Ulta is a fun place to buy your cosmetics; their salon services are great. 5 stars for the salon alone. Swinda is the stylist I use. She's a senior stylist so the rate is a bit higher than some of the other girls; but she's quick and consistent and that's what I need.
As for the store, there is the inevitable comparisons to Sephora. The main difference is that they carry drugstore items. Also they don't have as many high end brands as Sephora; I miss Make up for ever and Josie Maran.
Where they do excel is their rewards program. Your purchases will get you points that can be redeemed for merchandise of your choice. Sephora's beauty insider program can only be redeemed for a designated kit; lately their choices have sucked so I've been banking my points hoping for something I really want. So given the choice of purchasing the same item at either store I will go to Ulta so I can get stuff I really want.
With very occasional exceptions customer service here has been excellent. They do have a tendency to discontinue products I use, but it make for some fabulous clearance merchandise, which you should always check out when visiting.