OK, Ulta is pretty awesome!
It’s hard to find Ulta’s level of selection, whether you’re looking for anything from a low-end nail polish to a high-end mask to something you just heard about on Instagram or TikTok.
But there are other great options out there that have huge fan bases.
Here are the most impressive nine that can challenge Ulta for its beauty crown…
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Availability: 2,700 stores worldwide and online (that’s almost twice the storecount of Ulta!)
Why it’s better: This French retailer is higher-end and more curated than Ulta. It’s a “fancier” experience and also the only place you can get its private label, the Sephora Collection.
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Availability: Approaching 200 locations in the U.S. plus online.
Why it’s better: A luxury boutique spa experience with maybe a quarter of the number of makeup products as Ulta and a skin-centric focus. Personalized service is a calling card.
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Availability: Online subscription service.
Why it’s better: Admittedly a totally different experience from Ulta, and perhaps complementary. It’s for people who want to be surprised each month with four to six new products to discover. Customization options are also available.
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Availability: Online.
Why it’s better: Based in San Francisco (Union Square, pictured above), Beautylish seeks to make the at-home shopping experience special with 1) Curated global brands 2) Expert advice from their makeup artists, when needed 3) Personal service.
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Availability: 15 stores in the U.S. plus online.
Why it’s better: Credo Beauty is all in on “clean” beauty with its Credo Clean Standard around its products, packaging, people, and the planet. So it partners with a limited number of carefully chosen brands.
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Availability: Almost 2,000 stores in the U.S. plus online and drive-up pickup.
Why it’s better: This one’s cheating because like Target partners with CVS, it partners with Ulta for its higher-end beauty sections. While a standalone Ulta has its advantages as a dedicated beauty space, the convenience of getting Ulta along with your groceries and other Target items is tough to beat!
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Availability: Over 300 stores in the U.S. plus online.
Why it’s better: Nordstrom has Ulta beat on its high-end beauty selection, and it has that legendary returns policy and customer service.
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Availability: Online only (though it did try a physical location at one point).
The pitch: Originally started by a dermatologist, Dermstore focuses on skincare. They tout “professional-strength formulas from top skin care brands (otherwise only available at a dermatologist’s office).”
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Availability: Online except for one flagship store on Melrose Place in LA.
Why it’s better: They’re all about “editorial integrity” in curating best-in-class products via recommendations by their beauty expert community and must meet their “Violet Code.”
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Availability: Nearing 1,500 locations in the U.S. plus online.
Why it’s better: We couldn’t leave without giving Ulta its love. While many of its competitors do their specialties better than Ulta, it’s hard to find a place that’s as well-rounded and convenient for beauty, whether its makeup, lipstick, foundation, skincare, or anything else. And for reasonable prices.
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So there you have it – nine companies that have a claim for taking the beauty crown from Ulta.
Each has a compelling case to make.
But here’s the big question:
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What do YOU think?
Is Ulta the best?
Or is your favorite one of the others we’ve highlighted?
State your case in the comments section!
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