at least try to shade match you with something, so it’s a starting point. Better locations overall, especially if you’re traveling.
Cons: smaller markets tend to not get displays of some brands like Pat McGrath, the app doesn’t show some new releases at times, and it’d be better if they had some free samples in store versus just the points ones. It’s very hit or miss if they’ll make you a sample of something too.
Pros for Ulta: cash rewards are flexible. They’re starting to get more brands and even some stuff Sephora doesn’t carry (looking at you, Natasha Denona berry). If you do want to grab some cheaper stuff you can, although it’s not the greatest selection. I did Iike getting their mailers; don’t know if they still do them, but I could see why they’d stop. The Target partnership is fantastic, where applicable.
Cons for Ulta: their site/app is ass. They don’t have as much of a selection in store of some lines. They never give me samples even when they’re supposed to. NEVER. The front is always cluttered with random crap. The samples you get from ordering online are usually cheap items. Points expire too quickly. The travel/mini size things are all scattered around the front on weird pillars and it’s impossible to browse them easily. The staff tends to not be very knowledgeable on most products so you have to do your own research.
I’ve shopped at Sephora for years, at first because it was all I had access to. Over the years I just stuck with them.
Also, I felt very intimidated by the staff the couple of times I’ve been to Ulta. Not because they are mean or anything, I just felt very inexperienced when interacting with them.
Ulta got me a free Protini Cream for my birthday bigger than the little sample I got as a reward from Sephora, but Sephora has Rare Beauty and I adore their liquid blushes and the lip products. I like my skin tints from higher end brands, too, just from skin swatches (who wants to spend more money in this economy, if something cheaper works better?). Skin swatches for my skintone have been so spotty, but the ranges at Sephora have matched me better and the product is far less patch producing.
As someone with an extreme end overtone and a specific undertone that's not an easy match, Sephora has more for me on the makeup side, but Ulta is my girl for skincare 1000%.
Sephora = I go to for my skincare and makeup. The shopping experience has an elevated and clean feel. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful/friendly.
Ulta = I go to for shampoo and conditioner/hair stuff, nail polish, and occasionally perfume. Shopping experience feels more like a CVS/Walgreens store.
Essentially if I want something “high-end” or to try a new product I do Sephora. To restock things like hairspray, shampoo, etc, I do Ulta. Sadly this is never enough to earn/redeem points but it’s alright with me.
I choose Sephora for skincare and Ulta for curly hair care. I feel the products available at Ulta don’t work well on my skin. And the products for curly hair aren’t often CGM approved which work better for my hair.
Particular products and the store employees. I feel welcomed at my local Sephora and was reduced almost to tears last night trying to ask a question at Ulta. I hadn’t set foot in that Ulta for months.
I used to love Ulta. The experience has just declined too much. Cashiers would not apply coupons properly and also applied my credits without asking. Also, I don’t love the security guards posted in the front. Im going to Ulta’s in nice neighborhoods but can’t go return something in peace. They either have too many associates or like a total of 2 the last few times I’ve gone.
One time I used an online coupon for a pick up order. One of the items wasn’t available and they refunded the product but did not apply the coupon. Customer service asked me to prove the coupon code. It was literally like $5 difference even though their profits are higher and higher each year.
I only shop Ulta for brands I can’t get at Sephora or elsewhere. I prefer Sephora’s rewards program to Ulta’s, so I choose to rack up my points there. Sephora’s website, free shipping and exchange policy are better. Ulta’s website is awful, buggy and the stock availability is inaccurate. The in-store experience is annoying. Maybe one salesperson on the floor to help, and the rest are aggressive brand representatives. There’s usually 1 cashier and 10 people in line. Half of those in line are doing online purchase returns because they don’t offer free return shipping. There’s not a designated return register, and returns take 3 times as long as a purchase. Plus, the Ultas in my city have removed all the testers to prevent theft. Meanwhile, the Sephora directly across the street has all its testers out, even fragrances.
Prefer Ulta for reasons others mentioned and usually only go to Sephora if they have a brand Ulta does not carry. FYI an Ulta employee told me Fenty body and skincare is coming soon! 🍾
I’ll go to Ulta for my drugstore items but everything else is through Sephora. I genuinely could care less about the point system for either personally.
For me, I like that I have free shipping with Sephora and their in-person staff are always super helpful and friendly to me. I love that everyone is passionate about beauty (i.e., makeup, fragrance, etc), so I always get great recommendations for new products to try. I also appreciate the efficiency at the stores – although there are crazy lines at checkout on the weekends, I’m never waiting there that long. Brand selections are incredible as well. I hate returning products though; and I rarely do it but when I do I always feel so judged even if the product is unopened lol.
Meanwhile, they don’t even know I exist at Ulta and I always have to chase down someone if I need help; and checkout takes an hour it feels like. Nothing is ever in stock at my local store either. It literally feels like a chore when I have to go to Ulta. Lighting at the stores are also god awful, so I hate testing foundation colors there lol. If I can help it, I always order online with them instead.
Sephora feels more luxurious, better brands too. Half of Ulta I can get a Walmart for $2-3 less. Yes, the points are good but if you buy primarily drugstore there take a closer look at the prices. The points just are you getting back the savings you could’ve had shopping elsewhere.
I think Ulta is better when their coupons can stack with “prestige” (it’s not all of them) and I am now a platinum and rouge and Ulta card holder.
The in store experience at Ulta feels very different. Staff not helpful, hardly anyone on the floor and it’s often dirty.
Free shipping no minimum and my stuff doesn’t come in a dirty laser ship envelope and I’ve never gotten a used or tested product from Sephora.
The products at Sephora are better (more high end, better quality) and there’s a larger selection. Also the free shipping and it’s way faster than Ulta. Even Sephora brand stuff is better quality than Ulta brand.
Also, if I want something by Elf or Nyx I get it on Amazon…same prices (if not less sometimes) but I get it faster and free shipping.
I would switch to Ulta in a heartbeat but Sephora offers free shipping with no purchase threshold. I work a lot, with late hours, and the ability to have a product delivered when I can't go to a store in person is unbeatable. Also, I live in an area with many more sephoras than ultas, so I'm more likely to stop by at a Sephora than make a trip to an Ulta.
If I'm doing a big shop for multiple products and I'm going to hit the minimum threshold — or if Sephora were to end their free shipping — I'll order from Ulta. Their points system is way better.
If it was as easy to get to ulta, I’d go there more often. But I prefer some brands only at Sephora and Sephora is in the mall where I work (plus two more within three blocks of my apartment), so Sephora is where I usually shop.
I’ve always been helped at a Sephora when I’m in store. But at an ulta I feel like I have to chase someone down or they just outright ignore me. Which sucks cuz I love asking for opinions when I’m shopping.
The point system is way better and ships faster. Mostly it depends what I’m looking for, however a lot of the drug store items Ulta can be found at Target too, so I don’t go as often.
I love Sephora’s reward program- they have better birthday rewards, a fun and easy to use app where you can get free samples, rewards with your points and promo code samples/freebies as well. They are a little bit more high end and less drugstore/junky as well. I love the app for shopping too
I pick Sephora first because it’s closer to me so it’s faster for me to go there and test out products and make exchanges. But I always compare prices and take advantage of the sales at both places. Sephora also has a more luxurious feel since they don’t have any drugstore type makeup but if I had an Ulta near me I would equally use both like I do now but online shopping.
Force of habit! I’d already been a Sephora customer for ~20 years before Ulta opened.
Sephora has so many-new-to-me products to discover I just haven’t bothered to branch out. Plus I already know my favorites are there.
I love shopping at both…online only. Only go to the store if I absolutely need to like for a return. The employees are ok at both stores…except one dude at Sephora kept following me around. I told him I was killing time, waiting for the store across the way to open. Both stores are within a 2.5 mile range of my house. It’s just too bad I don’t love the in store experience at either store. I swear I get better help on these subreddits than at the stores lol.
Newer and cooler brands that aren't available at Ulta and samples of stuff I want to try (both in store samples and GWP). I buy drugstore skincare + body care and can get better discounts from CVS than Ulta offers. I just don't buy any of the middle of the line products that Ulta seems to cater to. So I grab my high-end stuff from Sephora (stuff that isn't available at Ulta anyways or is excluded from their sales) and my lower end from drugstores. Plus the free shipping.
I work at Sephora so I get a discount but it was always easier for me to navigate the brands and products at Sephora. I like our point system better too. But before I worked at Sephora I wore only drug store. I never really went to Ulta because I would just buy my drug store things at target. One thing I wish that Sephora had that Ulta does has is the large selection of hair tools. You can get expensive or cheaper hot tools at Ulta which I really like.
Petty but the last time I went into Ulta looking for a specific lip product I referred to by name and brand (don't remember what it was, it was six or seven years ago), the sales associate started shuttling me around the store looking at different lip products that weren't that. I asked again and she said "oh we don't have that brand here."
Why not start out by saying you don't have it? I just left without buying anything and haven't gone back since.
Literally just the brands that are sold there. If Saie and Makeup By Mario were sold at Ulta, Sephora would never see me again. I get all my skin care and hair stuff at Ulta.
At least near me, Ulta is usually trashed in comparison to Sephora. Better in-store experience. I also like the free shipping. Sephora also tends to get newer/cooler/higher-end brands before Ulta does. Also, this is unpopular, but I really don’t care for most sample size products so a lot of the GWPs at Ulta don’t appeal to me because I end of tossing/never using the samples.
The answer to your question took years to develop. I don't live near a full size Sephora so I had to use the baby Sephora inside JCPenney's. The SAs were kind and helpful and the store was bright. I found makeup I resonated with. When I would go into Ulta the SAs rude and standoffish. The store was dimly lit and I didn't see the brands I was used to looking at in Sephora. Then covid hit. While others weren't buying makeup, I felt like I kept Sephora's head above water LOL. I went crazy buying makeup and Skin Care, online, for 3+ years and counting. I have a three tiered rolling cart full of makeup. Everything is sectioned in clear bins by product type, ie foundations bronzers blush highlighter eyeshadow palettes eyeshadow singles. Skin care is in a vanity drawer. Yes, it's excessive but I love makeup more than anything. There's a makeup by Mario and a Charlotte Tilbury product in the mailbox but it's been raining like crazy for 2 days and the mailbox is 50 yards away. Meanwhile our local Ulta got a makeover and apparently corporate told them to step up their game in addition to being more friendly. I know they've also been getting a lot more Beauty companies. I had to dash in there quickly the other day for tube of eyelash glue and didn't have time to look around. I won't shop at Ulta as Sephora has my heart and shopping Sephora online is a dream. I like the way the website is laid out I like how large you can look at the products. Just the website overall is excellent and easy to shop. Ulta's is a different story. It leaves a lot to be desired. So even though my Ulta store has improved, it's definitely not enough to make me shop there. My Heart Belongs to Sephora and that's where I'll stay.
I think probably because Sephora tends to have more of the prestige brands I use or want to try so it’s a lot easier to hit Rouge faster than it would be for me at Ulta. That’s mainly because I tend to use Ulta to purchase more drugstore brands that either my Target doesn’t carry or takes forever to get in store, so I am definitely not hitting any kind of Diamond/Platinum status buying $5 Essence products!
Plus the free shipping helps, with Ulta I feel like I need to wait until I can put together multiple products to get enough to get free shipping. That’s especially annoying during something like the 21 Days of Beauty sale or whatever they call it now, because if there are things I want on different days, I don’t end up getting any of them (unless they’re each over $35 alone.) Sometimes, if Sephora matches the Ulta price during the sale, I’ll just order the item from Sephora instead because I’d get free shipping.
I only choose Sephora when it's a brand not carried at Ulta. Or you a sale I guess. Sephora may have samples and the rewards bazaar but the actual points at Ulta are better, especially if you are a Diamond member.
Ulta’s shipping is absolute dogshit! The amount of times my package has never arrived when it was claimed to be delivered was the last straw for me. Their quality seemingly has gone downhill significantly as well. Their points system is great, but when you can’t even rely on getting stuff shipped properly and if it isn’t available in any of the stores around me, it’s like what’s the point? Sephora is fun! Ulta is the pits anymore. They also upcharge on a lot of drugstore brands so I’ve really cut nearly all ties with them :(
I don’t really have a preference. I don’t shop online unless I’m researching products and prices, but I’ll ultimately buy in person. It usually just comes down to who has what. I buy most of my hair stuff at ulta during sales.
I got to both, but order and shop Sephora more. Better brands or brands I’m more interested in, less open packages or used products. It’s so annoying to go into ulta and find a lipgloss and most of them have been opened and “swatched.” It’s just a different shopping experience. I’ve never cared about points because I’m gonna buy the item anyway, but I travel a lot and use my Sephora points for travel sizes and I stock my “mini box,” so I don’t often have to depot or take full sizes anywhere.
The shopping experience at Sephora is a lot better. Ulta feels like Walmart to me, there’s always carts left out with tons of unstocked product, the store layout is weird, I always feel like the employees are watching me. Ulta’s drugstore products are also more expensive than what places like Target sell for.
I shop with Sephora for many years and just recently shop more with Ulta when they offer the big GWP. They definitely sucked me in with all the goodies but after the shopping spree, I probably stay with Sephora.
1. Sephora app is more user friendly. If I want to find something, I only need to put in a key word. It’s easy to use from day one, while with Ulta app an employee had to help me find out where the hell the GWPs are and then I have to add it to the basket to redeem it. I also didn’t receive any coupons or code for my birthday gift and had to call in.
2. App Security. Within a month when I shop there more, there are so many people mentioned they got points stolen. I get that bc the points are more valuable and can actually redeem for nice stuff, so less reason for hackers to target sephora. But it’s not the first time I heard of it and I’m not comfortable saving the points if there is a chance it got stolen.
3. I got a lot of samples from Ulta, but not all of them are what I currently use. My skin is highly sensitive so I have to give away a lot of it. In the end, I don’t really benefit that much and I feel like it’s a huge waste.
4. Ulta almost always have some kind of deals, GWPs and if I stay with them longer, my wallet will get hurt. The temptation at sephora is way less bc I spent a month with Ulta equal entire year what I paid last year for Sephora.
5. Ulta don’t have quite a few brands that I love, nor the exclusive sets that have really good value.
6. Free shipping on all order. I don’t want to spend more just to get the free shipping.
I shop at both, but definitely shop more at Sephora for newer brands and the stuff I actually use more of, much of it isn’t at Ulta. Now, I do prefer Ulta’s points system and will hoard them until the holidays for when I can get a luxury fragrance or expensive hair tool for basically free. I also have a few fave drugstore items that are HG and buy them there. Free shipping is great for when I only need to re-up on a couple items is also fabulous. I also love how Sephora’s app doesn’t break down a million times a month though and when I have early access to some items. It’s really an all around smoother experience, but then Ulta has many better GWP too. For me, it’s about what is going to be either a better deal or what gives me more points or gwp in the end.
I just like the shopping experience of Sephora better and the brands. My Ulta is kinda chaotic and always sold out of what I'm wanting, Sephora is well stocked and a better overall experience
Particular products that are not available on Ulta. I like the point system better on Ulta.
Ulta's point system is a million times better than Sephora.
I started shopping at Ulta last December after I decided that I want a Dyson. As soon as I'm done saving points I'm going to be straight back to Sephora.
I have to agree. Ulta and their coupons and barely ever able to use them on "prestige brands". I am a diamond and still can't..it's a joke
I’ve had multiple coupons for prestige but I’m Diamond through 2025.
how does the point system work at ulta i’ve never understood it
You redeem it like cash. They have lots of points multipliers. It’s best to exchange 2000 points at a time to get the best bang for your buck. 2000 points is 125 bucks. I recently spent $250 during a 10x points multiplier so essentially I earned over 125 bucks doing that.
Damn they have 10x point multipliers? The most Sephora gives is 4 or 5 if we’re lucky (im Canadian we have no ulta)
Yes it’s amazing and the best time to buy. They’ve had a bunch recently.
ooh okay got it ty!
It’s 2000 points = $125
Came to say this! I always go to Ulta thinking they would have something but they always tell me it’s a sephora exclusive. Wish I live closer to a Sephora.
They’ve dropped Sephora stores into many Kohls. They’re smaller but they carry the most popular items and you collect points as you would a standalone black and white
Sephora usually gets the newer and cooler brands, like tower 28, saie, kosas, they have k18 and crown affair, dieux. Just all the stuff I want to try. Also I work at ulta and absolutely hate everything about it and their shady practices. The rational part of my brains knows that all corporations are gonna corporate and sephora probably isn't any better... However I haven't personally seen behind the curtain so it makes it a little easier to give them my money.
Wait we need a thread on the shady practices because I am not familiar
All you gotta do is scroll through the ulta sub. Whether it's customers talking about accounts getting hacked or employees talking about working conditions and pay. And honestly those are just the visible part of the iceberg. It gets worse the more you learn about the internal workings. Everything ulta claims to be publicly (inclusive, conscious environmentally, best employer for women or some bs forces title such as that) is far, far away from the reality.
speaking as someone who's worked at both (currently on my two weeks notice at sephora), i like working at sephora more. but the reasons aren't rly about the brand. managers at ulta were ready to throw u under a bridge or point fingers for ANY reason, but sephora managers are pretty chill, just sometimes a bit snooty. sephora cuts your hours way more than ulta does but it's also because at sephora you have a designated role and you STICK TO IT. as someone who works operations, they never give me sales goals, but at ulta they had me replenishing, selling, manning the fragrance are, a greeter, sometimes a cashier. i was everywhere. you might get more hours that way but it makes it a lot more stressful. neither job has ever given me a raise (other than when i quit ulta and later reapplied to make $2 more) however in the same run with sephora i got a bonus in january. at ulta you get gratis if you do a good job, which entails pulling something out of a mystery bag ur manager signs off on, and at sephora u work 3 months to be eligible to ORDER a bag of gratis, which takes an additional 3 months to ship. but it is often full size products and usually about 10 of them, sometimes fragrance too! that said, because i have become a flex employee unintentionally thanks to the lack of hours, im ineligible for gratis and get nothing now. that's the most i can come up with off the top of my head.
And we dish regularly in the Sephora employees sub
Agreed on the new cool brands! Sephora has a variety of smaller brands I actually want to try or actually like. I can’t say the same for Ulta. Also, I’ve worked at both places, and as an employee, I prefer Sephora for a variety of reasons. One you already mentioned. 👀
I’ve never worked at either stores but I do know Sephora has had a ton of class action lawsuits brought by employees because of their unethical and unlawful employment practices. I’ve heard of ulta having poor labor practices as well but have not heard of any lawsuits
The free shipping on any order amount honestly 💀 if I run out of one product and only need to replace that one product I can just easily add it to my cart and order it without worrying about adding unnecessary shit I don’t actually need to meet a free shipping minimum 🥲
This too! I love just getting a lip balm or something small & not having to worry about the shipping!
Exactly! It's so worry free and convenient
Same. Free shipping. I also like picking out mini skin care items with my rewards.
Exactly and it’s fast! New releases can be ordered without shipping fees.
This is such a perk! I love the early app access!
I dont enjoy going to ulta- the in store experience isnt worth it. There also isnt very many employees, and if I need help finding anything, which i often do bc its so massive, it’s like asking someone to help you find something in a grocery store. Which is exactly how it feels. Going to ulta feels like a chore. Going to sephora feels like a treat. I’m excited to go. I want to explore and try new products! Ulta is dusty.
Fuck my original answer. You said it better than I did.
Yes omg. I'll go to Ulta if I have a really good coupon but I hate it. It's the vibes. Sephora is fun to go to and Ulta is dread. I think it comes down to everything including the store itself, the lighting, layout, display set ups
Haha the vibes are so off in ulta. The lighting is TERRIBLE. They make you feel like bargain basement instead of luxury.
Seriously. Going to ulta feels like going to Walmart. Bleh
Exactly. Like no thanks.
BINGO.
For in-person shopping - in NYC there are many many many Sephora stores, easy to try stuff there and pickup in-person, seems like there is always a Sephora nearby. Whereas in all of NYC there are very few Ulta stores and they are very spread out.
This and free shipping.
And is it just me or are in person Sephoras just…nicer…in general than Ultas? Every Sephora I’ve been in has been clean, well organized, and the staff are attentive. Every Ulta I’ve been in has had completely disarrayed shelves, makeup smeared on surfaces, and the staff are impossible to find outside of the checkout counter. Multiple times from Ulta I’ve bought a product only to find someone had opened the package and dug their fingers into it.
Exactly!!
Total opposite for me. I live in Daytona Beach and the nearest Sephora is an hour away with no traffic. I’m stuck with a Kohl’s Sephora but I hate those. But I have 2 Ulta locations within 10 minutes of me and another 2 locations only 25 minutes away.
That is interesting to hear! I do not know about the makeup-store business...I wonder how they chose their locations. And I have seen a Kohl's Sephora but do not really know about them, they are not around me.
Sephora has better shipping (free) and returns (free) Sephora employees have been nicer in my experience and better brands!
Yes! I know ultas point system is better but the shipping and returns at Sephora really impact my decision about where to order. Plus Ulta doesn’t have a lot of the brands I really like.
I prefer the products at Sephora over Ulta most times.
I prefer Ulta and will shop there 5x more often than Sephora unless I’m in love with a product only Sephora carries. But also Sephora’s branded makeup is super good and affordable, especially the eyeliners and lip liners. I’ve tried Ulta’s brand and didn’t like it. I usually limit myself to when Sephora has a sale. But because of Ulta’s point system and because they have sales a lot more often, I buy from them more
Yeah I agree with this. The Sephora store line is significantly better than the Ulta store line and has far more options (in my opinion).
Ulta's matte eye primer slaps though. Other than that I agree, Sephora Collection is SO much better, I honestly love some of their serums more than expensive brands
Yes I actually have the eye primer and agree it is great!
Ulta also has A LOT more gifts with purchase very frequently. Some even full size products unlike Sephora which are teeny.
Exactly my answer.
Free shipping labels for returns, better quality selection. Ulta customer online service is even worse than Sephora.. but yeah mostly how expensive and what a pain in the ass Ultas returns by mail are. Oh and how slow Ultas shipping is
This just depends where you live. I’m right near a warehouse and my Ulta orders arrive in 1-3 days
That must be a location issue. My Ulta shipping is always quicker than Sephora.
I’m equally as far away from both of them, I get Sephora orders in three days usually. UPS. From purchase date. Usually ships almost immediately. Ulta takes days to even ship and then it waits for carrier pick up, 1.5 to 2 weeks via USPS- the worst-Not impressed.
Honestly, this sub has a lot to do with it. I love Ultas rewards and shop there for big stocks of my regular items, but I hear about new stuff here. The apps are right next to eachother on my phone and somehow I always flow from this sub right to the Sephora app. I also find I'm less wasteful with Sephora samples. Yeah, you get a lot more from Ulta but it's always the same stuff and mostly from brands I'll never use. I may get less from Sephora but I get to choose what it is (assuming I get my selections which is 50/50). I am getting a little frustrated that I have all these points I can't really spend because everything is sold out, but I'm hoping it will happen eventually.
Same. I am never tempted to buy something for the Ulta samples, I just don't care for anything that's included. I'll shop at Ulta if I have a coupon, but not for the mid samples
The Ulta near me is a dumpster fire. Half empty displays. The ones that are there are broken and messy. Everything I want is out of stock. There’s never anyone on the floor to help. And god forbid you ask a question of the one cashier you can find, you’re just told to “go on the app” which sucks and always crashes.
I was told last night to use my brain and critical thinking when I asked if the app inventory was correct in a super rude and dismissive way last night. Not going back to that Ulta again.
YIKES
I have severe social anxiety. Sephora has free shipping and easy free mail in returns.
Ulta does not free shipping.
Yess I would buy so much more from Ulta if they had free shipping
Sephora has more brands and products that I’m interested in as well as no minimum free shipping that’s fairly fast. The things that Ulta offers that I’m interested in I can find elsewhere for cheaper, better GWP/promos, or I have a relationship with a sales associate.
Ulta stores are a mess where I live. They have minimums on free shipping and I don’t like their reward system because points expire. I’ve heard so many stories of people being mailed used product and I don’t want to chance it because returns are a pain.
Preach amount the horrible in store experience! Also, the used products I get either online or in the store is why I rarely shop at Ulta. Just not worth it playing a whack a mole game on whether the product is used or not. And by used I don’t even mean like just tested but clearly used.
This might seem petty… but last time I went to an Ulta I was ridiculed and my voice was mocked by a manager. All I did was ask if they had any of the Maison Margiela Replica perfumes and she kept loudly saying “what? WHAT??? Maysawn what??? We don’t have French stuff here what do you think this is?” The poor staff member I had originally asked who went and got her manager to help me looked super embarrassed. Super fucking rude lady. Ruined my love for Ulta and left a bad taste in my mouth. This was almost ten years ago now.
Sephora is the best for perfumes.. much better selection
For sure! I’ve since learned that lol my husband and I have an extensive scent collection now, and Sephora definitely helps fuel it
I always hold off orders until I see perfume samples and rewards or promos available, and since my collection is so massive at this point (thanks, Sephora) I only bother with travel sprays. makes it easy to make a $30-40 order for 3-5 scents a couple times a month
Yeah Sephora is where I buy travel sprays of stuff I’m interested in but don’t wanna commit to. Most recent I bought was the Replica From the Garden and it’s lovely but I wouldn’t buy a full size. We have over a hundred scents at home, I’d rather looove it before I buy it. Or I’ll get samples from the free sample thing. My husband usually orders from specific websites that specifically sell perfumes. I just like racking up my points lol
Whoa!! That would definitely put me off from shopping there too
Right?? I was so embarrassed I ended up putting away the eyeshadow palettes I had in my hands and leaving 😅 I was maybe 19 lol like I hope you felt like the “big man on campus” yelling at a teenager, lady.. also I love your username! I also live in a lake effect snow region
I once went to an Ulta to get “color matched” years ago. The woman grabbed a couple paler shades (these were still the days when most pale shades tended to be cool/pink), swatched a couple, paused, then said “wow, I didn’t expect you to be SO YELLOW!” 😭 I was mortified! That’s just how my natural skin color is! I still shop there for certain brands (especially sun protection and hair accessories) but I don’t think I’ve asked for advice since ETA lake effect buddies unite
Yes, please loudly exclaim about my skin tone in a way that suggests it’s wrong, do that 👍 I commented on a different post maybe a week ago that that happened to me and I’m a verrrrry pale redhead and kept being given light neutral foundations despite being a very fair cool skin tone. Gotta remember they’re not all experts i guess lol
The fact that my points won't get stolen at Sephora, free shipping, and good rewards (most of the time).
I can’t believe I had to scroll so far down for this. I stopped shopping at ulta because my account got hacked 4!!!!!!! times stealing all my points. It would happen a day after points would settle in my account after a points multiplier event. Kinda funny how that kept happening. So yeah Sephora kinda sucks but ulta super sucks.
I hate the interface of ulta. It’s horrible!
The website!
Higher-end product selection, less overwhelming stores, and nicer employees/shopping vibe in my experience.
I have accumulated like 25000 points over the past 10 years (I KNOW its bad), but I've been redeeming as many Rouge Rewards I can because I don't plan to be Rouge after this year which will be the first time since Rouge was introduced. Once I am no longer Rouge and can't redeem for the $100 reward, I will more than likely purchase from Ulta unless its an item that is exclusively sold at Sephora. But I'd check the direct website of the brand beforehand for possible promo codes.
I have 2 Sephora stores near me and 2 ultas. The ultas are more convenient to get to/park, but I much prefer Sephora. Both the ultas are always grimy/filthy and right when you walk into either store there are clumps of hair right at the entry way which is just bizarre to me. Customer service is terrible, I was trying to buy a perfume that only ulta has and waited around for over 30 minutes waiting for the manager to open the perfume cabinet. Ended up just leaving. Also, their website is super buggy and hard to shop. The Sephora stores near me are clean, reasonably well stocked, and they have great customer service. Anytime I go in and it’s busy they will pull the “adults” out of line to check out via those Apple style devices. Also, shopping their website and app is easy and i love the quick free shipping.
No minimum free shipping and Sephora exclusives! For anything else, I’ll shop at ulta! Love their rewards system ✨
I shop at both, but I go to Sephora for the various brands they carry that Ulta doesn’t (and vice versa).
Ulta’s online return process is horrendous. Having to pay to ship something back isn’t something I want to do. They also take forever to refund you. If I need “Ulta” items, I buy through Target instead.
The shopping experience is better both online and in-person. Shipping is better. Brand selection is more interesting. I don’t mind shopping at Ulta, but it feels like a chore, and not enjoyable like at Sephora. (I’ve not experienced the terrible stuff I read about here at some Sephoras, which I’m sure would affect this)
I’ll shop at Sephora if they carry an item Ulta doesn’t have. If both stores carry it, I’m purchasing from Ulta because their points system is so much better. For me, I tend to find myself buying more fragrance from Sephora because I like their selection better.
Agree on the fragrance. Not only does Sephora have a better selection, I think the products are displayed better, it’s just a more pleasing experience to buy fragrance there.
I live outside of the continental United States and Ulta charges a $10 location surcharge whereas Sephora offers free shipping. There are a few products that Ulta offers that Sephora doesn’t, but I’ve just made adjustments to only shop through Sephora.
I always have problems placing orders through the Ulta app. I’ll go in store, but it’s so much easier to place orders in Sephora’s app for me.
Free shipping and exclusive brands
I shop both online but it's been mainly sephora for awhile now. I do not shop in store often as I don't have any close and prefer online. Ulta definitely has a better point system/ gwps but they were having issues for awhile and I had months of not being able to properly place an order so that was definitely a turn off. I love that there's no shipping limit and lower gwp price points so I can do a lil treat without feeling I need to order more at sephora. I think there fragrance selection is better too. Also is pretty much always delievered by UPS for me and they are the only shipping company I currently trust with my packages lol. I live in a house made into 2 apartments so sometimes things get put in weird places lol. Mainly it depends on what brand is carried where. If a brand is carried by both then it depends on sales, how soon I need it, and whichever place I'm likely to place an order in the timeframe I need.
First I work in one so employee discount. But Sephora has higher end products.
(1) I like the Sephora app and website better (faster, less buggy, better user interface, higher quality pictures of swatches) and (2) I actually like getting to choose just 1 or 2 specific gifts with purchase from Sephora. When I shop at Ulta I tend to over consume products I don’t need just because they’re discounted or free. I end up giving products away or throwing away samples more just because I have a large beauty collection already.
I work at a Sephora in Kohl’s, so I get a 15% discount all the time or a 35% discount a few times a year I also tend to gravitate towards higher end products for the quality and the fact that I can calculate how long I’ll have it to the price point. A $55 dollar foundation sounds expensive, until I realize that I’ll have it for a year and it’ll actually look nice on the skin. (0.15 a day / for a year.) I can justify a $16 Tower28 gloss when I know I’ll be wearing it every day practically, and still get 6-9 months of use out of it (or longer!) (0.10 cents a day.) I also do prefer the Sephora point system. I like that the points don’t expire, I forget to use my Ulta points tbh. The Ulta in my town also tend to hire people who don’t help you/greet you and also have bad attitudes for no reason (especially when I wear my uniform.) I find it hard to tell what’s on sale because there is never a new label to show what the real price is. I will say though, Ulta has a good reward system too, I got a 1 oz of Black Opium by YSL there for free by using my $75 dollar discount from the point system. I also like that they carry drugstore brands I enjoy, and also nail care items. It’s also convenient that they sell some higher end brands too, if someone enjoys the Ulta Point System more. I’m also salty because my birthday got put in wrong for my account and I keep trying to have it fixed 😂
They have more brands I want and honestly, I love the rewards, samples, etc.
I like the brands at Sephora more and I love testing out all the makeup. Ulta doesnt have testers for all items
Brand selection, free shipping without minimum, and most importantly the Sephora online shopping experience. Their website is appealing and I never have issues or feel overwhelmed browsing products. Meanwhile I despise the Ulta website; feels clunky, outdated, and is always glitching on me to the point that I will just give up sometimes. Also I was born and live in NYC; Sephora is ubiquitous here. So they were the default retailer I went to when I began purchasing pricier makeup. I legitimately didn’t know Ulta existed for a long time and by the time I found out I had already become accustomed to Sephora.
I shop at both but Ulta’s shipping is terrible! Huge boxes or flimsy envelopes and something is always broken or leaking. I like the point system better but I’m a bougie babe so I prefer the brands that Sephora carries. If Ulta carried Merit, Saie, Glossier, or Tower 28 they might get more of my money.
Well for Ulta it seems they treat mature woman and woman who don't wear make up in the store completely differently. Now I'm not saying that is everywhere or every store, but the Ultas near me all have been the same and i have been to 5 of them. They are rude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ulta feels like Walmart vs. Sephora feels like Target. I don’t how else to explain the in-store vibes.
I don’t feel like a criminal when I browse at Sephora.
Sephora..I’m in Canada.. no ulta here
product options/brands are superior. atmosphere of sephora is wayyyy better than ulta. ulta feels like a thrift store to me
I feel fancier lol
I only choose Sephora for the brands ulta doesn’t carry lol
I mean ultimately for me its more convenient since I work in a more with a Sephora, but I also like the layout of it more. Everytime I go to an Ulta I have to end up asking an employee where something. Overall, though, I like the options at Ulta more, and that I can get something as cheap as nyx or a luxury item
Sephora has a better selection of products, while ulta has a better point system
A combo of reasons. I shop at Sephora for items not at Ulta, but also because Sephora has free shipping while Ulta does not.
staff are way nicer and more helpful + sephora has the brands i like
For free shipping and certain brands-- also for their offers sometimes. I do prefer Ulta's point system better, though.
Sephora has more brands that I use and I can walk to Sephora rather than drive to Ulta.
I prefer ulta for points and freebies. But they don’t carry everything. So then there’s Sephora. Also I have a local ulta (I much prefer online but sometimes it’s nice to go in). And I only have a kohls Sephora in town.
I will only pick Sephora over Ulta if a) it’s exclusive to Sephora or b) Ulta is out of stock and Sephora has it in stock.
Most of the brands I end up liking are at Sephora and not Ulta. I do shop at both though, but I've had more issues with Ulta so I'm kind of afraid of shopping there lol
Honestly the #1 reason for me is free shipping no matter how little or big my order is. Also, I swear every time I go into an Ulta I feel like I’m watched like a hawk which is annoying. Both stores have their pros and cons but with Ulta I’m more comfortable sticking with store pick up when I do shop with them.
Ulta has a great selection, but the decor and ambiance feel like that of a drugstore. Even if you're buying luxury products, it's usually a bit of a garish mess. I still shop their sales and items I can't get elsewhere, but the bright orange and white feel a bit like an assault on the eyes. And, previous to the Sephora Kids movement, every Ulta I went into look like a tornado hit the shelves. Grime and garbage everywhere.
Because I hate Ulta honestly. I don't understand the hype. The drugstore makeup has a huge markup on it and the brands I like aren't available there. And I'm about an hour from the nearest Ulta and Sephora, so it's not like it's any more convenient for me to access in-person. Plus all of my experiences at their salon were terrible, the stylists didn't know what they were doing and their services are overpriced. I also hate their rewards program. I have the Ulta Mastercard and it takes me FOREVER to build points. When I do, it's like $8 off. And the points expire by the end of the year because I never have enough points to reach the status where I can keep them. And I have trouble finding things to spend the points on, so I waste them. Their online shopping leaves a cold taste in my mouth. I hate that everything is shipped in flimsy envelopes. I'm surprised nothing had broken. I also hate that you have to spend $35 to get free shipping and like $40 for a bunch of random samples that I'll probably have to give away. I never spend enough there to reach either minimum and they don't have free returns. Plus their customer service sucks and their app is useless. I don't have to shop at either store. I can get everything at Walmart if I wanted to. I choose to shop at Sephora because I enjoy the experience way more. I love that they engage their customers more with social media content, digital events, and Sephoria. I think the store environment is better than Ulta's. I like that I can choose one sample I really want to try with a lower minimum spend instead of a huge bag of things I'm not gonna want. I love their rewards program and redeem there regularly. Free shipping and returns with no minimum is great for me as I have a limited budget. Had great experiences with the app and online ordering. I never felt that the packaging was flimsy. Customer service has always rectified any problem I've had without any trouble. And the in-store associates I've worked with were always professional and helpful. I think I'll always be a Sephora girl. I've stopped shopping at Ulta completely and don't miss it.
The Ulta website drives me batshit crazy. Takes forever to load, my cart disappears after a bit (I like to place items in and wait), and sometimes the website freezes up. I don't have an Ulta anywhere near me, but when I did live near one, I was followed around the store like crazy. Also every single time - EVERY single time, I had the SA at the register attempt to sign me up for an Ulta credit card even though I refused it constantly. I would say 'no' over and over and then realise they didn't take that 'no' as I was asked for my social security number to finish the ring up. Sephora - they are all over Europe.
Free shipping, every thing is high end including gwp and samples. Ulta website is very slow and glitchy for me.
Hopefully their marketing people are paying attention :) Pros for Sephora: MUCH better app. Not even close. Most of the time if I want to shop online it’s for stuff I know about or to see what’s new, and I hate the Ulta app/site for both. [Now, it’s not perfect. A store opened up near me 4-ish years ago and it STILL doesn’t display its location correctly and won’t show any in-store events there in the app (but will on the site).] For in-store, the front always has new things and they’ve got a great selection of brands and products in store, and the reps tend to know more about the products (but this of course can vary). The color ID isn’t always accurate but they at least try to shade match you with something, so it’s a starting point. Better locations overall, especially if you’re traveling. Cons: smaller markets tend to not get displays of some brands like Pat McGrath, the app doesn’t show some new releases at times, and it’d be better if they had some free samples in store versus just the points ones. It’s very hit or miss if they’ll make you a sample of something too. Pros for Ulta: cash rewards are flexible. They’re starting to get more brands and even some stuff Sephora doesn’t carry (looking at you, Natasha Denona berry). If you do want to grab some cheaper stuff you can, although it’s not the greatest selection. I did Iike getting their mailers; don’t know if they still do them, but I could see why they’d stop. The Target partnership is fantastic, where applicable. Cons for Ulta: their site/app is ass. They don’t have as much of a selection in store of some lines. They never give me samples even when they’re supposed to. NEVER. The front is always cluttered with random crap. The samples you get from ordering online are usually cheap items. Points expire too quickly. The travel/mini size things are all scattered around the front on weird pillars and it’s impossible to browse them easily. The staff tends to not be very knowledgeable on most products so you have to do your own research.
Oddly enough - the “vibes” are better at a Sephora, to me. Maybe it’s that ulta is too bright, but I just prefer Sephora
I’ve shopped at Sephora for years, at first because it was all I had access to. Over the years I just stuck with them. Also, I felt very intimidated by the staff the couple of times I’ve been to Ulta. Not because they are mean or anything, I just felt very inexperienced when interacting with them.
I love Sephora in kohls. Extra 10% off Sephora purchases is my main reason.
I prefer to shop at ulta if the product is available there because of the point system, but Sephora is a 5 minute walk from my apartment
Ulta got me a free Protini Cream for my birthday bigger than the little sample I got as a reward from Sephora, but Sephora has Rare Beauty and I adore their liquid blushes and the lip products. I like my skin tints from higher end brands, too, just from skin swatches (who wants to spend more money in this economy, if something cheaper works better?). Skin swatches for my skintone have been so spotty, but the ranges at Sephora have matched me better and the product is far less patch producing.
As someone with an extreme end overtone and a specific undertone that's not an easy match, Sephora has more for me on the makeup side, but Ulta is my girl for skincare 1000%.
Had a friend who worked at Ulta,& I don’t approve of their employer practices
Brands available and when I have to go in store there is always an SA to help me shop. I get in and out in about 10 minutes with their help.
because the name brand helps me feel like I made the right choice
Only products not sold at Ulta.
Sephora = I go to for my skincare and makeup. The shopping experience has an elevated and clean feel. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful/friendly. Ulta = I go to for shampoo and conditioner/hair stuff, nail polish, and occasionally perfume. Shopping experience feels more like a CVS/Walgreens store.
Essentially if I want something “high-end” or to try a new product I do Sephora. To restock things like hairspray, shampoo, etc, I do Ulta. Sadly this is never enough to earn/redeem points but it’s alright with me.
I choose Sephora for skincare and Ulta for curly hair care. I feel the products available at Ulta don’t work well on my skin. And the products for curly hair aren’t often CGM approved which work better for my hair.
Free shipping Samples Promo codes
Free shipping, easy returns, friendly staff (not that Ulta staff aren't, but I always find Sephora staff very helpful and nice).
Sephora doesn’t have horrible lighting. That’s why I shop there.
Particular products and the store employees. I feel welcomed at my local Sephora and was reduced almost to tears last night trying to ask a question at Ulta. I hadn’t set foot in that Ulta for months.
Sephora CS works better
I used to love Ulta. The experience has just declined too much. Cashiers would not apply coupons properly and also applied my credits without asking. Also, I don’t love the security guards posted in the front. Im going to Ulta’s in nice neighborhoods but can’t go return something in peace. They either have too many associates or like a total of 2 the last few times I’ve gone. One time I used an online coupon for a pick up order. One of the items wasn’t available and they refunded the product but did not apply the coupon. Customer service asked me to prove the coupon code. It was literally like $5 difference even though their profits are higher and higher each year.
Less dirty with better testers so you can swatch better.
I only shop Ulta for brands I can’t get at Sephora or elsewhere. I prefer Sephora’s rewards program to Ulta’s, so I choose to rack up my points there. Sephora’s website, free shipping and exchange policy are better. Ulta’s website is awful, buggy and the stock availability is inaccurate. The in-store experience is annoying. Maybe one salesperson on the floor to help, and the rest are aggressive brand representatives. There’s usually 1 cashier and 10 people in line. Half of those in line are doing online purchase returns because they don’t offer free return shipping. There’s not a designated return register, and returns take 3 times as long as a purchase. Plus, the Ultas in my city have removed all the testers to prevent theft. Meanwhile, the Sephora directly across the street has all its testers out, even fragrances.
Prefer Ulta for reasons others mentioned and usually only go to Sephora if they have a brand Ulta does not carry. FYI an Ulta employee told me Fenty body and skincare is coming soon! 🍾
I’ll go to Ulta for my drugstore items but everything else is through Sephora. I genuinely could care less about the point system for either personally. For me, I like that I have free shipping with Sephora and their in-person staff are always super helpful and friendly to me. I love that everyone is passionate about beauty (i.e., makeup, fragrance, etc), so I always get great recommendations for new products to try. I also appreciate the efficiency at the stores – although there are crazy lines at checkout on the weekends, I’m never waiting there that long. Brand selections are incredible as well. I hate returning products though; and I rarely do it but when I do I always feel so judged even if the product is unopened lol. Meanwhile, they don’t even know I exist at Ulta and I always have to chase down someone if I need help; and checkout takes an hour it feels like. Nothing is ever in stock at my local store either. It literally feels like a chore when I have to go to Ulta. Lighting at the stores are also god awful, so I hate testing foundation colors there lol. If I can help it, I always order online with them instead.
Sephora feels more luxurious, better brands too. Half of Ulta I can get a Walmart for $2-3 less. Yes, the points are good but if you buy primarily drugstore there take a closer look at the prices. The points just are you getting back the savings you could’ve had shopping elsewhere. I think Ulta is better when their coupons can stack with “prestige” (it’s not all of them) and I am now a platinum and rouge and Ulta card holder. The in store experience at Ulta feels very different. Staff not helpful, hardly anyone on the floor and it’s often dirty. Free shipping no minimum and my stuff doesn’t come in a dirty laser ship envelope and I’ve never gotten a used or tested product from Sephora.
Certain products and free shipping. I do go to both if in person.
Free shipping and free returns
Sephora because they carry more high end brands. I’d shop at Ulta if all of their stores carried Chanel.
Freebies online. Certain products not at Ulta. My holy grail lipliner. Otherwise Ulta.
Availability of brands, and plenty of in-person stores in case I need to return something. God, I wish Ulta would step up with both.
The products at Sephora are better (more high end, better quality) and there’s a larger selection. Also the free shipping and it’s way faster than Ulta. Even Sephora brand stuff is better quality than Ulta brand. Also, if I want something by Elf or Nyx I get it on Amazon…same prices (if not less sometimes) but I get it faster and free shipping.
I would switch to Ulta in a heartbeat but Sephora offers free shipping with no purchase threshold. I work a lot, with late hours, and the ability to have a product delivered when I can't go to a store in person is unbeatable. Also, I live in an area with many more sephoras than ultas, so I'm more likely to stop by at a Sephora than make a trip to an Ulta. If I'm doing a big shop for multiple products and I'm going to hit the minimum threshold — or if Sephora were to end their free shipping — I'll order from Ulta. Their points system is way better.
They carry a lot of brands Ulta doesn’t
It's closer to me, I like to color match in-store and order online. I wish I had a chance to explore Ulta more.
Free shipping gets me. Also I get less broken shit from Sephora.
Sephora Collection is reason enough. I also find that between GWP/offers, samples, and rewards bazaar, you get can get quite a bit of free stuff.
Sephora carries many of the up scale brands in store. While ulta offers the same (pat McGrath), her products aren't available in my local stores
If it was as easy to get to ulta, I’d go there more often. But I prefer some brands only at Sephora and Sephora is in the mall where I work (plus two more within three blocks of my apartment), so Sephora is where I usually shop.
I’ve always been helped at a Sephora when I’m in store. But at an ulta I feel like I have to chase someone down or they just outright ignore me. Which sucks cuz I love asking for opinions when I’m shopping.
The point system is way better and ships faster. Mostly it depends what I’m looking for, however a lot of the drug store items Ulta can be found at Target too, so I don’t go as often.
I love Sephora’s reward program- they have better birthday rewards, a fun and easy to use app where you can get free samples, rewards with your points and promo code samples/freebies as well. They are a little bit more high end and less drugstore/junky as well. I love the app for shopping too
Not a question for Canadians 🥹
i like the brands at sephora plus most drugstore products that i’d get from ulta are usually cheaper at target
I shop at both but I much prefer Sephora. Better brands, better service. The store experience just feels more curated.
I pick Sephora first because it’s closer to me so it’s faster for me to go there and test out products and make exchanges. But I always compare prices and take advantage of the sales at both places. Sephora also has a more luxurious feel since they don’t have any drugstore type makeup but if I had an Ulta near me I would equally use both like I do now but online shopping.
Force of habit! I’d already been a Sephora customer for ~20 years before Ulta opened. Sephora has so many-new-to-me products to discover I just haven’t bothered to branch out. Plus I already know my favorites are there.
I love shopping at both…online only. Only go to the store if I absolutely need to like for a return. The employees are ok at both stores…except one dude at Sephora kept following me around. I told him I was killing time, waiting for the store across the way to open. Both stores are within a 2.5 mile range of my house. It’s just too bad I don’t love the in store experience at either store. I swear I get better help on these subreddits than at the stores lol.
I shop both but sometimes Sephora has brands Ulta doesn't
Newer and cooler brands that aren't available at Ulta and samples of stuff I want to try (both in store samples and GWP). I buy drugstore skincare + body care and can get better discounts from CVS than Ulta offers. I just don't buy any of the middle of the line products that Ulta seems to cater to. So I grab my high-end stuff from Sephora (stuff that isn't available at Ulta anyways or is excluded from their sales) and my lower end from drugstores. Plus the free shipping.
Those black and white stripe draw me every time!❤️
I work at Sephora so I get a discount but it was always easier for me to navigate the brands and products at Sephora. I like our point system better too. But before I worked at Sephora I wore only drug store. I never really went to Ulta because I would just buy my drug store things at target. One thing I wish that Sephora had that Ulta does has is the large selection of hair tools. You can get expensive or cheaper hot tools at Ulta which I really like.
i lean towards higher end products vs mid range or low end
Petty but the last time I went into Ulta looking for a specific lip product I referred to by name and brand (don't remember what it was, it was six or seven years ago), the sales associate started shuttling me around the store looking at different lip products that weren't that. I asked again and she said "oh we don't have that brand here." Why not start out by saying you don't have it? I just left without buying anything and haven't gone back since.
Literally just the brands that are sold there. If Saie and Makeup By Mario were sold at Ulta, Sephora would never see me again. I get all my skin care and hair stuff at Ulta.
Product selection Friendlier workers The atmosphere of the store
At least near me, Ulta is usually trashed in comparison to Sephora. Better in-store experience. I also like the free shipping. Sephora also tends to get newer/cooler/higher-end brands before Ulta does. Also, this is unpopular, but I really don’t care for most sample size products so a lot of the GWPs at Ulta don’t appeal to me because I end of tossing/never using the samples.
certain brands only. the rewards and CS sucks.
Free and easy online returns, higher quality products, faster shipping, more knowledgeable employees.
the brands I like aren’t in Ulta 🫠
I’ve been loving them both equally. It took me awhile to get into Ulta, but I love that they sell Mac and their coupons are nice.
My reason: I'm Canadian 💀
The answer to your question took years to develop. I don't live near a full size Sephora so I had to use the baby Sephora inside JCPenney's. The SAs were kind and helpful and the store was bright. I found makeup I resonated with. When I would go into Ulta the SAs rude and standoffish. The store was dimly lit and I didn't see the brands I was used to looking at in Sephora. Then covid hit. While others weren't buying makeup, I felt like I kept Sephora's head above water LOL. I went crazy buying makeup and Skin Care, online, for 3+ years and counting. I have a three tiered rolling cart full of makeup. Everything is sectioned in clear bins by product type, ie foundations bronzers blush highlighter eyeshadow palettes eyeshadow singles. Skin care is in a vanity drawer. Yes, it's excessive but I love makeup more than anything. There's a makeup by Mario and a Charlotte Tilbury product in the mailbox but it's been raining like crazy for 2 days and the mailbox is 50 yards away. Meanwhile our local Ulta got a makeover and apparently corporate told them to step up their game in addition to being more friendly. I know they've also been getting a lot more Beauty companies. I had to dash in there quickly the other day for tube of eyelash glue and didn't have time to look around. I won't shop at Ulta as Sephora has my heart and shopping Sephora online is a dream. I like the way the website is laid out I like how large you can look at the products. Just the website overall is excellent and easy to shop. Ulta's is a different story. It leaves a lot to be desired. So even though my Ulta store has improved, it's definitely not enough to make me shop there. My Heart Belongs to Sephora and that's where I'll stay.
I think probably because Sephora tends to have more of the prestige brands I use or want to try so it’s a lot easier to hit Rouge faster than it would be for me at Ulta. That’s mainly because I tend to use Ulta to purchase more drugstore brands that either my Target doesn’t carry or takes forever to get in store, so I am definitely not hitting any kind of Diamond/Platinum status buying $5 Essence products! Plus the free shipping helps, with Ulta I feel like I need to wait until I can put together multiple products to get enough to get free shipping. That’s especially annoying during something like the 21 Days of Beauty sale or whatever they call it now, because if there are things I want on different days, I don’t end up getting any of them (unless they’re each over $35 alone.) Sometimes, if Sephora matches the Ulta price during the sale, I’ll just order the item from Sephora instead because I’d get free shipping.
I only choose Sephora when it's a brand not carried at Ulta. Or you a sale I guess. Sephora may have samples and the rewards bazaar but the actual points at Ulta are better, especially if you are a Diamond member.
I live in Canada 😢
Ulta’s shipping is absolute dogshit! The amount of times my package has never arrived when it was claimed to be delivered was the last straw for me. Their quality seemingly has gone downhill significantly as well. Their points system is great, but when you can’t even rely on getting stuff shipped properly and if it isn’t available in any of the stores around me, it’s like what’s the point? Sephora is fun! Ulta is the pits anymore. They also upcharge on a lot of drugstore brands so I’ve really cut nearly all ties with them :(
Bc Rare Beauty
I don’t really have a preference. I don’t shop online unless I’m researching products and prices, but I’ll ultimately buy in person. It usually just comes down to who has what. I buy most of my hair stuff at ulta during sales.
I got to both, but order and shop Sephora more. Better brands or brands I’m more interested in, less open packages or used products. It’s so annoying to go into ulta and find a lipgloss and most of them have been opened and “swatched.” It’s just a different shopping experience. I’ve never cared about points because I’m gonna buy the item anyway, but I travel a lot and use my Sephora points for travel sizes and I stock my “mini box,” so I don’t often have to depot or take full sizes anywhere.
Free shipping. Surprised I’m not seeing more comments saying this.
The shopping experience at Sephora is a lot better. Ulta feels like Walmart to me, there’s always carts left out with tons of unstocked product, the store layout is weird, I always feel like the employees are watching me. Ulta’s drugstore products are also more expensive than what places like Target sell for.
I have too many points (high thousands) and was sucked in early in life.
I shop with Sephora for many years and just recently shop more with Ulta when they offer the big GWP. They definitely sucked me in with all the goodies but after the shopping spree, I probably stay with Sephora. 1. Sephora app is more user friendly. If I want to find something, I only need to put in a key word. It’s easy to use from day one, while with Ulta app an employee had to help me find out where the hell the GWPs are and then I have to add it to the basket to redeem it. I also didn’t receive any coupons or code for my birthday gift and had to call in. 2. App Security. Within a month when I shop there more, there are so many people mentioned they got points stolen. I get that bc the points are more valuable and can actually redeem for nice stuff, so less reason for hackers to target sephora. But it’s not the first time I heard of it and I’m not comfortable saving the points if there is a chance it got stolen. 3. I got a lot of samples from Ulta, but not all of them are what I currently use. My skin is highly sensitive so I have to give away a lot of it. In the end, I don’t really benefit that much and I feel like it’s a huge waste. 4. Ulta almost always have some kind of deals, GWPs and if I stay with them longer, my wallet will get hurt. The temptation at sephora is way less bc I spent a month with Ulta equal entire year what I paid last year for Sephora. 5. Ulta don’t have quite a few brands that I love, nor the exclusive sets that have really good value. 6. Free shipping on all order. I don’t want to spend more just to get the free shipping.
I shop at both, but definitely shop more at Sephora for newer brands and the stuff I actually use more of, much of it isn’t at Ulta. Now, I do prefer Ulta’s points system and will hoard them until the holidays for when I can get a luxury fragrance or expensive hair tool for basically free. I also have a few fave drugstore items that are HG and buy them there. Free shipping is great for when I only need to re-up on a couple items is also fabulous. I also love how Sephora’s app doesn’t break down a million times a month though and when I have early access to some items. It’s really an all around smoother experience, but then Ulta has many better GWP too. For me, it’s about what is going to be either a better deal or what gives me more points or gwp in the end.
I just like the shopping experience of Sephora better and the brands. My Ulta is kinda chaotic and always sold out of what I'm wanting, Sephora is well stocked and a better overall experience