Editor’s Top Picks: The Best of Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale
Explore standout must-haves, shopping strategies, and daily deal highlights from Ulta Beauty's 21 Days of Beauty event.
Ulta Beauty’s 21 Days of Beauty is considered one of the most anticipated events for beauty lovers and savvy shoppers, featuring spectacular 50% off deals on a curated selection of beloved brands and products. With editors and beauty experts alike weighing in on their standout steals and must-haves, this sale is your chance to stock up, try something new, or even cross a few names off your gift list.
What is Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale?
The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty happens twice a year, each spring and fall. Over the course of three weeks, Ulta highlights select makeup, skincare, haircare, and other beauty essentials for half off the regular price—but here’s the catch: Each deal usually lasts for just one day. New flash deals are announced daily, with a few weekly steals sprinkled in, meaning you’ll want to check in regularly to snag your favorites before they sell out.
- Daily beauty steals—50% off high-end products
- Weekly deals on popular brands and essentials
- Offers available both in-store and online
- Limited-time only: Each daily deal goes back to full price the next day
How to Shop the Sale Like a Pro
Veteran shoppers and beauty editors recommend having a strategy to make the most of the sale. Timing and preparation are key to scoring the best deals and nabbing limited-quantity items before they run out.
- Preview the deals: Ulta releases the full sale lineup in advance. Review the calendar, highlight your must-haves, and plan your purchases accordingly.
- Set alerts for favorites: Hot items can sell out quickly, especially cult-favorite mascaras, brow products, and foundation shades.
- Shop early in the day: The most popular deals may run out by midday, so log on or visit Ulta stores as early as you can.
- Combine with other offers: Sometimes you can stack your Ulta Rewards, coupons, or sign up for emails for extra perks during the sale.
- Consider curbside pickup or same-day delivery: Save time and secure your item by ordering online and picking up in store or opting for fast delivery.
The Editors’ Standout Picks: Your Cheat Sheet to Shopping the Sale
With hundreds of products to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Our editors share their personal picks and cult favorites across key categories—makeup, skincare, haircare, and more—so you can zero in on what’s truly worth grabbing.
Makeup Must-Haves
- Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15: Known for its lightweight feel and natural finish, this foundation delivers a “your-skin-but-better” look. A go-to for everyday wear.
- It Cosmetics for Ulta Brush #115: This multitasking face brush diffuses liquid, cream, or powder foundation seamlessly. Editors applaud its soft bristles and durability.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer: Perfect for sculpting defined brows with ease, this pencil has a triangular tip for precision and blends effortlessly.
- REM Midnight Eyeshadow Palette in Babydoll: A versatile palette with warm and cool tones, talc-free, and blendable for endless day-to-night looks.
- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner: A beauty editor staple for its incredible staying power and precise, effortless application.
- Tartelette Tubing Mascara XL: Lengthens and defines lashes with tubing technology—no flaking or smudging—in a jumbo tube for more bang for your buck.
- MAC M·A·Cximal Matte Lipstick in Kinda Sexy: The perfect peachy-nude matte that flatters a variety of skin tones.
- Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in April: Delivers a luscious, plumped-up effect with a glossy sheen and tingling sensation.
Skincare Saviors
- Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser: A gentle, probiotic-powered gel that whisks away impurities and leaves skin fresh but never stripped. Editors love it for all skin types.
- Tarte Creaseless Setting Powder: Blurs fine lines and extends makeup wear—an essential for stay-fresh skin all day.
- Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey: Not just lipstick—this cult classic is a universally flattering berry hue that also delivers a hydrating, comfortable lip feel. Black Honey lovers will be thrilled by the expanded shade range and formulas, including the soon-to-be-favorite Lip Oils.
- StriVectin Tighten & Lift Peptight Neck Roller: A unique massage applicator dispenses firming serum that targets the neck and décolleté.
What others are reading
Haircare Heroes
- LolaVie Sculpting Paste: Jennifer Aniston’s favorite for achieving a perfectly-piecey blowout—now with a loyal fan following for its lightweight hold and invisible finish.
- Kopari Pink Guava Hair & Body Mist: Hydrates, refreshes, and imparts a soft, tropical scent that’s perfect post-shower or as a mid-day pick-me-up.
Complexion Essentials
- bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer: Combines hydration and lightweight coverage with mineral SPF protection; great for anyone wanting a “no-makeup” makeup effect.
- It Cosmetics Matte CC+ Cream: Delivers full coverage, shine control, and broad-spectrum sun protection all in one step—ideal for combination or oily skin.
Daily and Weekly Deal Highlights: When and What to Buy
Ulta’s sale calendar features different must-haves each day. Below are some featured products by date, along with editors’ notes on why you should consider them:
| Date | Deal | Editor’s Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| September 5 | Bobbi Brown Foundation, It Cosmetics #115 Brush, REM Eyeshadow Palette, Stila Liquid Eyeliner, Buxom Lip Polish | Editors rave about the flawless foundation application when using the Bobbi Brown base and the It Cosmetics brush together—a true dynamic duo for radiant, natural skin. |
| September 6 | Anastasia Brow Definer, Tartelette Tubing Mascara, MAC Matte Lipstick, Live Tinted Blushing Bronzer | Tools to quickly achieve a polished look: sculpted brows, fluttery lashes, and the perfect pop of color for cheeks and lips. |
| September 7 | Clinique Lip Oils, Almost Lipstick in Black Honey | The Black Honey shade remains a go-to universally flattering lip color, while the new lip oils add a nourishing twist to the classic formula. |
| September 10 | Tarte Creaseless Setting Powder | Pick up this ultra-fine powder for a smooth, long-lasting finish—especially beloved by those prone to midday shine. |
| September 11 | ABH Glow Seeker Highlighter | Unlock radiant, lit-from-within skin with a cult-favorite highlighter. |
Award-Winning Splurges: Editor-Approved Investments
While many shoppers focus on replenishing their favorite basics, Ulta’s sale is also an opportunity to try out high-end, award-winning picks—at a more accessible price. Some top recommendations include:
- REM Sweetener Foundation: Available in 60 shades and clinically proven to deliver instant and long-term hydration.
- StriVectin Peptight Neck Roller: Editors love the unique applicator and visible firming effects on the delicate neck area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often does Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale happen?
A: The event typically runs twice a year, in spring and fall. Check Ulta’s official website for the latest calendar dates.
Q: Are the deals available online and in-store?
A: Yes, you can shop the daily and weekly deals both online and in Ulta retail locations. Online orders can be picked up in-store or delivered to your door for extra convenience.
Q: Do popular products sell out quickly?
A: Many of the most coveted and editor-recommended items—particularly foundations, mascaras, and lip products—sell out fast, sometimes within hours. Shop as early as possible to secure your favorites.
Q: Can I use Ulta Rewards or other promotional codes during the sale?
A: Most sale products are eligible for points accumulation with Ulta Rewards, and additional coupons can sometimes be used—check the fine print for each deal.
Q: Which products are editors watching most closely this year?
A: Beauty insiders are buzzing about the REM Sweetener Foundation, Tula Cleanser, Too Faced Bronzers, Bobbi Brown Foundation, MAC Matte Lipsticks, and Clinique Black Honey launches, but deals rotate daily—so consult the calendar and shop smartly.
Editor’s Shopping Strategies & Final Tips
- Set a budget: It’s easy to overspend with so many tempting deals—prioritize essentials and treat yourself to one or two “wishlist” splurges.
- Review ingredients: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, double-check product formulation before making the leap.
- Build a wishlist in advance: Use Ulta’s online tools to save your favorite products and check which dates they’ll be featured.
- Stay social: Follow beauty bloggers, editors, and Ulta’s social media accounts for real-time alerts about restocks and newly announced deals.
- Don’t forget holiday shopping: Many of these products make wonderful gifts—stock up for birthdays, holidays, or future celebrations.
Editor’s Ultimate Daily Checklist
- Review the next day’s deals each night
- Set a shopping alarm to be early for your top picks
- Stack Ulta Rewards when possible for extra savings
- Double check order pickup or delivery options for faster fulfillment
Why Beauty Editors Love Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty
For editors, professional makeup artists, and everyday beauty lovers alike, Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty isn’t just about discounts—it’s about discovering new hero products, building a more streamlined regimen, and sharing the excitement with the entire beauty community. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a cult classic or looking to experiment with something new, there’s never been a better moment to indulge.
Your Beauty Countdown Starts Now!
Mark your calendars, prep your wishlists, and get ready to shop smarter, not harder. With exclusive editor insights and daily surprises, the Ulta Beauty 21 Days of Beauty Sale has everything you need to refresh your routine and treat yourself—without breaking the bank.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbt4G_GTs78
- https://thebeautylookbook.com/2025/09/ulta-21-days-of-beauty-sale.html
- https://www.newbeauty.com/award-winning-products-ulta-21-days-of-beauty-fall-2025/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Jt-8_PFPs
- https://www.ulta.com/promotion/21-days-of-beauty
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtHQVsVNdKg
- https://beautydealsbff.com/ulta-beauty-21-days-of-beauty-2025-50-off-mini-preview/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a65321822/readers-choice-beauty-awards-2025/
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