For the first time, Sephora and Ulta Beauty are turning fall’s biggest beauty sales into an all-out showdown— and the discounts are seriously hard to ignore.

As a commerce reporter and beauty tester who has spent more than six years covering, testing and shopping the beauty space, I know which deals are actually worth your attention and which ones can be left in the cart. This time around, I’m rounding up the best Sephora and Ulta Beauty sales so you don’t have to, putting the biggest markdowns from both retailers head-to-head.

In one corner, Ulta Beauty’s 21 Days of Beauty brings its rotating lineup of cult-favorite makeup and skincare down by as much as 50 percent. In the other, Sephora is firing back with its own one-day deals, putting coveted beauty staples on sale at prices that can make even the most disciplined shopper do a double take.

From buzzy complexion products to skincare favorites with devoted followings, the stakes (and savings!) are high.

The result is the beauty sale battle of the fall: two powerhouse retailers, a parade of coveted products and some genuinely massive discounts competing for your attention and your cart. I’m tracking the standout deals across both events to help you figure out where to shop, what to skip, and which 50%-off finds are actually worth grabbing before they disappear.

Best Sephora Sales

Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream

I’ve been reaching for this eye cream when I want my under-eyes to look smoother and more refreshed. It has a lightweight feel that makes it easy to work into my routine without feeling heavy.

Supergoop! Glowscreen Soft-Radiance Drops Mineral SPF 40

I love how these drops give my skin a subtle, healthy-looking glow while adding mineral SPF to my routine. They’re especially nice when I want something more radiant than a traditional sunscreen.

One/Size by Patrick Starrr Secure the Glow Tacky Hydrating Primer

This primer gives my skin that hydrated, slightly tacky base that helps makeup feel more locked in. I’ve found it particularly useful when I want my complexion products to sit smoothly and last.

Lawless Forget The Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Foundation

I’ve really enjoyed how this foundation gives me coverage while keeping my skin looking plump and natural. Rather than feeling overly matte or mask-like, it leaves my complexion with a more polished, skin-like finish.

Touchland Golden Amber Power Essence Body & Hair Fragrance Mist

This mist has become such an easy way for me to add fragrance without committing to a traditional perfume. I like being able to spritz it over both my body and hair for a warm, lingering scent.

Best Ulta Beauty Sales

Cakes Body Grippy CAKES Circles Non-Adhesive Nipple Covers

Life savers! I’ve found these nipple covers especially handy when I want coverage without dealing with adhesive. The grippy design helps keep them in place, making them an easy option under trickier tops and dresses.

Divi Scalp Reset Shampoo

I’ve been loving this shampoo for giving my scalp that fresh, thoroughly cleansed feeling without making my hair feel stripped. It’s a great reset when my roots need a little extra attention.

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask (7-Pack)

These masks are an easy pick when I want my skin to look especially hydrated and plump. I like keeping the seven-pack on hand for those days when my complexion needs a quick boost.

Shark Beauty FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

I’ve found the FlexStyle makes styling my hair feel much faster and more manageable, especially when I want to switch up my look. The versatility is my favorite part; I can dry, smooth, or style without reaching for a bunch of separate tools. Read my full review for proof.

Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

I’ve been reaching for this concealer when I want smooth, buildable coverage that still looks natural on my skin. It blends easily and does a great job of keeping my under-eyes looking fresh without settling heavily into fine lines.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.