Ulta Beauty vs CVS 2026: Which Is Better?
Ulta Beauty specializes exclusively in beauty and cosmetics with 1,400+ stores and 500+ brands, while CVS is a general pharmacy and drugstore chain with 9,600+ locations offering beauty as one of many departments. Ulta offers deeper beauty selection and expertise, while CVS provides convenience through broader product categories and pharmacy services.
Ulta Beauty
Beauty-focused specialty retailer with 1,400+ stores and 500+ brands including luxury and prestige cosmetics.
Beauty enthusiasts, makeup professionals, and shoppers seeking premium brands and expert advice
CVS Pharmacy
National pharmacy and drugstore chain with 9,600+ locations offering health, beauty, and household products.
Consumers prioritizing convenience, pharmacy access, and one-stop shopping for daily essentials
Quick Answer
AI SummaryUlta Beauty specializes exclusively in beauty and cosmetics with 1,400+ stores and 500+ brands, while CVS is a general pharmacy and drugstore chain with 9,600+ locations offering beauty as one of many departments. Ulta offers deeper beauty selection and expertise, while CVS provides convenience through broader product categories and pharmacy services.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Ulta Beauty if you're a serious beauty enthusiast seeking premium brands, professional consultations, and extensive cosmetics selection—it's the destination for makeup, skincare, and haircare specialists. Choose CVS if you prioritize convenience and want to combine beauty shopping with pharmacy services, household essentials, and groceries in one trip.
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TIE — neck and neck
Choose Ulta Beauty if
Beauty enthusiasts, makeup professionals, and shoppers seeking premium brands and expert advice
Choose CVS Pharmacy if
Consumers prioritizing convenience, pharmacy access, and one-stop shopping for daily essentials
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Store Count:✓ CVS Pharmacy wins(9,600+ locations vs 1,400+ locations)
- Primary Focus:✓ Ulta Beauty wins(Beauty & cosmetics only vs Pharmacy, health, beauty, household)
- Beauty Brand Selection:✓ Ulta Beauty wins(500+ brands including luxury vs 150-200 brands, mostly mass-market)
Key Facts & Figures
21 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Ulta Beauty | CVS Pharmacy | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total US Store Locations(stores) | 1,400 stores | — | — |
| Beauty Product Selection(products) | 25,000+ products | — | — |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ brands | — | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(members) | 40 million (Ultamate) | — | — |
| Average Beauty Product Markup(%) | 12-15% higher than Target | — | — |
| Same-Day Pickup Speed(hours) | 2 hours (most locations) | — | — |
| Annual Revenue (2023)(USD billion) | $10.2 billion | — | — |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 1,300+ | 9,600+ | |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ | 150+ | |
| Beauty Product SKUs(products) | 25,000+ | 2,000 | |
| Loyalty Rewards Rate(%) | 1.25% all purchases | 2% pharmacy only | |
| Premium Brand Exclusivity(brands) | 80+ premium/luxury brands | 5+ premium brands | |
| Average Distance to Store(miles) | 8.2 miles (avg urban) | 1.5 miles (avg urban) | |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $10.2B | $40.3B | |
| Total Store Locations(locations) | 1,400+ | 9,600+ | |
| Beauty Brand Variety(brands) | 500+ | 150-200 | |
| Luxury Brand Availability(brands) | 100+ (MAC, Dyson, Charlotte Tilbury, etc.) | 5-10 | |
| Ultamate/ExtraCare Rewards Rate(percent cashback) | 1.25% standard, 3.5% on prestige | 2-4% on select categories | |
| In-Store Makeup Consultation Services(locations offering) | 800+ locations | 0 dedicated services | |
| Free Shipping Threshold(USD) | $35 or more | $35 or more | |
| Online-to-Store Pickup Speed(hours) | Same-day in select areas | Same-day in select areas |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 1,400+ locationsStore Count9,600+ locations(winner)
- Beauty & cosmetics only(winner)Primary FocusPharmacy, health, beauty, household
- 500+ brands including luxury(winner)Beauty Brand Selection150-200 brands, mostly mass-market
- Ultamate: 1.25% back on most purchasesLoyalty Program RewardsExtraCare: 2-4% back on select categories
- None availablePharmacy ServicesFull pharmacy with prescriptions(winner)
- Makeup application, consultations at 800+ locations(winner)In-Store Beauty ServicesMinimal services, no dedicated consultants
- Free 2-day over $35, same-day in select areasE-Commerce Shipping SpeedFree 2-day over $35, same-day in select areas
- Store Count
Ulta Beauty
1,400+ locations
CVS Pharmacy
9,600+ locations(winner)
- Primary Focus
Ulta Beauty
Beauty & cosmetics only(winner)
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy, health, beauty, household
- Beauty Brand Selection
Ulta Beauty
500+ brands including luxury(winner)
CVS Pharmacy
150-200 brands, mostly mass-market
- Loyalty Program Rewards
Ulta Beauty
Ultamate: 1.25% back on most purchases
CVS Pharmacy
ExtraCare: 2-4% back on select categories
- Pharmacy Services
Ulta Beauty
None available
CVS Pharmacy
Full pharmacy with prescriptions(winner)
- In-Store Beauty Services
Ulta Beauty
Makeup application, consultations at 800+ locations(winner)
CVS Pharmacy
Minimal services, no dedicated consultants
- E-Commerce Shipping Speed
Ulta Beauty
Free 2-day over $35, same-day in select areas
CVS Pharmacy
Free 2-day over $35, same-day in select areas
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Ulta Beauty | CVS Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Total US Store Locations(stores) | 1,400 stores | — |
| Beauty Product Selection(products) | 25,000+ products | — |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+ brands | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(members) | 40 million (Ultamate) | — |
| Average Beauty Product Markup(%) | 12-15% higher than Target | — |
| In-Store Professional Services(service types) | Hair salon, makeup counter, brow bar, lash services | — |
| In-Store Beauty Services(null) | Makeovers, consultations, salon (400+ locations) | Pharmacy services, minute clinics |
| In-Store Makeup Consultation Services(locations offering) | 800+ locations(winner) | 0 dedicated services |
| Pharmacy Services Available(yes/no) | No | Yes (full pharmacy + vaccinations) |
| Same-Day Pickup Speed(hours) | 2 hours (most locations) | — |
| Annual Revenue (2023)(USD billion) | $10.2 billion | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) | $10.2B | $40.3B(winner) |
| US Store Locations(stores) | 1,300+ | 9,600+(winner) |
| Beauty Brands Carried(brands) | 500+(winner) | 150+ |
| Beauty Product SKUs(products) | 25,000+(winner) | 2,000 |
| Loyalty Rewards Rate(%) | 1.25% all purchases | 2% pharmacy only(winner) |
| Premium Brand Exclusivity(brands) | 80+ premium/luxury brands(winner) | 5+ premium brands |
| Average Distance to Store(miles) | 8.2 miles (avg urban) | 1.5 miles (avg urban)(winner) |
| Total Store Locations(locations) | 1,400+ | 9,600+(winner) |
| Beauty Brand Variety(brands) | 500+(winner) | 150-200 |
| Luxury Brand Availability(brands) | 100+ (MAC, Dyson, Charlotte Tilbury, etc.)(winner) | 5-10 |
| Ultamate/ExtraCare Rewards Rate(percent cashback) | 1.25% standard, 3.5% on prestige | 2-4% on select categories(winner) |
| Free Shipping Threshold(USD) | $35 or more | $35 or more |
| Online-to-Store Pickup Speed(hours) | Same-day in select areas | Same-day in select areas |
Ulta BeautyCVS PharmacyPros & Cons
10 pros·5 cons across both
Ulta Beauty
Pros
- 500+ brands including Sephora, MAC, Urban Decay, Dyson, and luxury brands
- In-store makeup application services and beauty consultants at 800+ locations
- Dedicated beauty expertise and knowledgeable staff trained in cosmetics
- Ultamate loyalty program with points multipliers (3.5x on prestige brands)
- Curated beauty events, workshops, and launches exclusive to Ulta
Cons
- Limited to beauty products only—no pharmacy, groceries, or household items
- 1,400 stores means less convenience in rural or smaller markets
CVS Pharmacy
Pros
- 9,600+ locations with unmatched accessibility and convenience nationwide
- Full pharmacy services including prescriptions, vaccinations, and health clinics
- One-stop shopping for beauty, health, groceries, household, and pharmacy needs
- ExtraCare loyalty program with 2-4% rewards on select categories and digital coupons
- 24-hour locations available in most major cities for emergency needs
Cons
- Beauty selection limited to 150-200 mainstream brands—lacks luxury and prestige options
- No in-store beauty consultants or makeup application services
- Staff have general retail training, not specialized beauty expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
No, Ulta Beauty does not offer pharmacy services, prescriptions, or health clinics. Ulta is exclusively focused on beauty, cosmetics, haircare, and fragrance. If you need pharmacy services, CVS is the better choice.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
- W
Ulta Beauty on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Beauty-focused specialty retailer with 1,400+ stores and 500+ brands including luxury and prestige cosmetics.
- W
CVS Pharmacy on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
National pharmacy and drugstore chain with 9,600+ locations offering health, beauty, and household products.
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