Top 5 Tips and Tricks You Can Use to Save Money at Ulta

Walking into Ulta is a little bit like walking into a candy shop for adults. Shelves lined with shimmering palettes, neatly stacked skincare bottles that promise glow, and perfumes that make you linger longer than you planned. For beauty lovers, it’s heaven. The problem? That checkout total. One quick trip “just for mascara” can turn into a cart full of goodies and a bill that makes you want to hide the receipt.

That’s where a little strategy comes in handy. The good news? You don’t need to give up on your favourite brands or that new serum everyone’s raving about. You just need to shop smart. Ulta gives you plenty of chances to stretch your budget if you know where to look. These five tips are straightforward, but when you put them into practice, they genuinely change the way you shop.

So, let’s dig into the real ways you can save money at Ulta—without ever feeling like you’re missing out.

1. Save Money at Ulta by Using the Rewards Program Like a Pro

If you do nothing else, join Ulta’s rewards program. It’s free, easy to use, and, honestly, one of the most rewarding loyalty schemes out there. Every purchase earns you points, and those points turn into actual dollars off. Unlike some places where rewards expire quickly or have a million restrictions, Ulta gives you the flexibility to redeem them when it makes sense for you.

Here’s the clever part: points can be stacked with Ulta discount codes or limited-time promo codes, which Ulta often sends through emails or app notifications. Imagine buying that pricey hair tool you’ve been eyeing and then watching the total drop because you used both points and a discount code. It feels like a little victory every single time.

A practical tip? Don’t blow your points the second you get them. Save them up for bigger splurges—like fragrance or luxury skincare—where the savings really add up. People who treat their points like a small savings account tend to get the most out of them.

And don’t forget, Platinum and Diamond members earn points even faster. If you’re already shopping there regularly, the perks just multiply.

2. Time Your Shopping Around Sales

Impulse shopping is fun, but it’s almost always expensive. Ulta’s sales calendar is your secret weapon if you’re willing to wait. The big one? Their 21 Days of Beauty event. For three weeks, Ulta drops daily deals on cult favourites—mascaras, foundations, serums—sometimes at 50% off. It’s worth making a list in advance so you know exactly which days to log in or head to the store.

Then there are seasonal sales. End-of-season clearances, holiday gift sets marked down in January, or summer shades discounted in the fall—all of these can save you a fortune. Planning purchases around those times means you’re still getting the latest products, just without the sting of paying full price.

Here’s a personal trick: keep a running list on your phone of items you want but don’t urgently need. When the sale season hits, check your list against the discounts. That way, you’re buying what you already planned for rather than getting distracted by shiny displays. Pairing sale prices with beauty savings from your rewards points makes the deals even sweeter.

3. Never Skip the Search for Codes

It’s shocking how many people add items to their cart and go straight to checkout without pausing to check for codes. Ulta is generous with its digital offers. From Ulta discount codes for 20% off one item to broader promo codes that give you free gifts or shipping, these are floating around constantly.

If you’re shopping online, a quick search before paying is worth the extra minute. And don’t forget the Ulta app—it regularly has coupons you can scan right at the register if you’re shopping in-store.

One of the easiest strategies is to sign up for Ulta’s emails, even if you think your inbox is already too full. They often send exclusive codes or early access to sales. It’s like having a VIP pass that most casual shoppers never bother with.

And here’s something to remember: codes often overlap with other promotions. So yes, you can use a coupon on top of sale items or even on clearance in some cases. That’s where you get the biggest bang for your buck.

4. Take Advantage of Free Gifts and Cosmetics Offers

There’s something about a freebie that makes shopping more fun, isn’t there? Ulta is famous for its gift-with-purchase promos. Spend a certain amount and you might get a deluxe mascara, a mini skincare kit, or even a full-size palette. These cosmetics offers aren’t just throwaway samples—they’re often solid products that let you test new things without risk.

The trick is not to let the free gift trick you into spending more than you planned. If you were already planning to stock up on shampoo and foundation, then getting a free mini lip gloss set feels like a reward. But if you’re buying an extra $40 worth of items you don’t need just to qualify, you’re not saving at all.

Smart shoppers line up their big purchases with offers they genuinely want. Over time, these gifts help expand your collection without adding extra costs.

5. Look Beyond Makeup for Grooming Deals

It’s easy to get swept up in Ulta’s endless aisles of lipstick and eyeshadow, but don’t forget the practical side. Hairdryers, curling irons, razors, and skincare tools are often discounted too. Ulta quietly runs grooming deals in-store and online, especially during seasonal events.

If you’re going to replace your hair straightener or stock up on shaving essentials anyway, Ulta can save you money while also giving you points on the purchase. These savings might not be as flashy as half-price lipstick, but they balance your budget and leave room for fun splurges later.

Extra Tips for Savvy Shoppers

Beyond the big five, there are smaller habits that, when combined, make a serious difference:

Check the clearance aisle every time. Both in-store and online, Ulta rotates discounted items regularly.

Build a shopping list before visiting. Wandering the aisles aimlessly almost always leads to overspending.

Use curbside pickup for online orders. This way you can still apply promo codes but avoid shipping fees.

Download the Ulta app. It keeps track of rewards, codes, and exclusive app-only deals in one place.

These little actions don’t feel like much on their own, but together they add up to significant beauty savings over time.

Wrapping It Up

Shopping at Ulta doesn’t have to mean emptying your wallet every time you fall in love with a new product. With a few smart habits, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a bag full of goodies and a bill that doesn’t make you wince.

Remember to lean on the rewards program, plan around sales, search for promo codes, and grab cosmetics offers only when they align with what you already need. Don’t forget the quiet value of grooming deals either—they’re just as important for keeping your overall spend in check.

At the end of the day, learning how to save money at Ulta isn’t about cutting joy from your shopping trips. It’s about taking control, making choices that feel good, and leaving the store (or clicking “checkout”) knowing you got the best value possible.

Ulta may tempt us with endless new arrivals, but being strategic lets you enjoy it all—without the guilt of overspending. And isn’t that the real win?