Cool on you and your wallet.
As it does every year, sweet summer is zipping by, and with it, our seasonal beauty products. The tubes of sunscreen, jars of skin-quenching face creams, and bottles of hydrating hair serums we stocked up ahead of summer—poof! They’re disappearing faster than the season itself. That’s why we’re grabbing our credit cards and sprinting to Ulta’s Set for School Sale, happening now through July 25.
Before you ask, there’s no student ID necessary—Ulta’s Set for School Sale is for everyone, with 50 percent off beauty staples from brands (Stila! Urban Decay! Ellis Brooklyn!) you know and love. Our editors already have their carts full, so if you’re not sure what else to buy (besides more SPF, of course) keep reading for their top picks. Just hurry—the sale only runs through July 25.
The best Ulta Set for School Sale deals, according to W+G editors
Best skincare deals
Originally $42
“These glow drops are my secret for maintaining a bronzed complexion well past the summer months. I simply add a few drops into my moisturizer each morning for an even and subtle glow—no foundation needed,” – Gabriela Garcia, Senior Commerce Editor
Originally $38
“This cream is just as refreshing as the original Aqua Bomb, but it comes in a heavenly hydrating whipped formula, which my skin is desperate for after last week’s heat wave,” – Francesca Krempa, Commerce Editor
Originally $30
“In the summer, when the heat is high and sweat is inevitable, I’m prone to body acne. What’s been keeping ‘bacne,’ and yes, ‘buttne‘ at bay is the KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub. The granules are fine (but not too fine), and a light hand is all you need to achieve the satisfying sensation of a good scrub-down. In combination with skin-exfoliating AHA, it leaves my skin soft and smooth—a welcome change from harsher scrubs that strip me raw. In addition to less breakouts, I’ve also noticed fewer ingrown hairs, which is a huge bonus,” – Danielle Calma, Commerce Writer
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Originally $21
“I’ve tested countless cleansing balms and I find myself always reaching for this Banila Co product. I love its texture and ability to melt away my makeup, especially waterproof mascara, which wipes off with ease,” – Garcia
Originally $32
“I have dry skin and adding in this specific oil cleanser as the first step of my nighttime routine has been a total game-changer. It feels so silky and hydrating, while removing all of the makeup and gunk from my pores. I also have sensitive eyes and while some cleansing oils and balms can irritate them, this one is extremely gentle and—dare I say—soothing,” – Katie Maguire, Director, Commerce Operations
Originally $65
“I haven’t tried this before, but I’ve been looking for a product for dark circles ever since having my first kid 1 year ago. At half off, this is a good way to test out a new-to-me product,” – Jessica Willison Reyes, Business Manager, Commerce
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Originally $70
“I love so much about Juice Beauty—especially that their products are vegan, clean, and cruelty-free. But what I love about this moisturizer specifically (besides the fact that it makes my skin feel so soft) is that it’s contained in a jar with a pump and, therefore, stays bacteria free,” – Danny Feekes, Head of Commerce
Originally $110
“I received this serum in a goodie bag a few years ago. While I was excited to try it, I assumed that it would be a one-and-done love affair. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This serum has remained a mainstay in my beauty regimen. The combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E gives me hope that the serum is fighting wrinkles—in addition to providing a base layer for my moisturizer,” – Feekes
Best haircare deals
Originally $12
“Pacifica’s Rosemary Apple Cider Scalp Detox Tonic makes for a fantastic degreaser that cuts down on buildup. It’s formulated with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, rosemary extract, and salicylic acid, which all work together to clarify the scalp of lingering debris and residue. It leaves my scalp looking and feeling clean, and for much longer than if I were just to use shampoo,” – Calma
BOGO 50% off
“I took a look at my hairbrush the other day and got seriously grossed out. I realized I have no idea how long I’ve been using it, which means its seen a lot of dead skin cells and hair and product residue over its lifetime. Anyway, it’s time for a new one, or maybe two because this BOGO deal is too good to pass up.” – Jamey Powell, Commerce Writer
Originally $24
“This is my go-to clarifying shampoo that my hair stylist recommended for my wavy/curly fine, & thick hair. This summer has been rough on my hair, so I’m reaching for this shampoo more often. I know I’ll use it, so I’ll be stocking up to have on hand while it’s on sale,” — Willison Reyes
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Originally $58
“This is the first thing I’m adding to my cart because it’s exactly like the product description sounds—liquid silk for your hair. If you have thirsty curls or dry, damaged strands, I beg you to add it too. It’s usually pretty expensive so 50 percent off is a steal,” – Krempa
Best fragrance and makeup deals
Originally $24
“Well, it finally happened: my monster-sized Urban Decay eyeshadow palette (you know the one) bit the dust. Instead of buying another huge palette with colors I’ll never use, I’m going to downsize to these eyeshadow singles. They come in a variety of soft, glittery neutrals, but I’m leaning toward the ‘Space Cowboy’ shade,” – Powell
Originally $155
“It’s hard to pick a single Ellis Brooklyn fragrance to buy because I love them all. But if I had to narrow it down, I’m picking ‘Sun Fruit’—it smells like that wickedly hot hour right before the sun begins to set. Solar, fig-y, a little bit musky. Sexy and beachy,” – Krempa
Originally $32
“I love any beauty product that packs double duty, so this Stila brush-and-bronzer duo is going into my cart. It’s buildable and the hydrating formula makes it easy to blend. Plus, it comes in six different shades to accommodate a variety of skin tones—I think the grapefruit and caramel combo is the move for my pale-olive complexion,” – Powell
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