The 30-day return policy at Ulta Beauty appears decent on paper, but when I started digging a little bit deeper I discovered that it’s not as lenient as it appears. Specifically, your mileage may vary (depending on the store) when it comes to returns beyond the return window. After some digging, I found answers to your return questions that you can’t even find on the Ulta website making this article your go-to resource.

You Have 30 Days to Return Stuff

Ulta now only gives you 30 days to make a return. It was 60 days, but in November of 2024 they lowered it to 30 days. 

This was stretched to 180 days during the COVID pandemic, but has since gone down to 60, and now we are down to 30 days.

If you make a return in the 31-60 day window you’ll have to settle for merchandise credit.

See Also: 12 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Save Money at Ulta Beauty

PRO TIP: USE THEIR EXTENDED HOLIDAY RETURN POLICY

For any purchases made between November 1st – December 31, 2024, Ulta Beauty gives you until January 31st, 2025 to make the return.

So anything bought in early November gets you basically a 90-day return window which is handy, especially when buying Christmas gifts.

You Can Return Makeup That’s Been Opened

Their website made ZERO mentions of returning used items so I hit up their live chat and asked (see above screenshot).

I asked if I could return makeup that I used for a couple weeks but decided I didn’t like.

Surprisingly, the answer was YES.

I even asked if they monitored such returns and could deny my return if I returned too many “half used” beauty items and was told there was NO limit.

But buyer beware, if you do this all the time, they’ll more than likely flag your name and information.

PRO TIP: ULTA REWARDS PROGRAM

You GOTTA sign-up for their Rewards program – The simple fact that they track your purchases so you’ll never need to keep your receipt makes it worth it.

Then throw in the fact that you can build up reward points that’ll score you free stuff makes it a total no-brainer.

Returning Something After 60 Days

According to this Reddit thread you CAN return something (for store credit) after the return window has expired but your mileage may vary by store.

Manager’s seem to have the final say and it’s save to assume they are more likely to deny you if you make frequent returns, used significant amount of the product, or you’re flat-out rude.

Also, it’s worth noting that you must have your receipt or proof of purchase for these types of returns.

You’ll get store credit for the lowest selling price in the past 90 days.

A Receipt Is Not Necessary

If you’re within the return window, NO, you don’t necessarily need your receipt.

If you’re an Ultamate Rewards member or have an Ulta.com account they can look up your purchase that way.

If they can’t locate your purchase in their system, they’ll give you the lowest selling price of the item in the past 90 days in the form of store-credit.

Also, for this to happen they’ll ask for a valid photo ID if they CAN’T find any record of your purchase.

They’ll use your information to track your return history and can deny future returns if they feel you’re abusing their return policy.

Some Stuff is Non-Returnable

You cannot return the following items:

• Wigs
• Hair Extensions
• Intimate Wellness devices
• Opened Mini Brands capsules

Also, according to an Ulta rep that I spoke with, you CAN’T return “broken products”. Meaning items that you took home and broke and was NOT the fault of Ulta.

See Also: Macy’s Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know On a Single Page

Returning Online Purchases In-Store

Just bring in your packing slip or original email confirmation as your proof of purchase.

The same return window applies to online purchases.

PRO TIP: AVOID RETURN SHIPPING COSTS

You’re on the hook for all return shipping charges which makes their online return policy less than ideal.

There is ONLY one way avoid these costs and that is to bring your online purchase to any Ulta Beauty location to process your return.

How Do “Ulta at Target” Returns Work?

Ulta products bought at Target CANNOT be returned to a standalone Ulta location, you must return them to Target.

This applies to any store that sells Ulta Beauty products, not just Target.

Conversely, stuff bought at an Ulta store cannot be returned to your local Target.

Returning In-Store Purchases via the Mail

This might be an option for some shoppers who would prefer to stay out of stores.

To make it happen, you’ll need to call Ulta at 1 (866) 983-8582 and they’ll email you a return mailing label and further instructions.

You Get Back Your Reward Points

You’ll get them all back immediately after you complete your return.

Keep in mind that if you used your points, and bought several items, you’ll only get back a proportionate amount of points.

Returning Something You Bought With a Coupon

If you return an item bought with a coupon you’ll ONLY get back the amount of money you paid out-of-pocket.

Also, you will not get back the actual coupon or one of equal value.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS TRY TO MAKE YOUR RETURN

Even if you’re past the return window, try to make the return.

From talking to several Ulta employees, their policy is fairly lenient in-store and most locations let you return stuff for store credit well beyond their stated number of return days.

So take advantage of this and always try and return items rather than throwing them away.

The biggest problem with Ulta is that the policy tends to change depending on the store or employee you’re dealing with, so your mileage may vary when making a return of a product you’ve had a long time.

Getting Cash Back with a Gift Receipt Return

Ulta will NOT give you cash back if you request it.

But they’ll be more than happy to do an even exchange or give you store credit for a future purchase.

What About Returning Items from Ulta Resellers or Dealers? 

Only items bought from an actual Ulta location, or from their website, can be returned.

For all other sales of Ulta products you’ll have deal with the 3rd party seller directly.

See Also: Sephora Return Policy: All Your Questions Finally Answered

Can Someone Else Make the Return for Me?

If the person has your receipt or Ultamate Rewards card there shouldn’t be any problems.

But…I’ve read online of some folks being told the original purchaser must make the return so it seems your mileage may vary from store-to-store which is disappointing.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience returning stuff to Ulta Beauty? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)