What Ulta Beauty is and where to find it

Ulta Beauty is a chain of beauty supply stores owned by Ulta Beauty, Inc., a publicly traded company. The stores sell makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and tools from hundreds of brands — both mass-market names like Maybelline and Revlon, and higher-end lines like MAC, Urban Decay, and Clinique. Most locations also have a salon inside where you can get haircuts, color, and makeup services.

Ulta operates roughly 1,400 stores across the United States. You can find a store near you by visiting ulta.com and using the store locator, or by calling customer service at 1-866-ULTA-411. Store hours vary by location, but most are open seven days a week. Many Ulta locations are inside Target stores, which affects their hours and layout.

You can shop in person, online at ulta.com, or through the Ulta Beauty mobile app. Online orders can be shipped to your home or picked up at a store. Some items are available only online or only in certain stores, so checking the website before you go can save a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Ulta Beauty carries over 25,000 products from drugstore to luxury brands, with most stores also offering salon services like haircuts and color.
  • The Ultamate Rewards program tracks your purchases and gives you points that convert to discounts, with different earning rates for members versus non-members.
  • You can return most items within 60 days with a receipt, though some brands have their own stricter return policies.
  • Ulta locations inside Target stores have different hours and a smaller selection than standalone Ulta stores.

The Ultamate Rewards loyalty program and how points work

Ulta's loyalty program is called Ultamate Rewards. It is free to join and tracks your spending across all Ulta purchases — in stores, online, and at the salon. You earn points on every dollar you spend, and those points convert to discounts you can use on future purchases.

Non-members earn one point per dollar spent. Members of the free tier earn 1.25 points per dollar. If you spend $450 or more in a calendar year, you move to the VIB tier and earn 1.5 points per dollar. If you spend $1,200 or more in a calendar year, you move to the VIB Rouge tier and earn 1.75 points per dollar. Your tier resets on January 1 each year.

Every 100 points converts to a $3 discount that you can use on anything in the store. You can check your points balance and redeem rewards through the Ulta website, the app, or by asking a cashier in store. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, but Ulta can close inactive accounts after a period of time.

Members also receive early access to sales, birthday rewards, and exclusive offers sent by email or through the app. You can sign up for Ultamate Rewards at any register, on the website, or through the app — it takes less than five minutes and requires only an email address and zip code.

What brands and product types Ulta carries

Ulta stocks products across all major beauty categories. For makeup, you will find foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and brushes from brands like MAC, Fenty Beauty, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tarte, and Maybelline. Skincare includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments from brands like CeraVe, Neutrogena, Drunk Elephant, and La Roche-Posay.

Haircare products include shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments from brands like Dyson, GHD, Olaplex, and Bumble and bumble. Fragrance is available from designer and niche brands. Ulta also carries tools like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and makeup brushes, often from brands like Revlon, Hot Tools, and Dyson.

Not every brand is stocked in every store. Smaller or specialty brands may be online-only, and some high-end lines are only available at certain locations. The Ulta website shows you which products are in stock at your nearest store, which is useful if you are looking for something specific.

Salon services and how to book them

Most Ulta locations have a salon that offers haircuts, color, highlights, blowouts, and makeup process services. Salon prices vary by location and service, but a haircut typically ranges from $40 to $70, and color services range from $60 to $150 or more depending on complexity. Makeup process for events usually costs $50 to $75.

You can book a salon appointment online through ulta.com, through the Ulta app, or by calling the store directly. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times can be long during busy hours. Salon stylists can also recommend products to you, and you can buy them in the store after your appointment.

Ulta locations inside Target stores typically have smaller salons with limited services — usually haircuts and blowouts, but not always color. Call ahead to confirm what services are available at your specific location.

Return and exchange policies

Ulta allows returns and exchanges within 60 days of purchase if you have a receipt. Items must be in original, unused condition. If you do not have a receipt, Ulta can look up your purchase using your phone number or Ultamate Rewards account, as long as the purchase was made within the last 60 days.

Some brands sold at Ulta have their own stricter return policies. For example, some luxury brands may only allow returns within 30 days, or may not allow returns at all on certain products like mascara or eyeliner for hygiene reasons. The brand's policy takes precedence over Ulta's general policy, so ask at the register if you are unsure.

Salon services cannot be returned, but if you are unhappy with your service, you can speak to a manager about your options. Online purchases can be returned by mail or at a store, depending on the item and your preference.

Online shopping and shipping options

Ulta's website and app let you browse all available products, read reviews from other shoppers, and check stock at nearby stores. You can filter by brand, price, skin type, and concern — for example, "acne-prone" or "sensitive skin" — to narrow down options.

Shipping costs and delivery times vary. Standard shipping is usually free on orders over $35 and takes five to seven business days. Expedited shipping and next-day delivery are available for an additional fee. You can also choose to pick up your order at a store, usually within one to two business days at no extra charge.

The app includes a feature called "Try On" that uses your phone's camera to show you how makeup looks on your face before you buy it. This is useful for foundation shade matching and trying eyeshadow colors without visiting a store.

Ulta Beauty inside Target versus standalone stores

Ulta operates two types of locations: standalone Ulta stores and smaller Ulta sections inside Target stores. The standalone stores are much larger and carry the full range of products and services. Target locations are smaller and typically carry a curated selection of popular brands and products.

Target Ulta sections usually do not have a full salon — they may offer haircuts and blowouts, but not color services. Hours are the same as the Target store, which is often earlier closing than a standalone Ulta. Return policies are the same at both locations, and you can use your Ultamate Rewards account at either one.

If you are looking for a specific brand or product and cannot find it at a Target Ulta, you can check ulta.com to see if it is available at a nearby standalone store or for online delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Ultamate Rewards points at the salon?

Yes, you can redeem points toward salon services just as you would toward product purchases. Your points balance applies to the entire store, including the salon. You can also earn points on salon services, so your spending there counts toward your annual tier status.

Do I need to bring my phone or card to use my Ultamate Rewards account?

No. You can provide your phone number or email address at checkout, and the cashier can look up your account. If you want a physical card, you can request one at any register, but it is not necessary to earn and redeem points.

What is the difference between Ulta and Sephora?

Both are beauty supply chains, but they carry different brand selections. Ulta carries drugstore brands like Maybelline and Revlon alongside luxury brands, while Sephora focuses mainly on mid-range and luxury lines. Ulta has a salon in most locations; Sephora does not. Their loyalty programs and return policies also differ.

Can I return products I bought online to a store?

Yes. Most online purchases can be returned to any Ulta store within 60 days with a receipt or order confirmation. Some items, particularly those from certain brands or categories, may have restrictions — check your order confirmation or contact customer service before returning.

Does Ulta price match with other retailers?

Ulta does not have a formal price-match policy. However, prices on the same products may vary between Ulta, Target, drugstores, and other retailers, so it is worth comparing before you buy. Ulta frequently runs sales and promotions, especially for Ultamate Rewards members.