13 Ultimate Ulta Beauty Hacks Every Shopper Should Know

Unlock incredible savings and beauty perks with these insider tips! Shopping at Ulta Beauty can be a paradise for beauty lovers, but without the right hacks, you could miss out on significant savings. At Dealhack, we’re here to help you maximize your beauty budget. Our team of shopping experts has compiled the ultimate list of 13 Ultimate Ulta Beauty Hacks Every Shopper Should Know to help you score the best deals, rewards, and freebies. Ready to transform your Ulta experience? Let’s dive in!

In this post, you’ll learn:

• How to maximize Ulta’s rewards program for serious savings.

• Insider tips on combining coupons and promotions.

• The best times of the year to shop for deep discounts.

• Strategies for snagging free products and samples.

• Tips for navigating Ulta’s big sales events.

• How to make the most of Ulta’s salon and beauty services.

• Secrets to stacking deals, price matching, and getting the best perks.

1. Maximize Your Ulta Rewards: Stack Those Points

Ulta's Ulta Beauty Rewards Program is one of the most powerful tools for saving money at the store. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Sign Up for Free: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent at Ulta Beauty. Members also receive exclusive offers, birthday gifts, and early access to sales.

• Save and Stack Points: The more points you save, the higher their redemption value. For example, 100 points are worth $3, but saving up 2,000 points nets you $125 off your purchase!

• Watch for Double and Triple Points Events: Ulta frequently offers promotions where you can earn double or triple points on purchases. These events are prime opportunities to boost your savings.

Pro Tip: If you’re a Diamond member, you’ll earn points faster and get free shipping on $25+ orders, making it easier to rack up rewards.

 Ulta Beauty Rewards Program Overview

This table breaks down the different tiers in Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards Program, making it easier for readers to understand the perks associated with each level.

2. Combine Coupons, Promos, and Rewards for Maximum Savings

Ulta Beauty is one of the few retailers that allow customers to stack multiple discounts, which is a goldmine for savvy shoppers. Here’s how to do it:

• Store Coupons: Ulta regularly offers beauty coupons such as $3.50 off $15. For bigger purchases, use percentage-off coupons for better savings. Be sure to check the exclusions!

• Manufacturer Coupons: You can use manufacturer coupons alongside Ulta’s store coupons for double the savings on your favorite brands.

• Rewards Points: Don’t forget to redeem your rewards points at checkout for additional discounts. These can be used on almost anything in-store or online (some luxury brands excluded).

Pro Tip: Always scan Ulta’s weekly ad for the latest deals and coupons, and check for online exclusives. This ensures you never miss a chance to stack your discounts.

3. Shop Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty and Love Your Hair Events

Ulta’s annual 21 Days of Beauty and Love Your Hair events are some of the most highly anticipated sales in the beauty world. Here’s how to plan your purchases around these events:

• 21 Days of Beauty: This event features daily 50% off deals on top beauty brands. Ulta releases a calendar of deals in advance, so mark your must-haves and set reminders.

• Love Your Hair Event: This event is a must-shop for haircare enthusiasts, with up to 50% off shampoos, conditioners, styling tools, and treatments.

Pro Tip: These sales are also a great time to redeem your points. Combining sale prices with rewards points can help you score products for next to nothing.

4. Buy in Bulk During Ulta’s Biggest Sales

Ulta’s big annual sales are the perfect time to stock up on beauty essentials. Here’s how to approach it:

• Focus on Essentials: Stock up on the products you use daily, like foundation, shampoo, and skincare, when they’re heavily discounted.

• Maximize Coupons: Plan your purchases strategically. Break them into smaller transactions for larger hauls to use multiple coupons for maximum savings.

• Don’t Miss Gift Sets: Ulta Beauty offers value-packed holiday gift sets that provide excellent savings. These sets are perfect for splitting up and stocking your beauty stash.

Pro Tip: Ulta’s Holiday Beauty Blitz sales feature deals on beauty bundles and limited-edition collections, offering you the chance to stock up for the entire year at unbeatable prices.

5. Snag Free Products and Samples Like a Pro

Freebies are every beauty lover’s dream, and Ulta Beauty offers many ways to score them. Here’s how to get your hands on free products and samples:

• Free Gifts with Purchase: Ulta Beauty frequently runs free gifts with purchase promotions tied to specific brands or products. If you’re already buying something from that line, make sure to grab the gift!

• Free Samples at Checkout: When shopping online, Ulta allows you to choose free samples at checkout. These samples often include deluxe-sized products from popular skincare, haircare, or makeup brands.

• Beauty Breaks: Look for Beauty Break promotions, where you can get a set of products for free with a minimum purchase during a limited time window.

Pro Tip: Sign up for Ulta’s email newsletter to stay informed about freebies and exclusive promotions. Being in the loop means you never miss out on a good deal.

6. Shop the Clearance Section and Get the Best Deals

Ulta’s clearance section is a hidden gem for bargain hunters. You can find steep discounts on everything from discontinued products to seasonal items. Here’s how to navigate it effectively:

• In-Store Clearance: Head to the back of the store or check the endcaps for deeply discounted products. You’ll often find makeup, skincare, and beauty tools marked down by 50% or more.

• Online Clearance: Don’t forget to browse the clearance section on Ulta’s website. They frequently update it with new items, so it’s worth checking regularly. If you’re a rewards member, you can use your points to make these steals even sweeter.

• Seasonal Clearance Events: After major holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, Ulta Beauty slashes prices on seasonal collections. This is the perfect time to grab limited-edition sets and colors at a fraction of their original cost.

Pro Tip: Combine clearance items with any coupons or Ultimate Rewards points you have saved up for even deeper discounts.

7. Get Extra Perks with Ulta’s Salon and Brow Bar Services

Ulta Beauty is more than just a beauty store—it’s also a full-service salon and brow bar. If you’re already getting your hair or brows done, why not earn some rewards while you’re at it? Here’s how to make the most of Ulta’s in-store services:

• Salon Services: Ulta offers a wide range of salon services, from haircuts to coloring. All services count toward your Ulta Beauty Rewards points, so you’re earning while pampering yourself. Keep an eye out for special offers or discounts on salon services.

• Benefit Brow Bar: Ulta’s Benefit Brow Bar is well-known for perfectly shaping and tinting brows. Like the salon, services at the Brow Bar also rack up reward points.

• Platinum and Diamond Perks: If you’re a Platinum or Diamond member, you can enjoy exclusive perks like free salon services like birthday blowouts and discounts on regular services.

Pro Tip: Check for special salon service promotions before booking your appointment. Ulta often runs limited-time offers that can save you even more.

8. Leverage Ulta's App for Exclusive Deals and Convenience

The Ulta Beauty app is more than just a shopping tool—it’s a powerful way to unlock exclusive deals and streamline your shopping experience. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• App-Exclusive Deals: Ulta Beauty frequently offers exclusive discounts to app users, including early access to sales, flash deals, and app-only coupons. Keep your notifications turned on to stay ahead of the game.

• Virtual Try-Ons: The app’s virtual try-on feature lets you see how makeup products look on your face before buying them. This feature eliminates guesswork and reduces the chance of returns.

• Appointment Scheduling: Use the app to schedule a salon or Brow Bar appointment directly from your phone. App users occasionally receive extra perks, such as bonus points, for booking services through the app.

Pro Tip: Use the app’s barcode scanner to compare prices with online offers while shopping in-store. This ensures you’re always getting the best deal available.

9. Stay Informed with Ulta’s Beauty Enthusiast Community

Ulta’s Beauty Enthusiast Community is a treasure trove of insider knowledge. Whether you’re looking for product reviews, beauty tips, or upcoming sale information, this community has it all:

• Product Reviews and Recommendations: Community members share their experiences with various products, giving honest feedback that helps you make informed purchasing decisions.

• Beauty Tips: From makeup application techniques to skincare routines, seasoned beauty enthusiasts share their best tips and tricks. It’s like having a beauty expert at your fingertips.

• Insider Info: Sometimes, community members will share early information about upcoming sales or new product launches, giving you a leg up on snagging the best deals.

Pro Tip: Engaging with the community can also give you access to exclusive promotions or early access to product releases. Stay active and stay informed!

10. Know When to Shop: Timing Is Everything

Knowing the best times to shop at Ulta Beauty can significantly impact your savings. Here are the optimal times to plan your purchases:

• Sales Events: As mentioned earlier, events like 21 Days of Beauty, Love Your Hair, and Black Friday are prime opportunities to snag deals on top brands. Set reminders for these sales so you don’t miss out.

• Seasonal Clearance: At the end of each season, Ulta Beauty discounts seasonal products to make room for new inventory. This is the perfect time to find markdowns on everything from holiday gift sets to limited-edition makeup collections.

• Holiday Weekends: Ulta Beauty often runs special sales during major holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July. These sales typically offer sitewide discounts or promotions on specific brands.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about Ulta’s after-Christmas sale. It’s one of the best times to stock up on holiday gift sets at rock-bottom prices, ensuring your beauty stash is well-stocked for the year ahead.

Key Ulta Beauty Shopping Events

This table outlines the major Ulta Beauty shopping events, helping readers plan their purchases around these key sales periods.

11. Get Extra Perks with Ulta’s Credit Card

If you're a frequent Ulta shopper, signing up for an Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card or Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard can help you rack up rewards even faster. Here’s how these cards can benefit you:

• Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card: With the Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card, you can earn 2 points for every $1 spent, doubling your rewards compared to non-cardholders. Plus, you’ll receive a 20% off coupon for your first purchase.

• Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard: Besides earning 2 points per $1 at Ulta Beauty, the Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard lets you earn 1 point for every $3 spent outside of Ulta Beauty. This makes it a versatile rewards card for all your purchases, not just beauty buys.

• Exclusive Offers: Cardholders often receive exclusive promotions, bonus points, and early access to sales, making the card even more valuable for beauty enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. This way, your rewards will truly translate into savings.

12. Keep an Eye Out for Flash Sales and Beauty Steals

Ulta Beauty regularly offers flash sales and Beauty Steals, which are limited-time offers on must-have products. These deals are often short-lived but can provide incredible savings if you act fast. Here’s how to catch them:

• Set Alerts: Turn on notifications in the Ulta app or sign up for their email newsletters to be the first to know about flash sales. These deals can pop up unexpectedly, so staying informed is key.

• Shop Quickly: Flash sales and Beauty Steals often have limited quantities, so once you spot a deal, act fast! These offers can include discounts of up to 50% off on top-rated beauty products.

• Check Social Media: Ulta Beauty often promotes flash sales on its social media channels, such as Instagram and Twitter. Following them ensures you don’t miss any last-minute offers.

Pro Tip: These sales are perfect opportunities to score high-end products at drugstore prices. Keep your eyes peeled and act fast to make the most of them.

13. Utilize Ulta’s Free Shipping and Pickup Options

Shipping fees can cut into your savings, but Ulta Beauty offers several ways to get your beauty products without paying for delivery. Here’s how to take advantage of these options:

• Free Shipping Thresholds: Ulta Beauty typically offers free standard shipping on orders over $35. To avoid shipping fees, make sure to hit that threshold by adding a few smaller items to your cart.

• Free In-Store Pickup: Don’t want to wait for shipping? Opt for in-store pickup. It’s free, fast, and convenient. You can place your order online and pick it up at your nearest Ulta Beauty location, often within a few hours.

• Free Shipping for Diamond Members: If you’re a Diamond Rewards member, you automatically get free shipping on orders over $25, making online shopping even more convenient and budget-friendly.

Pro Tip: Combining in-store pickup with flash sales or Beauty Steals ensures you get your products quickly while avoiding any shipping charges.

Conclusion

Mastering these Ulta Beauty shopping hacks will elevate your beauty shopping game and help you save big while enjoying all the perks Ulta offers. From stacking rewards and coupons to leveraging flash sales and free gifts, these tips ensure you get the most value from every purchase. Remember, savvy shopping is all about timing, stacking deals, and maximizing your rewards. Happy shopping, beauty lovers—now go out and get those deals!

For more money-saving hacks and the latest discount codes, visit our Ulta Beauty coupons page.

FAQ

How do I sign up for Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards Program?

You can sign up online at Ulta.com or in-store. It’s free, and you start earning points right away.

Can I stack coupons at Ulta Beauty?

Yes, you can stack store coupons, manufacturer coupons, and rewards points. Check for exclusions.

When is the best time to shop at Ulta Beauty?

Shop during major sales like 21 Days of Beauty, Love Your Hair, and Black Friday for the best deals.

How does Ulta’s in-store pickup work?

Place your order online, and you’ll get an email when it’s ready for pickup, usually within a few hours.

What are Ulta’s shipping policies?

Free shipping on orders over $35, or over $10 for Diamond members. Free in-store pickup is also available.

What perks do Platinum and Diamond members get?

Platinum members get 1.25 points per dollar and early sale access. Diamond members earn 1.5 points per dollar, free shipping, and a $25 birthday reward.

How do I redeem Ulta Beauty reward points?

Redeem points at checkout online or in-store for discounts. The more points, the better the value.

How often does Ulta Beauty have flash sales?

Flash sales happen frequently. Sign up for email newsletters or app alerts to stay informed.

How can I get free beauty samples from Ulta Beauty?

Choose free samples at online checkout or receive gifts with purchases during promotions.

What is Ulta’s return policy?

Returns are accepted within 60 days with proof of purchase. Open products get store credit; unopened products get a refund. Check the policy for details.