How does Ulta’s Ultamate Rewards Program compare to Sephora’s promotions?

Ultamate Rewards vs. Sephora Promotions: A Detailed Comparison

Choosing between Ulta and Sephora can be tough, especially when considering their respective rewards programs. Both offer enticing perks, but cater to slightly different needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which program suits you best, based on information available as of Sat Mar 30 20:30:29 2024:

Earning Points:

Both Ultamate Rewards and Sephora’s Beauty Insider program reward you for every dollar spent [1, 2]. However, the specifics differ:

• Ulta: You earn 1 point per dollar spent, with opportunities to earn bonus points on specific products or during special promotions. You also earn 2x points during your birthday month [2].
• Sephora: You earn 1 point per dollar spent, with the ability to reach higher tiers (VIB and Rouge) based on your annual spending. These tiers unlock additional perks like faster point accumulation and exclusive offers [1].

Redeeming Points:

Both programs allow you to redeem points for discounts on future purchases, but with different structures:

• Ulta: Points can be redeemed for cash discounts, with 500 points equaling $17.50. This translates to a 3.5% return on your spending [2].
• Sephora: Points can be redeemed for various rewards, including discounts, product samples, and experiences. The value per point varies depending on the chosen reward, but generally falls between 1-2% [1].

Promotions:

While both stores offer promotions throughout the year, their approaches differ:

• Sephora: Sephora is known for frequent promotions and sales, often featuring specific brands or product categories [1].
• Ulta: Ulta tends to offer more targeted promotions and coupons, including birthday gifts and bonus point offers [1, 2]. They also have weekly ads with additional deals [9].

Other Considerations:

• Product Selection: Ulta boasts a wider range of products, including drugstore brands, while Sephora focuses on prestige and luxury brands [5, 7].
• Price Comparison: One study found that, on average, products were 30% more expensive at Ulta, with the exception of Nyx products [8].
• Salon Services: Ulta offers a variety of in-store salon services, including hair, makeup, and skincare, which Sephora generally lacks [10].

Ultimately, the “better” program depends on your individual priorities. If you value frequent sales and a focus on prestige brands, Sephora might be a better fit. If you prefer targeted discounts, a wider product selection including drugstore brands, and the option for salon services, Ulta might be your ideal choice.

Remember, you can always sign up for both programs and enjoy the benefits of each!

1. Sephora Vs. Ulta: the Differences Between the 2 Beauty Stores
2. Sephora Versus Ulta: Which Is Better? | Spending | U.S. News
3. Ulta vs Sephora: A Breakdown of the Beauty Brands – Reader’s Digest
4. Sephora Vs. Ulta: Which Is the Better Beauty Store – Business Insider
5. Ulta Vs. Sephora: Comparing The Differences Between The Beauty … – Glam
6. Sephora vs Ulta for March 2024 | Best Makeup Stores
7. PHOTOS: Sephora and Ulta Compared: What’s the Best Beauty Store?
8. Ulta vs Sephora: Makeup Price Comparison – She Tried What
9. Sephora Vs Ulta: Which Store Has A Better Bang For Your Buck?
10. Ulta vs Sephora: Which Should You Choose? | ClothedUp

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