Do You Tip a Makeup Artist at Ulta? Etiquette, Amounts, and How to Do It (2025 Guide)

Sep, 21 2025

Ulta tipping is the everyday etiquette of giving a discretionary cash or card gratuity for beauty services performed at Ulta’s in-store counters and salons. It covers makeup applications, brow services, and salon appointments, and varies by service type, store policy, and local norms. If you’re wondering about the quick answer: yes-if you booked a makeup application service, you generally should tip a makeup artist at Ulta. For free touch‑ups tied to a product purchase, tipping isn’t expected.

TL;DR

Booked makeup services at Ulta: 15-20% tip is standard in the U.S.; 20-25% for complex/bridal looks, 10-15% for fast, express appointments.
Free consultations, brand events, or quick shade-matching: no tip expected; buy a product or leave a kind review instead.
Most Ulta registers can add a tip for salon/brow/makeup appointments; cash is universally welcome if the POS can’t add gratuity.
Tip on the pre-discount price; gift cards usually don’t cover tips.
When in doubt, quietly ask, “Can I leave a gratuity for you today?” If they can’t accept tips, say thanks and leave a review.

Ulta Beauty is a United States beauty retailer offering cosmetics, skincare, and in‑store services through its beauty counters and The Salon at Ulta Beauty. Gratuity is a voluntary payment given to a service professional as a thank‑you for their skill, time, and care; in the U.S., 15-20% is the baseline for most personal services.

What counts as a “makeup service” at Ulta?

Not every brush touch means a tip. Ulta offers a mix of quick help and paid appointments. Knowing the difference tells you when tipping applies.

Paid makeup application: A scheduled appointment with set timing and a service menu price. This is a service-tipping applies.
Makeup lesson: A longer, educational appointment. Also a service-tip as you would for an application.
Express touch-up: Often a shorter, menu-based service (e.g., focus on eyes or complexion). Smaller tip is fine.
Free consultation/shade match: A sales interaction. No tip expected; consider buying the product or leaving a nice review.

Makeup artist is a beauty professional who performs cosmetic applications for events, lessons, and everyday looks, often trained in sanitation, color theory, and product selection. At Ulta, your provider might be a beauty advisor trained in makeup, a licensed esthetician (for brow and skin services), or a freelancer visiting for an event. Tipping etiquette leans more on the type of appointment than the person’s title.

The Salon and Brow Bar at Ulta: same tipping rules?

Yes. If it’s on the menu and you paid for it, it’s a service-tip the person who did the work.

The Salon at Ulta Beauty is a full‑service hair and beauty department inside many Ulta stores, providing haircuts, color, blowouts, and select makeup and brow services. Brow services might be offered by Ulta staff or brand partners within the store. If you’re seated, draped, and getting a priced service, tip like you would at a standalone salon.

How much to tip for makeup at Ulta

Use these ranges, then adjust for complexity, time, and the pro’s skill:

Full makeup application (45-60 minutes): 15-20% of the service price; 20-25% for highly detailed or long-wear looks.
Express makeup (20-30 minutes): 10-15% works; round up to a neat number if the total is low.
Makeup lesson (60-90 minutes): 15-20% because you’re getting education and application.
Brow/lash add‑ons with makeup: Tip on the combined total if done by the same pro; if separate pros, split tips, or ask to direct the amounts.

Practical rule: Tip on the pre-discount total. If you used a 20% coupon and paid $56 instead of $70, calculate the tip as if it were $70. That reflects the real work done. This mirrors guidance from etiquette authorities like the Emily Post Institute and aligns with common salon practice.

Do Ulta stores accept tips on cards?

Usually, yes-especially for salon and brow services. Some point‑of‑sale screens show tip prompts; others let a cashier add a custom gratuity line. If the terminal can’t do it, cash always works. Gift cards typically can’t be used for tips. Don’t want to carry cash? Ask before checkout, “Can I add a tip to the card?” It’s quick and saves the back‑and‑forth.

When not to tip at Ulta

Free consultations, shade matching, or a quick mascara test: That’s sales support. No tip needed-buy the item or leave kind feedback.
Brand event makeovers with a required purchase: Your purchase is the “thank you.” No extra tip expected unless the provider went far beyond the basics and store policy allows.
Redo/fix on a service: If you’re returning because something wasn’t right, tipping isn’t expected on the correction.
Store policy prohibits tips: Some locations or roles can’t accept gratuities. If they say no, respect the rule and write a stellar review.

Ulta vs other beauty counters: what changes?

Retail counters vary. A sit‑down, paid appointment signals tipping; a standing, free consultation does not. Here’s how Ulta compares with similar spots you might visit.

Comparison of tipping norms for in-store makeup services
Location	Common service type	Typical tip %	How to tip	Notes
Ulta Beauty	Paid makeup app, salon, brow	15-20% (up to 25% for complex)	Card prompt or cash	Tip on pre‑discount total; ask if splitting between pros
Sephora	Paid applications, free mini services	15-20% for paid; none for free	Varies by store; cash often easiest	Free mini services tied to purchase-no tip expected
MAC Cosmetics	Paid makeup, redeemable in product	15-20%	Cash or check store’s policy	Applications often redeemable-still a service, still tip
Benefit Brow Bar	Brow shaping/tint/tints	15-20%	Usually at register; cash welcomed	Esthetician‑style service-treat as salon tipping
Independent Makeup Artist	On‑location or studio	15-25%	Cash, Zelle/Venmo, or invoice add‑on	Travel/early call fees aren’t tips; gratuity is separate

How to tip without the awkwardness

Confirm it’s a paid service. If you booked time and there’s a price, plan to tip.
Check how the store processes tips. When you check in, ask, “Can I add a gratuity to my card today?”
Choose the amount. Use 15-20% as the baseline; increase for intricate work or last‑minute miracles.
Split if needed. If a brow tech and a makeup artist both worked on you, direct the split: “$10 to Alex, $10 to Jamie, please.”
If tips aren’t allowed. Say thanks, tell a manager they were fantastic, and leave a glowing review naming the artist.

Special cases people ask about

Bridal trial at Ulta: Treat like a high‑skill makeup service-20% is normal.
Teen’s first makeup lesson: 15-20% signals appreciation for the extra education and patience.
Group glam for prom: Tip each provider. If one person did multiple faces, calculate on the total service price for the time block.
Fixes and adjustments: No need to tip on a re‑do if the original missed the mark.
Discount days and coupons: Tip on the before‑coupon price so the artist isn’t penalized for promos.
Holiday rush or squeeze‑in: A little extra (an extra $5-$10) is a kind thank‑you for the favor.

Cash vs card: what actually happens at checkout

Card is convenient when the register supports tips. Some stores use a POS that prompts for a percentage; others require the cashier to manually add a gratuity line. If you’re not sure, ask before you tap. Cash works everywhere and lands directly with the provider at the end of the shift. Gift cards typically can’t cover tips because they’re redeemable for goods/services, not gratuities. If you’re paying with a gift card, bring a little cash for the tip.

What experts and policies say (without the jargon)

Etiquette groups like the Emily Post Institute place beauty services squarely in the “tip” column. Industry bodies like the Professional Beauty Association note that tips are a significant part of take‑home pay for many providers. In the U.S., the Department of Labor and IRS treat tips as taxable income, and some salons follow tip‑pooling rules. Store‑level policies can differ-some roles can’t accept tips, or tips may need to be run through the register-so a quick, discreet ask is always fair game.

If you’re on a budget

Choose an express service. Shorter time, smaller tip, still polished.
Book during promos but tip on the original price. You save on service; the artist still gets a fair thank‑you.
Leave a review naming the artist. That helps their schedule fill-priceless for them, free for you.
Rebook with the same person. Loyalty can matter more than an extra few dollars once.

Related concepts you might explore next

Hair salon tipping: blowouts, color corrections, and stylist/assistant splits.
Brow and lash etiquette: lamination, lifting, and tinting tips.
Makeup lessons vs applications: what you actually get for the fee.
Wedding makeup budgeting: deposits, travel fees, and gratuities.

Quick decision guide

Was it a paid appointment? Yes → Tip 15-20% (more for complex). No → No tip expected.
Was the result excellent or a squeeze‑in? Consider adding $5-$10.
Can they accept tips? If not, tell a manager they were great and leave a review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you tip a makeup artist at Ulta for a paid application?

Yes. A paid makeup application is a service, and the U.S. norm is 15-20% of the pre‑discount price. Go 20-25% for intricate or long‑wear looks, or if they fit you in last minute. If you received a free consultation or shade match without a booked service, no tip is expected.

Can I add a tip to my card at Ulta, or is it cash only?

Many Ulta locations can add gratuity at the register for salon, brow, and makeup services. Some POS systems show a tip prompt; others require a cashier to add it manually. If the system can’t accept tips, cash is always fine. Gift cards generally don’t cover tips, so carry a small amount of cash if you’re paying with a gift card.

Should I tip if my makeup was comped or discounted heavily?

Tip on the full, pre‑discount price if the service itself was performed. Discounts often come from promo budgets, not the artist’s effort. If it was truly free (e.g., brand event makeover), no tip is expected, though a product purchase or review is a kind thank‑you.

How much do I tip for a makeup lesson versus an application?

Treat lessons like services with added education: 15-20% is standard. If the lesson runs long, the artist customizes a take‑home routine, or you booked during peak time, 20%+ is a thoughtful show of appreciation.

Do I tip both the brow tech and the makeup artist if I had two services?

Yes-tip each provider for the work they did. You can hand separate cash tips or ask the cashier to split a card gratuity (for example, $10 to the brow tech and $12 to the makeup artist). If systems can’t split tips, two small cash envelopes are perfect.

What if the makeup wasn’t what I asked for-do I still tip?

Speak up during the appointment so they can adjust. If the end result misses the brief and you need a redo, it’s reasonable to reduce or skip the tip. If they fix it promptly and you leave happy, tip on the final service that met your expectations.

Are tips pooled at Ulta or do they go directly to the artist?

Practices vary by store and local rules. Some locations direct tips to the individual provider; others follow a tip‑pooling policy for certain roles. If it matters to you, ask, “Can I make sure this goes to you?” Staff will guide you on what’s allowed.

Is tipping different at Sephora or MAC counters compared to Ulta?

The principle is the same: tip for paid services; don’t tip for quick, complimentary touch‑ups tied to a purchase. At MAC, many applications are paid and redeemable in product-still a service, so tipping 15-20% is normal. At Sephora, paid appointments warrant tips; free mini services do not.

What’s the minimum I can tip without being rude on a low‑cost express service?

If the service is $15-$25, 10-20% can be just a few dollars. Rounding to $5 is a simple, appreciated gesture. If the artist went above and beyond-extra time, custom lashes, detailed complexion work-bump it a bit.