On a visit home, I came to pay my respects to the mecca of makeup... and was so hugely disappointed.
I literally was the first customer in the door in the morning. Cue the heavenly harps... I walk through the door and take a deep breath, filled with excitement and... Like a slap in the face, I was shocked to find the makeup application areas absolutely filthy, with dirty tissues, soiled makeup brushes, and wet cotton balls piled high, literally falling out of the trash can. There were even used tissues all over the shelves of the makeup application area, too. It was as if no one had cleaned the store for a week or emptied the trash. The stuff was everywhere. Sick.
I went to the Ulta brand area and was super bummed at the bare selection compared to the website. I started putzing around and putting Urban Decay eyeliners and Stila lipstick in my basket when I realized... I can get all these big name brands at Sephora, where I earn VIB points for rewards and can try on my items in a place that isn't disgustingly unsanitary. So. Freaking. Sad.
Bottom line: if this is the only Ulta near you, shop online or hit up Sephora.