The 5 Best Ulta Beauty Collection Products To Add to Your Beauty Arsenal, According to a Makeup Artist
If there's one thing for certain, there's no shortage of beauty products on the market. When you walk into a beauty store, such as Ulta, each aisle is packed full of some of the best makeup products, hair care, skin care, beauty tools and just about everything in between. And the option of brands to choose from is also endless. While it's great to have so many options, it can feel overwhelming deciding what you should, and shouldn't, spend your money on. Also, not to mention, many of the brands at these stores can be pricey. Thankfully, most of these beauty stores have their own line at a very affordable price point (sometimes they're even cheaper than the drugstore) that is comparable to most of the luxury competitors it offers. One of our favorites? The Ulta Beauty Collection, Ulta's line full of just about anything you would need to create the perfect look. Keep reading to see our's and a celebrity makeup artist's picks for the best Ulta Beauty Collection products.
Why you should consider shopping the Ulta Beauty Collection line
When we say the Ulta Beauty Collection brand has just about everything you could ever need, we weren't joking. They currently offer more than 250 products within their line (and that's not including all the different shades/color options for each product), from skincare to makeup to makeup brushes to even candles.
Even more, all of their current products cost less than $25, with many priced at less than $10. While it can be nice to treat yourself once in a while by splurging on a high-end product you've had your eye on, it's also nice to save on things you don't want to indulge in. With Ulta Beauty Collection's line being so low-cost, you could buy five things for the price of one luxury product, making it much more realistic and sustainable.
"I do recommend Ulta's in-house brand, especially for those looking for quality products at a more affordable price point," affirms makeup artist Cassandra McClure. "Ulta's brand offers a wide range of products, including makeup, skincare and hair care, and many of their products have clean ingredients."
How does the Ulta Beauty Collection compare to other brands?
It may be more affordable, but you may be wondering if Ulta's line is as high quality as other competitors that are more expensive. The short answer? Yes.
The Ulta Beauty Collection has great, easy-to-use, accessible products that work well for beginners and pros alike. Unfortunately, the line doesn't always get the attention it deserves. "Ulta's beauty brand often gets overshadowed by more prominent, high-end brands for several reasons," says McClure, explained below.
1. Marketing
The first reason that McClure explains is that other higher-end brands have higher marketing budgets and more of a brand presence in media than Ulta may have. "Major brands like Fenty Beauty, Tarte and Too Faced invest heavily in marketing and have strong social media presences, which helps them stay top of mind for consumers," says McClure. Because of this, they can market their products much more.
2. Endorsements
Celebrity endorsements are very common in just about any industry, from beauty campaigns to food launches, and some brands prioritize these endorsements more than others. "Many top brands are associated with celebrities or influencers, which can attract a lot of attention and consumer loyalty," says McClure.
3. Societal/Consumer perception
Unfortunately, many are under the impression that higher cost always equals higher quality — and that just simply isn't the case. Many high-end or luxury brands put much of their budget toward creating luxurious packaging and, again, top-notch marketing, which may make their products seem "better." But many times the $50 product works just as well as the $10 competitor with maybe less luxurious packaging.
4. Store layout
Even something as simple as where certain brands are displayed in beauty stores can make a difference. "In many Ulta stores, the in-house brand is not given as much prime real estate as higher-end or more popular brands, which can affect consumer awareness and purchase decisions," explains McClure.
The 5 best Ulta Beauty Collection products
Keep reading to see McClure's favorite Ulta Beauty Collections products that will have you looking fabulous without making a major dent in you wallet. Also great: Some are even dupes for the most loved but more expensive viral products!
Best Ulta Beauty Collection lip oil
Ulta Beauty Collection Tinted Juice Infused Lip Oil
McClure is a fan of this lip oil because it's "lightweight, hydrating and provides a subtle tint without feeling sticky." Where some lip products like chalky lipsticks can feel drying, lip oils feel smooth and silky. Even more, this lip oil is "similar to the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil but at a more affordable price."
Best Ulta Beauty Collection mascara
Ulta Beauty Collection Maximum Lashes Mascara
As we age, it's common to lose the length and volume our lashes once naturally had. To create the appearance of more fullness, McClure recommends this mascara. "[It's] great for achieving long, defined lashes without clumping, and it stays put throughout the day."
Best Ulta Beauty Collection brow product
Ulta Beauty Collection Brow Tint Gel
One of the best parts about this brow gel is its ultra-precise applicator, small and fine to properly coat each hair. "This brow tint provides a natural-looking finish and is a great dupe for higher-end brow gels like the Benefit Gimme Brow," claims McClure.
Best Ulta Beauty Collection eyeshadow
Ulta Beauty Collection Everyday Faves Eyeshadow Palette
How pretty is this palette? It has a mix of natural shades in both matte and shimmer finishes. "[It] offers a versatile range of colors that are highly pigmented and blend well, making it a great everyday palette," notes McClure. She says that it can even be a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palettes, a fan-favorite that costs more than double the price of this Ulta Beauty one.
Best Ulta Beauty Collection blush
Ulta Beauty Collection Too Cheeky Lip & Cheek Color Stick
We love a good multi stick, and this one takes the cake. Simply dab onto cheeks and lips (and even eyelids) for a touch of color. And it can be thrown into your bag for on-the-go touchups.
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