If there ever was a home base for beauty editors, I’m pretty sure it would be Ulta. No matter what you’re on the lookout for, the beauty retailer is basically a one-stop shop for all the rave-worthy products you read about in magazines. As a beauty editor for over a decade, Ulta is certainly one of the first places I head to when I’m looking to shop fashion nails, glam lashes, radiance-boosting skincare, top-notch hair products, and everything in between.
When it comes to scoring the best beauty products at Ulta, well, sometimes I’m torn. I love the convenience of online shopping for lust-worth lippies in my PJ’s, yet on the other hand, I’m all about the thrill of sauntering up and down the Ulta aisles on the hunt for my next new favorite thing. At this point it’s a tossup but given it’s holiday time and everyone is super pressed for time, I’m thinking your beauty game plan should go a little something like this: pour yourself a glass of champs, kick back on the couch, and cross off your holiday glam list in just a few clicks.
From the most adorable budget-friendly gifts to everything you need to get holiday party perfect, keep scrolling the read all about the best beauty goodies to shop right now at Ulta.
KISS – Lash Couture Matte Black Faux Mink Lashes in Matte Velvet ($7.99)
No trip (or click) to Ulta could ever be complete without KISS lashes. Seriously nothing compares. These fab falsies look like real mink and the matte finish blends beautifully with your natural lashes. No wonder these affordable faux lashes are the ultimate makeup-up artist and beauty editor must-have. There is so much to to said on how bold, beautiful lashes can be totally transforming, but I have a feeling you know that already!
KISS – Lash Purify Eye Makeup Remover & Lash Cleanser ($8.99)
Hello, hassle-free eye makeup removal and lash cleaning. (Wait, you do clean your lashes, right?!) This multitasking fluid lifts falsies, melts off makeup (even waterproof), and cleans, conditions, and refreshes false lashes so they are like new. Works so good! For under nine bucks, you have no reason to go to sleep with your makeup on EVER!
Falscara – Lengthening Lash Starter Kit ($24.99)
Can’t get a grip on strips? Even Santa knows the struggle real, and these DIY lash extensions make the perfect stocking stuffer. The wisps go under your natural lashes (not above) and the results are rather life-changing! The beauty of FALSCARA lies in the ability to build your own bold. From subtle to full-blown glam, the lashes can be stacked, layered, mixed and matched — oh, the looks are limitless!
Beautyblender – DISCGLOW INFERNO Essentials Holiday Set ($36)
Makeup lovers rejoice! This limited-edition set includes two skin-perfecting, latex-free beautyblenders along with a vegan cleanser, silicone scrub mat, and stand. At first sight, I wanted to grab this as a gift, but after thinking about for a few minutes –ok, seconds–I have decided to keep this for myself.
TONYMOLY – I’m Lavender Lullaby Sleeping Mask ($15)
With the hustle and bustle on holiday season, you may be in serious need some of peaceful beauty sleep. The dreamy night mask is infused with 1,000 ppm of lavender extract as well as calming ingredients such as chamomile, aloe and calendula extracts that will work overnight to relax, hydrate and soothe irritated skin.
Sabon – Green Rose Body Scrub ($34)
Revive your senses and revitalize your skin with this ultra-pampering exfoliating scrub. A delicious blend of Dead Sea salts and botanical oils polish and nourish your skin. I like to use once a week to get my glow on.
Banila Co – Clean it Zero Pink Wonderland Cleansing Balm Mini Set ($16)
How fun is this gift set? It’s filled with five trial-sized treats to make cleansing extra cheerful no matter your skin type. Makes the perfect gift for the beauty lover in your life (including yourself!). These balms remove all traces of dirt, oil, makeup, and sunscreen, without stripping the skin of natural oils.
Andrew Fitzsimons – Hard Strong Hold Hairspray ($14)
A firm-hold hairspray for all hair types, that can sculpt any holiday look from big blow-dries to sleek ponytails? Yes, please! I love how the non-sticky formula looks and feels on my hair. Andrew Fitzsimons hair products are all top-notch in my opinion and I have been using them religiously.
Tom Bachik x imPRESS Press-On Nails – You Fancy Huh ($9.49)
Celeb manicurist Tom Bachik’s HOT new collab with imPRESS Manicure is the ultimate fashion accessory of the holiday season. He is the nail artist behind Jennifer Lopez’s iconic nail looks…and now yours, too! I certainly plan to rock this mani for NYE. Haven’t tried press-on nails yet? You are seriously missing out on one of my favorite ways to beautify. If the last thing you have time for this holiday season is spending hours at the salon, I highly HIGHLY recommend.
CHI Gorgeous Blowout Kit ($109)
Give the gift of good hair days! Featuring your favorite CHI essentials along with this powerful, lightweight hair dryer that helps dry hair quickly and leaves gorgeous shine.
KISS Velvety Velour Fantasy Gel Nails($12.99)
Magnetic powder effect nails are all over TikTok right now and this is by far the best way to nail the trend. (They are basically the holiday upgrade to the glazed donut nail trend craze of the summer.) This box of nails will be the MVP of all your holiday party looks. Don’t waste time trying to follow those tricky multi-step polish tutorials or make a pricey nail appointment when you can simple glue on these festive, high-shine nails at home. I absolutely love that pro sculpted look that honestly would take hours at the salon to achieve. These pretty little things will stay put and stay perfect for up to a week.
iHome Beauty Hollywood Pro Bluetooth Vanity Mirror ($249.99)
Featuring 1,000 Lux full-spectrum lighting with four levels of brightness and three color light modes, this mirror will have you looking fab in any light. Connect through Bluetooth and enjoy room-filling sound through the built-in speaker, or enjoy voice control with Siri or Google Assistant. Take calls hands-free through speakerphone and charge your phone through the rapid charging USB port. (It also comes with a removable 10X detail mirror!)
Pureology Hydrating + Color Protecting Hair Kit ($18)
Hang on to ALL the hydration! This ‘best tressed’ hair care gift set includes the Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner and Top Coat + Sheer Clear Hair Gloss. Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, Pureology has undergone a pretty cool brand revamp going back to their sustainable roots and Cali-cool vibe.
HipDot Hello Kitty Eyecon Baked Eye Pigment Shadow ($12)
Eyecons are the industry’s first-ever, 3D baked eyeshadow inspired by cult-favorite pop culture icons. Each Eyecon is a one-of-kind baked eyeshadow “sculpture” that is enclosed in a clear, oval component and can be used to achieve a vibrant and colorful eye look or purchased simply to keep as a collectible. Hello Kitty fans…this one is for you!