If you’re a beauty enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard the buzz around the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty. This event isn’t just another sale; it’s a twice-yearly phenomenon that beauty lovers eagerly anticipate. For three weeks, Ulta slashes prices by half on a curated selection of prestige and drugstore beauty products, offering incredible value on highly sought-after makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance items. It’s the perfect time to snag those luxury splurges you’ve been eyeing or restock your holy grail essentials without breaking the bank. But with so many deals coming and going in a flash, you need a strategy. This guide is your key to navigating the sale like a seasoned pro.
Understanding the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Event
The “21 Days” sale is a recurring promotional event hosted by Ulta Beauty, typically happening once in the spring (March/April) and again in the fall (August/September). The core concept is simple yet brilliant: 50% off one to three different “Beauty Steals” each day for the entire 21-day period.
These aren’t just obscure items; the daily deals often feature fan favorites from powerhouse brands like Tarte, IT Cosmetics, Lancôme, Mario Badescu, and many more. It’s a high-stakes, limited-time shopping experience because each deal is valid for only 24 hours or while supplies last. Once the clock strikes midnight (or the item sells out), the discount is gone forever. This is why planning is crucial for maximizing your savings during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty event.
Top Strategies for Mastering the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale
To successfully shop the event and secure the products you want, a little preparation goes a long way.
Knowing Your Priorities for Ulta 21 Days of Beauty
Before the sale officially kicks off, Ulta releases the full calendar of deals. Your first step should be to scrutinize this calendar.
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Make a Wish List: Go through the entire three weeks and circle the specific days and items you are interested in.
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Check Your Inventory: Is your favorite $60 moisturizer running low? If it’s on the list, mark that day as a high priority for a restock.
Timing Your Purchases During the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty
Since the deals are only good for one day, you need to act fast.
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Shop Online at Midnight CT: The discounts typically go live online just after midnight Central Time (CT). Shopping early gives you the best chance of grabbing high-demand items before they sell out.
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In-Store Availability: Deals are also available in Ulta stores starting when they open. If an item is sold out online, you might get lucky at a physical location, but don’t count on it for the biggest steals.
How to Stack Your Savings During the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty
While the 50% discount is the main attraction, savvy shoppers know how to maximize their value.
Ultamate Rewards: Your Key to Stacking Discounts
If you’re not an Ultamate Rewards member, sign up now. This free loyalty program is essential for the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty.
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Earn Points: You earn points on every purchase, including your Beauty Steals. The best part? You can cash in those points to slash the total price of your next purchase.
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Multiplier Days: Occasionally, Ulta offers point multiplier promotions (e.g., 2x or 5x points), which can be an excellent way to boost your point balance while buying discounted items.
Analyzing Beauty Steals vs. Standard Sales
It’s important to understand the value of the daily steals compared to typical sales.
| Feature | 21 Days of Beauty Steal | Standard Ulta Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| Discount Level | Always 50% Off | Varies, usually 20-40% Off |
| Duration | 24 Hours Only (or while supplies last) | Varies, typically 1 Week or longer |
| Brands Included | Prestige & Mass Market | Often limited to certain brands/categories |
| Exclusions | Very Few | Often has brand-specific exclusions |
Key Brands to Watch During the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty
The product lineup changes each season, but certain brands consistently make an appearance. Keep an eye out for discounts on cult favorites like:
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Skincare: Clinique, First Aid Beauty, Murad, Tula
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Makeup: Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH), Urban Decay, NARS, Too Faced
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Haircare: Living Proof, Drybar, Redken
The prestige nature of many of these participating brands is what makes the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty such a highly anticipated shopping event.
FAQs
1- When does the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty usually happen?
The event typically runs twice a year: once in the spring (usually late March/early April) and again in the fall (usually late August/early September). Ulta adjusts the precise timing of the sale every year.
2- Are the daily Beauty Steals available in-store and online?
Yes, the 50% off Beauty Steals are generally available both online at Ulta.com and in physical Ulta Beauty store locations. However, popular items sell out quickly, so shopping online right when the deal goes live is the best practice.
3- Can I use a coupon on the 21 Days of Beauty items?
Generally, no. The 50% off Beauty Steals are considered special promotions and are typically excluded from general coupons like the 20% off entire purchase coupon. Don’t forget to examine the small print regarding exclusions.
4- Does Ulta offer free shipping during the 21 Days of Beauty?
Ulta usually requires a minimum purchase (often $35) for free standard shipping. However, sometimes they offer special free shipping promotions during the event, especially for Platinum and Diamond Ultimate Rewards members.
5- What happens if a deal sells out?
If a Beauty Steal sells out, it is generally gone for good and will not be restocked at the discounted price. This reinforces the need to shop early, particularly for high-demand items.
Final Takeaway: Conquering the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty
The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty is a marathon, not a sprint, and preparation is your secret weapon. By checking the calendar, prioritizing your needs, and knowing when to shop, you can score some of the best deals in the beauty industry.
Ready to shop smart? Check the official Ulta website for the current or upcoming sale calendar, mark your favorite days, and get your shopping list finalized!
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I’m Salman Khayam, founder and editor of this blog, with 10 years of experience in Travel, Lifestyle, and Culture. I share expert tips on Destinations, Hotels, Food, Fashion, Health, and more to help you explore and elevate your lifestyle.