Beauty

[I am still oxox]

I was there for only the second time last night and way, this store is at least 3 times the size of our local Sephora.

I love that they have a range of cosmetics from low to high end as well as hair products, hair tools and fragrance.

I was so overwhelmed by the vastness of the place I was like a little kind in Disney for the first time

[hellokitty]

I can't believe how nervous I was to go into a BE boutique the first time I saw one!

We have an Ulta about 30 miles from my home.  It is right next to JoAnn Fabric so I can check out both of them at the same time.  However, the young staff stays away from old folks like me so I usually have no contact with anyone until I get to the  check out.  There is a Sephora in the JC Penney store but it is so small and cramped I never go in.

Glad you had a great experience.

[just bee]

@I am still oxox

I avoid the place precisely for that reason!  But I recently spotted hard-to-find Lumene products on their website and placed an order.  Couldn't be happier.

And now that I'm on the email list I'm getting all sorts of information about products and crazy sale prices.  This could be dangerous.

I did go into our local store twice for haircuts.  Can't complain about their salon, either.

[Peaches McPhee]

Not a big fan of Ulta.  I was just in there yesterday, buying my sister's Christmas gift (I give her the Ultra 3-in-1s).  The last time I was there was probably last year at this time.

The check out process is so laborious, it reminded me of why I don't go in there.  I wanted to pay and go, but that is, apparenty, abnormal.

[Tricolor]

I do like Ulta's rewards program much better than Sephora's. For Platinum members there is no expiration date either. However, Sephora has brand names that I also like too. I shop both places for the variety. Actually I shop more on Ulta online because my Ulta always seems to be out of what I want. My daughter has a newer Ulta and they have a bigger selection than mine does.

[Karlana]

But, if there is a specific upper end brand, call before ging there as all stores do not carry the same products. Ive only been 3x and could only get help 1 x and that was by chasing down the same sales "girl."  She knew I needed/wanted to look into brands new t me andcwhenbshe was captured, was informative. THEN back t len against the cabinets around the check out to chat with co-workers. REALLY FRUSTRATING! My first visit at a different location, I spent  $200.00, had NO HELP then called the online srre and learned "the key" to brands colors,, etc. I returned it all unopened, of course. Had someone been willing to even say "hello" I could have been directed to the right area/ brands and no t have made 2 worthless trips and theywould not have "returns" on their hands! My high end area Sephora store is lots f snobby guys, friendly young ladies, the latter of which nearly shadow you while shopping! Tho not a JC Penney shopper, my experiences in the Sephoa stores there have been GREAT!

[JudyL]

I love the ULTA near me - probably a little too much!  LOL Friendly, helpful staff and I'm in my 60's.  Have had no problems with check-outs or returns.  Always am asked if I need help or finding what I need.  Also like ULTA because of the range of beauty products.  Still go to Sephora but find I go to ULTA more often.

[tototwo]

I've never been to an Ulta and never heard of it until coming to these boards a few years ago. Same wth Sephora.  However, a new Sephora recently opened inside our JCPenney -- my first visit to a Sephora was exactly that:  Amazement!   All the colors, bright lights, so much to see - wow.  I wanted to wander on my own and take it all in.  There were also very narrow aisles and 3 overly enthusiastic young clerks who followed me around like I was the Pied Piper or something.   All talking at once -  "Can I help you find something?"  "Here, have you seen this new lipstick?"  "Let me show you the skin care over there."  "What colors do you prefer?"  Accccck!

They made me very uncomfortable so I left. 

[tarsmom]

I love Ulta.  I think it's great there's all price points in there.  But when I'm walking in I'm saying to myself "you don't NEED anything in here so watch what you're spending!"   

[ccassaday]

I could spend hours in ulta. It's like a kid in a candy store.