I don't think I've ever written a Yelp review before, but after the experience I had here a few…read moredays ago, I couldn't not write one! Heads up, this will be a long read- but I promised a review bursting at the seams (much like my shopping cart) and I intend to deliver ;)
I stopped into Ulta a couple of days before a wedding I was attending, hoping to find a new foundation or concealer that could better cover a recent breakout. Now, I mean no disrespect to any other Ulta location, but based on my personal experiences, this was by far the best Ulta I've ever stepped foot in (and I'm a frequent flyer).
For context, I have very, very fair and sensitive skin, so finding products that both match my complexion and agree with my skin can be a challenge. I've had my fair share of frustrating experiences with shade matching, often leaving stores with completely different recommendations depending on whom I ask. Unfortunately, I've also grown accustomed to feeling like a nuisance simply for asking for help, to the point where I've largely stopped seeking advice from beauty consultants altogether.
That's what made my experience at this location so exceptional.
From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt genuinely welcomed. Two absolutely lovely consultants, Jane and Sarah, went above and beyond to make what I expected to be a quick shopping trip into one of the best customer service experiences I've ever had.
Jane greeted me immediately and happily offered to help with a foundation consultation. She was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and attentive, never once making me feel rushed or difficult to accommodate. She found me a beautiful, full-coverage foundation in a shade that actually matched my skin (a small miracle!) and even helped me troubleshoot why my skin might have been reacting to another product.
Then came Sarah, who worked in skincare rather than makeup but happened to overhear part of our conversation and kindly came over to help.
And when I say she helped, I mean she spent the better part of an hour, if not an hour and a half, helping me!
As it turned out, we shared many of the same skin struggles, and we ended up swapping war stories, frustrations, and recommendations about what had and hadn't worked for us. She listened so attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and genuinely understood what I was looking for. She tested products with me, carefully considered my skin sensitivities, and even took the extra time to double-check ingredients to help avoid anything that might cause irritation.
And somehow, she managed to accomplish what countless other consultations hadn't: she helped me find skincare products that genuinely worked for my needs, were reasonably priced, and left me feeling confident about what I was purchasing.
I asked approximately a million questions, and she answered every single one with patience, enthusiasm, and kindness. Not once did I feel rushed, dismissed, pressured into buying something, or like she was simply trying to make a sale. In fact, I'm convinced I could have walked out empty-handed and she would have been just as happy to have helped me.
That, to me, is what exceptional customer service looks like.
It may sound silly to some, but the insecurity and frustration that can accompany skin struggles are very real. When you've spent so much time and money trying to find things that work, only to be disappointed again and again, having someone genuinely listen and understand can mean more than they realize.
For the first time in a long time, I left a beauty store not only feeling good about the products I'd purchased, but feeling hopeful, understood, and armed with a wealth of new knowledge.
Neither of these women was obligated to give me the time, patience, or personal attention they did. They could have simply pointed me toward a product, made a recommendation, and moved on. Instead, they went above and beyond, and then some.
I don't know that Jane or Sarah fully realizes how much their kindness meant to me, but I wanted to make sure it didn't go unrecognized.
To Jane and Sarah: Thank you for being not only outstanding at what you do, but genuinely wonderful humans. Your kindness, knowledge, and willingness to go the extra mile made a bigger difference than you probably know. I appreciate you both so much!
Needless to say, I'll absolutely be back. If you're looking for an Ulta where the employees truly care about the people they're helping, I cannot recommend this location enough. Five stars simply aren't enough!
