What Reader’s Digest Editors Are Buying From Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale
Updated: Sep. 08, 2023
During the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale, top-selling brands like Tarte and Clinique are available for 50% off—and new deals drop every day!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Crack your knuckles and make space in your makeup organizers: the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale is here! If you often have a hard time deciding between Ulta and Sephora, these massive markdowns on the 21 Days of Beauty page might just sway you. From Tula to Sunday Riley, nab discounts of 50% on the best beauty brands. Hurry up and shop the sale—discounts change daily leading up to April 1.
The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale features a wide variety of discounts including up to 50% off makeup tools, eyeshadow palettes and haircare. If the sheer number of markdowns seems daunting, don’t worry—I found the best deals and created an easy-to-follow shopping guide below. For more discounts, head over to Ulta’s sale page—they regularly update it with new promotions.
What is the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale?
If you’re new to the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale, let me fill you in. Ulta created a 21-day schedule with limited-time markdowns that refresh daily. This year, they’ve included all their bestsellers—we’re talking 50% off products like the Laura Mercier translucent loose-setting powder and Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer. Find deals on favorites like the best vitamin C serums and face moisturizers.
If it sounds too good to be true, that’s because each set of deals is only live for only one day. If you see something that sparks joy (or you want to stock up on your favorite products), do it ASAP. Deals this good don’t come around again until well into the year.
What to buy during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale
March 17: Clarins firming and smoothing concentrate serum
Normally retailing for $90, the Clarins firming and smoothing concentrate serum is the brand’s bestselling serum. Apply daily and experience smoother skin, a clearer complexion and reduced wrinkles. What’s the secret? This face serum includes 21 potent plant extracts—including Turmeric—that work together to fight signs of aging.
We love that this luxury serum is free of fillers like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones and mineral oils, so only the best ingredients go into your skin.
March 18: IT Cosmetics confidence in a cream anti-aging moisturizer
While there’s nothing wrong with aging, as we get older it becomes harder to lock in moisture and prevent skin damage. That’s why we rely on night creams and peels to rejuvenate skin cells. Imagine a world where your skin is plump, hydrated, healthier and literally glowing. It’s not unachievable—it’s IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream moisturizer.
A precise blend of 2.5% peptide-lipid complex and ceramides improves elasticity, promotes skin firmness, smooths the look of fine lines and locks in moisture. Stock up now—you’ll be bummed when you hit the bottom of the jar.
March 19: Estée Lauder double wear foundation
With over 55 different shades and a reputation as one of the best foundations for aging skin, Estée Lauder’s Double Wear foundation offers full coverage for photos and all-day events. An oil-free matte finish offers a flawless, natural look that doesn’t budge. It’s buildable from medium to full coverage. Add a touch of your favorite moisturizer for a sheer look.
March 20: Sun Shield body glow gel with SPF 50
Shield your skin from the sun with Sun Shield’s body glow gel with SPF 50. This lightweight gel applies without the greasy feeling of other natural sunscreens and offers full-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays. Enjoy up to 40 minutes of water-resistant wear while you hydrate your skin with superfood oils.
The best part—aside from the gorgeous glow it offers thirsty skin—is Kopari’s signature sweet coconut milk scent.
March 21: First Aid Beauty KP smoothing body lotion
This isn’t your grandma’s drugstore beauty product. Banish bumpy skin with First Aid Beauty’s KP smoothing body lotion. Each bottle contains 10% lactic acid—a skin-safe exfoliant—that eliminates bumps for smooth skin. Urea, colloidal oatmeal and ceramides add hydration and produce a pretty glow.
Apply it every day, or reserve it for KP breakouts. For 50% off, it pays to stock up now.
March 22: Jaclyn Cosmetics sun bathe pressed bronzer
Nothing says “summer” like a glimmery bronze finish, and the Jaclyn Cosmetics Sun Bathe pressed bronzer delivers delightful results. A sweet toffee scent is only the beginning—we love the buildable matte coverage and assortment of 10 different shades for a perfect match on any skin.
Use in conjunction with your favorite foundation, or go bare-bones and layer it atop one of the best primers for all-day wear at the pool or beach.
March 23: Maelys b-flat belly firming cream
If you’ve ever wondered why there aren’t skin-tightening creams for your body, let me introduce the Maelys B-Flat belly-firming cream. Whether your problem area suffers from stretch marks or loose skin, this cream promotes skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
Results appear by your second bottle, so add two to your cart and save 50% while it’s on deep discount.
March 24: Too Faced better than sex mascara
The Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara in chocolate is my go-to mascara when I’m not using Lash Princess. I’ve tried others, but I always go right back. With this mascara, I don’t need to curl my stick-like lashes. A simple swipe of the specially shaped wand lengthens, plumps and curls for maximum volume and zero clumps.
Pick up the chocolate shade for a natural, woke-up-like-this look.
March 25: Exuviance triple microdermabrasion face polish
Harness the power of chemical, physical and enzyme rejuvenators with Exuviance’s triple microdermabrasion face polish. Papaya enzymes, 10% glycolic acid and professional-grade crystals buff and polish the top layers of skin for a glow that doesn’t quit. Say goodbye to congested pores, dull dead skin cells and dry patches—no Luna Mini required (though still encouraged).
March 26: Tula’s cult classic purifying face cleanser
My mother-in-law swears by Tula, and after trying it out at her insistence I’m a total convert. The Cult Classic purifying face cleanser is a gel-based cleanser that melts away makeup and dirt without drying out the skin. Probiotic extracts boost skin radiance and balance oil production.
Get ready for a glowing complexion. Simply follow with a moisturizer, add your favorite powder sunscreen and head out the door.
March 27: Fresh Rose deep hydration facial toner
Fresh’s Rose deep hydration facial toner uses the power of real rose petals and hyaluronic acid to minimize pores and quench thirsty skin. While some toners dry skin out, the focus of Fresh’s Rose toner is to use ample moisturizing properties to plump and soften skin. Soothe skin with rose fruit extract, soothing rosewater and nourishing rose oil.
Real floating rose petals add a chic touch that makes this toner feel like a luxury pick. Pair with our favorite micellar water for a fresh face that’s ready for foundation.
March 28: L’Occitane almond shower oil
Shower oils are one thing you definitely want in your shower caddy, right next to your Mielle hair oil. L’Occitane’s almond shower oil starts as a hydrating oil and transforms into a milky lotion when merged with water.
Unlike other body washes, this cleanser doesn’t strip the skin’s natural oils or cause itchy dry patches. Use it to cleanse and moisturize skin in a single step for a glow that doesn’t quit.
March 29: GlamGlow brighteyes illuminating anti-fatigue eye cream
If eye creams are the most important step in your skincare routine, you need to get your hands on the GlamGlow Brighteyes illuminating eye cream. Simply smooth and pat a small amount onto the eye area—including the lids and the undereye. Illuminating spheres instantly brighten dark circles around the eyes and create a flawless base for makeup.
With prolonged use, the cream softens the appearance of wrinkles.
March 30: Exuviance performance peel
Exuviance’s at-home facial peel offers spa-like results at a fraction of the price—and no trip to the salon. The peel presents glycolic acid, mandelic acid and gluconolactone in a blend that unveils a more even tone and tighter skin.
Each kit contains a six-week supply of activator and neutralizer pads that gently buff away imperfections, revealing glowy results. At-home chemical peels are sometimes risky, but the Exuviance Performance Peel is safe to use in your own bathroom—no esthetician required.
March 31: Morphe X Ariel 12-piece brush set
When was the last time you replaced your makeup brushes? If the answer is over five years ago, please don’t wait any longer. The Morphe X Ariel 12-piece brush set has everything necessary for a full face of makeup. From bronzer to eyeshadow, every step of your routine is covered.
Each set even includes a blending sponge for flawless foundation. Stash some makeup brush cleaner in your bathroom to take care of your new brush set.
When does Ulta have sales?
Ulta has a few recurring yearly sales, such as Black Friday deals and summer sales. Some of the best savings are found during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Sale. During the sale, expect staggering markdowns on well-loved favorites and new brands alike. Check the brand’s 21 Days of Beauty page every day for the latest limited-time savings.
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