Ulta Beauty — Local services in Smithfield

During a time when the economy is struggling drastically, good customer service and respect should always prevail. Today, I did not receive the above.

TWO days ago, I visited the Ulta location in Warwick. Being a WOC (woman of color with brown olive undertoned skin) its a challenge to find the right foundation. Fortunately, I was assisted by a lovely woman whom I believe was the manager. I typically visit this location because they are friendly and helpful. She found two shades but warned me that the company was going out of business. The undertones weren't ideal but the shade could still work. She wasnt sure of the shades since she couldn't match me due to the pandemic. But stated, "if its the wrong color, you can bring it back within 60ds". She and another associate also recommend I try PUR if it didn't work out because they had numerous shades offered online. Since I was in Smithfield, I decided to return the foundations along with my receipt to the Ulta Smithfield location. The male associate/beauty consultant (initial "K") performed the refund transaction. He opened the boxes containing the foundation bottles which I found odd but, I received my refund in full. I decided to try again and was helped by another beauty consultant who was a lovely young woman. Although she was unfamiliar with the particular foundation that I inquired about, she was diligent, helpful, respectful and courteous. She said it was difficult to see the shade since the bottles were frosted and, they cant test the product on my skin due to covid-19 restrictions. But again had said, "if the shade doesnt work for you, you can return it with a receipt". She recommended that I try it in the parking lot before I leave. As I walked out with the new product in hand, I passed by the male sales associate "K". I said, I was going to check the foudation outside. He said, "that's a good idea. BUT, you can only look at it. You can't touch the product". His tone wasn't rude but, I found his comment inconsistent with the store policy and, inappropriate. I have never heard the above nonsensical comment ever in my life.

Nonetheless, I tried the foundation in the parking lot. The young lady was spot on. Bravo! The color was perfect but overtime it darkened immensely and turned grayish (oxidized). Its not suitable for use. I love makeup. I'm a Rouge member at Sephora and, recently learned of Ulta about 1-2yrs ago. I've been a frequent shopper, every Saturday ($300++) until Covid-19. My profession allows me to enjoy this hobby at my leisure. And, I rarely return anything let alone makeup.

Although, I'm out $47.00 for a bottle of foundation that can't be used, I refuse to return to this location nor recommend out of principle. I will accept this loss. Upon reviewing Ulta's store return/refund policy online, there is no such mention of the above request by this associate. All companies have the right to limit returns if there is a suspicion of abuse or theft. If he suspected abuse after one return, what gave this associate that impression of me? Thus, I plan to file a formal complaint to their corporate office in...

I’ve been a customer of this ulta for several years, and even though it’s the closest one to my house I will NEVER go to this location again! I have an event tomorrow, and I was looking for a new concealer to cover up a terrible breakout I am experiencing. I have endometriosis and struggle with occasional flare ups of hormonal acne. The store associate Madison assisted me, and she was rude, unprofessional & degrading. Saying that my dermatologist is wrong and gave me the wrong skin diagnosis. That I need to change my diet, asking me if I eat McDonald’s and a lot of processed foods, basically insinuating I do. Giving me rude stares while asking me these overbearing questions. Saying those types of foods will settle in your “waist line “ while looking at me up and down. Just a few examples of the long list of “tips” she gave me. I felt so uncomfortable and insulted. It honestly felt like a lecture, and she stopped mid conversation to ask if I wanted to “write this all down”. Also, when she color matched me for the concealer she was so aggressive with cleansing my face and dabbing on the product. I told her I had very sensitive skin, and she didn’t even ask me if I had any allergies or particular skin sensitivities before applying the cleanser. She says she’s a licensed esthetician but used the tester applicator DIRECTLY on my face. Studies show how skin care & makeup product testers harbor insane amounts of bacteria. GROSS. I found it very hypocritical that she had bad mouthed my Dermatologist! Store Associates like Madison are the reason why women, especially women suffering with various hormonal and skin conditions feel so uneasy and scared to seek beauty advice in these types of stores! I left the store, and immediately burst into tears. I went home and my skin was burning and inflamed. My mother and I were appalled at this encounter. This location has officially lost my business, I’ll drive the 15 minutes out of my way to grab my products at the Garden...

If you are LGBT do not shop here, go to the Sephora next door if you can. I just finished my routine shopping trip picking up some skincare essentials and I had an absolutely awful experience with a supposed “sales associate”. The second me and my girlfriend entered this location I received a disgusted, nasty look by an older Hispanic woman who was dressed in casual clothing. She had no name tag on so I assumed she was just a customer and went about my business picking up products I like. She began to follow our every move and stare us down like a hawk with the same disgusted look on her face, and she saw my girlfriend lean in close to me and she literally huffed at us. After my girlfriend was holding a few items for me, she came rushing over and literally pushed an older couple out of the way to shove a bag in my girlfriend’s face. She did not even say hello or smile while doing so. The older couple even looked at her weird for doing that. My girlfriend tried to refuse the bag but she did not leave us alone until she took it. No offense, but I don’t look like the type of person who is broke and can’t afford to buy a few serums and moisturizers, I literally came in holding the key to my Mercedes and wearing my designer jewelry. I have never had an experience like this before going in as an LGBT couple. I was wearing some pride flags on my outfit and my girlfriend is masculine looking. I do not anticipate being harassed in a makeup store of all places, especially one I regularly go to. After going to Ulta I went to the Sephora next door and was greeted very warmly by their employees. Skip this dump and go somewhere you will be treated...