Ulta

Typically, I only occasionally visit this store to browse and dream of the day I finally and miraculously know how to do all of the girly stuff other women seem to know. However, I recently visited this store with money in my pocket and a dream in my heart — to finally locate the perfect foundation. I wandered around the various makeup kiosks that appeared to be likely spots for assistance from one of the knowledgeable sales people. That did not happen. After 25 minutes, a sales person finally came by and asked those around me if they needed help. When they declined, I asked if I could have some help. The saleswoman found a makeup for me, the price was right, but the application brush cost as much as the product. I asked if there were any alternatives to said magically infused brush. Nope. I asked if she could recommend another product. Nope. I asked if there was anything possibly she could suggest short of a paper bag to wear over my head. Nope. I left discouraged and feeling anything but pampered and girly — which is really the only reason to shop there at all.

Dear Ulta,
If I lived here, we would have to break up. This location has awful customer service.
I walked in on a slow Wednesday. There was hardly anyone in the store. No «Hey how are you doing?» or «How can I make you feel pretty today?» or «Damn girl! This humidity is doing a number on your curls. Let me see how we can help you!». With the right approach, they could have sold me $ 300 in unneeded product if it would have magically taken the curly fro away. But nothing. Not a peep.
I watched a cashier spend ten minutes struggling to enter another customers email address into the system. Then stood there while another cashier ignored me in line.
All of this leads me to presume that Ulta must be far superior closer to the headquarters in Romeoville, Illinois and get worse in quality the further away you go. Normally, I shop within a 30 mile radius of that. I should stick to that if I want any service.

The girls there are very helpful and the store is clean and organized. I went to get a special makeup kit for my wife on Sunday morning and they had me in and out with plenty of time to catch the game.

I would never have a reason to go to Ulta other than to browse the makeup and hair products and fantasize about having skills to make purchasing any of these products worthwhile. Then my sister mentioned they do an incredible job of waxing eyebrows…
So intrigued, I drove over to Ulta without an appointment and asked if it was possible to get my eyebrows waxed. I’ve never had an experience like this– especially considering I was sitting in the middle of a store. They could take me right away, and the lady was incredible. She’s the only person who does the waxing– she keeps your shape and doesn’t wax it too thin. But the best part (other than she was beyond friendly and from Chicago) — was she used the makeup and products surrounding her to hide my redness so I could continue effortlessly throughout the rest of my day without feeling self-​conscious. (No more rushing home or asking yourself– «Are they staring at those red streaks above my eyes?») It was quick, easy and my brows were rockin. I would love to be a regular.