Tip #1 from Dion: Never shop ULTA without one of those $3.50 or $5 off coupons from the Wednesday mailers or Sunday paper inserts. They're EVERYWHERE and an easy way to save a few bucks. Big kudos to the nice cashier who scanned a coupon for me, even when I forgot mine at home. Big plus.
ULTA is like a Sephora wannabe, but can't shed it's Walgreens past behind. Along with the higher end cosmetics like Stila and Benefit, and their designer perfumes from Chanel and Gucci...nail polish from Sally Hansen, and hair gel from Loreal. There's nothing wrong with that...and actually I think it's nice for times when you don't want to spend $20 on a can on Kenra hairspray. (#26 maximum hold only...trust me. I'm a hair spray connoisseur.)
Anyway, the selection is always pretty good-- and when items are on sale/special it rocks. (Big Sexy Hair products buy2-get-1 free? Oh yeah!) But keep in mind, I remember reading an article in Consumer Reports...or some news organization staying drugstore brand items purchased at places like this can often be overpriced. You may be better off going to WalMart/Target for the Herbal Essences and Revlon.
PS: I'm not sure how the salon services are, but they seem average in price.
PPS: Sign up for their ULTA card (like grocery cards rewards card) because if you shop at least a couple hundred dollars there throughout the year, the points will add up fast...and there are often 2x's and 3x's points coupons in the mail too.