Ulta vs Sephora Reward Programs

[Deleted]

So what is everyone's preference?  Which do you feel is a better deal?   I've been splitting purchases between Sephora and Ulta, and I feel like I should really stick to one store if I can to get the most out of my $$$.  Only upside to Sephora over Ulta is they carry a couple brands that Ulta doesn't, but nothing that I buy on the regular.

[heyjude]

Ulta has the better program hands down. They give you actual store credit. Sephora gives you free samples.

[Deleted]

Apr 13, 2015 11:27:24 GMT -5 heyjude said:

Ulta has the better program hands down. They give you actual store credit. Sephora gives you free samples.

This was what I was kind of leaning towards and what I have been doing because of the money off, but I managed to miss the Ulta 20% off (stupid me), so now I'm torn about waiting for the 10% with Sephora coming up (which would be the best deal for that specific order), or go with Ulta b/c it's my bday month (double points) plus it'll go towards me making Platinum there, even though the double points I'll earn with Ulta will equal less of a discount than the 10% at Sephora.  

ETA:  Nobody warned me that I'd be doing mental gymnastics trying to figure out the best deal to spend more money on makeup.  lol

[andrealynn]

Ulta's rewards are better, no question. Sephora's product mix is more to my liking, though. It's a conundrum.

[ESF]

Ulta's rewards are much better.

Sephora's rewards suck. But I still prefer it. It has better customer service, and I have free shipping there.

Ulta's free shipping minimum is high so it's no good for impulse buys. The closest Ulta is far away, and not near any other stores I like or in a place I have any reason to visit. It means I can't easily take advantage of good deals, and returns are a pain. I have a Sephora very close by, and several more that are in convenient locations. Ulta also pisses me off with their random coupons. Just have a god damn sale for everyone.

[secretlyevil]

Apr 13, 2015 12:04:01 GMT -5 @rennido said:

Whatever brands match between the two stores (Benefit, Tarte, Toofaced, Urban Decay, etc) I will buy it at Ulta. I will then buy brands that I can't get at Ulta at Sephora.

this

[Laura Palmer]

If I'm shopping in person, I prefer Ulta.
Reasons:
1) I don't have to go in a mall for Sephora
2) Ulta is closer to my house
3) Ulta is a local company and I want to support them!
4) Reward program is better

If I'm ordering online, I prefer Sephora because:
1) Returns easier
2) Better website
3) Better products/selection
4) Free samples!

[runaways]

I think Ulta's rewards are better but that's about the only thing Ulta has going for it. The stores here suck and are out of the way, they don't carry quite a few of the brands I like, and the shipping is crappy. I vastly prefer Sephora, or Nordstrom if I'm getting something they carry since I have a store card and get rewards on it.

[oliviapope]

Ulta by far, I typically don't have the problems the others have discussed (there was once where it took a solid two weeks for me to get my order) and I love their beauty breaks, I've found a ton of favorites that way.

[MauMau]

Ulta hands down. Your points actually revert to cash value coupons. And the more you bank the better the deal. I saved up 2000 points and relieved $125 off my order and you can even use it during the 20% off sale. And when you him platinum they send you a lot of different emails for promotions. I'm getting at 20% off prestige usually every other month.

I live close to the distribution center. So my orders arrives in three to four days while sephora not so much. Ulta has natural light and a nice big and open store. Plus sephora is usually at malls and parking is a pain and for me the store is over an hour away.

[MauMau]

Also forget that Ulta has superb customer service. I had a bottle of polish open up in transit. And they immediately sent a replacement plus a $10 E gift card. Also sent an immediate replacement when I had a crushed make up brush. They respond to my emails fast.

[stephm0188]

Ulta has the better reward program, no question.

Their customer service is beyond awful, though. I've never had a positive experience with them, ever.

[Deleted]

This is me right now with the numbers and various shopping bags...

[veruca5839]

I think Ulta has the better rewards program, but that's about all I like for them. The local stores near me never keep stock of anything, which is really frustrating. Shipping is so-so. I hate making returns there because I find the process annoying.