When it comes to beauty and all the products that promise the world in the realms of makeup, skincare, haircare, and bodycare, Southern women have always been a discerning bunch, and our editors here at Southern Living are especially discerning, as prone to trying new things as we are to sticking with the products our grandmothers used.
While beauty products depend entirely on the person using them and their concerns and desires, there are certain truths, and shopping at Ulta is one of them. Ulta has arguably the best selection of luxury and affordable products, and is home to a ton of brands and products we trust and buy again and again.
Our editors’ picks for Ulta’s best products are based on lots of testing and personal rave reviews, and they’re the products we stock up on again and again, from skincare to makeup.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Ceravie
“I always buy my CeraVe products at Ulta, where they (frequently) run promotions like buy one, get one half off, which gives me a good excuse to stock up on products I use every day, like this perfect daytime moisturizer.” — Jenna Sims, Senior Digital Editor
ELF Poreless Putty Primer
Ulta
“This affordable primer is the perfect combination of matte and glossy finishes!” —Mary Shannon Hodes, Social Media Editor
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Queirosa 62 Perfume Mist
“If you want a perfume you can wear every day and still get more compliments than ever, this $20 perfume mist is perfect. Plus, you can try other scents from the brand and even get a small size to try!” —Caitlin Yarborough Sadik, Digital Editor
Tan Luxe The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops
Courtesy: Ulta
“I love these drops when I want a natural, just-back-from-the-beach look. It’s almost foolproof. I learned this the hard way after so many bad (and splotchy and streaky) color experiences with other faux glow products.” —Betsy Cribb Watson, Senior Home Editor
ELF Instant Lift Brow Pencil
Ulta
“What’s better than defined brows for $3? No! This is a staple in my daily makeup routine and a real bargain.” —Mary Shannon Hodes, Digital Editor
OPI Nail Lacquer
OPI
“I especially love the Funny Bunny, Bubble Bath, and Big Apple Red shades for my at-home manicures and pedicures. Ulta has the best selection of OPI online and in-store, so I always check them out.” —Caitlin Yarborough Sadik, Digital Editor
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury
“I use this foundation for special events when I want to feel a little more stylish and polished. It gives off a really nice glow.” —Cameron Beale, Editor in Chief of Holmes
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant
Ulta
“This deodorant is almost always on sale or cheaper at Ulta than it is elsewhere, and the scent is so elegant. It’s one of my favorite beauty products. They even have an aluminum-free version.” —Katherine Jessee, Assistant Digital Food Editor
Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint
Benefit Cosmetics
“I’ve been using this rose-scented tint for over 10 years and can’t deny its effectiveness. It’s simple and looks so natural that I can wear it every day, even when I’m not wearing any other makeup. I love using it on my lips, but I also like to dab it on my cheeks for a quick blush.” —Caitlin Yarborough Sadik, Digital Editor
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Amazon
“I’m a big fan of CeraVe because it’s a staple and affordable option. Ulta often has sales and promotions, so I stock up then. It’s my favorite nighttime serum.” — Jenna Sims, Senior Digital Editor
Bali Body Streak-Free Self-Tanning Mousse
Courtesy of Bali Body
“I’m not a fan of tanning at home every week, so I don’t want to just reach for any self-tanner that leaves me streaky and orange. So I tried this mousse and was pleasantly surprised that I slowly worked my way through the whole bottle. The dark shade suits my fair skin. The super dark shade with green undertones suits my warmer skin tone (which tends to turn orange when I tan or use fake tan). With the super dark one, I recommend coming off early!” —Caitlin Yarborough Sadik, Digital Editor
Not your mom’s Plump for Joy bodybuilding dry shampoo
Ulta
“I always, always, always buy at least one travel-sized bottle of this dry shampoo. Not only is it perfect for traveling or tossing in your bag, it’s the best affordable dry shampoo for giving your roots a boost when you need them most.” —Caitlin Yarborough-Sadik, Digital Editor
