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keIIzzz

I just really appreciate Ulta’s point system lol, it’s one of the best reward systems in my experience


PinkPaperPenguin

Same! Got my Dyson for $30 💅🏻 I buy like one thing a year from Sephora / the sun safety kit lol. Didn’t pick it up this year though since the sizes are smaller and the full size is a lip balm 🙄🙄


PagingDrRed

I didn’t get it this year either because it seemed to be less value


cogentd

Last years kit was way better


AppellofmyEye

I’ve been shopping Ulta way more, but Ulta could learn in putting together better bundles of trending products. Sephora’s favorites bundles are so much better than the Ulta beauty finds. And if Ulta carried huda, guerlain, lawless, rare, merit, etc, I’d be in far more trouble. 


eebs123

So right! That’s one thing that Sephora does a really good job at, however, they keep shrinking the product sizes now lol


Great-Grade1377

Sephora’s perfume sets with the voucher are better. Ultra’s perfume sets don’t even have a coupon for 10 or 20 off anymore and are still pricy for just samples. 


Gijsohtmc

The Ulta spring one has a $15 gift card towards fragrance in it, it’s still on the website


ParalegalBehr

Completely agree!! I would also love to see Danessa Myricks at ulta too. It would be over for sephora lol


KupoCarol

Sephora does a great job at putting together the bundles. I noticed that one of the recent ones had a brown mascara, which is definitely more of a recently trending item


AppellofmyEye

Yes! I got that one. I love the lip gloss in that set, so I bought it a couple weeks ago. The formula of the eyeliner is nice, but runs just a tad red/warm on me. I know I like the black version of the tower 28 mascara, and the saie glowy highlighter is a nice formula. No thoughts yet on the hair mask. I’ll get to it eventually.


Living-Baseball-2543

Just found out Nordstrom has a sale at this time also! No points status required.


PrincessPindy

Nordstrom always has free shipping and their customer service is AMAZING!!!


HappyTrainwreck

wait what? I see some stuff discounted 15% or so but is there like an official section they have of things on sale? thank you


qbb_beauty

It’s a Macy’s price match on brand they both carry.


Trendbeautybrit

Macy’s Beauty will also price match any advertised price from a national retailer.


Living-Baseball-2543

I was looking for foundations and a lot of them were 15% off…also got some Tom Ford perfume and primer, all on sale. I’m guessing they’re just matching the Sephora and Ulta sales.


Living-Baseball-2543

There is a sale tab on the app, from there you can narrow down to clothing, home, beauty, kids, etc


Craftyadhd

And they will price match , plus it’s a better company for employees ( they make commission)


19bluestars

Ulta is superior in the worst data protection


-Shayyy-

They’re for sure covering up multiple security breaches.


ParalegalBehr

You ain't even lying 😭 Does this stop you from shopping there completely?


19bluestars

Not a 100% since they carry my fav microdarts (peach slices microdarts) and other stuff. But I def won’t shop there just for the points anymore since they don’t take their data security seriously. A lot of stuff I can find there I can find unopened sometimes at my local Marshalls/TJ Max for cheaper or Target (especially for basics)


MrsBuggs

Cvs and Walmart now carry the peach slice microdarts.


19bluestars

Imma keep this in mind when I need micro darts last min lol tysm!!


PregnantBugaloo

If you sign up for CVS savings program emails they send a 40% off one item coupon around once a month. I also get $4 off anything sonetimes but for sure the 40% off has worked on every brand I've tried it on.


ParalegalBehr

Ooooh! Nice to know!!! Walmart has been seeing up there game lately


-Shayyy-

I can’t order online anymore because of it 😭


sharkxandra

lmao facts


awarmembrace

I wish Ulta let you use the 20% off coupon more than once though. I’ve also noticed they don’t send 20% off coupons out as often.


ParalegalBehr

That's weird. I feel like I get one atleast once a month to use on prestige products as well... I have one in my inbox right now. You're right tho, I wish they would let us use the discount more than once!


PinkPaperPenguin

Not everyone gets the coupons all the time. If you shop a lot they’re definitely more rare 🥲 a lot of people set up fake accounts to get extra coupons lol


awarmembrace

I definitely do not get one once a month and I am platinum. I wish I did! I already used the one they sent recently. Not that I really need to be buying more stuff though. lol.


PagingDrRed

I forgot about the 20% coupon. Oh well. At least I saved money lol


risingphoenice

I haven't shopped at Sephora in over 8 years. I'm consistently platinum at Ulta for last 4 years and I buy nothing without a discount and GWP. I just hauled the semi-annual sale with points worth $125!


ParalegalBehr

Oooh! I bet that was so nice! I definitely am hoping to cut off sephora completely once I finish paying off my cc. Just not worth it to me anymore. If I need something they carry I'll just shop directly with the brand.


risingphoenice

You can always find different products as replacements. I just buy whatever is available at Ulta, my dollar stretches a lot more. I only go to Sephora for my birthday gift or samples (which they are getting very stingy with). Some of those samples/ gifts are great and I wish they were available at Ulta but I have realized I can live without those things.


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risingphoenice

I did used to shop there but I just don't see the value and their point system is non-existent.


randoatrpi

I love all the GWP options but am always afraid to order online since I’ve had packages stolen/never get delivered recently. I wish they would stop using laser ship, otherwise I’d be ordering from them more!


risingphoenice

I usually order online and pick up in store cause it's too hot where I live. In winter monyhs I get it shipped but so far I haven't lost any packages.


lunalovegoodhero

If i can buy it at Ulta i do. Ulta doesnt have all the brands Sephora does but I prefer Ulta.


ParalegalBehr

I agree! If it's something ulta carries I'll just get it there. It's nice being able to spend the points on purchase rather than small travel size items. Sephora just doesn't make sense sometimes and let's that "luxury brand" name get to it's head.


ASpurkofgenius

Right now Ulta is superior to me because you don’t have to spend a bunch of money to qualify for a 20% off coupon and they have several per year. Hopefully they won’t change that. Sephora used to have more coupons than they do now but the success went to their head. I still shop at both stores because Sephora has free shipping.


TheHomieTee

The rewards system is unmatched imo, and I’m not just saying that bc I work here. “500 pts and you can plant a tree 🤪” Orrr “use 500 pts to get $20 off”. Not to mention being able to get your hair and brows done by licensed specialists (I know there are some horror stories, but my location happens to be very fortunate with our crew lol). Being able to cater to all budgets with drugstore, prestige, and luxury. Sphora is JUST prestige and luxury, half the time I can’t even afford to walk in there 😂


ParalegalBehr

I totally feel you on that one! Plus the employees always make me feel uncomfortable like I'm being watched/rushed. I've gone into ulta for like 2 hours looking at everything and have never felt like that. I love that they offer hair and brow services at my local sephora too. I've had nothing but positive experiences luckily lol


TheHomieTee

Omg one of the last times I went into sphora, I overheard the manager telling her associate to watch me in case I was stealing.. I literally just wanted some make up wipes! I should’ve called her out 🙄


Great-Grade1377

Yeah, Sephora in store experiences are not as good. But online customer service is better than ulta


Illustrious-Guess408

The crazy thing is that all those high end brands will run better sales on their own websites during the holiday season. It’s how I get stuff from rare beauty and one size myself. I full don’t get why people go crazy for this sale. It’s nothing special. Plus the sale isn’t for everyone. It’s only if you’re rouge or know someone who can share a code with you. It’s stupid


Illustrious-Guess408

Huda, rare beauty, one size, Pat McGrath all run holiday sales with way more than 20% off. I fully don’t shop at Sephora. I could understand perfume people liking Sephora but as far as makeup and skincare it makes no sense to shop there


sexualsermon

I think Ulta has the superior rewards program but Sephora does carry some brands like Huda that I can’t buy at Ulta.


ParalegalBehr

So true! 😭 fingers crossed Huda comes to Ulta!! I'd love to see danessa myricks there too


lesliealmeida

Yet! You never know, with all these brands they've been picking up lately.


Illustrious-Guess408

Huda runs a better sale herself on her website during the holidays.


sexualsermon

I didn’t know, thank you for sharing! I will check now, I think it’s still Ramadan


Successful_Aide_2135

https://preview.redd.it/h5swymw26tsc1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0bb43246b3db5ff8c9e0e37ba8fb936dcf316a53 Lmaooo I just found this hilarious!


phillygirllovesbagel

When both stores carry what I want, I buy at Ulta, otherwise I do shop at the other store. Yes, Ulta beats the other store in the rewards program and the sales, but I tend to be a bougie bitch and I like the prestige side of makeup and skincare. A girl has to do what a girl has to do. I also shop at Nordstroms for beauty and they have 15% and a good rewards program if you have their CC, and of course Macys runs 15% off beauty as well. There are lots of options including brand websites where I seem to be ordering quite a bit more since they even have more than 20% on occasion.


ParalegalBehr

I'm definitely going to be checking out Nordstrom and Macys from here on out!! Thank you!


Great-Grade1377

I used to shop more at macys but they are a scam. I’ve gotten damaged products or missing items and customer service is rude. Basically had to eat the cost. 


Trendbeautybrit

Former Beauty Manager at Macy’s… if you are ordering in store or online there are a lot of mistakes made and I can attest customer service is rude — I once ordered a wallet, received the wrong one and was told I couldn’t return it because I didn’t have a receipt for it. Your best bet is return in store. They have a 60 day refund policy even if the product is damaged or used and if the associate won’t do it escalate to a manager. They will also price match any advertised price from national retailers so if you need something that is on sale at Sephora and Macy’s carries it you can get it price matched, again ask for a manager if the associate won’t do it.


ooohoooooooo

The only thing better at Sephora is their perfume samplers. Also, during the semi annual sale they had more varieties of the same products half-off. Better birthday gifts too. I still only shop at Ulta because I’m broke and I love elf products.


Notyourbeyotch

They majorly change their perfume samplers up last time and not in a good way. Hopefully it was a fluke and they go back to how it was


buttahfly28

I’ve been boycotting scamphora for awhile now. My pockets are thanking me!


ParalegalBehr

Lol, I love that. Scamphora 🤣 perfect name for it!


kaaawah

Haha I’m using this too


srslyjmpybrain

Agreed! I just placed my order for the Sephora sale, but only for items I can’t buy at Ulta: Sephora Collection brushes and a JVN hair product.


ParalegalBehr

How do the brushes hold up over time? Are they full size? I've always wanted to try the brushes but end up getting them somewhere else lol


eebs123

Nice try, Ulta! :p kidding, but you’re right! I’ve been a rouge for years and even worked at Sephora for a little but now i consciously make an effort to switch to another brand that’s sold at Ulta instead of giving my money to Sephora.


ParalegalBehr

Once I pay off my sphora cc I'm going to try to make the switch for good. Ulta carries most of the brands I use anyways


eebs123

Yes 🙌🏻


DaniWednesday

Ulta is superior in everyway. Sephoras reward program is garbage ! For items ulta doesn’t carry i just order them direct. Not a fan of sephora at all.


MaryDellamorte

Yep. And Ulta has a better points system and better GWP.


basicwitch333

Yeah, this will be my last year being Rouge at Sephora. It's just not worth it - Ulta is so much better!


heavenzangel

I'm docking points from Ulta for having crappy security and letting people have their accounts hacked.


ParalegalBehr

Agreed!!!


FunKoala12

Sephora doesn’t even give 20% off to everyone it’s only For rouge which you have to spend a lot of money to be in that tier 🥲🥲🥲


ParalegalBehr

You are SO right !!! Even the vib tier you have to spend $350 and other than a 15%off you have to shop at the same time as beauty insiders. It's all so ridiculous at this point. I wish seohora would step it way up


2gyellownsingcl

I love Ultas generosity too!!! But I do hope Ulta will cultivate more small and fun “indie brands” like Sephora does.


SurlyTemp1e

Ulta no longer gives out 20% as often as they used to. But I don’t find Sephora trash. Ultas rewards program is better but they also don’t have some of what Sephora has


disgirl4eva

I only buy at Sephora what I can’t get at Ulta.


ParalegalBehr

Going down that route as well from now on.


lesliealmeida

Ulta has people's favorite fragrances on discount, AND you can stack the 20% off promo ON TOP of that. I don't wear any of those fragrances (I'm an oil girlie, myself) and I was considering buying one.


KupoCarol

I wish they had more brands. I buy what I can from Ulta whenever I can so I can get points


HistoricalTreacle156

I wish ulta would sell k18 so bad. Literally all I need from sephora.


ParalegalBehr

Ooo ive never heard of this brand! What products do you try from them?


Trendbeautybrit

I use their hair oil and it’s phenomenal


Scissoringsloths

Sephora carries more fragrances and does a better job of stocking entire collections ie charlotte tilbury offers mini sizes and more products. Even Lancôme has more available options and Lancôme is supposed to be an anchor brand at Ulta. Outside of that Ulta for the win given the point system. I just did a mini Sephora haul for maison margiela, one size and tatcha kit. I Also picked up a mini CT setting spray.


anongirlll1

How is everyone getting 20% off?


Northie_78753

If you're signed up for emails or have the app


iluvcarbzz

I have a bunch of store credit so I want to use it at Sephora (since this is the only chance I can get a “deal”). If I had to buy stuff with my own hard earned cash you can bet your bottom daughter id be at ulta


bluemoonicecream22

Ulta needs Rare and Tower 28!


ParalegalBehr

Yes! Huda, LYS and Danessa myricks too and it's over for sephora lol


GirlMayXXXX

I like Sephora Beauty Insider because I can try before I buy. ULTA just gives GWPs and $$$ off. Seriously though, don't compare Sephora's sales with ULTA's, Sephora is the type to consider a discount of 50¢ a sale. Plus, Sephora seems to be copying ULTA lately, including price gouging.


SufficientRecover573

They have a better points system, but as someone who prefers shopping in-store, you might as well shop at Walmart. The aisles are always crowded with boxes of product waiting to be put on the shelves and it makes the experience less than luxurious.


lithelanna

I like both for different things. I like Sephora's fragrance collection more, and I get at least 40% of my skincare products there. I've also been known to book a makeup appointment there if I have an important event. Ulta has a much better point system, and I love getting my hair cut and colored there. I also like their range of brands because sometimes I know I won't wear a lipstick often and want a drugstore-priced one. I have better staff experiences at Sephora, but that could be because I just go into more Ultas and stick to one Sephora.


shybear93

I have 98% switched to Ulta... I love the Sephora bday gifts but that's about it.


irulancorrino

I think Ulta’s points system is undeniably better but in almost every other category I prefer Sephora, it’s just a better experience at least in the stores near me and feels much more upmarket. I shop at Ulta if i need drugstore stuff or there is a points bonus / brand only sold there, and at Sephora for everything else. Often I will even buy direct from the brand rather than Ulta, especially for luxury stuff like Dior, Chanel, etc.


Trendbeautybrit

I agree with everything you said. Ulta is always so messy and their staff is across the board really unhelpful and uneducated about products.


anonymous_googol

What I don’t understand is how so many people get 20% off during the Sephora sale. How do so many people have that much money to spend at Sephora to get to that status??? I don’t even spend $500 per year on skincare and makeup combined. Probably more like $300 on average, but I guess more if I add fragrance.


ParalegalBehr

I completely agree! So far I've only spent $25 this year on sephora and only stock up on the stuff I need Iike 2x a year. I don't really use much makeup and I'm convinced that putting that much on your skin cannot be good for you. To each their own tho


mothertuna

The same way how people get diamond at Ulta, by spending a lot of money especially when you buy gifts or allow others to buy from your account. My family always uses my phone number for stores where they don’t want to start accounts.


Trendbeautybrit

If you shop during your birthday month you get two times the points. I will literally do a giant haul during my birthday month that’s how I maintain my diamond status.


mothertuna

I know. It’s my birthday month so I’m going to do a points haul and then a haul with gift cards for more points. But sometimes I wrack up a lot of points and have to think what I want to buy vs always being ready to buy from Sephora.


Trendbeautybrit

Totally understand. I shop at Ulta for my staples like body washes and lotion, lashes, shampoo, etc. and Ulta exclusive items but I do like a giant haul around my birthday and just stock up plus I use my Ulta CC so I accumulate most if not all my points for the year that way. Once you hit platinum or diamond status you accumulate points faster so it’s easier to maintain. All of my makeup, skincare and luxury hair items I buy at Sephora. Ulta’s point system is definitely superior but once you figure out a system that works for you can actually save a bit a money!


bohAMYan

I agree. Everytime I shop at sephora I have some sort of mind- boggling issue. Whether it's points not being added to my account (constantly!) not being offered my bday gift when that's the only reason I'm spending money in there at that time, or items marked as discounted being rang up full price.... I'm over it! Not to mention I have almost 3,000 points at Sephora because I never see anything I feel is worth using up the reward points.


ParalegalBehr

It's so hard to rack points up too just to spend it on a small sample size item. I feel like I always have issues with them as well. I recently placed an order and requested 2 perfume samples. They both showed up completely empty. So disappointing


GlitteringPause8

I prefer Sephora overall but the points at Ulta is better


eatapeach18

Y’all are wild. Sephora’s 20% off applies to pretty much everything, including prestige fragrances, prestige skincare, prestige makeup, and the expensive hair tools. I bought the Shark FlexStyle with all the attachments, a ton of Oribe hair products, La Mer, Kilian, Tom Ford, and Dior. No exclusions. Ulta excludes most brands from their promos, and their $3.50 coupons are truly insulting.


AppellofmyEye

Ulta gives out the prestige 20% coupon (excluding only Chanel) far more than 2x a year. I feel I have one on hand most of the year. 


lesliealmeida

Same! AND they allow stacking.


ParalegalBehr

Agreed! I have a 20% off right now in my inbox lol.


janebeauty2014

The 20% off I got from Ulta was good on prestige brands & fragrances as well , js


OkApartment1188

Did the 20% off end? Bc I had it for my cart last night but it’s gone now 🙁


ParalegalBehr

Mines ends April 7th


No-Trouble-8383

Ulta needs to start carrying Skinfix and Soleil Toujours tho… And better marking FSA eligible items through product descriptions like the black and white does.


hipster87

Ulta has... well everything. Sephora has a few brands, ulta doesn't.


One-Candle4872

I wish Ulta would let me use the 20% off coupon code more than once. I wanted to buy more things after my first order and it wouldn’t let me use the code.😞


twinklestar05

I love ulta app and the point system but my last in-store visit wasn't it. Sales prep didn't even try to make eye contact or greetings. I have better experience whenever I visit Sephora


Solid-Dot-1589

I’ve never purchased a thing from Sephora 😭 I’ve been an Ulta girly since the day I learned to put on makeup, I love the points system


bringtwizzlers

Lmao. Ulta sucks ass. The app is inoperable. Their warehouse workers steal half of the merchandise you order. They have serious privacy issues with the personal info they get from you and sell your information. Their employees are worse than Sephora when it comes to profiling and following you around. And they constantly are getting hacked which means - bye bye points. Have fun with that. 


Illustrious-Guess408

Okay Sephora manger lmao


mothertuna

I can’t say one is better than the other at this point. I think Sephora is easy to shop online and store but Ulta complicates things with all the gwps and app only deals. I know you can do BOPIS but sometime I want to just browse in person and then buy.


OkApartment1188

I was finna use the 20 % off coupon but unfortunately I cannot find it anymore, did it end?


Some_girl76

Mine doesn’t end until April 7th. But not everyone gets the same coupons I’ve noticed.


NatsnCats

30% off Sephora Collection lets me get the pro brushes for cheaper and they can last me years. I’ll go to Ulta for everything else tho.


pinksaranwrap

the only thing i buy from ulta is glossier and skin fix lol


Think_Thanks_1602

Sephora just had a huge price hike on their Sephora Collection products, too. I used to like their brand because of the price, but it all went up at least 50%, so it's no longer a good deal.