I get weirdly excited when I get an Ulta catalog in the mail–which is funny–because I’m notoriously terrible at going through my mail! I’m seriously going to miss jury duty and be jailed. I’m sure of it.

But there’s something about getting that pink catalog with all the pictures of makeup and skin care that has to be what it was like for straight boys in 1981 to get their magazine in the black wrapper. I shouldn’t even look, but of course, I’m going to. The objects are unattainable for anyone pretending to be on a budget. And it’s possibly all fantasy anyway.

It didn’t stop them, and it’s not stopping me.

So let’s manage our excitement for spring colors, new palette launches and BOGO50s together, shall we?

These are my picks for the “21 Days of Beauty” sale that starts on Sunday, March 18th–our own version of March Madness–if you will.

(and reminder–i’m still trying to go cruelty-free–so my picks reflect this ethic.)

March 23: Urban Decay, Eye Shadow singles (Was $20/Now $10) $10 is a great price for these shadows. They are super pigmented, there are tons of color options, and they last and last.  And loading up a palette customizes your favorite shades and looks without wasting money on shadows you never use. My recommendations are Sin (an E&N classic), Mushroom (warm gray shimmer)and Spike (a super wearable orange matte).

I’ve got my eyes on picking up X (peach shimmer w/gold shift), Rockstar (deep aubergine shimmer) and Fireball (peach w/pink shift).

March 25: IT Brushes for Ulta, Airbrush Smoothing Foundation Brush (Was $22/Now $11) I have the It Cosmetic foundation brush they sell for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I LOVE IT. I’m not familiar with this particular brush but if it’s even close to my brush, it’s worth the $11. (is IT Cosmetics cruelty-free? maybe?)

March 26: BECCA, First Light Priming Filter (Was 38, Now $19) I had a deluxe sample of this a while back and I really liked it. But it seemed a little too pricey for what it was and I didn’t repurchase it. But for less than $20, I’d totally snag it again.  (is BECCA cruelty-free? let’s hope so.)

March 31: Anastasia Beverly Hills, Brow Wiz Pencil (Was $21, Now $10.50) I’ve tried drugstore versions–and this one is still my favorite–but not generally worth the extra money. But for drugstore pricing? Go for the original.

Mario Badescu, the entire line (Was $5-$46, Now $3,75-$34.50) Have we mentioned the face sprays? Hahaha! But seriously. And now there are THREE formulas. I’ve tried–and loved–them all!

I have also grabbed some masks and I’ve loved all of those, too. (perfect with your new mask brush!) But really, this line is so nice and already pretty affordable, why not give something else a go?

I’m looking at the Drying Lotion and the A.H.A Botanical Body Soap.

April 6: Dermalogica, Daily Microfoliant: (Was $57, Now $28.50) Of everything on this list–this one is worth setting an alarm  so you don’t miss this deal! I LOVE this stuff and got it from Pamela, so you know it’s good!

In addition to the daily deals, Ulta has BOGOs, gifts with purchase, special pricing and new releases. Here are other items I’ve got my eye on–or ones I think you should add to your wish list:

NEW RELEASES

Urban Decay, 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Trio in Rockstar, Midnight Cowboy and Perversion (no link exists): I just used up my Perversion (new empties post coming soon) and I don’t have the other two–Midnight Cowboy appears to be new–and this is my favorite eye liner line, period. There is also a free gift if you spend $40, which a deluxe sample size of Bad Blood and Troublemaker Mascara. So between my singles and this set, I could qualify. (although seriously–i need more samples like a hole in the head.)

Dose Of Colors, Matte Liquid Lipstick and Palettes: This line is new to Ulta and I’ve never tried it. I’m super curious so I’d like to pick something up. Anyone tried this yet?

FREE GIFT

Dermaologica, Sound Sleep Cocoon:So this is super pricey. But it comes with a “5 piece Natural Sleep Recovery Set” and I’m intrigued. I’ll be asking Pamela about this one!

BOGO50s or 40s

Ecotools: I’m so crazy for anything Ecotools! And they are doing a BOGO50! So get that mask brush! This sale would be a great opportunity to stock up on some great brushes and expand your brush collection.

Essence Cosmetics: This line is already stupid affordable–so you don’t really need a BOGO50–but why not use it as a chance to try some new stuff! Especially if this line is unfamiliar to you. I recently grabbed their Water Kiss Glossy Lip Colour in Aqua Chic and I’m in love! I’m definitely gonna go back and try more things and give you a heads up on what I find!

Sun Bum Sunscreen: This is Jess’ favorite–so maybe I’ll grab one for me–and one for her!

Lano, SheaMoisture, H2O, Hempz, bath products: I need a new shower gel. So maybe there’s something in here for me to pick up. Pamela is into the LanoLips so maybe BOGO on that? Any suggestions?

SPECIAL PRICING

The Body Shop, Body Butters (Was $21, Now $13) I haven’t had one of these in my possession in a long minute, but I think I might pick up a couple. I’m almost out of my Sol de Janeiro, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream which is so expensive and winter is almost over. So I’m thinking of giving these a revisit and finding a cheaper replacement.

So there it is, that’s the list! What are you looking at? Anything I’m checking out that you have thoughts on? I’d love to hear it! Leave your comments below!