3 Best Gift Cards for Makeup Lovers Every Beauty Enthusiast Will Adore

Finding the perfect gift for a makeup lover can feel like navigating a minefield. Get the wrong shade, and that expensive foundation sits unused. Pick a product they already own, and you've wasted your money. Gift cards solve this dilemma beautifully – they let beauty enthusiasts choose exactly what they want while showing you put thought into their passion.

But not all gift cards are created equal. Some retailers offer better product selection, others provide exclusive perks, and a few deliver experiences that go beyond just shopping. Here are three gift cards that consistently make makeup lovers light up when they unwrap them.

Sephora Gift Card, Ulta Beauty Gift Card and Target Gift Card

1. Sephora Gift Card

Sephora remains the gold standard for beauty gift cards, and there's good reason why. Walking into a Sephora feels like entering a makeup wonderland – rows of perfectly organized products, knowledgeable staff who actually understand color theory, and that satisfying feeling of discovering your next holy grail product.

What makes it special: Sephora's Beauty Insider program adds serious value to every purchase. Your gift recipient earns points that translate into free products, gets access to exclusive sales, and can book complimentary makeovers. Plus, Sephora carries both drugstore favorites and luxury brands that cost more than some people's rent.

Best for: The makeup enthusiast who loves trying new brands and wants access to both budget-friendly and splurge-worthy options.

Pros

• Access to over 340 brands under one roof
• Beauty Insider rewards program multiplies the gift value
• Free samples with every order (online and in-store)
• Knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized recommendations
• Generous return policy, even for opened products

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Some products are marked up compared to brand websites
• Popular items sell out quickly during sales

2. Ulta Beauty Gift Card

Ulta strikes a sweet spot that many beauty lovers appreciate – it's less intimidating than Sephora but more exciting than a regular drugstore. The store layout feels approachable, and their mix of high-end and affordable brands means your gift goes further.

What makes it special: Ulta's rewards program is arguably more generous than Sephora's, offering points that actually feel meaningful. They also carry salon services, so your gift could turn into a relaxing facial or professional brow shaping session.

Best for: Beauty enthusiasts who love a good deal and want their money to stretch across multiple products.

Pros

• Ultamate Rewards program offers better point values than most competitors
• Regular 21 Days of Beauty sales with steep discounts
• Includes salon services like facials, brows, and hair styling
• Carries drugstore brands alongside prestige options
• Frequent bonus point events

Cons

• Store organization can feel chaotic during busy periods
• Limited availability of some luxury brands
• Rewards points expire after 12 months of account inactivity

3. Target Gift Card

Don't underestimate Target when it comes to beauty gifts. Yes, it's not a specialty beauty retailer, but Target has quietly built an impressive beauty section that rivals dedicated stores. Their exclusive partnerships with brands like Rare Beauty and Honest Beauty mean you can't find these products everywhere.

What makes it special: Target combines convenience with quality. Your gift recipient can grab their favorite mascara during the same trip they pick up groceries and home essentials. The RedCard discount makes every purchase feel like a small victory.

Best for: Practical beauty lovers who prefer shopping efficiency and appreciate good value.

Pros

• 5% discount with RedCard (free to sign up)
• Exclusive beauty brands not available elsewhere
• Convenient locations and reliable online shopping
• Can combine beauty shopping with everyday essentials
• Frequent beauty promotions and gift-with-purchase offers

Cons

• Limited selection compared to specialty beauty stores
• No loyalty program specifically for beauty purchases
• Fewer luxury brand options
• Less specialized beauty advice from staff

Making Your Choice

The best gift card depends on who you're shopping for. Sephora works beautifully for the beauty obsessed who want access to everything under the sun. Ulta appeals to savvy shoppers who love maximizing their beauty budget. Target suits the practical types who want quality products without the fuss.

Consider your recipient's shopping style, favorite brands, and whether they prefer the thrill of discovery or the comfort of familiar favorites. Any of these three options will earn you serious points as a thoughtful gift-giver – and isn't that what gift-giving is really about?

​3 Best Gift Cards for Makeup Lovers Every Beauty Enthusiast Will Adore

3 Best Gift Cards for Makeup Lovers Every Beauty Enthusiast Will Adore