Even in the midst of my #ProjectHitPan experiment (I bought these prior to the spending freeze I promise), I still have ridiculous status in the rewards programs at both Sephora and Ulta. I guess some people buy video games, movies, or figurines – I collect makeup. Despite how much I seem to spend, I still like to get the best bang for my buck. While standing in an aisle in Ulta the other day, I wondered if their eyeshadow was any better than Sephora’s. A showdown was needed.
So I decided to pick a couple product categories and pit the Sephora Collection version against the Ulta Collection. Seeing as I had just tested the Sephora Collection Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer as a dupe for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, I knew I had to pick up Ulta’s option. Other contenders include matte lip creams (mostly just an excuse to stock up on berry colors for Fall), eyeshadows, and brow products.
Concealer
So even if you’ve only been reading the blog for a week or so, you’ll know how much I loved the Sephora Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer (seen here in 05 Parfait). Shade match, longevity, consistency, creaminess, all amazing. Maybe I had too high of expectations with the Ulta Fabulous Face (seen in light), but it didn’t blend as well, didn’t conceal as well, was just a little too off with the undertone shades. It seemed to crease / cake a lot by the end of the day.
Winner: Sephora. Hands down.
Matte Lip Creams
After falling in love with NYX‘s Soft Matte Lip Creams, I gravitate more towards matte finishes than satin or glossy. So I indulged my matte bold lip love and picked up Ulta‘s Matte Lip Cream in Striking, and Sephora‘s Cream Lip Stain in Blackberry Sorbet. Both Ulta and Sephora have a great range of colors to choose from. And despite having different shaped applicators, both are easy to get a sharp cupid’s bow with. Pigmentation is great in both of them. Price and packaging are also fairly similar. Honestly, it was pretty much a draw until it came to longevity. After wearing the Sephora one out for Happy Hour, my mom and I decided to end the day with a glass of wine while hanging out in the hot tub and contemplating life. So not only did it not budge through multiple glasses of wine and appetizers, it held up to the humidity and steam of the hot tub. It didn’t budge, except for when I went to wash my face and the cleanser loosened it up just enough to smear all over the lower half of my face. I looked like a clown (thankfully not Twisty – as much as I love watching AHS). So take note, you’ll benefit from using makeup remover with this one.
Winner: Sephora (but it was a close one).
Eyeshadows
In the swatch photo above, we have the Sephora Colorful Sequin Glitter in All That Glitters on top, with the Ulta Eyeshadow in Copper Bronze below. Amount of product wise, these babies weigh in pretty evenly with only a gram difference, however the Sephora one is twice the price ($12 vs $6 respectively). That being said, after testing them out it seems you get what you pay for. The Ulta brand eyeshadow, despite having an absolutely stunning shade had crazy fall out, wasn’t as pigmented, and seemed to disappear on me before I’d finished my second cup of coffee at work. Maybe it works better with a primer. Though I also tested the Sephora collection one without a primer and it lasted me until the end of day with no problem at all.
Winner: Sephora.
Eyebrow Pencils
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you’ll know how important brows are. My staples to address before leaving the house: base, brows, liner. I picked up the Ulta Ultimate Brow in Golden Ash and Sephora Tinted Brow Freeze in Light. Not too many shade choices, so I apologize to any of you redheads. Also, how does Ulta have the chance to name their product ULTAmate Brow and not take it? Seriously. I wasn’t that impressed with either of them to be honest. The pigment wasn’t that great, it was hard to find a shade that worked, and overall the products were too heavy/waxy. But at least the Ulta product came with a comb and had a bit more staying power. Overall though I’d recommend a brow pomade (see Anastasia Dipbrow vs NYX Tame & Frame).
Winner: Ulta.
Shop this post: Ulta Fabulous Face Liquid Concealer, Sephora Future Bright Gel Serum Concealer, Ulta Matte Lip Cream, Sephora Cream Lip Stain, Sephora Eyeshadow (glitter one here), Ulta Eyeshadow, Ulta Ultimate Brow Pencil, and Sephora Brow Freeze Pencil.
What are your favorite store brands?
♡Em
