Is Ulta Beauty Expensive? Find Out What Shoppers Say

Ulta Beauty is one of America’s most popular beauty retail destinations, but is it expensive? This article dives into the pricing strategy of Ulta Beauty, comparing it to other stores like Sephora, Walmart, and Target.

We break down cost categories like skincare, makeup, and salon services, assess Ulta’s high-end and drugstore offerings, and examine customer reviews.

If you’re a budget-conscious shopper or first-time buyer wondering whether Ulta offers good value, this guide is your one-stop solution.

Understanding Ulta Beauty’s Product Range

What Kind of Products Does Ulta Beauty Sell?

High-End and Luxury Brands

Ulta carries prestigious brands such as:

• Lancôme
• Tarte
• Estée Lauder
• Clinique

Affordable Drugstore Brands

You’ll also find accessible, everyday brands like:

• e.l.f. Cosmetics
• Maybelline
• NYX Professional Makeup
• Covergirl

Exclusive and Indie Brands

Ulta also offers:

• Morphe
• Juvia’s Place
• Ulta Beauty Collection (their in-house brand)

Is Ulta Beauty Expensive Compared to Competitors?

Ulta vs. Sephora

Price Point Similarities

Luxury items are typically similarly priced across both stores. However, Ulta often carries more drugstore options, giving shoppers a wider price range.

Rewards and Coupons

Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards system includes coupons and birthday gifts. Sephora’s Beauty Insider program also offers points, but Ulta coupons can be used more broadly—even on drugstore brands.

Ulta vs. Walmart and Target

Drugstore Product Pricing

When it comes to drugstore brands, Walmart and Target typically beat Ulta by a few dollars. However, Ulta’s rewards program and frequent promotions often make up for the price gap.

Product Range

Walmart and Target focus more on essentials and fewer niche beauty brands. Ulta, in contrast, has broader inventory and access to luxury and indie options.

Salon Services: Is Ulta’s Beauty Bar Expensive?

Hair Services

Prices vary based on stylist level, but a basic haircut may range from $40–$70. This is competitive with local salons, especially considering Ulta often runs promotions.

Skin and Brow Services

• Facials: ~$70–$90
• Brow Wax: ~$20–$25

These rates are on par with standalone beauty bars, and Ulta’s licensed professionals make it a trustworthy option.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Makeup

• Drugstore Lipsticks: $4–$10
• Mid-Range Lipsticks (e.g., MAC): $20–$25
• Luxury Foundations: $40–$60

Skincare

• Budget Brands (e.g., The Ordinary): $7–$15
• Premium Brands (e.g., Dermalogica): $30–$90+

Haircare

• Drugstore Shampoos: $5–$15
• Salon Brands (e.g., Redken): $20–$40

Ulta’s Rewards, Coupons, and Sales

Ultamate Rewards Tiers

• Member: Earn 1 point per dollar
• Platinum: Earn more points + 1.25x multiplier
• Diamond: Birthday gifts, free shipping, and salon bonuses

Coupon Offers

• $3.50 off $15 (on most products)
• 20% off prestige brands during select events

Sale Events

• 21 Days of Beauty: 50% off select prestige items
• Love Your Skin Event: Skincare deals across all tiers

What Shoppers Say: Real User Reviews

Positive Feedback

• Broad selection for all budgets
• Frequent sales and loyalty perks
• One-stop-shop convenience

Negative Feedback

• Prices on some items slightly higher than Walmart
• Prestige brand coupons are limited

Pros and Cons of Shopping at Ulta Beauty

Pros

• Extensive product range (budget to luxury)
• In-store salon services
• Valuable rewards program
• Strong return policy

Cons

• Some items priced higher than mass retailers
• Limited discounts on luxury products

Buying Guide: Who Should Shop at Ulta?

Ideal for:

• Beauty Beginners: Want both drugstore and prestige options
• Frequent Buyers: Will benefit most from reward points
• Salon-Goers: Can combine product and service trips

Not Ideal for:

• Extreme Budget Shoppers: Walmart or Target may be cheaper
• Luxury Purists: Sephora has more prestige-exclusive lines

Is Ulta Beauty Expensive in 2025? Final Verdict

Ulta Beauty is not inherently expensive, but rather flexibly priced. Whether you’re shopping for a $4 mascara or a $90 facial cream, you’ll find a price point that fits your needs. Thanks to loyalty rewards, sales events, and wide brand offerings, Ulta balances cost and value better than most retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is everything at Ulta Beauty expensive?

No. Ulta offers products across all price points—from budget brands to luxury.

Is Ulta cheaper than Sephora?

Ulta has more affordable options overall, but luxury brands are similarly priced.

Do Ulta’s services cost more than a regular salon?

Ulta’s salon prices are competitive and often paired with promotions or rewards.

Can you shop Ulta on a tight budget?

Yes. Stick to drugstore brands and use coupons or wait for sale events.

Are Ulta’s promotions worth it?

Absolutely. Ulta’s sales events like “21 Days of Beauty” offer deep discounts on popular products.

Conclusion

Ulta Beauty strikes a unique balance between affordability and variety. While some prices are higher than big-box retailers, the combination of rewards programs, broad product selections, and convenient salon services makes Ulta a smart choice for shoppers who value quality and flexibility.

Whether you’re a teen looking for drugstore essentials, a parent buying gifts, or a beauty enthusiast chasing premium brands, Ulta has an option for you.

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