Ulta GWPs

[itscarin]

This thread will be for Ulta GWPs only.  Share ulta promos here.  

Please do NOT post requests for the spreadsheet in this thread.  Please post requests for the Ulta GWP google spread sheet in this thread: http://community.sephora.com/t5/Off-Topic/Ulta-GWP-Google-Spreadsheet-Request-Thread/m-p/2753063#M11...

A list of in store coupons is here: https://community.sephora.com/t5/Savvy-Shoppers/Ulta-GWP-Coupons-no-chatter/td-p/3866521

Let's keep this thread on topic!

Ulta points refresher (because yes, it is that complicated):

Spoiler

Item #1 - $53.50

Item #3 - $108.50 (and is eligible for a certain item/brand 5x multiplier)

* There is also a 5x all purchase multiplier and you are platinum so you get 1.25x

Total Spent - $162

Base Points Earned - 162

Platinum .25x Earned - 41 (162 * .25 = 40.5, and rounding up)

5x All Purchases Earned - 648 (it ends up being 4x because you don't count the base points)

5x Item/Brand Earned - 434

Total Points Earned - 1285

Links are not allowed.  In lieu of links, please read this:

Spoiler

Please add product id numbers and sku numbers so people can find items on ulta.  

Just to clarify, there is an item number that Ulta lists on the website, right under the picture of the item.

The product id is the number given to the item in the URL.  So Ulta's site follows this formula of having the url and then the very last part of the url is "productId=xlsImpprod" followed by an 8 digit number.  If you use that "productId" number you can get to the page of any item on ulta. 

It's not a search, but the direct url to the page. 

Click on any product, and then view the url in the address bar.  It will look like this: ulta's website (not using the actual domain because BT admins don't like that) /prep-prime-fix?productId=xlsImpprod15921204  Replace the 8 digit product id of the item you want to see with the id of the product you're looking for.

My very unofficial Ulta point multiplier to approximate percent discount chart:

(This is a number where I use the multiplier to divide by 2000 to see how many dollars I would have to spend in order to redeem a $125 reward.  E.g. 2000 points divided by 1 point multiplier means I have to spend $2000 to get the $125 reward.  Adding how much I had to spend ($2000) + the reward ($125), and then using the reward ($125) to divide the total purchase ($2125), I get a discount of approximately 6% based on the total purchase.  Note: the total purchase is based on the concept that you are spending just enough to reach the next $125 reward and combines the reward value with how much money you had to spend to get that reward.

Spoiler

Multiplier	1	1.25	1.5	2	2.25	2.5	3	3.25	3.5	4	4.25	4.5	5	7.25	7.5	8	8.25	8.5	9	9.25	9.5	10	10.25	10.5
Spend	2000	1600	1333	1000	889	800	667	615	571	500	471	444	400	276	267	250	242	235	222	216	211	200	195	190
Points	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000	2000
Redeem	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125	125
Total Purchase	2125	1725	1458	1125	1014	925	792	740	696	625	596	569	525	401	392	375	367	360	347	341	336	325	320	315
Discount	6%	7%	9%	11%	12%	14%	16%	17%	18%	20%	21%	22%	24%	31%	32%	33%	34%	35%	36%	37%	37%	38%	39%	40%

[NatureGirlSD]

LOL! That totally gave me a visual of Hibiclens on Ulta shelves. I'm currently using a Burt's Bees rose toner even though it has alcohol denat and makes me feel like I'm in 8th grade, so witch hazel will at least be a step up to high school for me. I've tried to justify finishing it because I use PTR Unwrinkle Toning Lotion afterward, but that's also been a fail after a few months. (I need an intervention or a Toner 101 class.) @notcreative

[NatureGirlSD]

I hope they add more from the line! @RGbrown

[RGbrown]

New (repeat) gwp!

The pre-father's day bags are back...I'll update with product ID's in a minute, but they're on the gifts>gwp page (full site may take a few more minutes to update, but they're on the app now)

Outdoorsy 18401019

Classic 18401023

On Trend 18401021

No new multipliers...feels like it's been forever since we got a new one. Guess ulta wants to make sure there isn't any stacking going on on 10x day this year. 😒

[NatureGirlSD]

The outdoorsy one is tempting since my husband could use most all of the items. I just need a little help from seasoned pros on the best way/time to cash in $125 in rewards for Mad Hippie skincare & a few odds and ends. (I'm in no hurry, but get distracted by each new GWP set!)

Wait for a big variety GWP bag?

Wait for 20% off?

Time it with 10x points since it's my birthday month too? The points may be negligible since my beauty budget for the month is wiped out & I won't go much over the $125. Thanks for any help! @RGbrown @ohheyitscindyk @itscarin @notcreative

[Anonymous]

I'm really thankful that you posted this question! 

I've been out of the loop for so long that I didn't realize that you could now earn points on a point redemption purchase.  

Just to clarify, (I'm trying to follow, sorry)

So if I have 4,000 points right now, and hypothetically speaking if everything I want IS a part of the 10x promotion (my estee lauder foundation usually is and some other faves of mine usually are, I could just stock up) would it be best for me to redeem all 4,000 this upcoming 10x points day?  Because in a way I would just earn my points right back?

Or should I wait for a 20% off coupon?

I appreciate any and all help.  This board is such a blessing to my life. lol.

[phantompenguinx]

@Anonymous

Based on your hypothetical, I would say yes, redeeming 4000 points *if* all the products you purchase are part of the 10x would be a better value than redeeming during the 20%...but personally it really depends on your scenario. With the 10x day becoming more brand/product specific, I can't find myself shelling out the 2000 points on items I want or will use. Who knows if the same brands from last year will be part of this year's selection?? Also for me, I know I won't be using my points since it's my birthday month, I wouldn't want to lose the 2x bonus

EDIT

sorry! didnt see the responses below 😛

[RGbrown]

@AnonymousUnidentified

If you spend 4000 points on $250 of stuff that is all 10x, you would earn 2250 points back, which would leave you with plenty of points to redeem another 2000/$125 when the 20% rolls around 😁

Play with a cart on 10x day and see how it turns out with whatever items are actually included, but I'd seriously consider spending 4k on 10x day, even if it doesn't get you everything you want. Grab a few gifts from the 10x stuff if necessary to fill out a redemption (remember, if spending points, there's no cash out of your pocket!), and then use the rest of your points with a 20% later to pick up whatever else you need for you. 😃

[Anonymous]

Thank you @RGbrown ! 🙂 🙂 🙂

I will definitely play around that day and see.  It didn't even occur to me to do it this way.  I'm even more anxious now for monday.  lol!!

Thanks for all your help as always.  

[itscarin]

@NatureGirlSD My strategy would be to wait for the points.  Like rgb said, you won't get base points but you'll still get 9x points which is better than 20% in the long run.  

You would redeem 2000 points, get $125 worth of product and then get another 1125 points to spend. ($125 * 9).  I think earning points is the best way to maximize your spending power. 

Another consideration is that when you earn points on points, it's an instant return. For example, if you earn points on dollars spent, they don't post to your account until after it's shipped, but if you earn points on points, they instantly post to your account. If you earned 1125 points and redeemed 2000, it would show up as it only cost you 875 points to redeem $125 coupon.  This may or may not matter to you, but if you were on the cusp of your next 2000 points this could be huge. Eg. you have 2875 points, the transaction would show as costing you 875 points. Actually, now that I think about it, you could make multiple purchases during 10x day and it would only cost 875 points to redeem, if I've thought this through correctly. @rgbrown thoughts?

[NatureGirlSD]

I'm playing with my cart and get this. I feel like I used to get more points in the past when redeeming points. @itscarin @RGbrown @notcreative

[notcreative]

I am still learning how all this works. Because I did not redeem any points in my birth month, I was unaware you would not get the birthday bonus point when redeeming points (will make notes of this now that I know; thanks for informing me). I will defer to rgb and itscarin, because we learn as we go. Because I have been mostly inactive, I have mostly only learned from my personal experiences this year. This is why the group brain is so much better than the individual, and it is great to have multiple sources for information. I am really starting to wonder how the bonus points will play when redeeming points under 10x points now. Since a birthday offer is kind of a site wide offer (in that everyone gets it but only during their birthdates) I would have assumed it applied the way other targeted offers do since only people in August would get a bonus for their birthday this month.

If anyone happened to redeem points during the March 10x points event, how did it go? 

Happy birthday!

[RGbrown]

@notcreative

Targeted offers vs offers for everyone isn't really the consideration...it's about the products included. If an offer includes everything on the site (like a bday 2x, or the current 2x/3x/4x), it will only apply on what you spend OOP; you don't get base or bonus points on what you pay for with points. The brand (or item) specific offers play nicer for some reason (so offers like 5x NARS, or the hopefully upcoming 10x select items)...if you redeem points, you lose base points on the redemption, but get full bonus points on the entire cart.

I didn't redeem any points on the 10x stuff in March...I think I had pretty well spent mine down with the 20% in Feb, so I can't offer personal results from that particular event, but I have spent points during other brand/item specific offers with consistent results. Knock on ALL the wood, I can't see why this would be different from the others, but Ulta has been getting harder to predict lately, so fingers crossed it works like it should when it comes around. 😄

(On a related note though, Feb was my b'day, so I do have first-hand confirmation that you lose b'day points when paying with points 😞 )

It's so good to see you, by the way 🙂

[notcreative]

Yes, I knew you did not get base points when you paid with points. When I redeemed in November 2017, it was the way it always worked where you got nothing. In January, I noticed I got bonus points when I redeemed points. That was on a targeted offer with a specific brand though. I redeemed points again this year, but I did not have any site wide offers then either. The only reason I learned what I learned today is because of the tag. Otherwise, I still would have assumed you earned the bonus point when redeeming points for the birthday offer (thereby spreading misinformation, which is uncool). Thanks for explaining it. It makes sense, and going from no bonus at all to even a bonus on select things is still a win. The program keeps getting better.

It's nice to see you as well, even though I can never see you without thinking of my Dad. With time, it gets easier. 

Speaking of the 20%, I hope it is not like 2016 that we will not see an offer until October. It was effective this time last year. Not that I really need anything anyway, but I always have a hard time resisting a good Ulta deal even though my stockpiles are now insane.

[itscarin]

@NatureGirlSD What multipliers are you using?  You would only get the 2/3/4x multiplier on what you actually spend, not your order total.  141.97-125.00=16.97.  92 points / $16.97 = 5.42x.  Since you said you are diamond I think you should be getting 5.5x on the $16.97.  If I round down to $16 (I think Ulta calculates your total spent by dollars spent, disregarding the change, no matter how close to the next dollar you are) it shows me 5.75x to get to 92 points.    

[itscarin]

@NatureGirlSD Derp.  I just realized it's your bday month, too.  (happy bday!)  That's why it's 5x.  There is a huge difference between the purchase multipliers vs the brand/item specific mutipliers. 

For example 10x Nars multiplier means even if you buy the item with points, you still earn points for that item *after* you knock off the base points.  Say you buy $125 Nars widget (bare with me).  You get 10x on Nars, but because you didn't actually pay for the item the base points are subtracted: -125.  You get the other 9x on the widget though: 125 * 9 = 1125.  Had you paid for the widget with cash instead of points you would have received: 125 * 10 = 1250.  Then, as a diamond member, you would receive an additional .5 on top of that: 1250 * .5 = 625.  But, because you used points, you don't get that .5x, because that's for your overall spend.  The same way you didn't get the 1x on the base points.

If you have a 10x your total purchase multiplier, and you used points to buy a $125 widget, you would get 0 points.  You spent $0 so you get 10x your total purchase (of 0) so you get 0.

Spending points to redeem points only works when you are using item specific multipliers.  It does not work on total purchase multipliers, like the current 2/3/4x or birthday month multipliers.

[RGbrown]

@itscarinUnidentified

She's got the bday 2x, making it 5.5 x 16.97 = 93.33...rounding somewhere knocks it down to 92. 😊

[RGbrown]

@NatureGirlSDUnidentified

Sitewide multipliers don't play nicely with redeeming points. Multipliers have to be brand or item specific to work. This is not a good time to redeem, at least not if you want to earn points back too.

Since 10x day is typically only certain items instead of the whole site, it should look much nicer when playing with redemptions.

[NatureGirlSD]

Ah, got it, thank you! ETA: Thank you ALL for your help, I really appreciate it. The brand-specific multipliers finally clicked for me. (I joined Ulta last August, so I haven't had a 10x points day yet.) @greeneyedgirl107 @phantompenguinx @notcreative

@itscarin @RGbrown @Anonymous

[RGbrown]

@itscarinUnidentified

In my experience, even with redeeming points, I thought the new points don't post until the order ships. It subtracts the 2k from your available balance immediately, but the +1125 (net minus 875) doesn't show up til later, no? I'll pay closer attention on Monday, but I don't think rolling the same points is possible, unless Ulta is shipping super quick lol.

[itscarin]

@RGbrown That's a great point; I'll try to place my order at 12:01 am EST and see what happens.  I can't remember but I thought they posted immediately in the form of not deducting the full amount of points you use because you are earning more than you are spending.

[RGbrown]

@NatureGirlSD

::10x Day will likely only include select items, so I wouldn't hold my breath that the exact items you want will generate 10x points. (Using points on 10x items is actually a decent idea though...since it's an item-specific multiplier instead of sitewide, all you would lose would be the 1x base point (or 1.25 or 1.5 as applicable), so you should still earn 9x even if redeeming points...you would lose your b'day points though, since that's a sitewide multiplier). This will be worth looking into even if your Mad Hippie isn't included...if there's anything you halfway want, you may be able to recoup enough points to maintain a nice balance and still get Mad Hippie etc later. See what's there and play with a cart on Monday //assuming it happens, of course//

::My fave way to spend points is to wait for the 20%...that $125 becomes $157. If there's a good enough gift that warrants it, but I don't want to plunk down cash, I might use 'em without a q, but that's pretty rare *unless* there's a decent multiplier too where I can recoup a few of my points in the process. I'm at a point where I have most of the items in the bags anyways lol...I'm still desperately waiting for brands like Lavanila and Elemis and all the other awesome new ones Ulta has picked up to provide some freebies in the gwp's, but I suppose I need to stop holding my breath 😛