If you frequently shop for cosmetics or are finding yourself in need of some things like lotions, facial cleansers, etc… then you’ve probably shopped at a store like Sephora or Ulta Beauty. However, there are differences between the two that may be the reason why you pick one over the other.
Brands, Products, and more
Sephora
Sephora carries many brands and is known for carrying higher-end, luxury brands. Sephora also houses its own Sephora Collection, which has affordable products. Many of their more upper-end brands include Estee Lauder, Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty, and more. These brands are popular in the online beauty world and they have a high reputation with many consumers.
Ulta Beauty
Ulta is known for being a more affordable place to shop for cosmetics and doesn’t carry some of those higher-end, expensive brands. They do carry mid-range brands like Sephora, but they also offer some more budget-friendly ones such as Nyx, e.l.f., and other brands that you can find at pharmacies. They also have their own brand, Ulta Beauty Collection, which has affordable items as well. Ulta now carries Fenty Beauty as well.
Related: Are Opera Gloves A Thing Again?
Rewards Program
Sephora
It’s no surprise that rewards programs are super popular in many retailers around the world. Sephora also houses its own rewards program that provides you with points, free perks, and more. The Sephora Beauty Insider Program gives you points on qualifying purchases. Then, you can use those points to get free select products. There are three levels to Sephora’s rewards program:
Insider
The Insider gets 1 point for every $1 spent. They also get 2 free birthday gifts and 10% off during events.
VIB
The VIB gets the same points system as the Insider with the addition of 15% off during events instead and exclusive gifts with a monthly purchase. They also get 2 free birthday gifts.
VIB Rouge
VIB Rouge members get $1 for every point spent, 2 free birthday gifts, 20% off during seasonal events, exclusive gifts with a monthly purchase, free shipping, access to exclusive events, and the ability to get access to products when they release.
Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty’s rewards program is different in comparison to Sephora’s. Ulta Beauty’s rewards are redeemed as discounts rather than products.
Member
For every $1 spent, 1 point is earned. A free birthday gift is also given and points are doubled during your birthday month.
Platinum
For $1 spent, 1.25 points are earned. During your birthday month, you get a free birthday gift, double points, and a $10 birthday card. Your points also never expire.
Diamond
For every $1 spent, 1.5 points are earned. During your birthday month, you get a free birthday gift, double points, and a $10 birthday coupon. Your points never expire and you everyday free shipping on orders of $25 or more. There is also an annual $25 beauty service reward card.
Shipping costs
At Sephora, you get free shipping on orders above $50. However, if you really need your products, you can always pay extra to get 1 or 2-day shipping. You can also subscribe to their flash shipping program which allows for you to get free shipping all year round with no minimums for just $15 annually.
At Ulta Beauty, there’s no free shipping option. Rather, there’s a flat fee of $5.95 for standard shipping. There is also extra charges for faster shipping like at Sephora. If you live by an Ulta Beauty store, you can always choose to pick up your order there instead, which allows you to forego the shipping costs. However, currently at Ulta Beauty, you can get free shipping on orders above $35!
Which one should you pick?
All-in-all, it really depends on your preference. Each store caters to its target consumer base. If you’re someone that values name brands, then Sephora is probably the right one for you. If you’re someone that doesn’t mind paying less for cosmetics, then Ulta Beauty is probably the choice you should go for.
For context, I use Sephora consistently and am a VIB member myself. I always found myself preferring certain brands, as they gave me consistent results. I do think the perks you get are great, but if you’re someone that doesn’t really care much for so many free products, then maybe Sephora’s rewards don’t matter to you the way discounts do, for example.
Ulta Beauty’s rewards program is better for what it gives you, but if the products are not what you’re looking for, then it doesn’t really make much of a difference. If you’re someone that really cares to have free shipping, you may not like the fact that Ulta Beauty charges shipping. However, if you don’t care to spend a bit on shipping but want the products and perks at Ulta, then it’s probably the best option for you.
We’d like to note to our Canadian readers that Ulta Beauty does not offer services in Canada, but Sephora does.
At the end of the day, it’s wholly your choice! Happy shopping!
Deals at Sephora and Ulta Beauty right now:
- Sephora: Choose 1 of 7 MAKE UP FOR EVER foundation trial sizes with any $25 merchandise purchase. Use code NEWMUFE. Online only, exclusions apply.
- Sephora: For only $10 get six samples from Brands like Benefit Cosmetics and amika – plus 15% off full sizes! Online only, exclusions apply.
- Ulta: 50% off Urban Decay Brow Blade Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil & Ink Stain
- Ulta: Online Only NYX Professional Makeup Best Sellers Buy 2 Get 1 Free (valid thru 5/29/22)
- Ulta: Online Only Free 4 Piece Gift with $50 Clarins purchase (valid thru 4/2/22 or while quantities last)
Please note that we use affiliate links, which means that we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Remember to keep all discussions polite and respectful.
Zainah Yousef is a writer for The DZSH Group. She is also the author of “The Fallen Age Saga.” Her areas of focus are on psychology, politics, public security, and war. She is also a frequent contributor in articles on video games and entertainment news.
Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
