Is Perfume Cheaper at Sephora or Ulta?
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When you’re hunting for your next signature scent, knowing where to buy can save you serious cash. Both Sephora and Ulta sell prestige fragrances at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), but their promotions, loyalty programs, and product assortment often tip the scales. Here’s how they compare.
Pricing Structures and MSRP
Both Sephora and Ulta typically list designer perfumes at MSRP, so the base price—before any discounts—is the same at each retailer for the same bottle size.
• Sephora focuses on luxury and prestige brands, positioning fragrances at the higher end of the market. Discounts are rare outside of major sales events RETAILBOSS.
• Ulta carries both mass‑market and prestige brands, offering a wider spectrum from budget to high‑end. The MSRP on prestige lines matches Sephora, but you’ll often see more frequent markdowns and coupon‑eligible items forwardme.com.
Sales, Discounts, and Loyalty Programs
Sephora
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Beauty Insider Sales: Twice‑annual site‑wide events (10–15% off), with deeper discounts for higher tiers.
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Point Values: 100 Beauty Insider points = $5 rewards; points are harder to accumulate on big‑ticket items like perfume.
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Limited Promotions: Outside of the Semi‑Annual Sale and holiday events, few fragrance discounts.
Ulta
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21 Days of Beauty, BOGO, and Flash Sales: Frequent in‑store and online fragrance deals, sometimes up to 50% off select bottles.
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Ultamate Rewards: 1 point per $1 spent; 100 points = $1 reward. Points can be used on fragrances (including prestige brands).
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20% Off Coupons: Monthly coupons (print or mobile) apply to almost any full‑price item, including perfume.
Because Ulta’s frequent sales and more generous coupon policy often stack with points redemptions, you can routinely get better net prices on perfume there.
Product Range and Brand Availability
• Sephora: Carries an extensive prestige‑only roster—Dior, Tom Ford, Jo Malone, etc.—with exclusive launches and travel‑retail editions not found elsewhere.
• Ulta: Offers the same prestige names plus mass and mid‑tier labels (e.g., Michael Kors, DKNY), as well as Ulta’s private‑label fragrance line, which comes in at a lower price point.
If you want an ultra‑exclusive scent or a limited‑edition collaboration, Sephora may be your only option. For mainstream designer aromas—and even a few drugstore finds—Ulta typically has more variety at different budgets.
Online vs. In‑Store Deals
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Online: Both retailers run web‑only promotions, but Ulta’s digital coupons often mirror in‑store deals, giving it the edge.
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In‑Store: Sephora’s limited‑time “in‑store only” events happen, but Ulta’s BOGO and flash sales are more frequent on the shop floor.
Ulta’s ability to apply a 20% off coupon directly at checkout—online or in‑store—makes it hard for Sephora to match on regular‑price purchases outside major sale periods.
Payment Methods and Points Redemption
• Sephora: Accepts points only toward future purchases, with rewards often tied to small‑ticket items (brushes, minis).
• Ulta: Allows you to apply points and coupons on any product, including prestige fragrance, effectively lowering your out‑of‑pocket cost right away.
If you’re strategic—stacking coupons, points, and flash‑sale pricing—Ulta will generally deliver a better discount on the same bottle.
Tips for Finding the Best Perfume Deals
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Compare MSRPs online before you shop—they’re the same at both retailers.
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Sign up for both loyalty programs and watch for tier‑specific events (e.g., Sephora Rouge); but lean on Ulta’s 20% off coupons.
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Check both sites during big beauty sales (Sephora Semi‑Annual, Ulta 21 Days of Beauty) to see which offers the deeper discount on the fragrance you want.
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Use cash‑back or browser‑extension tools that offer extra savings or rewards on one retailer over the other.
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Inspect return policies—Ulta’s 60‑day policy can give you more breathing room if you change your mind.
Conclusion
If you’re a luxury fragrance collector seeking exclusives or travel‑only editions, Sephora offers unique bottles but fewer price cuts. If you want a better deal on mainstream designer scents—plus the flexibility to apply coupons and points directly—Ulta is the smarter choice. Ultimately, both carry identical MSRPs, but Ulta’s more aggressive discounting and loyalty perks usually make it cheaper for perfume shoppers.
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