Sephora vs. Ulta Black Friday 2026: Who Has the Better Beauty Deals?

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Hey you, it’s me! 💋

If there is one thing midlife has taught me, it is that my makeup bag and my skin have both changed. Some days I want tinted sunscreen, mascara, and to be out the door. Other days I am getting dressed for date night, recording a podcast, or giving myself an excuse to wear a little extra gloss. And yes, I absolutely check the beauty sales before I restock.

So let’s talk about Sephora and Ulta. Which store has the better Black Friday beauty deals in 2026? The answer depends on what is already in your bag, what you actually need, and whether the discount applies to the brands you love. I shop both. Here is how I would approach the sales without filling a cart just because the word “deal” popped up.

The quick answer: Sephora or Ulta?

My shopping rule is simple: a good deal on a product you do not need is still money spent. A discount on something you already use and love? That is where I pay attention.

Sephora Savings Event 2026: Dates and Discounts

Sephora’s fall Savings Event runs October 30 through November 9, with different start dates and discounts depending on your Beauty Insider tier. Sign in to your Beauty Insider account before you check out. It works online and in stores.

🛍️ Shopping online? Use code ALLONSALE at checkout. In store, just mention the offer to a Beauty Advisor.

Two extras worth knowing:

• Rouge Bring a Friend: Rouge members can share their 20% off with up to 5 friends, one-time use, through November 2. Check your Rouge email or your Beauty Insider Summary page for your link.
• Free Same-Day Delivery: on $75+ orders with code SPEEDY, November 3 through November 9 at 1 PM, and it stacks with your tier discount.

One important note: you can’t stack an extra discount on Sephora Collection, but you can get your tier discount on other eligible products and 30% off Sephora Collection in the same order. Always check your basket total before checking out. Get the full details on Sephora’s Savings Event page.

What that looks like on a $40 product

This is an illustration, not an advertised price.

If Ulta has that same $40 product in a 40% off deal of the day, you’d pay $24 there, which beats every Sephora tier. If Ulta isn’t discounting it, even the Insider 10% wins. That’s why I always compare the exact product, not the headline.

Sephora’s Savings Event isn’t Black Friday itself. It ends November 9, and Sephora and Ulta may run different promotions closer to Thanksgiving weekend.

Ulta Early Black Friday 2026: What Is Happening Now?

Ulta’s Early Black Friday sale has weekly deals of up to 50% off through November 21. That’s a headline number on selected items, not a promise that every product is half off. The deals rotate, and Ulta’s actual Black Friday sale may have different terms. See Ulta’s current offers.

If I were building an Ulta cart, I would check the day’s actual product listing, coupon exclusions, points offers, pickup options and the price per ounce. That last one matters when mini sizes look cute but cost more for the amount you get.

Where My Own Beauty Bag Comes In

I wanted this comparison to be useful, so I pulled from the products I actually reach for. Some of these are Sephora staples, some are Ulta buys, and many are on Amazon too. I put all of them in one place: Shop my Beauty Favorites 2026 list on Amazon.

My mascara situation: Tarte and Benefit

Tarte Maneater Volumizing Mascara is one of my biggest repeat buys. I have stocked up during sales, bought multiples, and even given it to friends. I have picked it up for around $10 to $12 during past Black Friday sales, but that was then, not a promised 2026 price. I also use Benefit BADgal BANG! mascara, and Benefit Gimme Brow+ is part of my brow routine. I layer Maybelline Super Lock Brow Glue over Gimme Brow+ when I want a little extra hold.

Jenn’s tip 💋: Put your exact mascara and brow products on a price-watch list, then compare both stores. A brand deal at Ulta may beat a tier percentage at Sephora, or the other way around.

Lip gloss? Yes, please.

I do not wear much traditional lipstick. I lean into gloss, hydration, and a little plumping. My collection includes rhode peptide lip products, Too Faced Lip Injection, and the Said It Beauty “I Said What I Said” Lip Kit. I also use Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve in Strawberry Sorbet and Huda Beauty Faux Filler Shiny Lip Gloss in Sugar Baby.

Said It Beauty is especially meaningful to me because its founder, Jerod, is my friend. I interviewed him on Just Jelly Unfiltered about finding his voice, life transitions, and the journey that led to his brand. Listen to Jerod’s episode.

Makeup for recording days, date nights and real life

For everyday coverage, I reach for DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 in Medium Sheer Tint. When I am recording, heading to date night, or getting ready for something special, I bring out L’Oréal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup in W6 Sun Beige. My Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser is CN 40 Cream Chamois.

My under-eye area gets dry, so I especially appreciate ONE/SIZE Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray. It helps soften the powdery, cakey look of concealer under my eyes. Other favorites in my kit: NYX Buttermelt Blush in 10 Back and Butta, Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff, Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops in Sun Glow.

Quick reminder: use enough tinted sunscreen to get the SPF on the label. SPF in makeup isn’t a reason to skimp on sunscreen.

Hair products and tools I actually use

Kérastase Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum is one of the hair products I genuinely love. I apply it to my ends at night, and I like that it does not leave my hair feeling oily.

My shelves also include Oribe Gold Lust, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, Redken Extreme Length, Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray, and Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. For tools, I have the REVLON One-Step Volumizer PLUS and the Conair Double Ceramic 1-inch curling iron.

Jenn’s tip 💋: If your regular conditioner or styling product is in an Ulta deal, do the math. The discount has to beat the normal price, not just look impressive in red letters.

My Save-Versus-Splurge Philosophy

I happily mix price points. NIVEA Skin Firming Lotion is an affordable body lotion I keep because I’ve noticed firmer-looking skin on my inner thighs, where I have stretch marks from pregnancy. Aquaphor is my practical go-to for dry lips, hands, feet, elbows and knees, and around my nose during allergy season.

On the luxury end, Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil is a splurge I love for its glittery summer glow. That is the fun of beauty in midlife: you get to decide what is worth your money.

My Black Friday Beauty Shopping Checklist

• Start with a list of products you already use and the sizes or shades you need.
• Check the exact sale start date for your Sephora tier.
• Compare product deals at Ulta with Sephora’s percentage off, and check Amazon too.
• Look at the total, shipping, return rules and rewards, not just the headline percentage.
• Skip ordering several new products just because a discount looks exciting.
• If it’s a gift, double-check the shade, scent, skin sensitivity and return policy.

My Verdict: Where I’d Shop First

For a predictable discount on prestige beauty, Sephora’s tiered Savings Event has a clear advantage if your favorites qualify and your membership level is strong. For a chance at a deeper markdown on a specific makeup, haircare or skincare product, Ulta’s rotating Early Black Friday deals are absolutely worth a look.

I will shop where my real favorites make the most sense. My mascara, lip gloss and skincare routine do not need a shopping-cart makeover just because November arrived.

Sephora vs. Ulta Black Friday FAQ

When is the Sephora Savings Event 2026?

October 30 through November 9, 2026. Rouge members start October 30. VIB and Insider members start November 3.

What is the Sephora promo code?

Use code ALLONSALE online for your tier discount and for 30% off Sephora Collection. In store, mention the offer at checkout.

Does everyone get 20% off at Sephora?

No. Rouge gets 20%, VIB gets 15%, and Insider gets 10% off eligible products. Every Beauty Insider gets 30% off Sephora Collection during the event.

Is everything 50% off at Ulta?

No. Ulta’s Early Black Friday deals go up to 50% off on selected products through November 21. Check each product for the actual discount.

Should I buy beauty products now or wait until Black Friday?

If you need an item and it’s truly discounted now, buying during the early sale makes sense. If your exact product isn’t included, compare later deals without assuming they’ll be better.

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Tag Me! 💄

What’s going in your beauty cart this year? Tag me @justjennboard in your beauty finds. I want to see them!

Before You Go…

Sweet friend, buy what you love, check the fine print, and leave a little room in the budget for something fun.

💌 Your turn, bestie! Are you a Sephora girl, an Ulta girl, or both? What’s the one beauty product you always restock? Write me back in Pen Pal.

Keep shopping: See every product I use on my Beauty Favorites 2026 Amazon list, plus my Best Buy, Target and Walmart Black Friday guides, and every deal on my Black Friday Finds page.

🛍️ Want the best deals sent straight to you? Sign up for The Sunday Scoop. Every Sunday, I share what I’m loving, new deals and everything happening at Just Jelly.

Until our next shopping post, Shop Till You Drop! 🛍️

I love you,
Jenn 💋

Sale dates and details come from Sephora and Ulta and were checked October 30, 2026. Prices and offers can change, so check the current price before you buy. These are my personal experiences, and a product I like may not suit every skin type.