15 Smart Tips and Tricks to Save Big While Shopping at Ulta
If you’re a beauty lover, chances are Ulta Beauty is one of your favorite places to shop. With thousands of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance options, Ulta is a one-stop-shop for beauty essentials. But if you’re not using the right strategies, you could be missing out on major savings. We’ve rounded up the top Ulta shopping hacks, tips, and tricks to help you stretch your budget further every time you shop.
1. Sign Up for Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards Program
Ulta’s free Ultimate Rewards program is your gateway to year-round savings. Earn 1 point per dollar spent (2 points during bonus events) and redeem them like cash at checkout. For every 100 points, you get $3 off — and the more you save, the more your points are worth.
2. Watch for Bonus Points Events
Ulta runs frequent bonus point events that let you earn up to 5X points on specific categories or brands. These promotions usually drop around holidays or seasonal sales, and they’re perfect for stocking up while boosting your points balance.
3. Stack Coupons with Sale Prices
One of the best tricks to save more is stacking Ulta coupons or an Ulta Promo Code with sale items. Use Ulta’s standard $3.50 off $15 coupon (found on their site or app) with sale items to double down on savings. Keep in mind, manufacturer coupons and prestige items typically cannot be stacked.
4. Use the Ulta Credit Card for Exclusive Perks
When you open an Ulta credit card, you get 20% off your first purchase. Cardholders also earn extra points and get access to exclusive bonus point days and sales events. Just be sure to pay it off in full to avoid interest fees.
5. Shop the 21 Days of Beauty Sale
Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale happens twice a year — spring and fall. During this time, you’ll find daily deals at 50% off on top-rated beauty brands like Tarte, Urban Decay, and Mario Badescu. Mark your calendar and check daily!
6. Download the Ulta App for Digital Deals
Install the Ulta app to get exclusive digital coupons, birthday offers, and reminders about upcoming sales. You can also track your rewards points and save your favorite products for later shopping sprees.
7. Don’t Miss the Love Your Skin Event
Another seasonal event, Ulta’s Love Your Skin sale in January, offers half-off skincare essentials from top brands like Clinique and Philosophy. Combine it with your rewards for even bigger discounts.
8. Price Match When Possible
Ulta does not officially price match, but their online team sometimes honors lower prices from Ulta.com if the price is higher in-store. Always check the online price before you checkout in-store to ask for a match.
9. Check the Clearance Section — Online and In-Store
Ulta’s clearance section is a goldmine of beauty deals. Find up to 75% off last-season items, discontinued products, and markdowns. Check both online and in-store because the inventory often differs.
10. Redeem Your Birthday Gift
As an Ultimate Rewards member, you’ll get a free birthday gift every year. You’ll also get double points during your birthday month — so plan a haul around your birthday to maximize rewards!
11. Shop Through Cashback Sites
Before you shop online, check if Ulta is offering cashback through TopCashback or Rakuten. These sites give you cash back for purchases you were already going to make.
12. Follow Ulta on Social Media
Ulta often teases sales, promos, and new product launches on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Following them keeps you in the loop for limited-time offers and hot new deals.
13. Use Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS)
Save on shipping fees by choosing the BOPIS option. Orders are usually ready in just a couple of hours, and you’ll skip long in-store lines. You also get faster access to your goodies — win-win!
14. Return Unused Products with Ease
Ulta has a generous 60-day return policy on beauty products, even if they’ve been gently used. This makes it easier to try new makeup without worrying about wasting your money.
15. Watch for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Ulta goes all-out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Deals often include doorbusters, free gift sets with purchase, and extra point bonuses. Plan your biggest hauls around this time for max value.
Bonus Tips: Get Even More Value from Ulta
- Sign up for email & SMS alerts for early access to flash sales.
- Use gift cards during sales to combine discounts with free money.
- Buy beauty bags or holiday kits that come packed with freebies.
Save Even More with Ulta’s Partner Deals
Ulta frequently partners with top brands to create exclusive bundles and GWP (gift with purchase) deals. Check out the product listing page to see what you can score — sometimes you’ll get free minis, deluxe samples, or full-size surprises.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Ulta Trip Count
With so many ways to save, there’s no reason to ever pay full price at Ulta. From coupon stacking and rewards points to event-based sales and birthday perks, smart shoppers can save hundreds each year. Use the tips above to maximize your shopping trips and score all the beauty you love — for way less.