The Must-Shop Deals From Ulta’s Semi-Annual Beauty Event
Buzzy fragrances, cult-favorite makeup, beauty devices, and so much more are 50 percent off—but not for long.
Beauty fans, rejoice: Ulta's Semi-Annual Beauty Event is officially here, meaning there's no better time to restock your favorites or revamp your beauty routine. Think of this event as the new and improved 21 Days of Beauty Sale, which famously includes five-star beauty products at 50 percent off. Now, the new sale event has even more finds on sale—and with deals across every single beauty category.
Here's the lowdown: Starting March 8, Ulta is offering 50 percent off some of their best sellers in each beauty category for the next three weeks. That includes the best hair brands like Virtue and Bumble and Bumble, buzzy new fragrances, cult-favorite makeup finds like, and even a few pricey beauty devices. However, there is a catch—these products go on sale for one day and one day only, which means some prior planning is key to getting the best out of the sale.
To ensure you make the most out of this big event, I did all of the work for you. After digging through the deals, researching the products, and reading the reviews, I've rounded up the best on-sale products to check out over the next 21 days. Whether you're in the market for a snazzy new blow dryer or looking to try one of the best concealers around, it's bound to be on sale during Ulta's Semi-Annual Beauty Event. Be sure to keep checking back here, as I'll update this list with new deals as they are released each week.
March 22 - 28
I'm already a huge fan of Sunday Riley's vitamin C serum, so I'm willing to bet I'd be just as big of a fan of their vitamin C moisturizer. Its lightweight gel formula is packed with advanced vitamin C and antioxidants to brighten skin tone, smooth fine lines, and improve skin elasticity. It can be yours for just $33 on March 23.
If you're already set with a moisturizer but still need some brightening skincare, this Dermalogica serum will do the trick. Over 2,500 five-star reviews attest to its brightening and evening power. This serum also helps accelerate cell turnover while reducing inflammation. Try it out for half off on March 24.
This MAC pencil is one of the best eyeliners for the waterline, so come March 24, you'll want to stock up on multiple shades. It's got an ultra-creamy glide, a must for the sensitive waterline, and it comes in a ton of fun shades, like lavender, teal, and cobalt blue.
If you suffer from acne, this Blue LED tool will make a world of difference. I myself use a blue LED face mask and it zaps away any zits literally overnight. This device, though, is a two-for-one. It uses 7,000 vibrations per minute to cleanse skin while emitting blue light to target acne. Make sure to grab one quick on March 25 because I'm sure it'll go fast.
Thanks to this handy device, microdermabrasion treatments at home can be done safely. It uses both spinning disc technology as well as gentle suction to slough away dead skin cells and suck up gunk and oil. You're immediately left with softer, smoother skin that can better absorb your skincare products, and with consistent use, you'll achieve a pro-level glow. Add it to your cart on March 25 when it's under $100.
For the shiniest, smoothest hair of your life, you should use a hair gloss. This one from Bread Beauty Supply, which is just $12 on March 26, is lightweight enough to use every day so your hair can have that post-salon shine any time you apply it. Its formula is free of silicones, and it works well on every hair type and texture.
Dry skin has met its match in this ultra-hydrating moisturizer. It instantly provides layers of deep hydration while also working to smooth and firm skin over time. After 28 days, you'll notice fewer lines, a brighter complexion, and more elasticity. Make the switch to this moisturizer on March 26, when it's half off.
For us oily skin girlies, setting powders like this will be our saving grace. Set your makeup with this powder to extend its longevity (it's said to lock in makeup for up to 16 hours), and to keep oiliness at bay. The translucent shade works for all skin tones, but there's also two shades to enhance cooler and warm undertones. Try it out while it's on sale on March 27.
Ulta's Semi-Annual Sale is the best for scoring higher-end makeup at drugstore prices. This Clinique mascara, for instance, is just $14 on March 27, which is right on par with some of our favorite drugstore mascaras. If mega-volume is your primary goal with mascara, add this Clinique mascara to your cart. It's infused with tiny fibers to make your lashes thick and dramatic with every swipe.
Not all of us can go days without washing our hair, and that's ok! This lightweight shampoo is gentle enough to cleanse hair daily without being abrasive. It also provides a nice boost of shine and hydration while smoothing frizz and promoting a balanced scalp. With this being on sale on March 28, you may want to splurge on the bigger value size.
Don't make the mistake of not picking up the accompanying Verb conditioner on March 28. Just like the shampoo, this conditioner delivers weightless moisture, which is especially great for those with fine hair. Jojoba seed oil also protects your hair shaft and repairs damage and split ends.
Our skin could benefit from a little extra TLC from time to time, and this serum can provide that. This oil-infused serum uses squalane, rosehip oil, and damask rose extract to deliver 24-hour deep hydration. After applying, you're left with dewy, supple, plump skin. It can be yours for half off on March 28.
March 15 - 21
With over 10,000 five-star reviews, it's safe to say this face serum is a fan favorite. It's unique formula contains Bifidus prebiotic, known to provide a stable environment for the good bacteria on the skin, as well as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Results promise glowier, plumper, and more hydrated skin in as little as seven days? Try it out while it's half off on March 15.
I'm not usually one to recommend luxury mascaras, but when there's one as good as this Lancôme pick at a drugstore price, I'm all for it. This cult-favorite mascara does it all: lifts lengthens, and volumizes, resulting in doe-eyed, fanned-out lashes. What's better than that? Steal it while it's just $15 on March 15.
One of the best gel eyeliners on the market comes from none other than Bobbi Brown. In just a swipe, you get a rich color that doesn't budge until you go to remove it. You can create so many different looks with it too, plus it comes in five shades to suit your fancy. Pick one up for $18 on March 16 and don't forget your eyeliner brush, which is also on sale!
There's no better time to upgrade from your old hair straightener than on March 16 when this pick is on sale. It uses 1-inch sonic vibrating plates to produce silky smooth strands in less than 10 minutes flat. It's especially great for those with thick or textured hair as its proprietary mineral complex keeps hair hydrated.
There's no doubt you haven't heard about the magic that is Tarte's Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer. It's known as one of the best concealers on the market for a reason. Over 30,000 five-star reviews can attest to its high-coverage, creaseless, long-lasting finish. I'd add your shade to your cart before March 16 as it's bound to sell out when it goes on sale.
Hot Tools makes some of the best styling tools around, so if you're in the market for a new curling iron, mark your calendar for March 17. All three size options will be marked half off so whether you like your curls tight and springy or loose and bouncy, there's a curling iron for you majorly discounted.
March 18 I swear by microcurrent facial devices for a more sculpted look in seconds. If you've been wanting to try one out for yourself, I recommend grabbing the FOREO Bear on March 18 while it's amazingly half off. This one stands apart from its fellow devices thanks to an anti-shock system, meaning no weird twitching sensations, plus it's got five different intensities to choose from.
Over 10,000 Ulta shoppers loved this foundation enough to leave it a five-star review, so it's worth picking up on March 19 if you're a fan of powder formulas. It offers light, yet buildable coverage that lasts all day. It's especially great for those with oily skin as it'll keep excess oils at bay. The added SPF is always appreciated, too.
LED light therapy masks have taken over the beauty world recently and I get the hype—they produce some great results. While most devices will cost you a pretty penny, this one becomes even more affordable on March 20, making it a great option for those wanting to try it out. This one has three different modes to tackle a range of skin concerns including acne, redness, fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.
When you can score an eye cream this good for half off (which you can on March 21), you don't let it pass you up. This cream can be used as an overnight anti-aging mask, a hydrating undereye primer, and a moisturizing rescue balm—basically, whenever you need a hand with puffiness and eye bags, this cream is there for you with a formula full of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, antioxidant-rich bush clover, and wrinkle-reducing watermelon snow algae.
March 8–14
There's a reason this serum has more than 14,000 five-star reviews and counting—the bona fide cult-favorite seriously works. With a formula full of hyaluronic acid and the brand's exclusive repairing technology, it tackles virtually all signs of aging from fine lines and wrinkles to large pores and texture. One happy reviewer even wrote, " I LOVE it, my skin has never looked better!" On March 8, you can snag this serum for as low as $28.
If you've been using the same hair dryer since high school, it's time to upgrade with Bio Ionic's one on March 8. Its high-pressure airflow dries hair 75 percent faster than other leading hair dryers, plus it measures temperature 100 times a second to prevent potential heat damage. The cherry on top of this luxe hair dryer? It has a self-cleaning function, three heat and speed settings, and a lock function to keep your styling settings in place.
Talk to nearly any makeup artist or beauty fan and I can practically guarantee they're fans of this concealer. In fact, Marie Claire considers it one of the best concealers for acne on the market. It offers full enough coverage to hide just about everything, even angry red breakouts. I would add your shade to your cart before it goes on sale on March 9, because I'm willing to bet this deal will go fast.
As a vanilla perfume girl through and through, I've heard a lot about Billie Eilish's fragrance and can proudly say it lives up to the hype. At first, you're hit with sweet fruity notes of mandarin and berries. Once this fragrance dries down, you're left with a real treat of creamy vanilla, musk, amber, and subtle spices. Basically, if you could bottle up the feeling of a warm hug, it would smell like this scent. Try it for yourself for just $36 on March 9.
With spring humidity on the way, my hair is not going to be happy. To calm down the inevitable frizz, I'll stock up on this top-rated hair oil on March 9. Not only does this ultra-lightweight oil leave hair smooth and shiny, but it also softens, detangles, and protects against UV and heat damage. Talk about a true multi-tasker.
I'm sure you know how much of a hero ingredient retinol is, but unfortunately, it's easy to get burned by it. This serum, which goes on sale on March 10, is clinically tested to deliver all of the results of retinol while minimizing pesky side effects like flakiness, redness, and irritation. Pure retinol, ceramides, and peptides work together to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone and texture without a fuss.
Speaking from experience, this cult-favorite pick really is one of the best eyeliners out there. When it says "Stay All Day," it means all day. From the time I apply this liner in the morning to the time I take it off at night, my cat-eye doesn't budge in the slightest. With its thin felt tip, it's also incredibly easy to apply, making it a great choice for liquid eyeliner beginners. You can score it for just $12 on March 11, which I'd say is one hell of a deal.
On March 12, you can bet I'll stock up on my favorite hair oil from Virtue. There's not a day that goes by where I don't apply a few drops of this lightweight oil. It leaves my hair feeling silky soft and smooth without leaving a residue in my hair. It also smells delectable, which is reason enough for me to remember to apply it every day. Another reason to fall in love with this oil? It works as a heat protectant too, something you can never have too much of.
HydraFacials don't come cheap, but thankfully this handy device allows you to produce similar results from the comfort of your home. On sale on March 13, it uses vacuum technology to gently suction out all of the dirt and grime from clogged pores. At the same time that it's tackling blackheads, it's using blue LED lights to target acne-causing bacteria and infusing skin with clarifying salicylic and plumping hyaluronic acid.
In case vacuuming your pores seems a little intimidating (I don't blame you!), another pore-extracting device may be your saving grace. Rather than use suctioning technology, this tool deploys ultrasonic vibrations to gently extract stubborn clogged pores. It also has an "Infuse" mode that uses ionic technology that allows for better absorption of your skincare products. On March 14, you can snag this device for just $55.
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.
She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.
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