Sephora vs. Ulta: The fall beauty sale showdown is on

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.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.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.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.I’ve really enjoyed how this foundation gives me coverage while keep...