The Best Ulta Products To Shop During Their Semi-Annual Beauty Event
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I recently took myself on a shopping spree to restock a few go-to items in my skincare routine and to treat myself to a solo date, along with looking for some hair care and makeup products to be ready for summer. I made a shopping list that included brown mascara, some type of easy-to-apply SPF, Olaplex shampoo, and a list of brands to peruse once I got to the store including Osea, Cocokind, and Supergoop.
As a beauty writer, I already have products I love and swear by, but I can’t resist the urge to shop in person and find the best products at Ulta in the name of research and—to be honest—retail therapy. I rounded up the items I spent my money on along with similar products to save you time on your next shopping spree.
I don’t always turn to spending money as a form of self-care, but going to a store and finding items that I can use during my skincare and makeup routine does enhance my self-care practices. Taking time to spend on my own and outside the house is refreshing; it’s nice to be independent and able to shop for as long as I want without worrying about anyone else.
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $10
$$ | Between $10-$25
$$$ | More than $25
Our Picks for the Best Products at Ulta
Image: Ulta
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
First Aid Beauty
Price: $$$
I’m not immune to the “TikTok made me buy it” trend, and as someone who has their fair share of Keratosis Pilaris (KP) I was more than happy to add this body scrub to my shopping basket. The formula has 10% Alpha hydroxy acid to smooth skin by exfoliating and Glycolic & Lactic Acids to brighten hyperpigmentation. I’ve already used this a handful of times, and I’m already seeing results.
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Discoloration Correcting Body Treatment
Good Molecules
This brightening cream is made for your body (as opposed to a facial cream) and supports your skin’s cell turnover.
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Buff & Brighten AHA/BHA Body Exfoliating Pads
Sweetspot Labs
Sometimes you only need a little AHA, so these pads are perfect for those looking to reduce razor burn and reduce dark spots.
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Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Supergoop
Price: $$$
Sunscreen is an essential, non-negotiable part of any skincare routine. And though some lotions and serums can leave a white-cast or make your skin feel heavy and damp, I knew I needed something that would apply easily while on-the-go. Supergoop’s Glow Stick has SPF 50 and doesn’t mess up makeup even if I apply it halfway through my day.
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Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shiseido
You can apply this clear sunscreen under or over makeup for the ultimate skin protection.
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Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30
Sun Bum
Sun Bum’s iconic, signature coconut and banana scent is packed into this water-resistant, SPF 30 sunscreen stick.
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Lash It Loud Volumizing Mascara
E.l.F. Cosmetics
Price: $
I have light skin and light eyes, so black mascara has always looked harsh on me. Black formulas are too much of a contrast, but brown mascaras can sometimes be hard to track down. Elf’s Lash it Loud mascara was an Ulta beauty find that I discovered while searching the makeup aisles. It’s lightweight and affordable; just what I was looking for.
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Better Than Sex Mascara Chocolate
Too Faced
This mascara has an hourglass-shaped applicator to boost volume and lengthen lashes.
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100% Natural Nourishing Mascara
Burt’s Bees
This brown mascara smells slightly like chocolate and is free of parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum, or synthetic fragrance.
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Resurfacing Sleep Mask
Cocokind
Price: $$
Ulta carries Cocokind, which makes some of the best products at Ulta. You can shop for everything from spot treatments to cleansers to moisturizers from the woman-owned brand, but one of my favorite items is the Resurfacing Sleep Mask. It contains a retinol alternative–called bakuchiol–that sinks into skin throughout the night and leaves you with moisturized and vibrant skin come morning. The product feels a bit tacky at first, but trust me when I say that it really delivers while you’re in dreamland.
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Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask
Fresh
This mask has moisturizing and firming ingredients that work while you sleep.
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Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane
Kiehl’s
Kiehl’s Overnight Mask is a heavy-hitter that is fragrance-free and especially effective for those with dry skin—thanks to sugar cane-derived squalane.
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No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex
Price: $$$
Olaplex is one of the biggest names in haircare with bond-strengthening and nourishing formulas. Both the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner also smell fantastic, so it’s worthwhile to include it in your shower caddy and self-care routine. The No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is one of the best Olaplex products because it repairs hair and makes it feel salon-clean after each wash.
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Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo
Alterna
This formula includes sustainably and ethically-sourced Maracuja Oil for smooth, repaired tresses.
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Unbreakable Bonds Bond Building Shampoo
Ouidad
This fragrance-free and hypoallergenic shampoo delivers stronger strands of hair without irritation, perfect for those with allergies and/or sensitive scalps.
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Ocean Cleanser
Osea
Price: $$$
Malibu-based Osea makes some of the best skincare products that have a way of adding luxury to your beauty routine. I’ve used this cleanser for over a year and still reach for it every day. The cleanser is cool and gentle, but also chemically exfoliates for fresh-feeling skin, along with ingredients like superfood seaweeds and jojoba seed oil. Osea skincare is well worth the price tag, and the brand’s cleanser is one of the best at Ulta. It’s great for pairing with an oil cleanser, too!
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Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Dermalogica
Dermalogica’s exfoliating lactic acid cleanser will make your skin look brighter and smoother with every use.
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Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
The Ordinary
Price: $
Hyaluronic acid is one of my go-to powerhouse ingredients for smooth skin year-round. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free! It’s often included in lightweight facial serums, and it is just as beneficial for your skin on its own. The Ordinary’s 2% Hyaluronic Acid is affordable and easy to use—simply pat it onto damp skin after cleansing and before moisturizing.
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Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe
Hyaluronic acids and vitamin B5 will make your skin feel smoother, softer, and more hydrated.
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Stay Hydrated Hyaluronic Acid + NMF Serum
Honest Beauty
This cruelty-free, EWG-Certified serum helps keep your skin’s moisture from fading.
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Roses 'N Honey 3-Piece Mini NUDIES Kit
NUDESTIX
Price: $$$
Multitasking makeup products are superior to others because they do it all (or at least many things). The NUDIES Kit from NUDESTIX is a trio of makeup crayons that work as a blush, eye color, and lip color. Depending on the shade of your skin, you may also be able to use the honey neutral shades as bronzer or highlighter as well. The NUDESTIX blush formulas are creamy, blendable, and have become one of my favorite Ulta beauty finds.
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Blush & Highlight Stick
Makeup Revolution
A dual-ended blush and highlight stick that’s perfect for carrying on the go.
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The Multiple
NARS
A versatile pink creamy stick that can be used on your eyes, cheeks, and lips without any greasy or oily residue.
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ZigZag Headbands
Kitsch
Price: $
These plastic headbands are perfect for keeping hair out of your eyes. They don’t squeeze tightly, making them comfortable, even if you wear them for hours at a time. I was drawn to the zig-zag, wavy design for a fun look, but I also love how the wave gives my hair a bit of volume.
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Zig Zag Headbands
Kitsch
This two-pack of the same Kitsch headbands are made for those with lighter hair colors.
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Adjustable Headband
HAIRHALO
The adjustable headband bends to fit the shape and size of your head for a comfortable fit.
Shopping for skincare and makeup items can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially when approached as a solo date. Taking the time to explore new products and investing in pampering yourself can have a positive impact on your well-being and self-care routine. I stand by these product recommendations because they’re versatile, affordable, and widely useful. So, why not treat yourself to a solo date with these products at Ulta and indulge in some much-deserved self-care?