As a former beauty editor turned freelance writer, I’ve spent the better part of my career testing and obsessing over beauty products. After years of trying every moisturizer, mascara and mask known to (wo)man, I have my trusty A-team in play. But being a bona fide beauty junkie at heart, I’m enticed by the latest launches. What all this means: My glam cabinet is always (over)stocked, and I’m always looking for a good sale to keep it that way. Enter Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event. The discount extravaganza, now through Sept. 18, offers 50% off big brands and favorite products (250 to be exact)
While the semi-annual sale runs a glorious three weeks, shopping takes some strategy. That’s because items are only marked down for a limited time — some are discounted for a week, while others are just for 24 hours. And the savings are good: I’m talking about huge names, like It Cosmetics, Clinqiue, Laura Geller, Olaplex, Mac, Sunday Riley, Laura Mercier — all brands you’d be hard-pressed to find on sale at all, let alone for half off. You’ll need to stay on your game by scoping out each day’s preview (new deals drop on Fridays) to devise a shopping plan.
Now, back to the important stuff, like the specific sales I’m stoked for. This week, I’ve got my eye on It Cosmetics’ cult-favorite Superhero mascara (just $14), the universally flattering Clinique Almost Lipstick (down to $13 on Aug. 30) and my go-to Laura Geller blush (a low $17 on Sept. 3). Ready to shop? I’ve outlined all the top picks you won’t want to miss during the first week of Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event. (You’ll also receive free shipping on orders over $35.) Divide and conquer, my friends.
Best Ulta 21 Days of Beauty deals: Aug. 29 – Sept. 4

Ulta
If you’re not using an eyeshadow stick, you’re doing your beauty reg a serious injustice. The application is foolproof and fast (you can legit use your finger to blend it), especially when you have negative time to do your makeup. But trust me, not all formulas are created equal.
What I love about this one is that it’s effortlessly creamy and glides ever so smoothly over lids without pooling in the creases (IYKYK). Fourteen matte and shimmer shades mean you can build an entire eye wardrobe — or at least I can.
$13 at Ulta

Ulta
Who wouldn’t want the thickest, strongest, lushest locks imaginable? The clinically proven scalp treatment combines a proprietary blend of amino acids, peptides and biotin to basically make lackluster strands a mane event in 45 days.
At 50% off, I’m all in, and so is my hair.
$20 at Ulta

Ulta
There’s mascara and then there’s the It Cosmetics Superhero mascara. It lifts, separates, lengthens and volumizes all in a single swipe. Basically, there’s nothing this superpower-packed formula can’t do.
Thanks to proprietary Elastic Stretch Technology and a brush that sweeps lashes up and out, consider your batting average officially boosted.
$14 at Ulta

Ulta
I’m always on the hunt for a hydrating lippie, and this balm is about to get prime squad status. The buttery formula is super rich in lanolin, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your pout supple.
Designed to work overnight, it services your lips while you sleep so that you wake up to a pillowy soft pucker.
$9 at Ulta

Ulta
The best way to hold onto summer vibes year-round? Mist yourself silly with a bit of tropical scented bliss. Juicy notes of guava, mandarin and mango are as refreshing as a pina colada on the beach.
When I can’t escape to a faraway island in winter, I’ll spritz my way to paradise — at least in my mind.
$15 at Ulta

Ulta
Lip liner never actually went anywhere, but if you’re attuned to beauty trends, then you know it’s having a moment. This formula has a lot to love. First, let’s discuss the slanted tip, which delivers a precise line without ever needing to be sharpened (genius). Then there’s the feel, which, unlike many liners, is deliciously creamy, so it won’t flake on your lips.
Whether you’re after a subtle look or a bold outline, it comes in 10 hues from neutral to ruby red, so there’s bound to be one made in your shade. Sold yet?
$22 at Ulta
Best Ulta deal for Friday, Aug. 29

Ulta
Every insider (and their friends, family, and coworkers) knows about the Olaplex line, which all started with this hero, once only available as an in-salon treatment. Just ask Yahoo beauty editor Jennifer Romolini, who ranked it among her top products. Celebs, like Kim Kardashian, are fans, too. The miracle in a bottle repairs hair (pre-shampoo) by reducing breakage and visibly strengthening it.
The secret is special bond-building tech, which repairs damage on a molecular level by rebuilding the bonds that strengthen hair. Now’s the time to stock up, since it usually only goes on sale during big events like Black Friday.
$15 at Ulta
See all deals for Aug. 29
Best Ulta deal for Saturday, Aug. 30

Ulta
You can’t be a true beauty maven without talking about Clinique Almost Lipstick, a cult classic ever since it launched in 1971(!). A tinted balm before tinted balms were a thing, the formula, which is not quite lipstick, not quite gloss, glides on smoothly for a kiss of the prettiest neutral berry color that magically flatters every skin tone.
Deemed (by Clinique) as the No. 1 lip color shade in the United States, Black Honey is a makeup wardrobe must. But should you want to branch out, it’s sold in nude and pink hues, too. Consider the sale as your opportunity.
$13 at Ulta
Best Ulta deal for Saturday, Aug. 31

Ulta
One of my top sunscreens of all time, Supergoop, does not come cheap (though it’s worth every ounce). What’s so good about this particular formula is that it’s mattifying (i.e., not greasy), so I wear it under makeup with ease, and it won’t cause a meltdown.
It imparts broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, and it has a neutral tint, which doesn’t turn your face white like so many other mineral formulas. Reviewers say its mineral formulas work well for sensitive skin. Oh, and did I mention that celebrities like Brooke Shields and Drew Barrymore can’t stop raving about the brand?
$20 at Ulta
Best Ulta deal for Saturday, Sept. 1
It’s beauty math at its best: The older I get, the richer the cream I use. Though finding one that actually hydrates my prune-like skin is no easy feat. This night cream is loaded with some powerful ingredients, like different types of algae and seaweed, known to deliver major moisture.
And it doesn’t stop at hydration. In fact, it’s clinically proven to significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 14 days. Done and done.
$49 at Ulta
Best Ulta deal for Sunday, Sept. 2

Ulta
A good eye cream can mean the difference between a tired, puffy, shadowy look and a bright-eyed gaze. The nourishing blend does it all — reduces the look of puffiness, undereye circles, and fine lines so that you look like you slept eight hours, even if you’re running on coffee.
If you’re prone to dry skin (hello!), try the Rich formula, which is loaded with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of moisture.
$20 at Ulta
Best Ulta deal for Wednesday, Sept. 3

Ulta
In the world of beauty, makeup artist Laura Geller is something of a legend. Her products are formulated for mature skin (i.e., nothing cakey or waxy) and they come in sophisticated, timeless colors (no faux freckles or glitter). This OG blush — a must in every beauty junkie’s makeup bag — flushes and brightens skin by adjusting to your skin tone. And the creamy texture goes on radiantly, even though it’s a powder.
Insider fact: It’s made with antioxidants, so it actually improves the look of your skin.
$17 at Ulta
Best Ulta deal for Thursday, Sept. 4

Ulta
Since we’re on the topic of OG beauty, Lancôme Juicy Tubes were basically the IT lippie of the millennium — found in every early aughts clutch. The lacquer-like gloss served the juiciest pout imaginable, perfect for smooching your significant other.
They were briefly discontinued in 2018 and are now back in 11 high-shine hues. Take your pick — or three.
$13 at Ulta

This semi-annual event is basically the Holy Grail of beauty sales. (Ulta)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.










