Ulta is the beauty store where I can find something that fits my budget. I’ve tried many different products, either purchasing them (and maybe returning them when they didn’t work) or just trying them out in the store to determine what works and doesn’t work for my oily skin.
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To help you out on your next Ulta shopping trip, I thought I’d put together a roundup post of my top 10 picks from Ulta. Some of these are products I’ve tried, and some are ones I haven’t. I'm also going to note what's a more premium-priced product and what's more drugstore-level. I don't want to share exact prices because they can vary by location and whether it's on sale.
Top skincare to get at Ulta
1. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
Price point level: DrugstoreI have acne-prone skin that I’ve been able to get under control outside of a few stray pimples or bumps every now and then. So I prefer to use products on my face that are formulated for acne-prone skin and help to keep my pores clean.
If you’re looking for the same thing, from all of the reviews I’ve read, this is a cleanser you should try. This cleanser has salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, keeping your pores clear. It also claims to help soothe your skin if irritated from breakouts.
If you’re looking for the same thing, from all of the reviews I’ve read, this is a cleanser you should try. This cleanser has salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, keeping your pores clear. It also claims to help soothe your skin if irritated from breakouts.
2. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer
Price point level: Drugstore
This is one of my favorite products on this list. I use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer to wash my oily skin day and night. At night, it cuts through and removes the layers of dirt, oil, and makeup that have accumulated on my face throughout the day, no matter how thin or thick the layers.
It's also good in the morning to give my skin a refresh and set the stage for the makeup I'm going to apply. After using it, my skin feels nice and refreshed but not dried out and tight like other facial cleansers can make even oily skin feel.
Price point level: Premium
I’ve always wanted to try Estée Lauder moisturizer, but they are so expensive. Well, on the Alaskan cruise I went on, they had a high-end beauty shop, and there was a sample jar of this moisturizer. I applied some to my arm, and it felt so good. It went on smoothly, sunk into my skin, and didn’t feel greasy.
I’ve always wanted to try Estée Lauder moisturizer, but they are so expensive. Well, on the Alaskan cruise I went on, they had a high-end beauty shop, and there was a sample jar of this moisturizer. I applied some to my arm, and it felt so good. It went on smoothly, sunk into my skin, and didn’t feel greasy.
Top makeup to get at Ulta
4. Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Control Primer - Mattifying Primer with Salicylic Acid
Price point level: PremiumFor those of us with oily skin and who like to have a more matte look, using this Smashbox mattifying primer can help with that. It claims to instantly mattify the skin and control oil under makeup for up to 12 hours. It has Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel, and Zinc to help with that. Other key ingredients include Algae, Antioxidants, and Vitamins that help improve the skin.
I haven't used a Smashbox primer in a while, and I think this is a new formulation from the one I used. My experience was that the primer felt really lightweight and silky going on the skin.
When I've used the Smashbox mattifying primer, my makeup went on well. I like that it helped to blur imperfections on the skin while also minimizing the look of my pores. Both helped make my makeup look as flawless as possible.
5. Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Price point level: PremiumIf you find that halfway through the day your makeup starts to fade or melt, then you may want to try this setting spray. It claims to help your makeup look “just-applied for up to 16 hours - without melting, fading, or settling into fine lines.” It’s supposed to be good for all skin types.
I've used this off and on because I only buy it on sale. I have oily skin, and it does a good job of controlling oil and keeping my makeup in place all day. I don't find myself needing to blot throughout the day like I've experienced with other setting sprays.
6. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Price point level: DrugstoreThis foundation doesn’t just claim to fit your skin tone but also “to fit the unique texture issues of normal to oily skin for the ultimate natural skin fit.” It comes in 40 shades. I wear the shade Deep Golden. This Maybelline foundation is supposed to minimize pores by blurring them, absorbing oil, and giving you a matte-looking finish.
At first, I wasn’t a big fan of this foundation. It felt way too drying, but then I realized it was the combination of the foundation and my mattifying primer. So now with this foundation, I wear an oil-free primer but not one that’s mattifying; I let the Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation take care of that.
One time I wore this foundation for over 12 hours while I traveled and only had to blot once. To go out to dinner that night, I did remove and reapply the makeup, but I was pleased with how long it lasted and was still presentable when it makes no claims for that.
At first, I wasn’t a big fan of this foundation. It felt way too drying, but then I realized it was the combination of the foundation and my mattifying primer. So now with this foundation, I wear an oil-free primer but not one that’s mattifying; I let the Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation take care of that.
One time I wore this foundation for over 12 hours while I traveled and only had to blot once. To go out to dinner that night, I did remove and reapply the makeup, but I was pleased with how long it lasted and was still presentable when it makes no claims for that.
Top hair care to get at Ulta
7. TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner
Price point level: Drugstore
This is my go-to leave-in conditioner for moisturizing my relaxed hair. I use the TGIN Green Tea Super Moist Leave In Conditioner to moisturize my hair when it's wet and when it's dry. I like that it's protein-free and lightweight so my hair doesn't feel weighed down or greasy. You can read more about why I like it and how I use it in My Favorite Light & Protein-free Leave-in Conditioner For Relaxed Hair.
8. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
Price point level: Premium
I saw other relaxed-haired ladies swear by this hair mask, so I had to give it a try when it was 50% off at Ulta. One reason I think it's so popular is that it's one of the few hair masks out there that claims to balance protein and moisture. Having that protein-moisture balance is one of the keys to having healthy relaxed hair.
This Briogeo hair mask claims to strengthen damaged hair and help to prevent future damage. So it's good for dry and damaged hair. It also includes B-vitamins that help "improve the texture of the hair and add body and sheen. Also restores nourishment to hair damaged by heat or chemical treatments."
My hair feels good after using it. I've noticed a slight heaviness to my hair afterward, which for me means it's gotten some protein or strength back. Plus, my hair feels smooth and moisturized as well. While I like this and do recommend it, I don't think it's worth paying full price for it. Get it on sale like I did.
9. Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo
Price point level: Premium
This is my favorite salon-level shampoo. A former hairstylist of mine used it on my hair, and I liked the results. The great thing about this shampoo is I get great results using it at home as well.
This is a moisturizing shampoo that is good for extra thirsty, thick/coarse hair because it saturates with intensive moisture and seals it in. Because of how moisturizing it is, my hair, which is relaxed hair, never feels stripped of moisture even though it feels really clean. After using this Joico shampoo, my hair always feels smooth, hydrated, and soft. I share more of my experience with this shampoo in my post Joico Moisture Recovery Shampoo Review.
10. Shark FlexStyle or Shark SpeedStyle
Price point level: Premium
I was so excited to purchase the Shark FlexStyle and give this popular hair styling tool a try for myself. What I found is that while I like how well and quickly it dries my relaxed hair, it doesn't work for my hair type as a hair styling tool. That's why I feel like the SpeedStyle is the better buy.
Both dryers are created to dry the hair quickly, lessening the amount of potential heat damage. With the FlexStyle, I can dry my hair in about 30 minutes. With past "regular" blow dryers, it could take me 40+ minutes. I also feel like I get the smoothest blowouts I ever have at home. I share more about my experience in the post Using The Shark FlexStyle On Relaxed Hair.
What do you like to buy at Ulta?
I love the All Nighter Setting Spray! It is a must have in my makeup bag, and really makes such a difference in how my makeup performs. The Shea Moisture bar soap sounds really nice, I'll have to pick that up next time I go to Ultra! Great picks!
ReplyDeleteAshlee
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