Ulta Beauty — Attraction in Costa Mesa

I am absolutely appalled by the treatment I just got by the staff at the Ulta store on 17th St. in Costa Mesa. I have been a very long client of this store and have spent thousands of dollars in this location. I had reviewed a primer, foundation and powder by Dermablend that has great ratings and reviews on line and on Youtube. While in the store a man by the name of Tony asked if he could help. I told hime about the great reviews for Dermablend. He told me he knew of something much better and directed me to Juice Beauty and said he was a make up artist and this is the best foundation and powder for full coverage and long lasting wear. I repeatedly asked if he was sure it was full coverage and long wearing, as it looked very watery and if it wore longer than the Dermablend. He said ABSOLUTELY. I told him I have so many foundations but I need a really full coverage for night. I got the product home and tried it on. HORRIBLE, streaky, like water, you can not even use with a sponge because it soaks it all up. It is very sheer coverage even after trying to build. Immediately, I went to Youtube to watch reviews and most had the same findings as me. The Ulta reviews are horrible. A lot of 1 star reviews STATING THAT SOMEONE FROM ULTA TALKED THEM OUT OF WHAT THEY WANTED INTO THIS FOUNDATION AND IT WAS HORRIBLE. Some later finding out the person at Ulta was a Juice rep. Infuriating!!! I went back to Ulta, got my original product and asked the cashier if Tony worked for the Juice Beauty brand. She said YES, and I explained how the product was the complete opposite of what I was purchasing and how Ulta should have "makeup line reps" disclose that so customers are not being swayed into a product thinking they are getting advice from a unbiased staff member who should be looking out for the clients true needs. During my discussion with the cashier, she completely ignored everything I said. Now feeling very irritated and frustrated that I am waisting my one day off driving back to Ulta. So I express calmly to the cashier that she should really acknowledge me and my complaint because it's very valid and it felt like I was being ignored. I asked for the Managers name and she said AJ and just then another staff member basically came and shooed me out of the store saying ok bye, I know your upset but have a great Sunday. I absolutely could not believe she was walking me out as if I had done something wrong. I then asked for the cashiers name and she said Arianna, now have a great day and turned around and walked away. How humiliating. As a hug Ulta customer, I am disgusted and completely appalled how all of this was handled! Tony should be ashamed that he did not identify himself as a Juice Rep and Ulta should be ashamed that their staff handles customers in...

Lots of selection and mostly friendly staff. Only ulta nearby that carries the Mac line. Unfortunately they do the full Mac makeup here and the artist won’t even acknowledge you. Another ulta worker had to ask her if she could help me with a color match. After waiting for 40 minutes, I narrowed down my colors and asked if someone could just make me a sample so I can try it and come back tomorrow to purchase. I’ve been told by everyone it’s the best foundation for oily skin and photos. 40 minutes and no acknowledgment from the artist and no help. Nobody else is allowed to make a sample. She saw me asking the other associate for help and just proceeded finishing the make up on the other person. I understand customer service, but maybe Ulta needs to have another associate working like the normal MAC counters, or they need to not allow fill makeup which takes more than an hour. Or if they do the full makeup, one artist does makeup and the other helps customers. It’s a popular brand and only at select ulta stores. The girl said everyone has been trained and could have helped me. 🙄🙄🙄 I would have left if I didn’t have a gift card and if I didn’t need this for my wedding and gladly gone to a main MAC store. She finally realized I’ve been sitting there and acted like she had never seen me although we were introduced now 45 minutes ago. I don’t have one hour to waste waiting for a stupid sample this is ridiculous. I even told them my ESA is in the car (AC on and doors...

My recent visit to Ulta was incredibly disappointing due to the lack of help and customer service from the staff. First and foremost, the checkout experience was terrible. Esmeralda, the cashier, lacked professionalism and willingness to assist me. When I asked her a question about a specific beauty product, her response was dismissive and unhelpful. Instead of offering guidance or even attempting to understand my need, she appeared visibly annoyed with me, making the interaction uncomfortable and unpleasant.

During my visit, I walked around the store, trying to find someone to help me. Despite my efforts to get someone's attention, none of the staff approached me to offer assistance. It felt like they were actively avoiding interacting with customers. The staff's attitude showed they didn't care about good customer service. They seemed unenthusiastic and unwilling to help, making the atmosphere unwelcoming. As a loyal customer who spends a lot of money there, I expected to feel valued, but instead, I felt frustrated and ignored.

Their management should address their staff's issues by investing in training or hiring new employees who value providing excellent customer service. Customers deserve better than the indifferent and unhelpful attitude I experienced. My disappointing visit has made me reconsider shopping at Ulta...