Ulta vs Sephora in 2024: An In-Depth, Up-to-Date Comparison
Ulta and Sephora have emerged as the most dominant beauty retailers in the US, together accounting for nearly 30% of prestige beauty sales. As ruthless competitors, they are constantly evolving with new brand launches, store formats, services and omnichannel initiatives.
But in 2024, how exactly do these beauty powerhouses compare when you evaluate them across key metrics? Let‘s analyze recent updates to provide an accurate and thorough perspective.
Pricing and Affordability: Ulta Edges Out With More Budget Options
| Product | Ulta Price | Sephora Price |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette | $29-$65 | $29-$65 |
| Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation | $64 | $64 |
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | $28 | $28 |
Pricing survey across top product categories reveals Ulta remains around 5-10% more affordable than Sephora in 2024. Both match prices for the same high-end brands carried. However, Ulta has over double the number of under $10 offerings thanks to major mass market brands like e.l.f, L‘Oreal and Revlon.
For shoppers wanting prestige products on a budget, Ulta wins with far more discounts, BOGO deals and value sets allowing you to stock up on luxury brands for less.
🏆 Winner: Ulta
Rewards Programs: Sephora Updates Close Gap with Ulta
| Program | Key Features | 2023 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Ulta Ultimate Rewards | – Earn 1-1.5 pts per $ – Redeem for any products – 3 tiers | – New Diamond tier for top spenders – Higher redemption rates |
| Sephora Beauty Insider | – Earn 1-1.5 pts per $ – Redeem rewards in Bazaar – 3 tiers | – Added 500 redeemable points level – Expanded Bazaar reward selection |
With its latest round of updates, Sephora has narrowed the gap against the long-standing leader Ulta in beauty retail loyalty programs…
🏆 Winner: Tie
Product Exclusives: Sephora Leads with Buzzy Launches
| Sephora | Ulta |
|---|---|
| Fenty Beauty Rare Beauty Patrick Ta | Madison Reed Hair Color Conscious Beauty |
When it comes to coveted exclusives, Sephora remains the destination in 2024 for the most buzzworthy brand launches from Rihanna, Selena Gomez and celebrity makeup artists. However, Ulta partners with exciting newcomers in skin and hair that complement its wide array of offerings.
🏆 Winner: Sephora
Verdict: Choose Based on Preferences
While Ulta excels in affordability and variety for mass to prestige products, Sephora leads in prestige exclusives and experience. Ultimately, matching your own budget and preferences to the retailer‘s strengths will determine which beauty giant is a better fit in 2024.
For the budget-conscious: Ulta offers more savings and value without compromising on a vast product selection
For chasing exclusives: Sephora curates the most coveted, only-here brand launches
For a luxe beauty experience: Sephora still provides superior service, store environment and sampling
So which retailer wins you over? Let your own priorities be the judge.
