I made the switch from drugstore/Sephora shopping to mainly shopping at Ulta for all of my beauty products a little over a year ago. The reason for this is simple: Ultamate Rewards at Ulta. Who wouldn’t want $200 plus worth of FREE products from prestige brands like Urban Decay, Naked and Tart?
This post isn’t about persuading you to shop at Ulta. But I believe it might turn out that way if you are not already a frequent shopper.
If you’re new to the point life here are the basics. For every dollar you spend at Ulta, you get a point. Save up your points and you can convert them into credit at Ulta.
100 points = $3.00 off
250 points = $8.00 off
500 points = $17.50 off
750 points = $30.00 off
1000 points = $50.00 off
2000 points = $125.00 off
ETC.
First things, first, I am currently Diamond Status, meaning I “spend” $1,200 a year or $100 a month at Ulta. That might sound like a ton, but realistically it’s not that bad if you’re a savvy shopper and get $200 + worth of FREE products every 4-5 months… Which is what I am going to break down for you today. With Diamond Status I earn points 50% faster, get free shipping on all orders over $25 and an annual $35 services reward card, plus exclusives all year long.
Today’s perfect storm:
Today I have 3,300 points available for use which equals $184.00. I am also going to take advantage of a 20% promo code they have on one entire purchase and combine the points with the promo.
What I Bought Break Down
Tarte: Tarteist PRO Glow Highlight Kit $45
Urban Decay: All Nighter Waterproof Setting Powder $34
Clinique: Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm $29.50
Too Faced: Better Than Sex Mascara $24
Tarte: Clay Pot Waterproof Shadow Liner $21.00
NYX: Matte Finish Makeup Spray $8.50
Real Tech Miracle Body Contour Sponge $7.99
NYX: Lip Lingerie $7.00
Bastiste: Mini Dry Shampoo $3.99
Sub Total: $180.99 (without tax)
+ 20% off coupon (valued $36.19)
Sub Sub Total: $144.79
What I paid: 2,450 points + $3.58
I sort of failed at using all of my points but that’s okay. I am left with 895 points to use for another rainy day.
How to do this yourself:
· Buy Products at Ulta – I’m talking about your face wash, shampoo, razors etc. You’re ultimately paying the exact same at other retailers for the same products. Ulta can be your one stop shop and you’ll get points along the way.
· Read Your Ulta Emails – More often then not, Ulta emails include deals and steals you don’t want to miss. Including online and in-store promos, buy one get ones, gift with purchase and my favorite 2X or 5X the points.
· Use the App – Too many emails? No worries utilize the Ulta app and be on the look out for an alert under bonus offers. Make sure to click on “Activate” for the deals on products that are of interest to you. Also browse their online catalog for monthly deal drops and new product announcements.
· Shop 5X The Points – Maximize these days. Stock up on things you use all year long when they are connected to a 5X points promotion. For me, my go to is Living Proof Products or my Urban Decay foundation. Note: Your birthday month also scores yourself 2X the points on all purchases.
· Save Your Points – It might be tempting to use your first 100 points. DON’T. Save them. That’s only a $3 coupon. Stock up to 500 points you get $17.50. The point value keeps growing. 2,000 points gets you to $125. That’s a 6.25% credit bonus my friends. Note: If you are not a platinum or diamond member within the year, your points do expire. So in that case, use them up!
For the non-believers:
It’s possible. In fact, I’ve done the same thing this past November and am already point heavy. (Not a bad problem to have.) Once you’re in the game of Ulta shopping you’ll begin to see where the points really start to add up and fall into your benefit.
On occasion both Platinum and Diamond members might get triple the points + brand bonuses 5X the points.
Example:
Urban Decay Foundation (brand 5X points promo) = $40.00 x 5X = 200 points.
+ 3X Diamond Status Points Promo = 40 x 3X = 120 points
Total Points = 320.
But let’s say I stocked up on 2 foundations because I use this product all year long.
($80 x 5 = 400) + (80 x 3 = 240) = 640 points.
If I can do it, you can do it. Stay savvy my friends.
Have point hacks of your own? I’d love to hear! Comment below! If I inspired a shopping haul! Tag me in your haul pictures on Instagram @karrisaloves.
As always! Thanks for reading!