Ulta
Last updated: January 31, 2026 Recently updated
Ulta Beauty, founded on January 9, 1990, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, by former Osco Drug executives Dick George and Terry Hanson, started as Ulta3, a innovative ‘third way’ between department stores and drugstores. The company aimed to offer a broad assortment of beauty products at various price points, combining mass-market and prestige brands with in-store salon services for convenience. Launching with five stores in Chicago suburbs, Ulta raised $11.5 million in venture capital and simplified its name to Ulta by 2000, later becoming Ulta Beauty. It went public on NASDAQ in 2007 and has grown explosively, operating over 1,400 stores nationwide, an e-commerce platform, and generating billions in revenue, making it the largest U.S. beauty retailer.[1][2][3][5]
Ulta Beauty sells over 25,000 products from more than 600 brands, including high-end names like MAC Cosmetics and Kylie Cosmetics alongside drugstore options, covering cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrances, bath and body, nail products, beauty tools, and its own Ulta Beauty Collection private label. Every store features The Salon at Ulta Beauty, offering hair, brow, skin, and nail services. The retailer emphasizes an experiential shopping model with digital tools like GLAMlab virtual try-on and Skin Advisor app, curbside pickup, and partnerships such as with Target and Allure. This one-stop destination caters to diverse customers across ages, genders, skin tones, and abilities, fostering discovery, self-care, and self-expression.[2][3][4][5][6]
Shoppers choose Ulta for its unmatched variety—all things beauty in one place—value-driven promotions, free salon services via rewards, and a robust loyalty program with over 42 million members. The convenient strip mall locations, personalized digital innovations, and commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and safety standards make it a beloved destination that transformed fragmented beauty shopping into an engaging, accessible experience.[1][2][6]
How to Save More at Ulta
- Join Ulta Beauty Rewards for free to earn points on purchases redeemable for products and salon services, maximizing value on every shop.
- Use in-store salon services combined with product purchases for a full beauty experience at competitive prices.
- Leverage digital tools like GLAMlab virtual try-on and Skin Advisor app to discover personalized products before buying.
- Shop the mix of mass and prestige brands in one place to compare options conveniently without multiple stops.
Best Times to Shop at Ulta
Specific best sales times are not detailed in sources, but Ulta is known for frequent promotions and traffic-driving deals as part of its core model since inception.
Ulta Loyalty Program
Ulta Beauty Rewards® is the rewardiest program in beauty™, free to join with over 42 million members who earn and redeem points for free beauty products and services. It drives repeat visits and is central to the retail experience.[5][6]
Ulta Coupon Policy
- Stacking: Ulta’s policy on stacking coupons is not detailed in available sources.
- Exclusions: Typical exclusions from coupons are not specified in available sources.
- Price Adjustments: Price adjustment policy after purchase is not mentioned in available sources.
Evergreen Ulta Discounts
Beyond promo codes, Ulta offers these year-round discount programs:
🎓 Student Discount
Students can save at Ulta by verifying their enrollment. Use UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your .edu email address to unlock exclusive student pricing.
- Typical discount: 10-20%
- Verification: UNiDAYS, Student Beans, .edu email
- Eligible: Currently enrolled college and university students
🎂 Birthday Rewards
Get a special treat on your birthday from Ulta. Sign up for their loyalty program or email list to receive birthday rewards and exclusive offers.
- Typical discount: Free gift or special discount
- Verification: Loyalty program membership
- Eligible: Loyalty program members
How to Save More at Ulta
Maximize your savings with these insider tips:
- Sign up for the email newsletter to get 10-15% off your first order.
- Download the Ulta app for exclusive mobile-only deals and early access to sales.
- Check the clearance or sale section first - items are often marked down 50-70% off.
- Stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons for maximum savings.
- Shop during major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Presidents Day.
- Follow Ulta on social media for flash sales and exclusive promo codes.
- Sign up for the loyalty program to earn points on every purchase.
- Use a cashback browser extension like Rakuten or Honey for additional savings.
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Ulta Savings Tips
- Ultamate Rewards is free and earns points fast, watch for 20% off coupons (about 4x yearly), stack with brand GWP offers, and shop 21 Days of Beauty.
- Sign up for email newsletters for exclusive subscriber discounts
- Use cashback sites like Rakuten for additional savings
- Compare prices and check for price match policies