KWR: Ulta v. Sephora for Make-up

I would ask to see pictures of the specific consultant's work. Everyone does it differently.

I have never had any of their services so I'm not sure how helpful this is but anyway...

I typically go to Ulta just becasue I know what I want going in, and they are conveniently located near my home and work. I will say that I think the staff at Sephora is much more knowledgeable about products and what will work for you. I feel like Ulta hires anyone off the street.

I got my makeup done for my e-pics at the Sephora counter. It was stunning!

But it's all going to depend on the makeup artist that you get. I've heard horror stories about getting makeup done at both Sephora and Ulta. It's a risk that you take by doing it this way.

I personally prefer Sephora for purchasing my makeup, since as others have stated they tend to be more knowledgable and they often have higher quality brands. However, It's definitely store/MUA specific.

For products - Sephora.

For make-up application - neither.

I've heard to many horror stories from people who've gotten their make-up done by an employee at either store. I wouldn't risk it. Like others said it depends who you get and who's working that day. I wouldn't risk it and just ask them to test our products, etc.

It just depends on who does your makeup, but in my experience, the staff at Ulta knows about as much as a 12 year old about makeup. Sephora tends to have more MUAs on staff at any one time, so if you want a specific style they'll try to put you with someone who does that well. I really dislike Ulta because their return policy is CRAP, their customer service is CRAP, their employees are not knowledgeable, you can't use their coupons on anything good, they don't have hygienic disposables for testing products, and they won't give you samples. So basically . . . I'd go to Sephora. Since it's for a photoshoot, have you also thought about MAC? Their foundations are too heavy for everyday IMO, but photograph well because they are designed for photography. Anywhere you go, tell them you are going to have professional photos taken so that they can do your makeup for photography.

^ actually sephora doesn't hire MUA either. They hire people with great sales skills and then train them to do make up in order to sell a product.

I've had friends work at sephora for months and still not be someone I would let put make up on me.

We don't really have a MAC in our area, though I imagine maybe there would be a MAC counter at the really high end mall in one of their department stores, but I'm not sure. I will definitely be sure to tell them it's for photography though! Any of these people can undoubtedly do make-up better than I can though haha.

Ultra actually has a great return policy. I have never had any issues on returns when I haven't liked one of their products.

Sephora, when I do wear makeup I do my own. Sephora lets you return products no matter what, so if you bought a foundation and your half way thru the bottle and hate, they will let you return it.

Most items can be found at both and once in a while, Ulta is cheaper. but some items are higher end and are only at Sephora, so that may help if you have products you want to use. but check the persons actual portfolio if work. my GF worked at Sephora for years handling loss prevention and one day they said, do you wanna do makeup, so she did. she was never very good.

Hahah yikes, Andi. Yeah, I shop at Ulta frequently since it's been the only place near me, but I just figured Sephora might be higher end. In retrospect, the woman who I spoke to in the store about coming in had some FREAKISHLY drawn on eyebrows, so maybe checking out the portfolios beforehand is definitely my best bet.

I had my makeup done at Sephora for my engagement photos, and my MUA was fantastic. She was an actual MUA, not just a sales staff member. I'm sure it's all in the luck of the draw, but I had a good experience.

I really don't have any services form Ulta or Sephora but I had bought a makeup box for my girlfriend as she always likes to make up her face and enjoy party out. Everyone catching up with this would have different thoughts and opinions. But I guess you can make your own decision by just simply knowing the store policy. The makeup bought by me for my girlfriend was really good on her face and she looked prettier than ever. You find out What is return and refund at Ulta Store by going through Ulta Store Policy. This would provide you to make an easy return/refund and can easily make a decision from both Ulta or Sephora.