Okay, let's get this straight. I don't hate Sephora...but it's not my go to. I only go there when it's 1. My birthday or 2. When Ulta does not have what I want. Ulta just has way more better qualities...here is why...#sorrynotsorry.
1. The lighting is better.
I don't know if you have noticed this but every time I walk into Sephora I feel like I need to turn on night vision mode. This store just hurts my eyeballs. The walls are dark and then they try to brighten it up with all of the lights. This is especially not good when you are trying to find the right foundation shade. No wonder why they never match you right...Ulta is just nice and bright and has an airy light feeling to it...sort of what I imagine heaven to be like.
2. They send better birthday gifts.
Emma Henri
I give Sephora props for giving out birthday presents still but, it is never anything I want. Last year, they gave out Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush and a Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint but it was so mini and not shades I would wear which was sad because I really like that blush.
Ulta gave out a whole eye shadow palette by NYX and it was amazing. Plus, you get more surprises in your emails from Ulta during your birthday month than Sephora.
3. There's a point system.
I like how every dollar you spend at both stores is one point but, Ulta does this way better. I would so much rather have money off of my next purchase than have to save up all of my points at Sephora and get the world's tiniest perfume.
I save my points at each Sephora purchase hoping the selection will get better and it never does.
4. Sephora inside JC Penney is too small.
Kudos to my nearest mall for adding a Sephora...finally. The only problem is that it is associated with JC Penney. The setup is so small you are literally walking on top of people. I want the full experience if I'm going to go into Sephora. I think they should add more locations. The struggle was especially real when I tried to buy my sister a Sephora gift card to realize it was specifically a Sephora inside JC Penney gift card that she can't use since she lives in New York. Sad girls club.
5. There's more variety.
Me walking into Ulta and seeing all of the products.
I'm not the girl who usually buys drug store makeup but, hey I'd like to have the option to. Ulta has everything you will ever need and there's no arguing that...it's just fact. Salon, eyebrows, high end, drugstore...you name it, they have it.
6. Ulta brand is WAY better than Sephora brand.
I really gave Sephora a chance with their line of makeup but it's just not my favorite. Maybe one day, one of their products will change my mind but, I just prefer the Ulta brand if I have to choose. They have better deals on their brand like buy two get two free. I have enjoyed their eyebrow pencils, beauty sponges, and face powder.
I'm not saying I'll never shop at Sephora again because then I'd be a liar. They really do have some stuff Ulta doesn't and vice versa but my preference will always be Ulta. I'm hooked.
