How to Shop Ulta

At a time when prestige, mass and salon products were sold through distinct channels like department stores, drug stores and spas, Ulta showed up and changed the game of beauty. A cross between a superstore and a specialty store, Ulta is the source for cosmetics, fragrance, body products, tools and haircare. You’d think that with so many offerings (and such great prices), you can’t go wrong shopping the retailer, but there’s definitely a right way to go about it. Allow us to guide you through the process.

How to Shop Ulta

Finding an Ulta
With 394 locations, you’re chances are pretty good in finding an Ulta near you. The retailer chooses off-the-mall locations in high-traffic areas, and they currently have them in 40 states. To find yours, just look on the website. If there isn’t one, no worries, the entire selection of merchandise is available online.

The Salon
Ulta stores feature their own salons with stylists trained by Redken. What’s nice about the chain is that there are great discounts associated with it, like 25% off highlights. Check online to see what the latest deal is, then call your local salon just to make sure they’re recognizing it. Most of the time, they are. Also online, find a full list of services, prices and products available. Often, you can find great services at great prices, like $18 blowouts and $10 microzone treatments.

Ulta Rewards
Beauty pays, say the folks at Ulta, and with their reward program, it’s easy to see how. Each purchase earns you points that you can redeem at any time. Joining the rewards program also gets you special offers in the mail and added points for featured items. There are two reward programs. The first, Ultimate Rewards, is free and gets you access to up to 15 special offers a year, plus coupons. The second, The Club at Ulta, will get you rewards with your purchases. The more you spend, the more you get. Fifty dollars gets you a nail lacquer; $300 earns you a Hot Tools curling iron. If you spend big, you could save big too.

Ads and Discounts
Something is always on sale at Ulta. Check out the weekly ad online to see what’s cheap this week for hair, skin and nails– up to 50% off. Weekly ads also show you what’s new, what’s featured and what includes a free gift. For more discounts, sign up for Ulta e-mails.

Customer Reviews
With so many products to choose from, shoppers can easily get confused on what to buy. Luckily, Ulta allows its customers to break down the pros and cons of each product, rate it and describe their experience. That way, you’re not shooting into the dark when it comes to buying something new.