Ulta Beauty is one of the most popular beauty retailers in the United States, known for its wide range of cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and salon services. The brand has become a household name among beauty enthusiasts, offering everything from affordable drugstore options to luxury high-end products. However, a common question for beauty lovers outside of the U.S., especially in the United Kingdom, is: Does Ulta Beauty exist in UK?
The short answer is no—Ulta Beauty does not currently operate any stores in the UK. However, the demand for Ulta Beauty products and its unique shopping experience has led to increasing interest from British beauty enthusiasts. This article explores why Ulta Beauty isn’t in the UK, alternatives available to British customers, and the potential for Ulta Beauty to expand internationally.
What Is Ulta Beauty?
Before diving into its presence (or lack thereof) in the UK, it’s important to understand what makes Ulta Beauty so beloved.
Founded in 1990 in the U.S., Ulta Beauty revolutionized the beauty retail industry by offering a one-stop shopping experience. With over 1,350 stores across the United States, Ulta Beauty is known for:
- Product Diversity: Stocking a mix of drugstore, mid-range, and high-end beauty products.
- Salon Services: Providing in-store salon treatments like haircuts, coloring, facials, and more.
- Loyalty Program: The Ultamate Rewards program is one of the most generous in the beauty retail sector.
- Inclusivity: Offering products that cater to a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, and personal preferences.
These factors have made Ulta Beauty a go-to destination for beauty shoppers in the U.S., leaving many UK customers wondering if they’ll ever have access to the same experience.
Is There Ulta Beauty in UK?
As of 2025, Ulta Beauty does not operate any stores in the UK or Europe. The retailer’s presence is exclusive to the United States, and there are no official announcements about international expansion plans.
While the brand has expanded its e-commerce operations to better serve American customers, it has yet to create an online platform that ships to international markets like the UK.
Read Also>>>What is Ulta Beauty famous for?
Why Isn’t Ulta Beauty in UK?
There are several reasons why Ulta Beauty has not expanded to the UK, despite its massive success in the U.S.:
1. Strong Domestic Focus
Ulta Beauty has concentrated heavily on growing its presence within the United States. With over 1,350 stores nationwide, the company has prioritized saturating the domestic market before exploring international opportunities.
2. Competitive UK Beauty Market
The UK already has a highly competitive beauty retail industry, with major players like Boots, Superdrug, and Space NK dominating the market. These retailers offer similar products and services, making it challenging for new entrants like Ulta Beauty to establish a foothold.
3. Logistical Challenges
Expanding internationally requires significant investment in logistics, supply chain management, and localized marketing strategies. Establishing a presence in the UK would involve adapting to different regulations, consumer behaviors, and market dynamics, which can be both costly and complex.
4. E-Commerce Alternatives
Many UK customers already shop for U.S. beauty brands through e-commerce platforms that ship internationally. This reduces the urgency for Ulta Beauty to establish physical stores in the UK.
Can You Buy Ulta Beauty Products in the UK?
Although Ulta Beauty itself does not operate in the UK, there are ways for British customers to access some of its products.
Third-Party Retailers
Many of the brands sold at Ulta Beauty, such as Maybelline, NYX, and The Ordinary, are available through UK retailers like:
- Boots
- Superdrug
- Space NK
- Cult Beauty
However, some Ulta-exclusive collaborations and products may not be available through these retailers.
Online Shopping with International Shipping
Platforms like Amazon and eBay often stock products found at Ulta Beauty, and some U.S.-based beauty brands offer international shipping to the UK. While this can be a convenient option, it often comes with higher shipping costs and longer delivery times.
Parcel Forwarding Services
For customers determined to shop directly from Ulta Beauty’s U.S. website, parcel forwarding services can help. These services provide a U.S.-based shipping address and forward packages to the UK for an additional fee.
Alternatives to Ulta Beauty in the UK
While Ulta Beauty remains unavailable in the UK, several retailers offer similar experiences:
1. Boots
Boots is one of the UK’s largest health and beauty retailers, offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products. It also features in-store pharmacy services and regular promotions, making it a popular alternative to Ulta Beauty.
2. Superdrug
Superdrug caters to budget-conscious shoppers with an extensive range of affordable beauty and skincare products. It also offers loyalty rewards through its Beautycard program.
3. Space NK
For luxury beauty enthusiasts, Space NK is a go-to destination. It stocks high-end brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Hourglass, and Drunk Elephant, similar to Ulta Beauty’s premium offerings.
4. Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty is an online retailer that specializes in curated collections of cult-favorite beauty products. It’s a great option for UK shoppers looking for niche or trending items.
5. Feelunique
Feelunique is another online retailer that offers a diverse range of beauty products, including many brands available at Ulta Beauty. The site frequently runs discounts and promotions, making it a favorite among UK shoppers.
Will Ulta Beauty Expand to the UK?
The possibility of Ulta Beauty expanding to the UK remains uncertain. While the brand has not announced any plans for international expansion, there are several reasons why it could eventually consider entering the UK market:
Growing Global Recognition
Ulta Beauty’s reputation has reached far beyond the U.S., thanks to social media and online influencers. This global recognition could make international expansion a logical next step.
Demand for Inclusive Beauty
Ulta Beauty’s focus on inclusivity and diversity aligns with growing consumer demand for representation in the beauty industry. Entering the UK market could help the brand tap into this trend.
Success of Competitors
Competitors like Sephora have successfully expanded internationally, demonstrating that there is room for global beauty retailers in markets like the UK.
How to Get the Ulta Beauty Experience in the UK
Even without Ulta Beauty stores, UK shoppers can replicate the Ulta Beauty experience by combining the offerings of local retailers:
- Shop at Boots or Superdrug for drugstore beauty products.
- Visit Space NK or Cult Beauty for luxury brands and niche items.
- Use online platforms to explore exclusive U.S. brands or collaborations.
Additionally, beauty enthusiasts can follow Ulta Beauty’s social media channels for inspiration and trends, even if they can’t shop directly from the retailer.
While Ulta Beauty is not currently available in the UK, its influence is undeniable. British beauty enthusiasts can access many of the same products through local retailers and online platforms, though they may miss out on the unique shopping experience and exclusive collaborations that make Ulta Beauty so special.
As Ulta Beauty continues to grow and evolve, there is always the possibility that it could expand to the UK in the future. Until then, British customers can look to alternatives like Boots, Superdrug, and Space NK to satisfy their beauty needs.
