Ulta

I’ve only been to this Ulta a handful of times, but after my last visit I will never step foot in this location again.
The good: The only positive thing I can say about this location is that they often have the products I need when other Ulta locations are out of stock. That being said, perhaps this Ulta has more items in stock because it is not as frequented for the following reasons.
The bad: During my last visit, I came here with a friend because she wanted me to help her find some contouring products. Not that we needed any assistance, but no one stopped to ask if we needed help. I had been contemplating purchasing a Too Faced bronzer. After mulling it over in line with my friends, I decided to purchase the bronzer.
What you need to know is that I previously received a Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette as a gift and some of the pans had fallen out. I ordered a new palette online and again, the pans were loose and the palette was a powdery mess. As a side note, I ultimately ended up buying the palette from Sephora and they had no problem with me opening and checking the palette to ensure it was in good condition. The girl who helped me at Sephora had a similar experience with Too Faced products and was so understanding.
When I decided to buy the bronzer, I carefully opened the packaging to ensure the bronzer was in tact. I was not trying to purchase another broken Too Faced product. Only then did a worker ask if I needed help and she then referred me to the testers. I was well aware of the testers and didn’t mind her obvious suggestion, but I’m not a newbie to makeup by any means.
Out of nowhere, the security guard, Sarai, tells me in an accusatory tone that she needed me to stop opening the boxes unless I was going to purchase one. I told her that I actually was going to purchase a bronzer and I explained my experience with broken Too Faced products. She insisted that they have never been opened. How can you possibly ensure that? Why would I open the bronzer if I had no intentions to purchase it? I wouldn’t have had a problem with her comment if she had not looked at me and spoke to me in such a condescending and accusatory tone.
I’ve been a loyal Ulta Platinum customer for years, but that shouldn’t matter. Every customer should be treated with respect without feeling like they’ve been accused of attempting to steal. Although I usually wait for a coupon that can be used for prestige items or wait to use points, I was willing to splurge on a product. I definitely did not purchase the bronzer and will never spend my money at this location again. I politely spoke to the manager about the situation and stressed the fact that a sale was lost due to my interaction with the security guard. Although she apologized and confirmed that she would talk to Sarai, it appeared that she was only telling me what I wanted to hear.
I’m not a stranger to Bay Fair, but the fact that there needs to be security guards at this location is such a turn off. The security guards should know a thing or two about beauty products and receive training in some customer service because patronizing customers or following customers around is no bueno for business.
Even if this location had all the products I needed, I would much rather drive to San Jose or Dublin if necessary. I will definitely stick to other Ulta locations where customers are far more respected.

I visited this Ulta location and Lorena was extremely helpful. Despite it being 20 minutes to closing time she was very thorough. She helped find my perfect foundation and even gave me some useful tips on brushes and primer. She is so attentive, I will definitely return for all my makeup needs.

I love Ulta and I choose it over Sephora to build points. BUT. I hate shopping in store. Before this opened, I shopped online so this opening was my first time there. Online you automatically get the free samples, even if you don’t know what they are, in store you don’t. There was a Ulta makeup prize that you could receive after spending like $ 30… I spent $ 89 and they didn’t offer it. Online there was an Anastasia compact for every $ 40 ABH purchase… I bought two brow tints… Wasn’t offered. Ulta is a great store I use it mainly for some high end and NYX when it’s on sale. go online!!!

I went to ulta on ⁴⁄₁₆ and had a horrible experience there. No one asked me if I needed help while I was in there either. Yes they do have a lot of merchandise there but DO NOT go in there if you are looking for some help. I asked a guy that worked there for help and he flat out ignored me. So I had to walk around the whole store to find an employee to ask her a question. She ended up helping me. The workers were to busy talking to each other instead of asking customers if they needed help. They definitely need better customer service skills. You’ll be fine if you know exactly what you want, but if you need help from someone I wouldn’t recommend going.

I was so happy they opened an Ulta in the area! I personally love how they have a mix of cheap and more pricier brands all under the same roof. I also appreciate their hair products and skincare selection. They have CeraVe products I never seen in other stores. So cool!
I also like that the sale associates always acknowledge me but never seem pushy. Sometimes I’m left alone when I’m in the drug store section. That’s ok because I already know what I want. I’m always offered help when I’m in the prestige section, which is nice. Overall, this is a good place for me to quickly stop by if I run out of something.

The staff here have stank attitudes. They never have any of the sale sample because they keep them for themselves. I was the only one in line and the sales clerk seen me but act like she was so busy behind the counter to ring me up, She continued on stocking the shelves and then came over with a attitude. I was in this store on 4÷12÷16 and I would not go back to this store, rather drive to the next nearest ultra.

This place deserves a negative review, i understand its not at the classiest mall around but let me tell you all hat my experience was their
one day after the gym i needed hair supplies so i went to ulta i wasn’t in my most expensive attire and let me tell you how this security office walked right behind me the whole time. I probably make more in a week than he earns in two months but does he know that no he just judged me off of the clothing i was wearing he literally stood next to me as i swactched some tarte eye shadow pallets. This was crazy to me and to add on to it i asked if someone could match me to a urban decay foundation the girl literally gave me a color 4 shades darker than what I was.
The next week when i came right after work in my business attire their where no issues. This store is so ridiculous i ask everyone not to come here

Love that there is an Ulta so close and the girls are really friendly. They lost 1 star due to the security they hire there. They follow you around staring you down, and the worst part is they’re not even discreet about it. Today I got blamed for a seal that was already broken on a chapstick I happened to pick up and look at. As I proceed to tell her the seal had already been broken and show her others that were broken as well, she continued to accuse me of breaking it and later walked away when she realized she was wrong.
Note to security guard — Worry more about people actually stealing, rather than seals being broken!

Worst ULTA ever. The rent a cop walks around and follow you, the whole time they are whispering on their head pieces really uncomfortable. I felt so uncomfortable I had to stop shopping and just get what i could find I didn’t wanna ever ask for help.
I’ll never be back again!!!

I loved that they made an Ulta close to where I live. Don’t get me wrong, I like Sephora because they have more higher-​end products, but sometimes Ulta is just good enough. They carry a few high-​end makeup products but I like the fact that they also carry some drugstore brands as well, which saves me a trip to Target.
I was looking for a specific item that I saw on their website so I called this location to see if they carried it. They were quick and prompt with a response and put the item on hold for me at the store. When I decided to get something else that wasn’t available at their store, I asked if they could check another location for me. They were gladly willing to help me check and also called the other location to reserve the item for me. The female security guard was super helpful, so I thought I’d give her a shout out. :)

#161
Yaya Ulta!
I came here to grab a few gifts for my family (lots of girls) and for myself ;) The service ladies here were so helpful and professional. It really made my shopping experience that much easier.
I needed nail polish and foot scrub, eye shadows and liners, perfumes and lotions. Ulta had it all! And when I could not find something I was looking for, they were right there to help me find my items.
I even bought myself a new bottle of perfume, even though I am stocked at home, the girl who helped me told me I could get a free little robe if I bought a $ 40 bottle of fragrance. No problem – so I did. Now I have perfume and a new robe ;)
When I arrived at my holiday destination with all the gifts everyone was so pleased. It really made me happy, and for that I thank the ladies at Ulta for helping me.
Stephani Smiles for Ulta ;)

This place is a joke. I came here on thanksgiving for their Black Friday sale and was so excited barely any people were in the store. Big mistake as they only had a quarter of the Black Friday merchandise out. I then ask the guy if they had 2 different things– the PUR palette and the IT cosmetics brushes. He looks around and says nope, we haven’t unpacked them yet. I look at him and say it’s after 6:30 and you opened at 6 pm. After walking around this tiny store for a few minutes I get ready to leave. There is only 1 checkout girl and I’m next in line. The girl at the register proceeds to leave and help color match a girl for the Anastasia contour palette. WTF! I stand there for a few minutes while a girl (maybe a manager) walks over and drops 4 of the IT cosmetics brushes on the back counter and I say «oh there are those brushes, may I please purchase 2?» And the person proceeds to tell me they are sold out and those are on hold. I look at her with disgust. I purchase my items and have buyers remorse before even leaving the parking lot. So I come back around 10:30 am the next day and it’s a new cashier and those brushes are still behind the counter. I proceed to play stupid and say oh can I purchase 2 sets of the brushes and she rings them right up for me. Score!
Now I have to come back again 2 days later because I need to purchase a new chi iron and mine has taken a turn for the worse. I bring the coupon from the ad and bring up the pink iron. The girl rings it up and says the coupon isn’t valid. I read the coupon and it says no restrictions on which iron. She says oh well your total is $_​_​_​_​. Again WTF! I ask for a manager as her attitude is getting a little too much for me and says her «manager is out». Okay I’m done here. I purchased the iron and walked out again disgusted.
This place is a joke, I’ll stick with the one in Dublin.

When I go to Ulta, I expect a stellar collection of beauty products, an easy-​to-​navigate store, and helpful employees.
I have been to this location 3 times. Each time, they were out of stock of a best selling eyebrow pencil I use. Not only were they out of my shade… every shade! And not only that product… multiple products! I browsed around other brands and found this to be an issue through the entire store. The products that were on the shelf were disheveled and out of place. The first two times I tried this store, the employees asked me to come back another day after their shipment came in. The third time, I went to a different location. If selling out of products happens so frequently, I would expect management to track this and alter their stock to better satisfy customers.
The other impression I get from this store is that it is understaffed. Each time I have been here, there has been one, maybe 2 ladies on the floor, and a security guard by the door. This is unusual since in a typical Ulta store there are plenty of people asking if you need help and willing to give you advice on new products.
My advice would be trying the Dublin location.

I love Ulta because they carry a variety of different products ranging from drugstore makeup to more high-​end brands which means there definitely is something for anyone who walks into the store! Another thing I really appreciate about Ulta stores, generally, is that you can sign up for their rewards program where you can build up points (which do expire btw) and you can also get emails/​catalogs that will get you the 4−1−1 on coupons and discounts & you can even get a little somethin’ somethin’ for free for your birthday (ex: I got a sample worth $ 8 of mascara for mine)! Saving $$$ while keeping you looking glamorous, what’s not to love? Well for this particular store… there is one thing that really pushes my buttons.
& Now, I’m going to be 100% honest the wide range of products available for purchase and the convenience of this specific location, is what keeps me coming back to Bayfair Ulta but if I had a closer alternative I just might take it… now you’re probably wondering why & if you’ve read prior reviews you must know that the Security at this location loves to follow its patrons, especially those who tend to be younger. This is generally under the automatic assumption that the youth loves to shoplift and will do it anywhere/​anytime/​any place. Great. Not that it matters, but I’m twenty-​two-​years-​old, but when I’m out and about on a regular basis I do look younger than my age. However, it should be noted that I have never stolen anything in my life and would freak out if I even accidentally took a candy from a grocery store. My guilty conscience would eat me alive because I understand the value of a hard-​earned dollar. With that being said, while I do understand that Bayfair is not the most uppity or high-​end shopping center, that’s no excuse to automatically assume everyone is going to steal.
My sister and I came into Bayfair Ulta to claim my free birthday gift :) (Yayuh) and it should be noted that the Security guard was on the opposite end of the store. Yet, somehow wherever we wandered, she was an aisle way. And okay, cool… her back was to us so as not be obvious that she was clearly following us, but I felt like I was under a microscope and this definitely did NOT enhance my shopping experience nor did it motivate me to make any futher purchases during my visit. So I’m not going to lie, I tried to make it obvious that I knew she was following us by saying stuff like «Well it sucks they don’t have the NYX products I usually buy. Have you tried the Ulta lipsticks?» and I would make swift movements so I would turn around and be in the direction she was in. When and if you’re being followed btw, the security will usually do a «good» job at pretending to peruse at the items while slowly approaching/​eyeing you.
At any Ulta store I’ve been visiting in the East Bay lately Alameda South Shore included, I do note that it does feel like there is a lack of floor presence, however, since my interaction with Ulta staff is limited because I usually get what I need and try to be in-​and-​out as fast as possible… it should be noted that if you need help, you probably should check the cashier’s line and hope there’s no line because otherwise you’re going to be waiting longer than you would prefer.
What I found really nice was that you DO get greeted when you come into the store and when my sister was checking out her items, even though she didn’t cut out the coupon from the catalog the employee really did her best to get my sister the best deal possible and save her some money. At first we didn’t notice, but upon looking at her receipt we realized! This is nice because it’s the little things like this from employees where customer service can shine and actually be a thing.
So, overall I would come back for convenience or if there’s a sale/​something I desperately need to buy or really just want to add to my makeup collection.
But warning to the youth. Not sure if it was discrimination for any other reason beyond age but don’t be surprised if you walk in and you’re automatically classified as a potential shoplifter. Turn it into a game… I guess. Pretend you’re a celebrity and the security guard is the groupie following you because I for one obviously didn’t know that during my visits I was going to be so popular and have my own TV show…

Hire some BLACK PEOPLE this location is in San Leandro. Hopefully for the holidays you will take it into consideration. It’s very hard and uncomfortable to question a Latina who says she knows everything about Black skin care. The lady couldn’t even answer some of the simple questions I had. Whoever did the hiring should be ashamed of themselves.

Ehhhhhhh… I think I need to agree with almost everything that Kimmarie B. says in her review, but i had a much better trio. I went last night and there was one makeup artist who was really busy and enjoyed her job (you could tell). She was enthusiastically sharing tips for the woman she was helping, suggesting and trying out products for her, and telling her what brushes she liked best. Later, she was helping a woman who went back to the salon area and wanted a blowout but didn’t know what she really needed. She was great.
The store was still mostly put-​together for having been open for several weeks now. A lot of the time, an Ulta location will stay nice and clean for a week or less, and then mostly become a wreck, with opened products being put back in the wrong locations. For the most part, a lot of stock was on the shelves and remained unopened. Of course, there were a couple things misplaced and tried, but it wasn’t overly annoyingly bad.
I saw one other employee, who was at the cash register. She seemed bored, but she wasn’t bad.
(If I could respond to an earlier review about the «Bed Head» section – there’s an actual Bed Head tools section, by all the other hair tools. I was looking for a crimper as well and found it there. There IS a hair product section for Bed Head products, but a tools section ALSO exists.)

Never again.
I walked into this store thinking It was gonna be high energy and usually when walking into any makeup store I like to feel pumped up. When I walked in with my daughter I was greeted by someone with a earpiece on and the cashier doing her own thing.
I had money to burn. I’m a makeup artist, so anyways I’m walking around with my daughter surprise surprise half the inventory was opened and used or it wasn’t in stock. It was literally disgusting. I moved from the Too Faced sections to the NYX oh my god, I can’t.
Most of the stuff was opened all the lip liners were unwrapped the products were all swatched on the displays.
Literally no one was on the floor asking if I needed help or if I wanted anything (Hello! You would think since thats customer service they would since it’s their JOB) well I went to pay at the counter and I’m not a snob far from it but if you are working in any cosmetic industry at least wear a little bit of makeup, comb your hair and don’t look slouchy.
UGH I’m never coming into this location again. The morale was so depressing
I’m not wasting another penny in this location. either hire new staff that actually love their job and the industry or pick up and leave.

Went in just to check out the new location and buy stuff I didn’t really need. There was one makeup artist working. The store wasn’t busy, but she was already helping someone.
I was trying on different lippies, near where they were and not once asked me if I need help or if I was finding everything ok.
Finally, after about 20 min and her passing by me to get product about 10 times and me telling my friend that I had wished someone else was working, she finally asks me if I need help. –_​–
I ask her if anyone Else works there and she explains that 2 ppl went on break together and 2 called out sick. Then she says she would help me after she was done with the next guest and apologized. I was too annoyed but this time and took my stuff to the counter and left. I might give them another chance, but they really need to upgrade their customer experience and get some ppl that want to work.

I have worked with Lisa before but my First time coming into the salon a couple of days ago I am floored as usual.
LISA, the salon manager did a freaking AMAZING job on my makeup for my photo shoot. I don’t trust anyone else with my make up.
Thank you Lisa! I will be back for my next shoot !!
(Will post photos soon!)

Emma, is the skin therapist for this location. It really is my first facial so l was kinda nervous. Emma, explained what she was putting on my face. My skin feels sooo soft!!! She did an awesome job on my face. She told me that l have a combination skin. Good to know! Because l went to their Grand opening, l got to choose what kind of service l want. I chose the 20 minute Dermalogica treatment. It originally cost $ 25, but I paid nothing. I gave her a tip! :-) Can’t wait for my next appointment next month after l get off from work!