ulta vs. sephora
June 6, 2011 § 3 Comments
I’ve only recently gotten into high-quality skincare and makeup. Like… 3 months ago.
I started buying from Sephora, because they have a store in a mall close to me. My first ‘splurge’ beauty purchase was Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I bought it at Sephora, and the sales lady handed it to me in a pretty little bag (reminded me of Victoria’s Secret packaging) with a free sample of Laura Mercier face lotion and a rewards card with points on it.
Sephora's store feels NYC chic
Sephora boasts a great in-store experience. I left happy and excited to shop there again. Sephora really isn’t doing anything wrong.
But then I found out about Ulta. I decided to try them out online because Sephora didn’t carry the Burt’s Bees product I was looking for.
And ohhh, am I glad I did. Ulta is AWESOME. I bought two products from Ulta and got 4 free things. Not just samples – I got 3 of those as well, but an adorable umbrella and a whole makeup set from Benefit. I got WAY more in free stuff from an average order than what I spent. AND they gave me a coupon. AND I earned rewards. AND there’s a store near me.
Sephora does offer 3 free samples with every order, free returns and free shipping on orders over $50. But so does Ulta.
Sephora isn’t doing anything wrong, but why would I buy from them when I can buy from Ulta and get free stuff?
Sephora strictly carries high-end products. Ulta carries both drugstore and some high-end makeup, so it’s kind of apples vs oranges!
Their value propositions and marketing strategies are different. And you’re right- their product lineup IS different. But there’s enough crossover to justify switching, especially since Ulta carries basically everything Sephora does AND more. While giving people free stuff.
So, they ARE different. That’s my point. If they were the same, I’d have no incentive to switch.
Ulta…seriously?