topic Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora? in Beauty

Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:11:24 GMT

We are in the process of getting a Sephora. I never shopped there before. We have an Ulta, which is pretty nice. I'm wondering - for those of you who have shopped both - what are your opinions as to which you like better, and why? Does Sephora carry as many brands, etc. as Ulta, or just certain of their own brands? And do they offer hair styling, makeup consulting, etc., like Ulta does? Thanks!

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Goldengate8361 — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:17:58 GMT

I like Ulta much better. Sephora always carries a few more of the more expensive brands and, therefore, some people will say it's better. I disagree. Sephora stores are almost always dark with products and aisles very crowded.....doesn't make a good place for shopping for beauty products. In many of their stores, too, the salespeople tend to have a snotty attitude. None of that is true at Ulta. Ulta has far more products and a greater diversity of products and price points. Hands down Ulta is far superior.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

jackthebear — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:19:09 GMT

I don't care for Ulta, even in a new store the shelves are half empty

Sephora is OK,

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Mom2Dogs — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:26:45 GMT

I rarely go into either store but the last time I was in Ulta - 2 years ago, I asked for a sample of a foundation. They told me they no longer give samples. I could return what I purchased if I ddin't like it.

I am an hour from the stores...I am not going to buy and then return when it takes me an hour to get there. One reason why I don't experiment with make up.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

10sluvr — Sat, 27 May 2023 11:58:25 GMT

Ulta is more than just makeup, they have a beauty salon and a bigger hair care dept. Half the store is the prestige brands and the other half is everyday makeup and supplies. ulta does have more coupons.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Janey2 — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:01:12 GMT

It probably has more to do with each individual store, for example who works there and what you are looking to buy. In my area l do better at Sephora. I find the salespeople in Sephora more knowledgeable. I still try to do my own research when looking for a product before I go into a store.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

OKPrincess — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:05:49 GMT

Ulta

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

justashopper — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:19:38 GMT

I like and shop at both.

I tend to go to Ulta more often. What I like about it:

-it's in a strip mall

-selection has both "prestige and drugstore" products

-Reward point convert to store credit

Sephora is in our mall. So it's not as easy to get to. They don't have the range od products like Ulta. BUT!! Ulta doesn't carry some prestige brands. I think it depends on your location. I love Dior Lipshow lippies and Ulta doesn't carry. So if I am near Sephora I will stop to see what they have in stock. The LipShow is very popular and all the colors will be sold out, at dept stores, too.

If it weren't for Dior, I probably would skip Sephora. For all the hype, I think once you get one, you'll be let down. LOL

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

JeanLouiseFinch — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:36:42 GMT

If I had to pick one, right now I'd say Sephora, even though I've only been in one once. I'd need to do some research to be sure.

I don't care how good their deals are, I refuse to patronize Ulta anymore.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Meowingkitty — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:55:56 GMT

Both have good and bad qualities.

Ulta-- decent selection of both high end and drug store brands. They also sell appliances like hair dryers, curling irons etc.. They also sell salon shampoos and products which Sephora does not. Bad-- Lines can be long at both. The cashier will often try to get you to subscribe to magazines. Often crowded,

Sephora--- lots of different higher end products, many samples to try on in the store, can be crowded too. Salespeople can be a bit annoying by constantly asking if you need something or they can be kinda aloof. Maybe it's my age (67). I'm just not in their demographics of being a huge makeup buyer, Stores are darker.

If I know what I need or want I'll run into an Ulta, if I'm browsing or looking for something but not sure what is out there I'll go to Sephora. Ulta stores are usually in an areas with lots of parking (at least in Arizona they are) or free standing stores where Sephora is usually in a mall where you have to park and walk into the mall.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

deeva — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:42:39 GMT

Our Target was just remodeled, and now has a larger Sephora which is very well stocked and has great lighting.

Kohl's added Ulta, and the area looks dull.

I don't have a preference. I usually get my makeup at Macys or Dillards.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

depglass — Sat, 27 May 2023 12:57:47 GMT

I shop online even though I have access to an Ulta store. My answer is Sephora because the points add up to freebies. Ulta ends up as a discount, meh. And I get free shipping from Sephora even though I haven't bought much lately.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

MG Chris — Sat, 27 May 2023 13:02:28 GMT

I shop both. Ulta has better rewards but I like some of the brands Sephora carries. It just depends what I want. I rarely go into the stores. I shop online and both have fast shipping. Since I am at Diamond at Ulta and VIB at Sephora I get fee shipping.

lately though I have been going to more of the companies websites for better discounts.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

JudyL — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:10:56 GMT

I like both. Shop at both of them but probably more so at ULTA. Like their rewards program better. Also they have more range of products from some high end to drugstore. If ULTA doesn't have a higher end product that I want to see or buy, then I'll go to Sephora.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Effie54 — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:12:54 GMT

Sephora all the way.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Wsmom — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:33:54 GMT

Sephora.

@deeva , I didn't realize Target has Sephora in it.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

Shelbelle — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:35:57 GMT

I have an Ulta a mile from my house, Sephora is in a mall 20 minutes away and not easy parking, so Ulta is much better choice for me if I go in person.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

wagirl — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:35:57 GMT

Ulta--since there are 2 in my area within walking distance. Don't go there much.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

brandiwine — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:38:01 GMT

Sephora. Very nice, well trained staff.

Re: Which is better in your opinion - Ulta or Sephora?

bells4me — Sat, 27 May 2023 14:41:28 GMT

I use both, but love Sephora stores more.