Start with the Right Accounts and Rewards Programs
Before you even enter a promo code, set up (or log into) your Sephora and Ulta rewards accounts. At Sephora, joining the free Beauty Insider program earns you points on nearly every purchase, access to member-only promotions, and a free birthday gift each year. These perks stack with many Sephora promo codes, so you’re saving while also banking points for future rewards. Ulta’s free rewards program works similarly: you’ll earn at least 1 point for every $1 spent, with higher multipliers at Platinum and Diamond tiers. Those points convert into cash-style discounts at checkout, and they don’t expire as long as you stay active through the app. Treat these rewards as your baseline discount; then layer promo codes and sale events on top for maximum beauty savings tips that pay off all year.
How to Stack Sephora Promo Codes on Skincare and Beauty Tech
Sephora frequently highlights limited-time beauty offers that can dramatically cut your skincare and beauty tech costs when used strategically. Start with the current Sephora promo codes featured on its offer page. Codes like HAIRMVP, LOVEMYSKIN, or ROUGEBAG typically unlock free travel-size hair care, skincare sets, or sample bags once you hit a qualifying spend threshold. Pair those with a sitewide skincare discount—such as a 20% off promo on eligible skincare—and you’ll effectively stack a percentage-off deal with bonus gifts and Beauty Insider points. This approach is especially useful for premium skincare and beauty tech devices such as facial cleansing tools, LED light therapy devices, microcurrent gadgets, and cryotherapy rollers, which rarely go on deep markdown. Focus your Sephora hauls on full-size skincare, high-end tools, and curated gift sets to get the most value from both the discount and the free add-ons.
Ulta Discount Codes: Up to 50% Off Beauty Tech, Makeup, and More
Ulta discount codes can be stacked smartly with ongoing sales to unlock serious savings, especially during May when up to 50% off promos often appear on select categories. Begin by downloading the Ulta app, which can net you a 15% off code like APP15 for your next purchase, plus exclusive app-only offers and personalized recommendations via GLAMlab and AI-powered skin analysis. You can also sign up for Ulta’s text alerts to receive a one-time 10% off code, adding another tool to your savings toolkit. Combine these Ulta discount codes with sale events, Featured Deals, and the 21+ Days of Beauty promotions, where beauty tech, hair tools, and trending wellness devices regularly get marked down. Since your rewards points convert into cash-style discounts at checkout, timing your redemptions during these promos can push your effective discount close to the maximum advertised markdowns.
When Sephora Wins and When Ulta Is the Better Deal
To decide where to shop, match the retailer to the product category. Sephora tends to shine for prestige skincare, viral beauty tools, and curated gift sets. If you’re eyeing brands like Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, Fenty Beauty, or clean lines such as Rhode, plus beauty tech like facial cleansing brushes, LED light therapy devices, microcurrent tools, and cryo skin rollers, Sephora’s 20% off skincare promos plus bonus gifts and points often beat Ulta for overall value. Ulta, on the other hand, usually wins on broad-category savings, especially for hair tools, everyday makeup, and wellness technology. With up to 50% off select items, stackable percentage-off codes, and flexible rewards redemptions, Ulta is a smart choice for stocking up on both prestige and drugstore staples—especially hair dryers, stylers, and other tools that frequently appear in its Featured Deals section.
A Month-Long Strategy to Maximize Makeup Deals in May
Think of May as a mini beauty savings season and plan your purchases accordingly. Early in the month, use Ulta’s app and text sign-up discounts to grab everyday essentials and big-ticket hair tools while they’re included in up to 50% off promos. Redeem some rewards points to bring down your out-of-pocket cost, but consider saving a portion for future sale cycles. Mid-month, pivot to Sephora, focusing on full-size skincare and beauty tech that rarely goes half-off anywhere. Stack the 20% skincare promo with gift-with-purchase codes and your Beauty Insider status to earn bonus points and samples for future travel. Reserve the end of the month for gaps: any makeup shades you didn’t find at one retailer may be on promo at the other. By staggering your purchases and stacking codes thoughtfully, you’ll stretch your budget without sacrificing the products you actually want.