Ulta Holiday Return Policy

If you’ve ever bought a product from Ulta Beauty that didn’t work out, you’ll want to know the Ulta holiday return policy. This guide covers everything you need to understand about returns and exchanges during the busiest shopping season of the year.

The holidays bring special offers and extended return windows, which is great for gift-givers. But the rules can sometimes get confusing. We’ll break down the standard policy, the extended holiday deadlines, and how to handle both online and in-store returns. You’ll learn how to make the process smooth and get your money back quickly.

Ulta Beauty’s standard return policy is quite generous, allowing 60 days for most returns with a receipt. During the holidays, they extend this window significantly for purchases made within a specific date range. This is designed to give you and your gift recipients plenty of time to make decisions.

Key Dates for the Holiday Return Window

The extended holiday return period typically applies to purchases made between October 1st and December 31st. It’s crucial to check your receipt or the online order confirmation for the exact return-by date, as it can vary slightly by year.

Purchases from October 1 – December 24: These items usually have a return deadline in late January of the following year.
Purchases from December 26 – December 31: These also qualify for the extended return window, often with a deadline in early February.
Christmas Day Purchases: Since stores are closed, this isn’t applicable, but online orders placed on the 25th are included.

Always double-check the return-by date printed on your receipt or in your email confirmation, as this is the final authority.

What Items Are Eligible for Return?

Most items bought at Ulta, including during the holidays, can be returned or exchanged. This includes makeup, skincare, haircare, tools, and fragrances. The item should be in new or gently used condition with most of the product remaining.

Opened Products: Yes, Ulta accepts returns on opened products that didn’t work for you. This is part of their “Love It or Return It” promise.
Unopened Products: These are, of course, fully returnable with a receipt.
Gift Sets: Entire gift sets can be returned. If part of the set is used, the value may be adjusted.
Final Sale Items: These are clearly marked and are not eligible for return or exchange.

Condition of Returned Merchandise

While Ulta is lenient, items should be returned in resellable condition whenever possible. For health and safety reasons, certain restrictions apply to used tools.

Makeup and skincare should have the majority of the product left.
Hair tools and electrical items must be in like-new condition with all original packaging and parts.
Fragrances that have been used heavily may not be accepted due to safety regulations.

Special Rules for Different Product Types

Some categories have specific guidelines. For instance, prestige fragrances often have sealed boxes for safety, and once opened, their returnability might be assessed differently. It’s always a good idea to ask a store associate if your unsure about a specific item’s return status.

What You Need for a Successful Return

To ensure your holiday return is processed without a hitch, gather these items before heading to the store or preparing your mail-in package.

The Original Receipt: This is the easiest way to process your return. It provides the purchase date, price, and method of payment.
The Credit Card Used: If you paid with a card, having it with you helps speed up the refund process in-store.
A Government-Issued Photo ID: Ulta requires an ID for all returns, especially those without a receipt, to prevent fraud.
The Product in Its Original Packaging: Include all components, like applicators, lids, and outer boxes.
The Online Order Number: For online returns, you’ll need the order confirmation email or the packing slip.

How to Return Ulta Holiday Purchases

The process differs slightly depending on where you made your purchase. Here are the step-by-step instructions for both methods.

Returning Items Bought In-Store

Returning to a physical Ulta Beauty store is usually the fastest way to get your refund.

Bring the item, original receipt, and original payment card (if applicable) to any Ulta Beauty store. You do not have to return it to the same location where it was bought.
An associate will inspect the item and process the return using your receipt.
Your refund will be issued to your original payment method. If you used cash, you’ll receive cash back. If you used a gift card, the funds will be returned to a new gift card.
If you don’t have a receipt, the associate can look up your purchase using your Ultamate Rewards account or the credit card used. Without any proof, you may receive store credit at the current selling price.

Returning Items Bought Online

You have two options for returning online orders: by mail or in-store. The in-store method is often quicker.

Option 1: Return by Mail

Log into your Ulta.com account and go to “Order History.”
Select the item(s) you wish to return and initiate the return process. You’ll need to print a prepaid return label.
Pack the items securely in a box, include the return label, and drop it off at a designated shipping carrier (like USPS).
Once Ulta’s warehouse receives and processes your return, your refund will be issued. This can take up to 14 business days after they get the package.

Option 2: Return In-Store

Bring the item, its original packing slip (or the order confirmation email), and your ID to any Ulta store.
The associate will look up the order using your information.
The refund will be processed back to your original payment method. This is typically faster than mailing it back.

Understanding Your Refund Method and Timing

How you get your money back depends on how you paid and how you returned the item.

Credit/Debit Card Refunds: Can take 3-10 business days to appear on your statement after the return is processed in-store or at the warehouse.
PayPal Refunds: Are returned to your PayPal balance, usually within 24-48 hours of Ulta processing the return.
Store Credit/Gift Card: This is immediate in-store or issued as an e-gift card for online returns. If a gift was bought for you, you’ll likely recieve store credit.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): If you used a service like Afterpay, contact the BNPL provider directly for details on how the refund affects your payment schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the Ulta holiday return policy?

The extended holiday return window gives you until late January or early February to return items purchased between October 1 and December 31. Always verify the exact date on your receipt.

Can I return an online order to an Ulta store?

Yes, you can. This is often the quickest method. Just bring the item, packing slip or order number, and your ID to any store location for processing.

What if I lost my receipt?

If you’re a Ultamate Rewards member, the purchase can be looked up through your account. Alternatively, the store can try to find it with the credit card used. Without any proof, you may get store credit at the item’s lowest recent selling price.

Does Ulta accept returns on used makeup?

Yes, under their “Love It or Return It” policy, Ulta accepts returns on gently used products that didn’t meet your expectations. The product should have a significant amount remaining.

Can I return a holiday gift I received without a receipt?

Yes. The giver may have included a gift receipt, which makes it easy. Without one, you can still return it with a valid ID for store credit at the current price. The person who gave you the gift will not be notified.

Are there any non-returnable items during the holidays?

Yes, items marked “Final Sale” cannot be returned. Additionally, products that have been excessively used or are damaged due to misuse may be refused. Some specific beauty services are also non-refundable once rendered.

How do I return a damaged or defective product?

Contact Ulta Guest Services immediately if you receive a damaged or defective item. They will provide instructions for a return or replacement, often covering the shipping costs for the return.

Tips for a Smooth Holiday Return Experience

Keep Your Receipts and Packaging

During the holidays, create a folder (physical or digital) for all your Ulta receipts and order confirmations. Try to keep the original packaging for gifts you give, just in case the recipient needs to make an exchange. This simple step saves a lot of hassle later on.

Make Returns Early

Avoid the last-minute rush in early January. If you know something isn’t right, try to make the return as soon as possible after the holiday. Stores are less crowded, and staff can give you more attentive service.

Understand the Exchange Process

If you want a different shade or product, an exchange is straightforward. In-store, you can simply pick the new item and the associate will process a even exchange or charge/refund the difference. For online orders, it’s usually faster to process a return and then place a new order for the correct item.

Leverage Your Ultamate Rewards Account

This is the best argument for always shopping with your rewards account. Every purchase is tracked, making receipt-less returns a breeze. Your points are also adjusted if you return an item, so be aware of that if your close to a reward tier.

What Happens to My Points When I Return?

If you earned points on a purchase you later return, those points will be deducted from your Ultamate Rewards balance. If you’ve already spent those points, your balance may go negative until you earn more points on future purchases.

Common Holiday Return Scenarios and Solutions

Returning a Gift You Purchased for Someone Else

If the gift wasn’t right, you can return it with your receipt for a full refund to your original payment method. If you used a gift receipt when you gave the present, the recipient would handle the return themself for store credit.

What to Do If You Miss the Holiday Deadline

The standard 60-day return policy still applies to holiday purchases if you miss the extended window, but only from the original purchase date. For example, an item bought on October 1st would need to be returned by late November under the standard policy if you missed the January holiday deadline. It’s always worth checking with guest services, as they can sometimes make exceptions.

Handling Returns Without the Original Payment Method

If you paid with a credit card that you’ve since cancelled or replaced, the refund will still be sent to that original account. The bank will typically route it to your new card or issue you a credit. It’s a good idea to contact your bank beforehand to understand their policy on refunds to closed accounts.

Navigating the Ulta holiday return policy doesn’t have to be stressful. By knowing the key dates, keeping your receipts, and understanding the process for in-store and online returns, you can shop with confidence during the holiday season. Remember, the extended window is there to give you flexibility, but acting promptly and being prepared with the right documentation will ensure you have the best possible experience. Whether your returning a gift or something that didn’t work for you, Ulta’s policy is designed to be helpful and accommodating.