Ulta Beauty Favorites

Over the last few years, I have really gotten back into a good beauty routine and I wanted to share our Ulta beauty favorites. Spending time to find a good skin care routine has been a form of self care, and I’m proud of all I’ve learned and the success I’ve had!

Before having kids, I was just starting to dip my toe into really good quality skin care and makeup. Remember Birchbox? The original subscription service that sent sample sizes of beauty products? It was a highlight of my month back when we were living that DINK (double income, no kids) life!

Then, kids came along and I was just lucky to wash my hair. There was no time to care about what products I was using, let alone any kind of beauty routine steps after that! Now that the kids are older, I’m having fun getting back into the beauty world. Things have certainly changed, and as I’m getting older, I’m finding my needs are changing.

I love Ulta because it has a mix of high end and low end finds. There are some things, like skin care, I want to spend more on, and other things that just aren’t worth the splurge to me. I love that you can find both in one spot, and the frequency of the sales doesn’t hurt either!

Ulta Beauty Favorites: skin care

Removing make up is always the first step of a good skin care routine, and the Original Makeup Erasers are the best hands down. These smaller pads are also great for toners, and so much better for the environment!

Speaking of makeup removal, Bliss Makeup Melt is really great for super stubborn or waterproof makeup that just won’t budge.

This Pixi Glow Tonic is such a great exfoliator.

Fine lines? This No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Serum holds up to the hype!

Vitamin C serums are super effective, but can also be super expensive. This Derma E Vitamin C Concentration is an amazing budget option that pulls it’s weight.

I’ve tried a lot of retinol creams over the years. Some have clogged my pores, some have been too astringent, but this CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is perfect. Rich, but not clogging, and just the right amount of retinol to not be too drying. I use it 1-2 times a week, and can always see a noticeable difference in my skin.

I absolutely love Coola Full Spectrum Sun Silk Drops. It applies like a serum, has SPF, and makes my skin look so glowy. Often, all I put on my face is the Silk Drops, and then touch up with a little concealer as necessary.

I can never get enough SPF, and this Coola Makeup Sunscreen Setting Spray. It’s perfect for the finishing touch, or if you need to reapply sun protection but don’t want to mess up your make up. A summer must have!

Ulta Beauty Favorites: Make Up

NYX Matte Setting Spray is just as good as more expensive counterparts. Keeps everything in place, even in the summer!

This L’oreal Voluminous Mascara is my favorite forever and ever. I go for the original over the waterproof and it always stays put. The formula never clumps on me, and it works perfectly for my naturally long lashes.

The Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer is amazing. Not too dark, but enough to give you that sun kissed glow all year round.

Burt’s Bees Nourish Mascara is a great green option. It washes off flawlessly. The applicator is not my favorite, and it tends to smear a bit, especially in the summer. It’s a good every day option if you just want a little color on your lashes.

I was so impressed with the Burt’s Bees mascara, I tried this pencil eyeliner too. It’s perfect for a casual makeup look when you don’t want a super defined line. Doesn’t smudge a bit!

ulta beauty favorites: Hair

Brittany swears by Batiste Original Dry Shampoo. The scent can be strong, so be sure to go for the unscented if you are sensitive to perfumes.

Looking for more beauty favorites? Heather has also shared her daily go to’s here! What’s In Heather’s Makeup Bag: Makeup Tips for Redheads