When it comes to cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products, two major retailers stand out from the rest: Ulta and Sephora. Both of these household names offer an expansive selection of makeup, hair care, fragrance and more from a wide variety of top brands. But which one provides the best overall shopping experience, product assortment, and bang for your buck?
As a longtime beauty enthusiast who has frequented both Ulta and Sephora over the years, I decided to take a deep dive and compare these two cosmetics giants head to head. From pricing to loyalty programs to store ambiance, I evaluated the key factors that matter most to today‘s savvy shoppers. Read on for my expert analysis and ultimate verdict on whether Ulta or Sephora reigns supreme.
Price Check: Is Ulta or Sephora Easier on the Wallet?
Let‘s start by tackling one of the biggest questions on every cost-conscious consumer‘s mind: which store offers better prices and value, Ulta or Sephora? The answer isn‘t always clear-cut, as prices can vary quite a bit depending on the specific product or brand.
In general, Ulta has a reputation for being the more budget-friendly option of the two retailers. This is largely due to the fact that Ulta carries a wider range of affordable and drugstore beauty brands compared to Sephora. Brands like Maybelline, L‘Oreal, Revlon, NYX, e.l.f. and more are readily available at Ulta, often at lower prices than prestige department stores. Ulta also frequently runs promotions, BOGOs and gifts with purchase on mass market brands.
However, when it comes to higher-end luxury beauty brands, the price points tend to be comparable between Ulta and Sephora in most cases. For example, a 1 oz bottle of Lancôme‘s popular Advanced Génifique Serum costs $105 at both Ulta and Sephora. Similarly, a 1.7 oz bottle of Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum will set you back $102 regardless of which retailer you purchase it from.
One notable difference is that Sephora tends to carry a higher proportion of prestigious, luxury brands overall compared to Ulta‘s mix of high-low offerings. So while you can certainly find plenty of pricier products at Ulta, budget-conscious shoppers may have an easier time hunting down affordable gems. Sephora shoppers, on the other hand, are more likely to be splurging on that $50 Marc Jacobs lipstick or $150 Armani foundation.
"Ulta definitely has Sephora beat on prices for drugstore brands, but they‘re pretty neck and neck on the luxury lines. I usually compare prices on the specific items on my list and go with whichever store has the best deals or promotions running at the time."
– Vanessa L., 32, Los Angeles
The bottom line? If you‘re primarily shopping for drugstore staples and affordable cult favorites, Ulta is probably your best bet to score some deals. But if you‘ve got your eye on the fancy stuff, it‘s worth checking both store websites, as prices are often matched on high-end products. Savvy shoppers know to take advantage of both retailers‘ frequent sales, exclusive sets and gifts with purchase to maximize their beauty budgets.
Quality Check: Do Ulta and Sephora Sell the Same Caliber of Products?
Another factor to consider is whether there are differences in the quality of products sold at Ulta vs Sephora. Both retailers are highly selective in the brands they carry and have strict quality standards. In general, you can feel confident that products purchased from either store will be authentic, fresh, and high-performing.
However, there are a few key differences to note:
- Sephora has a larger proportion of high-end, luxury brands that are known for their premium ingredients, beautiful packaging, and cutting-edge technologies. Think La Mer, Armani, Dior, Chanel, etc. If you‘re looking for the absolute crème de la crème in beauty, Sephora is more likely to have it.
- Ulta offers a broader price range and carries more "masstige" brands that are a step up from the drugstore but more affordable than elite luxury lines. Some examples include IT Cosmetics, Tarte, Urban Decay, and Benefit. These mid-tier brands offer great quality for the price.
- Ulta manufactures some of its own exclusive private label products, while Sephora partners with beauty brands to create limited edition collections only available at Sephora. The quality of these exclusive products can vary but often provide great value.
- Both Ulta and Sephora have generous return policies and encourage customers to test products in store, ensuring you can find formulas that work well for your skin tone and type. Sephora offers free beauty classes and has interactive screens to virtually try on makeup shades.
At the end of the day, the vast majority of products sold at both Ulta and Sephora are high-quality, effective, and well-reviewed by users. You can find top-notch formulas at every price point. Which store offers "better" products is largely a matter of personal preference. If luxury is your top priority, Sephora has a more curated selection. If you want the most options across price points, Ulta may be preferable.
"I‘ve purchased cosmetics and skincare from both Ulta and Sephora and haven‘t noticed major differences in quality. They both seem to carry the best of the best. Maybe the more expensive brands at Sephora perform a tiny bit better in some cases, but there are definitely great affordable options at both places too."
– Jessica R., 27, Chicago
Assortment: Does Ulta or Sephora Carry More Brands and Product Options?
Now let‘s talk product selection. Both Ulta and Sephora are known for their extensive, diverse assortments across all beauty categories – but there are some distinctions between the two.
Ulta is the largest beauty retailer in the United States, with over 25,000 products from more than 600 brands. The product mix includes a wide range of price points, from drugstore favorites like Maybelline and Neutrogena to prestige brands like MAC and Clinique to luxury lines like Lancôme and Dermalogica. Notably, Ulta has a large offering of professional hair care brands and salon-quality tools that aren‘t sold at Sephora, such as Redken, Matrix, and Hot Tools. Ulta also carries more affordable "masstige" brands.
In comparison, Sephora stocks over 13,000 products from around 200 brands – a smaller overall assortment than Ulta, but one that skews more heavily toward prestigious, luxury products. You‘ll find more elite international brands like La Mer and Ligure featured at Sephora that aren‘t available at Ulta. Sephora also has a popular collection of in-house Sephora Collection makeup and tools. Sephora specializes more in color cosmetics and skincare, with a smaller selection of hair products compared to Ulta.
"I prefer the brand selection at Sephora, personally. They carry more of the bougie, splurge-worthy lines I‘m interested in. But if I need to restock my shampoo and conditioner or grab a quick lipstick or mascara, Ulta usually has what I need for less."
– Lauren M., 36, New York City
One other assortment difference to note is that Ulta has a section devoted to men‘s grooming products, while Sephora only has a small gifting section for men. Ulta may be preferable for couples or families looking to shop for everyone‘s needs in one place.
Overall, both Ulta and Sephora offer a dizzying array of product options across categories. If you‘re just dipping your toe into the world of beauty, either store provides a great one-stop shopping experience with plenty to discover. Makeup junkies who love trying luxury products in particular will appreciate Sephora‘s focus on prestigious brands, while Ulta excels in offering the broadest selection of products, prices, and categories under one roof.
Atmosphere: Does Shopping at Ulta Feel Different Than Sephora?
Cosmetics shopping is about more than what you buy – it‘s about the experience. And on that front, Ulta and Sephora definitely have distinct vibes.
Sephora stores have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with gleaming black-and-white decor. Products are intentionally spaced out and spotlit to feel like works of art on display. The overall ambiance is fashionable, chic, and very "VIP" feeling. The streamlined layout and strategically placed beauty stations encourage shoppers to test, play, and discover new products. Mini product samples and trial sizes are readily available. It feels like an upscale boutique.
In contrast, Ulta locations have a brighter, more open layout with wider aisles and taller shelving. The decor incorporates pops of purple and pink. There are large well-lit mirrors at the end of aisles for easy product testing. Testers and samples are also plentiful. The vibe is welcoming, casual, and less immediately overwhelming compared to Sephora. It has more of an accessible, "girl next door" feel vs. Sephora‘s "glam goddess" energy.
"I love the experience of shopping in Sephora stores. Everything is so gorgeously displayed and it makes me feel fancy. But Ulta is great too – it‘s more relaxed and I don‘t feel intimidated to browse. The employees at both stores are super knowledgeable and helpful."
– Grace H., 29, Dallas
Interestingly, the clientele at Ulta and Sephora locations tend to differ a bit too. Ulta draws a broader age range, from budget-savvy teens to makeup-loving grandmas. You‘ll see more families and casual shoppers alongside the beauty die-hards. At Sephora, the crowd skews a bit younger overall, with more hardcore makeup enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s who are comfortable splurging on premium goods. But both stores appeal to all demographics interested in cosmetics.
At the end of the day, both Ulta and Sephora provide great in-store experiences. It comes down to the atmosphere you personally prefer. If you want a luxurious, fashionable vibe, Sephora is your spot. If you prefer a more low-key environment where you can browse at your leisure, Ulta may be the better fit. Both have exceptional customer service in my experience.
Rewards Showdown: Is Ultamate Rewards or Beauty Insider the Better Loyalty Program?
If you‘re a frequent beauty shopper, you‘ll definitely want to sign up for a loyalty program to earn rewards on your purchases. Both Ulta and Sephora have popular free programs – Ultamate Rewards at Ulta and Beauty Insider at Sephora. But which one offers better perks?
Let‘s start with Ultamate Rewards. There are three tiers based on annual spend: Member (free to join), Platinum (spend $500/year), and Diamond (spend $1200/year). At the Member level, you earn 1 point per $1 spent. Platinum members earn 1.25 points per $1, and Diamond members earn 1.5 points per $1.
Points are redeemable for dollars off future purchases at these levels:
- 100 points = $3 off
- 250 points = $8 off
- 500 points = $17.50 off
- 750 points = $30 off
- 1000 points = $50 off
- 2000 points = $125 off
Ulta also sends a birthday gift, exclusive discounts, event invitations and more bonus points opportunities the higher your tier. One major perk is that points can be redeemed on any merchandise – they aren‘t limited to certain rewards.
Now, on to Sephora‘s Beauty Insider program. There are three tiers here as well: Insider (free to join), VIB (spend $350/year), and Rouge (spend $1000/year). All members earn 1 point per $1 spent, with no multipliers for higher tiers. However, VIB and Rouge get extras like free custom makeovers, exclusive events and first access to products.
Sephora points are redeemable for special trial sizes and sets available in the Rewards Bazaar. 500 points gets you a $10 reward, while 2500 points gets you $100 off if you make Rouge status. The Rewards Bazaar offerings change frequently and can feature some great deluxe samples but you have less flexibility compared to Ulta.
"I‘m one of those people who belongs to both Ultamate Rewards and Beauty Insider, because of course I can‘t choose between them! But I definitely rack up points faster at Ulta. I love that I can redeem them on anything. The Sephora rewards products are awesome when you can grab them though. It‘s like Christmas!"
– Tanya S., 31, Philadelphia
Overall, both programs have their merits but I have to give a slight edge to Ultamate Rewards. The ability to earn points faster and redeem them on anything gives it more practical value. The $125 reward for 2000 points is hard to beat. But if you‘re a VIB or Rouge member who spends big at Sephora anyway, those extra perks definitely add up too. My recommendation? Join both! That way you‘re always earning no matter where you shop.
The Final Verdict: Should You Shop at Ulta or Sephora?
So when all is said and done, which store comes out on top? The truth is, there is no definitive winner in the battle of Ulta vs. Sephora. Both of these beauty behemoths have fiercely loyal fans for good reason – they are the best at what they do.
Your choice of go-to beauty retailer ultimately comes down to your personal shopping preferences and priorities. If you…
- Crave a luxurious experience and the latest innovations from the top global brands, Sephora is a great fit
- Appreciate having the most product variety across all price points and beauty categories, Ulta can‘t be beat
- Have a particular beauty splurge in mind, check both sites as prices are often similar on high-end goods
- Want the best rewards program, Ultamate Rewards offers more flexibility and bang for your buck
- Prefer shopping in-store, consider which retailer‘s vibe resonates with you more – cute and casual or sleek and chic
"I‘m an equal opportunity beauty lover – I shop at both Ulta and Sephora regularly! They each have their strengths. I go to Ulta for my essentials and everyday products. Then when I feel like treating myself to something luxe, Sephora is my playground. I couldn‘t choose a favorite even if I tried."
– Rebecca T., 38, Houston
The wonderful thing about being a beauty consumer today is that we have so many amazing options when it comes to where we spend our hard-earned dollars. Ulta and Sephora may be competitors, but they both play an important role in making the world of cosmetics and skincare exciting, accessible, and rewarding for all.
So go forth and shop without guilt – whether you‘re more of an Ulta girl or a Sephora stan, you really can‘t go wrong. Just promise me you‘ll have fun, try new things, and let yourself feel beautiful and empowered. That‘s what it‘s all about!
