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| - I have never been to an Ulta before today. The store is very large and carries both lower end and higher end hair products, cosmetics and skin care items. Today, the staff was very helpful (and available), unlike the aloof staff at Sephora. The sales rep asked us if she could assist us (and was really genuine about it, too: she spent fifteen minutes answering all my friend's questions about which eyeliner was best). This staff member was lovely; she demonstrated a few products, and asked plenty of questions in order to meet my friend's needs (and didn't try to up-sell her or pressure her into purchasing a whole set or skincare line). The store was spacious and organized: you were able to walk around without knocking into things and it's not overwhelmingly full of perfume-scent. This is great if you have allergies to certain scents.
There is also a salon in the back of the store. I may go back for a manicure based on this visit.
What I like about Ulta: it has almost everything I want (including a hard-to-acquire hair dye) plus my drugstore go-tos (l'oreal, revlon, maybelline) and I don't need to go to a mall and deal with the overstuffed Sephora store. Sephora also likes to push their store brand (Sephora brand may look okay but is no beuno, IMO.)
The only thing I wish: I couldn't find any Korean cosmetics (K-beauty)...many stores are beginning to stock this so I hope I don't have to wait too long!
Prices are what to expect...there isn't too much variation (a $5 mascara at target will be $5 here, as well), however, they have a Ulta rewards program that seems pretty generous.
All in all, I am very pleased with my experience, and will return.
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