Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Sale: What to Buy, According to a Beauty Editor

woman on her computer next to beauty products — (Image credit: Getty)

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Friday, March 31
Saturday, April 1

If you’ve been contemplating a makeup bag overhaul or a skincare revamp, I have *really* good news: Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Sale is in full swing, which means there’s quite literally no better time to shop. If you’re unfamiliar with the bi-annual promotion, allow me to give you a crash course. All month, Ulta, being the giving retailer that they are, surprised shoppers with 50 percent off (!!!) their best sellers. There’s a catch, though. The sale moves quickly—products only go and stay on sale for 24 hours. It’s a never-ending rotation of five star beauty buys, but planning ahead is key.

To help streamline your shopping journey, I’ve done the hard work for you. I’ve scanned the bargains, investigated the products, and selected the deals you won’t want to miss. I've rounded up the best products to shop this weekend. FYI: Full prices are listed below, but each product will be 50 percent off on their assigned day.)

Friday, March 31

Boscia Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer

If you’re dealing with red, angry acne or are simply searching for something that’s going to calm your skin down, I strongly urge you to press the “add to cart” button on this discounted moisturizer. It’s packed with green tea, which provides a multitude of benefits. Not only is it going to create a more even-toned complexion, but it’s also going to balance your oil production, which in turn, prevents pores from clogging up.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Shine Lipstick

You don’t have to spend a lot on lipstick—some drugstore formulas will do the job. But, I promise you it’ll feel pretty freakin’ luxurious swiping this Estée Lauder bullet across your lips. The formula is silky smooth, the gold packaging is gorgeous, and pigment payoff is wild.

Saturday, April 1

Tarte Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer

Ulta is going out with a bang. For the final day of the sale, they’ve made the very gracious decision to offer Tarte’s cult-favorite concealer at a 50 percent discount. Alix Earle, Shay Mitchell, Dove Cameron, and countless more celebs are major fans, so you know it lives up to the hype.

Lancôme Idôle Lash Lifting & Volumizing Mascara

Intense black and bold mascaras have their time and place, but this specific Lancôme mascara happens to be my personal favorite for day to day wear. It’s a lighter black, defines without clumping, and is ideal for lower lashes.

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.