15 beauty products Ulta employees are loving right now

Derenisse “Dee” Infante, the general manager in the Hartsdale, NY store, has been loving this marine and plant active-infused gel cream. “The super-hydrating yet lightweight texture makes my skin smooth, feel firmer and is a radiant start to my makeup routine,” she shares. “I recommend this to anyone looking to reduce fine lines, increase radiance and support the elasticity of the skin. It is amazing under my NARS Luminous Foundation!”

Infante calls this lip balm “luxurious lip care at an amazing price.” She keeps one in her car, office and gym bag. “Everywhere I go, this lip product follows!” The formula is rich and hydrating with a glossy finish. Plus, it comes in a couple tinted shades. “I recommend this to anyone who needs a sheer lip color for everyday use,” Infante says.

This under-eye serum is not only a key skin care step for Mikey Lewis, an associate at Ulta in Wall Township, NJ, but crucial for makeup prep too. “It’s incredibly thin, and the clean formula packs a shot of hydration and depuffs the under-eye,” Lewis explains. “This creates the perfect canvas for any concealer application and gives the perfect slip upon blending out. This will significantly extend the wear and prevent your concealer from falling into texture” (aka settling into fine lines and creases).

“If you're on the hunt for an eye mask that will actually work this is the one for you!” says Amanda Rivera, an associate at an Ulta in Staten Island, NY. A staple in her skin prep routine, she says, “They help brighten my under-eyes and reduce any puffiness I may have. It’s also great because I feel like it has made my under-eye makeup last longer and crease less.”

“This lightweight body oil absorbs quickly, smells fresh and improves the appearance of skin for a more toned appearance,” Infante says. “I recommend this product for anyone looking for an anti-aging body product and anyone who wants to achieve the look of firmer skin and to get a gorgeous glow.” Her tip for application? Use the body oil after shaving for an extra-silky feel, and be sure to apply it to damp skin to lock in the moisture.

Not your typical brow gel, this product is made to smooth and set the brows for a laminated look. “It has a unique applicator that catches all of the brow hairs and has a flat side to help keep everything in place,” Infante says. “I love to use this when I want to achieve the laminated look without the crunchy brow feeling.”

“My favorite thing to add to all of my makeup looks is a pop of color,” Rivera shares. She loves that the About Face matte eye paints come in 31 shades — a mix of bold hues and some choice neutrals — so she can show off her personality through the makeup. “They are very easy to blend, and they do not take too long to dry,” she says. “If you’re someone who likes to take risks, this is the perfect product for you!”

“This formula is like a lip gloss and a lipstick had a baby,” Lewis says, adding that Thanks It’s MAC! and Hug Me are favorite shades. “It provides sheer to full coverage with a glass-like sheen and endless moisture.” The formula has a comfortable wear, thanks to moisturizing ingredients like raspberry seed and organic extra-virgin olive oil.

According to Lewis, this palette would make an excellent gift for makeup novices and experts alike. “These palettes are extremely versatile and have timeless shades that will never go out of style,” the Ulta expert says, noting that it also comes in 18CT colorway. “The two fully matte 18-pan palettes cover the full spectrums of warm and cool undertones.” Packed with buildable shades, you can go as soft or as intense as you want with your looks. “And if 18 shadows feel like too much to handle, do not fret, for they also come in two very versatile nine-pan palettes as well,” Lewis shares.

As a self-declared glitter lover, Rivera says this is one of the best sparkly products out there. “The Glitterpuck by Half Magic enhances any makeup look I do by adding that little razzle-dazzle,” she says. The champagne and peach shift of the glitter looks beautiful on all skin tones, and it can be applied with the included sponge for a lighter hand or directly with the fingers for a more concentrated shimmer.

Infante says the viral hair tool “is worth the hype for those of us that need all the help we can get to style our hair.” The Ulta expert recommends it for anyone “who is pressed for time and needs a one-stop-shop tool for all of their styling needs.” With attachments for all hair styles, it does it all and keeps heat damage in check. “My pro tip is to add mousse before you use the curling attachments to have the best hold,” she adds.

“This duo is my holy grail for my hair. As someone with a head full of curls, I use these products almost every day,” Lewis shares about this hair mask and scrub duo. “The scrub breaks away stubborn product buildup and flakes with charcoal and micro plant-based exfoliants, while following up with the mask blankets the hair in nourishing moisture provided by argan oil and vitamin B5. For an extra li’l bonus, this line is sulfate, silicone and paraben free.” A great pair for all hair types, the scrub will benefit anyone that is prone to dryness, flakes or build-up on the scalp, Lewis says. The mask is especially great for people who get their hair processed or heat styled often, or anyone who needs a nice dose of hydration to their hair.

“As a curly girl, it is sometimes hard to find products that will protect my hair and make it last when it is time for my monthly silk press,” Rivera shares. “The IGK Good Vibes Only kit comes with Good Behavior Smooth It 4-in-1 prep spray, Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray and Cry Baby Smoothing and Finishing Serum. I love all of these products individually to maintain my silk press, and getting the kit is actually an amazing deal!” It comes with full sizes of all three products. “Buying all of these separately would be $98 but the kit itself is $49.50 — basically 50% off, #girlmath,” by Rivera's calculations.

“This is an incredibly unique fragrance for me. The best way that I can describe it is a fall and winter variant of a creamsicle and the perfect blend of sweet and spicy,” explains Lewis. Notes of candied citrus, orange blossom and vanilla give it a gourmand-leaning floral impression. “As someone who isn’t typically a fan of citrus notes, this made me rethink my thoughts on the whole category,” Lewis shares. “The warm, spicy notes really add the perfect balance to the candied citrus notes within.”