When it comes to beauty shopping, two names often stand out: Ulta Beauty and Sephora. Both offer extensive selections of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products, but many shoppers wonder — which store provides better value? Whether you’re shopping near you or online, understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your budget and beauty needs. This article compares Ulta Beauty and Sephora across several key factors to help you decide.
1. Product Selection and Brand Variety
- Ulta Beauty: Known for its wide range of products, Ulta carries everything from high-end prestige brands like Tarte, Urban Decay, and Anastasia Beverly Hills to affordable drugstore favorites such as NYX, e.l.f., and Maybelline. Ulta also has a strong haircare and skincare selection.
- Sephora: Sephora focuses primarily on prestige and luxury brands, including Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty, and Drunk Elephant. It also offers exclusive brand launches and cult favorites, but carries fewer drugstore or mass-market products.
Value Insight:
If you want a mix of luxury and budget-friendly options all in one place, Ulta offers more variety. Sephora excels for luxury beauty enthusiasts looking for the latest high-end releases.
2. Pricing and Discounts
- Ulta Beauty: Frequently runs sales, including 20% off coupons for storewide purchases and frequent promotional events. Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards program offers points on every purchase redeemable for discounts, making it easier to save over time.
- Sephora: While Sephora rarely offers storewide discounts, its Beauty Insider rewards program provides exclusive access to sales, birthday gifts, and early product launches. Some sales can be substantial but are less frequent.
Value Insight:
Ulta’s more regular sales and coupon availability often mean better immediate discounts, especially for bargain hunters. Sephora’s rewards program is generous but best suited for those who shop frequently and seek exclusivity.
3. Store Experience and Services
- Ulta Beauty: Many Ulta stores have full-service salons offering haircuts, coloring, and skincare treatments, making it a one-stop beauty destination. The store layout blends drugstore and prestige brands, appealing to a broad customer base.
- Sephora: Sephora is well-known for its sleek, modern store design with expert beauty advisors and testers. Sephora’s in-store experiences often focus on skincare consultations and makeup tutorials.
Value Insight:
Ulta’s added salon services provide extra value for shoppers looking for convenience beyond just products. Sephora delivers a high-touch shopping experience focused on makeup and skincare expertise.
4. Product Accessibility and Store Locations
- Ulta Beauty: With over 1,200 stores nationwide, Ulta is often more accessible in suburban and rural areas. It also partners with drugstores and big-box retailers to expand reach.
- Sephora: Sephora has roughly 500 stores primarily located in urban and high-traffic shopping centers. It is also found inside select department stores like JCPenney.
Value Insight:
Ulta’s greater number of stores makes it easier to find near you, which can save time and shipping costs.
5. Online Shopping Experience
- Ulta Beauty: Offers frequent free shipping deals for rewards members and an intuitive website with a mix of drugstore and prestige brands.
- Sephora: Provides a seamless, visually engaging online platform with exclusive online-only products and virtual try-on technology.
Value Insight:
Sephora’s online experience is more immersive and cutting-edge, but Ulta’s promotions often make online shopping more affordable.
Final Verdict: Which Offers Better Value?
- Choose Ulta Beauty if:
You want a wide variety of brands at different price points, frequent sales and coupons, convenient locations, and salon services all under one roof. - Choose Sephora if:
You prioritize luxury brands, exclusive launches, a high-end shopping experience, and innovative online tools.
Both stores offer excellent value depending on your beauty preferences and budget. Many savvy shoppers find that combining visits to both maximizes savings and access to the best products.
Final Thoughts
Whether Ulta Beauty or Sephora offers better value near you largely depends on your shopping priorities—budget, brand preferences, and desired shopping experience. Knowing what each store excels at empowers you to shop smarter and enjoy your beauty journey to the fullest.