Shopping & Fashion

Best Apps Like Sephora in 2026

Discover beauty apps with better value, more curated selections, or stronger loyalty rewards than Sephora.

Why People Look for Sephora Alternatives

Higher price points than drugstore alternatives
Loyalty point redemption options are limited
Can be overwhelming with thousands of products
In-store availability of new products varies by location

6 Best Alternatives to Sephora

Each app below addresses a specific gap in Sephora's offering. We picked them based on real user review patterns and feature differentiation.

Ulta Beauty

Beauty retailer spanning drugstore to prestige brands.

Ulta carries both drugstore and prestige brands under one roof, offering more price flexibility and a salon within select stores.

Shoppers who want prestige and drugstore beauty in one place Free app, products $3–$200+
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NARS

Prestige cosmetics with iconic products and artist heritage.

NARS offers a focused lineup of prestige makeup including its iconic blushes and foundations through its own app and website.

Brand loyalists who shop NARS frequently Free app, products $25–$90
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MAC Cosmetics

Professional makeup brand with a cult following.

MAC is a staple for professional-grade makeup including its iconic lipsticks and pigments, available direct-to-consumer.

Makeup artists and fans of professional-grade cosmetics Free app, products $20–$80
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Dermstore

Skincare-focused beauty retailer with dermatologist-approved products.

Dermstore specializes in skincare over makeup, carrying clinical and prestige brands with expert curation.

Skincare-first beauty shoppers seeking clinical brands Free app, products $10–$300+
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Glossier

Minimalist, skin-first beauty direct from the brand.

Glossier offers a curated, minimalist beauty lineup focused on natural looks and skincare-makeup hybrid products.

Shoppers who prefer a curated, natural beauty aesthetic Free app, products $12–$40
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Cult Beauty

Curated online beauty retailer focused on cult-favorite products.

Cult Beauty hand-picks only highly praised beauty products, reducing decision fatigue while covering skincare, makeup, and hair.

Shoppers who want expert curation over massive selection Free app, products $10–$300+
Explore Cult Beauty data →
How we found these alternatives

Sephora users often explore alternatives for better loyalty redemption options, lower prices, or more focused skincare-centric shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sephora allows customers to choose free samples at checkout online and provides samples in-store. Beauty Insider members get access to special sample offers.

Sephora allows returns or exchanges within 30 days with receipt (60 days for Beauty Insider members) for most products, including opened items.

It depends on your needs. Sephora has a stronger prestige and luxury brand selection. Ulta offers drugstore brands alongside prestige and has a salon service. Ulta's loyalty points are easier to redeem.

App Vulture scores beauty apps by brand diversity, loyalty program value, user satisfaction, and app usability to surface the best Sephora alternatives.

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