ulta makeup
 

So, I discovered an Ulta store yesterday. Its a store with all makeup, perfume and their own salon inside. I went in looking rather bummy, and after a makeover by some 20-year makeup artist I left with amazing looking eye makeup. So I bought some of the Ulta eyeshadow in gold dust and elegance and the lipstick in raisin. I normally never stray from clinique, anyone have any opinion on ulta cosmetics or the store. I know there are three stores in chicago (city) and some in the suburbs.

Also, I want to buy a flat iron with ceramic, and want it to be wide, anyone have any reccommendations?

I love that store! when used to go visit my parents lived in the chicago, that store was one of my first stops!

I love ULTA! I have a bunch of their eyeshadows and I think they are really pretty colors, but I don't think they last throughout the day as well as MAC... You have to put them on really heavy and then they get kind of cakey looking.

Anyway, I have worked in salon, and I just wanted to make a comment about the ceramic flat iron. I don't really think ceramic is any better than the one with the metal plates... it is just a way for them to charge more because it is the "new" thing. The metal ones get your hair just as straight and smooth, and ceramic, despite their claims, will damage your hair just as much as metal. Sorry, but when you cook your hair in a 400-degree mini-oven, you're going to get some damage!

I recommend Hot Tools as the brand of choice for all styling irons.

Re: ulta makeup
 

Ceramic Tools by Jilbere....AMAZING! I can get my hair stick straight from being all curly. I got mine at Sally Beauty Supply, but I think you can get it at Ultra. It's around $40 and worth it!

Actually, for me, ceramic works SO much better than metal and doesn't fry my hair like metal did.

My apologies to you... I know my statement can't hold true for everyone. It's just my observation both from personal experience and working in the industry...

ULTA -- dangerous dangerous store for me -- there is one in Cary, NC now

along with a DSW - lots and lots of shoes!!

OK, semi-hijack here :)

Any makeup brand recommendations? Ulta isn't going to work for me unless they've opened a store in Connecticut :)

I almost never wear makeup, but I think I could use a little bit of color around my eyes... unfortunately I own absolutely zero eye makeup (don't ask) and since I haven't worn makeup in so long, I don't have a good idea of what's good or bad. Suggestions, ladies?

Don't worry about it ;) I was just giving my experience with my flat iron :)

Makeup recommendations... I've said it on a dozen threads and I'll say it again.

aephi alum - MAC is the way to go! They have SO many colors to choose from.

I suggest that you go to Bloomingdale's or another department store with a makeup counter. Get a makeover. They will give you tips as to what will look good on you based on your complexion and lifestyle. Plus they will show you how to apply the makeup that best accentuates your features.

My recommendation is to get Clinque. I tried MAC and I hated it. First of all I've had a thing of clinque eyeshadow since Aug and it has not crumbled. But I bought MAC eyeshadow and within 2 months it was crumbly. THis happened more than once. Then I bought thier foundation/poweder mixed in one. Well I have combo skin and it makes my skin look like crap. It gets caked in all the dry spots and I try to smooth it out and I can't so then i put more of it on to even it out needless to say it's a mess. I actually had to go exchange it for a different color bc they gave me a shad that was way too dark and I didn't notice until one day when I was in the car (WOW natural light sure makes a difference) and let's just say I was scared to death. But even with the new lighter color I hate this foundation/powder.
Yeah Mac has a lot of colors, but some of them seem a little too wild for most work places. Just my 2 cents!

I love MAC and Clinique. If you're looking for a subtle, neutral eye shadow, MAC's vex is an awesome color.

That's a good idea, actually... I think I'll do that. I'm pretty sure there's a Clinique counter at the Macy's in town.

I took a look at the MAC website. There are some promising-looking things, along with a lot of colors that are either in the wrong color families for me or just too bright/dark (black eye shadow? I don't need to get my husband arrested for domestic abuse :p ) Well, if I have the opportunity I'll check them out... the nearest store to me is over an hour away, though.

Thanks :)

MAC is where it's at for the color ranges. I went to Nordstrom for a makeover with neutral colors, so they definitely have a good range of sedate shades for the office. I couldn't afford to get the lipglass, mascara, eyeshadows, whitepencil, and bronzer that they suggested, so I kept the card and will get each piece as I get more money. :) I have sensitive skin, and I haven't broken out yet!

Clinique is also really good, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies like me. Their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is excellent!