Sephora vs. Ulta: Rewards Showdown
Daylight Savings Time is officially upon us and as far as I am concerned that means it is SPRING! Right after DST begins or ends I like to head to my two favorite stores and stock up on every item I might need for the upcoming seasons (Spring & Summer or Fall & Winter). Doing this I a) catch some really great sales on my everyday products and b) get my seasonal makeup bag ready before everything is OOS.
Being a rewards member of both Ulta and Sephora for a few years now I've gotten to know both sides and which makes each one unique and beneficial. If you're not sure which would be better for you to join I'm here to give you the low down on both and also to answer some typical questions.
How Do The Rewards Work?
For Sephora and Ulta both, each dollar you spend you earn a point. All points are based on USD. So if you spend $100, then you have 100 points. Sephora points never expire where as Ulta points expire the end of the quarter the following year they were earned. So if you earned 100 points 1/2014 then they would expire 4/2015. Both programs allow you to accumulate your points for something special.
What Doesn't Earn Points?
For both programs you can not earn points on taxes, shipping & handling, or gift card purchases. Everything else is game, even The Salon at Ulta and special services at Sephora.
What Can I Use My Points On?
With Ulta you start getting coupons for a certain amount off after you accumulate 100 points. Every point you earn after that gives you a bigger coupon for your next purchase. These points can be used on almost anything in the store, excluding services at The Salon and gift cards. Meaning if you collected 750 points you then have $30 worth of free stuff coming your way. For Sephora, once you've collected 100 points you can use them to redeem deluxe samples and sample kits. There are different level of samples/kits based on how many points you've accumulated (100, 250, and 500). The samples and kits vary quite often.
What About Bonus Points?
Ulta will ocassionally advertise 2x bonus points for purchases for certain products (perfume or a particular brand) or everything between certain dates. So if you spent $100 on qualifying purchases, then you will received 200 points. Sephora does not offer bonus points.
Either Give Birthday Gifts?
Yes! Both give you birthday gifts for free (unless you're redeeming your gift online then you have to purchase something for them to send it to you) during your birthday month. Sephora will send you an email or coupon card which is available to use 14 days before and after your birthday. This year it was two deluxe samples of Nars lipstick, last year it was a mini lipstick and mascara from MFE. If you sign up online with Ulta, they will send you a coupon for a free gift the day of your birthday which is good for up to a month afterwards. This year it was a mini shadow palette, last year it was a CK mascara You also earn 2x the points all during your birthday month.
Any Levels For Better Benefits?
Absolutely for both. When you spend $350 at Sephora in a calendar year you will become a VIB (Very Important Beauty insider) which gives you access to private events, extra rewards (such as gift with a purchase), and a beauty concierge. When you spend $1000 in a calendar year you will become a VIB Rouge which gives you free 2 day shipping on all US and Canadian orders, access to exclusive products, a chance to purchase products early, unlimited services, and extra special birthday gifts (the Nars lipsticks also came with a liner).
At Ulta when you spend $400 in a calendar year you become a Platinum member. Platinum members points never expire (as long as you remain within the program) and you earn points faster. 1.25 points for every $1 spent. Whenever Ulta has a 2x points promotion for regular ULTAmate members, Platinum members will be awarded with 3x the points. On your birthday you will also receive a $10 off coupon for your next purchase.
What Kind Of Products Do They Sell?
Sephora only sells high end brands and exclusive products. From nail polish to makeup belts, Sephora is for the makeup artist in all of us. Ulta sells drug store to high end brands. Sephora has a wider range of selection regarding perfumes while Ulta sticks to well known brands and celebrity fragrances.
How Does It Compare In Store To Online?
Most Sephora stores, outside of major cities, are inside JC Penny stores. Since they are smaller they typically stock their best selling products based on that areas market. However, you can purchase anything available online in the store and they will give you free shipping directly to your home. The stand alone Sephora stores are typically filled to the gills with almost everything that is available online, especially the Times Square store. Online shipping is 5.95 for orders under $50 (UPS ground) and free 3 day shipping for orders over $50. Restrictions do apply based on the products your ordered. Sephora also give you three free samples with every online purchase.
Ulta stores are very big but are not stocked with every product available as some of their products are only available online. They do not offer the ability to order a product online at their store (as far as I have encountered). Most of their stores are very well stocked but stocking tends to slow down when there is a huge sale (such as around Christmas Time or B2G2 sales). Shipping is 5.95 (standard ground) for orders under $50 and free for orders over $50. There are also products that are only available in store, but they tend to be high end hair and skin care products.
So Which Should I Join?
Take a few minutes to answer this short quiz to find out which rewards program is right for you. Once you've got your answer, head over to Ulta or Sephora to sign up and start enjoying those sweet, sweet rewards. Until next time amigas, adios!
FYI I haven't been paid or anything of the sort from either of these stores. I made this post because of an extensive convo a friend and I had about shopping and she had zero clue which would be best for her. I hope this helps you like it helped her!