The Deal: Target Replaces Ulta With Its Own Beauty Destination
Target is officially rolling out Target Beauty Studio, a reimagined prestige beauty destination launching Thursday, September 10, 2026 in more than 600 stores nationwide and on Target.com. The part freebie hunters care about most: on Saturday, September 26, most Target stores host an in-store celebration from 12-4 p.m. local time, where the first 100 guests receive an exclusive Target Circle bonus to shop Target Beauty Studio in store and online - and select stores add extra free giveaways on top.
What's Free
In-store celebration Sept 26, 12-4 p.m. local - no purchase or registration mentioned in Target's announcement; walk in and join.
Exclusive Target Circle bonus for the first 100 guests in most stores, usable on Target Beauty Studio purchases in store and online. (Beauty community reports peg it near $20 off $50 - Target has not published the exact value, so treat the amount as unconfirmed until it appears in your Circle account.)
Additional giveaways at select stores - samples and small gifts while supplies last.
Permanent sampling at the Studio - product testing for select items and a center table dedicated to brand storytelling and sampling, starting with Lake & Skye fragrances.
Target Circle members get exclusive offers and experiences throughout the launch window.
What Is Target Beauty Studio?
The Studio stocks more than 1,600 products from 90 prestige, emerging and global brands, with over two-thirds new to Target: skincare from Sunday Riley, First Aid Beauty, Clearstem; haircare from Briogeo, Joico, Bondi Boost, Nioxin; K-beauty from Amuse, Kaja, Rom&nd; Korean skin science from Dr.Melaxin, Purito Seoul, Sungboon Editor; SARELLY from Mexico; Manucurist nailcare from France; fragrance from Lake & Skye; body mists from Boy Smells and Smooch; and self-tanners from Peta Jane Beauty and Tan-Luxe. Every Studio is staffed with dedicated Beauty Advisors plus rotating Editors' Picks and a dedicated minis assortment.
How to Get the Freebie
Join Target Circle first (free, in the Target app or at target.com/circle) - the bonus is a Circle perk.
Arrive early Saturday, September 26 - the 12-4 p.m. window matters less than being among the first 100 guests.
Check your Circle wallet in the Target app after check-in; the bonus works in store and online.
Confirm your store at Target.com/events - participation and giveaways vary by location.
More Free Happenings at Target This Month
Saturday, September 12, 12-4 p.m. local: a Good & Gather snack event at most stores - free snack samples plus a free pack of fruit snacks while supplies last (ages 16+, one per guest). Select stores also run a Eucerin Radiant Tone demo with a free sample. (Per Hip2Save staff report; confirm your store's event listing.)
Sunday, September 13, store opening: Hot Wheels Collector Event at select stores - first look at sealed cases, new collector cars, and an exclusive hat with a qualifying purchase.
Fine Print
The Circle bonus is limited to the first 100 guests at most - not all - stores.
The celebration runs 12-4 p.m. local time; once the cap is hit, the bonus is gone.
Target's other September events require guests to be 16+.
No purchase is mentioned as required; standard Target Circle terms apply.
Bottom Line
This is the rare big-box freebie with a verifiable paper trail: Target's own press release spells out the date, the 12-4 p.m. window and the first-100-guests Circle bonus. Pair it with the free snacks on September 12 and you have two easy Target runs this month. Arrive early - first 100 guests means exactly that.
Official links: Target press release | Target.com/events | Target Beauty Studio brands
