Ulta Beauty — Local services in Town of Woodbury

I usually enjoy shopping at Ulta, but my recent visit was disappointing. At first, I appreciated the associates attention, but it quickly became excessive. Even after I clearly said I was just browsing, multiple employees kept approaching me to ask if I needed help. My husband even commented that it felt like I was being followed around. I’ve worked retail myself, so I understand the importance of good customer service, but it’s equally important to read customer cues and respect space.

Several associates also made comments about my makeup and nails, which at first seemed friendly, but after the third or fourth time, it started to feel uncomfortable and performative. Combined with the constant hovering, it felt less like genuine conversation and more like I was being observed the entire time.

Throughout my time in the store, I was asked several times if I wanted a shopping bag after I had already declined. I didn’t come in with a specific list. I was picking up random essentials like nail glue, tweezers, and cotton rounds, while browsing makeup, gift sets, and hair accessories, but the constant interruptions made it hard to shop comfortably. It felt more like a pressured environment than a welcoming one.

At checkout, I was also pushed to apply for an Ulta credit card even after I said no. The cashier told me I was “pre-approved” which came across as unnecessarily aggressive and invasive after I had already declined. If I wasn’t considering it before, I was certainly not going to consider it after that interaction.

Lastly, I bought a Clinique value set clearly labeled as $85 but was charged $138. When I went back right away, I was told it was only $85 with another Clinique purchase. The small print said that, but the larger $85 type was misleading, especially since the display tower included other sets that didn’t have similar conditions. With all the pestering they did prior, I was amazed they hadn’t clarified that upon my purchase. It felt deceptive, so I returned the product.

Overall, the staff came across as overly persistent and entirely unreceptive to normal social cues. Between the constant hovering, the repeated comments on my appearance, the credit card pressure, and the misleading pricing, this experience has made me think twice about shopping at Ulta in the future. I’ll likely stick to Sephora or other DTC beauty retailers...

🚫🚫PLEASE SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY🚫🚫 If you are latina or woman of color with curly hair or soft curly hair please don't go there. Today was my daughter prom I made an appointment for a blown out and curls well we got there and I noticed that the girl didn't wash my hair daughter and I asked right away why are you not washing the hair she told me that is was only for a hair style and to do a formal style don't need it the hair needs to be dirty and I didn't ask for it but when I made the appointment I was very clear of what I wanted,I asked for a manager spoke to the manager she give me 20% which i didn't ask but for the inconvenience and nothing the girl continues to the hair. I when to ulta because it was my last option and i thought there was professional styles. when I saw my daughter about to start cry the dominican came out right way, told her that I don't want the service anymore and i goggle a hair salon near me I call a dominican salon which I didn't know there was one around my area I wouldn't book at ulta and by the way that dominican place in monroe I recommend 1000%. Thank to Gigi from the dominican salon my daughter when to prom happy they wash and dry her hair did the hairstyle that my daughter wants the one in ulta wants to do with out a wash and an blow out they are not real hairstyles because it they was real they would know how to deal with every type of hair. I don't want to make this about races but there was a white girl sitting next to my daughter and a very similar style that my daughter wants and it was perfect my daughter hair is very soft curly and the hairstyle told my daughter that she was supposed to go with the hair straight and that her hair was freez first time in my life that I hear that a hair salon don't give a full service and the prices with out the wash and blow out was $89 plus tax and plus tips ridiculous In the end I give the girl a tips because maybe is not her fault but I will NEVER WILL GO TO ULTA AGAIN NEVER. I will love to give Ulta a 🚫but goggle don't give me that...

Really awful customer service. I had booked an appointment upon arrival I was told “she’s not here yet, she also doesn’t even work today” after asking if there was someone I can talk to (and waiting 15 minutes) a manager came over who had to be the RUDEST person I’ve ever met. Not once did she apologize about the mix up but tried to blame it on me for booking same day. I asked a few questions which were blatantly ignored and she then told me I could come back in two hours, which I couldn’t do hence why I scheduled an early afternoon appointment originally. I tried asking why there is no protocol in place to review the books once opened to verify appointments and again I was blatantly ignored. This will be my last time frequenting Ulta. All I wanted was to have my hair colored to get rid of my grays that have appeared post baby and try and make me feel a little like myself again instead I left frustrated and in tears because as any new mom knows it’s not often we get to carve out time to take care of ourselves and instead of being understanding and helpful the manager was acting annoyed like she had better things to do. If you’re thinking of booking do yourself a...