You’re staring at a half-empty bottle of foundation, or maybe you just realized you’re out of that one specific hair serum that keeps your frizz in check. We've all been there. It’s late, you’re ready to sprint to the car, and the only thing standing between you and a successful haul is the burning question: what time does Ulta close tonight?
Honestly, the answer isn't always as straightforward as a quick Google snippet makes it seem. While most Ulta Beauty locations across the country stick to a fairly predictable rhythm, tonight—Thursday, January 15, 2026—could be different depending on where you live.
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The Standard Schedule vs. Reality
Generally speaking, a typical Thursday at Ulta means doors stay open until 9:00 PM.
Most stores open their doors at 10:00 AM, giving you a solid eleven-hour window to browse the prestige aisles or grab a drugstore favorite. But here is the kicker: "most" doesn't mean "all." If you are in a smaller suburban strip mall or a quiet town, some locations actually roll the gates down at 8:00 PM. On the flip side, flagship stores in massive metropolitan hubs like New York or Chicago sometimes push it a little later.
For example, looking at current data for today, January 15, some locations like the Allentown, PA store on Grape St are slated to close at 8:00 PM, while others in the same region might hold out until 9:00 PM. It's a weird quirk of retail logistics.
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Why the closing time shifts
- Mall vs. Standalone: If your Ulta is inside a traditional shopping mall, they almost always have to follow the mall’s operating hours. If the mall closes at 8:00 PM, Ulta is closing at 8:00 PM.
- Staffing and Inventory: Sometimes stores adjust hours for inventory counts or internal training.
- Regional Demand: High-traffic urban centers stay open later because, well, people shop later there.
Don't Forget the Salon and Services
If you aren't just there for a new mascara but actually have an appointment at the Salon at Ulta Beauty or the Benefit Brow Bar, the "closing time" gets even more technical.
Usually, the last salon appointment is scheduled to end right as the store closes, but stylists often stop taking new walk-ins or long services (like full highlights) hours before the doors lock. If you’re hoping for a last-minute trim tonight, showing up at 7:30 PM for a 9:00 PM closing might be cutting it way too close.
The Best Ways to Double-Check Tonight
If you want to be 100% certain before you burn the gas, you’ve got three reliable moves.
- The Ulta App: This is basically the gold standard. It uses your GPS to find the closest store and gives you a real-time "Open until X PM" status. It’s usually more accurate than third-party maps.
- The Official Store Locator: Head to Ulta’s website. Don't just trust the search engine preview; click through to the specific store page. It will list the hours for today, tomorrow, and the rest of the week.
- The Good Old Fashioned Phone Call: If it’s raining, snowing, or a holiday, just call them. A quick "Hey, what time are you guys locking up tonight?" saves you a lot of heartbreak at the front door.
What About Curbside Pickup?
If you already bought your items online and just need to grab them, remember that curbside pickup hours are often different from store hours. Many Ulta locations stop running orders out to cars at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, even if the store itself is open until 9:00 PM.
If it’s past sunset and you’re hoping for that "bring it to my car" service, you’re likely going to have to park and walk inside to the designated pickup counter.
Today's Special Events
It is worth noting that we are currently in the middle of the Love Your Skin Event 2026 (running through January 17). Because of these high-traffic sales events, stores can sometimes be more crowded than a typical Thursday. If you’re heading in late to snag a "Daily Beauty Steal," be aware that those specific items often sell out long before the closing whistle blows.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip Tonight
- Check the App first: Look for the specific closing time for your zip code to avoid an 8:00 PM surprise.
- Inside Pickup: Plan to go inside if it's after 5:00 PM, as curbside staff usually head home early.
- Check Stock: Use the "Check Store Availability" feature on the website so you don't drive there for a sold-out product.
- Arrival Buffer: Try to get there at least 15 minutes before closing. Retail workers everywhere will thank you for not being the person who walks in at 8:59 PM.
By following these steps, you can ensure your beauty run is successful and you aren't left staring at a "Closed" sign with an empty makeup bag at home.