How Ulta Beauty's Skin Care Quiz Results Helped One Editor's Deal with Oily Skin

I love taking random online tests that tell me more about myself. From my longtime partner's initials to what kind of cheese I most resemble (yes, it's a thing), this form of modern self-discovery is usually meant for giggles, but sometimes you come across a test that can actually provide useful information. For example, did you know that there is an Ulta Beauty skincare quiz that offers you up-to-date information based on your skin type and concerns? Yep, my brain exploded too. Covering everything from the best cleanser for your skin type to the right moisturizer, this test gives you personalized product recommendations after you fill out a short questionnaire about your current skin situation and goals. I knew I had to try. Ahead, find out if Ulta's skincare recommendations really helped my oily skin. 

Process 

If you scroll down the "Skin Care" tab on Ulta Beauty's main page and look in the bottom left corner, you'll see a hidden gem called "Skin Care Quiz". The quiz starts by asking you if you would like to shop based on your skin concerns, the products you are looking for, or based on a skin analysis (this is another quiz you can take on the website). I knew I wanted recommendations for my oily skin type, so I continued shopping based on my concerns. I was then asked a series of follow-up questions that gave me a deeper understanding of my concerns and the types of products I was looking for. I knew I wanted to add some essentials to my skin care routine to help me manage my oily skin and enlarged pores. After I personally went through and chose the product I was looking for (in my case, I wanted a cleanser, moisturizers, and a mask), I was given a list of recommended products to choose from. 

Products 

As a face wash, the quiz recommended Clarisonic Pore & Blemish Cleanser, which is an interesting choice for me. I usually don't gravitate toward products that seem made for acne-prone skin because I'm afraid they might be too harsh. But this cleanser has proven to help reduce pore size, no matter the cause, and is ideal for those struggling with excess sebum. As for my moisturizer, I bought the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer, which has a mattifying formula that also helps visibly tighten pores. I completed my treatment with the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask. The mask boasts instant radiance, smoothness and, you guessed it, shrinking pores in just ten minutes. 

My final thoughts:

What I liked the most about this test is that it gets very specific when you ask about your problems and goals without getting too technical or taking too long. The skin is dynamic, so I like that you can select and describe more than one issue if you like. I also love that you can narrow down the products you're looking for and choose from anything from treatments and serums, cleansers, tools, moisturizers, skin care kits, and SPF options. You also have the option to add any other preference, such as vegan, oil-free, or gluten-free products. Overall, the products have definitely helped with some of my oily skin issues. I liked La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Face Moisturizer because it surprised me that it doubles as a matte makeup primer. The face mask was luxurious for ten minutes after which my skin didn't feel shiny or sticky and the cleanser was a game changer in controlling my fat without overdrying my skin. If you need a quick yet deep analysis of your skin, be sure to take this test.