Ulta Vs. Sephora

[makeMEupGiRL]

Hey Everyone! I am totally makeup obsessed so when my marketing class said pick an industry your interested in... well, lets just say the choice wasn't hard! I picked cosmetics, more specifically, I'm comparing and contrasting Ulta and Sephora. If you guys could answer some questions for me that would be awesome! The more honest and real, the better!! (and i don't mind long answers! in fact, I'd prefer ridiculous details!) OkAy... on to the questions!

1) Where do you normally shop for makeup?

2) What is it that you like about that store? (things like but not limited to: friendly employees, great selection, quick lines, great discounts, wide organic variety)

3) If you had complete control over the store, what things would you change?

4) What things frustrate you about the stores you shop at?

5) What things would you like to see change in the whole cosmetic industry?

Thanks so much everyone! I will be posting follow up questions after I get some responses!

makeMEupGiRL

[haitianprinzess1]

1) Where do you normally shop for makeup?
I usually shop at stores like macy's, lord and taylor, and online for my make up.
2) What is it that you like about that store? (things like but not limited to: friendly employees, great selection, quick lines, great discounts, wide organic variety)
I like the fact that I can choose from a variety of eyeshadow colors, lipsticks not just from one vendor but from many vendors all at once. Because I usually get my foundation from Clinique, my eye shadow from Mac, and lip colors from anywhere that I see has the color I want. Being at a place such as Macy's gives me the chance to pick and choose from different venues.
3) If you had complete control over the store, what things would you change?
If I had complete control of the store, I would change their policy on being forced to buy something if a make up artist does your face. I feel as if they're should be no minimum purchase just to test an item out. It's like if I test out a car, do I really have to purchase the tires just to do so?
4) What things frustrate you about the stores you shop at?
A lot of times the service. Some make up artists are passionate and others I feel are their to collect a paycheck and throw anything on your face so they can punch out.
5) What things would you like to see change in the whole cosmetic industry?
I would definitely like to see more make up cases where eyeshadows, lipsticks, foundation, blush can all be sold in one case instead of having to buy thngs seperately it would just make things easier if they sold everything altogether.

[makeMEupGiRL]

Thank you soo much for responding! you had great insight! keep 'em comin people!!

Just a few follow up questions:
1) would you be willing to shop somewhere else if you felt more valued by the makeup artists?
2) regarding your comment that you would like to see more cases sold including several things... Would you like to be able to pick and choose your own items or already have them prepackaged in complimenting colors?

[haitianprinzess1]

1) would you be willing to shop somewhere else if you felt more valued by the makeup artists?
Yes I definitely would shop somewhere where the make up artists actually valued my skin care concerns and beauty routines more than how much money they can make off of me in one sitting. Thank God that I'm into make up and cosmetics and I know what's good for me so that they will not be able to pull a fast one but still there are some people who do not know so much about make up or want to learn new tips and there should be more dedicated make up artists.

2) regarding your comment that you would like to see more cases sold including several things... Would you like to be able to pick and choose your own items or already have them prepackaged in complimenting colors?
I think it would be easier for me and easier for everyone if they were already prepackaged in complimenting colors. Another thing they can do is having people choosing their own items, I would not mind that either.

[makeMEupGiRL]

Would you like a store that focused on educating customers so that they would know what they are using and what is in the products? What about a store that focused heavily on organic products or products that were intended to be better for your skin?

[haitianprinzess1]

Would you like a store that focused on educating customers so that they would know what they are using and what is in the products? What about a store that focused heavily on organic products or products that were intended to be better for your skin?
I would definitely prefer a store that focused on educating customers. Most of their customers are women who probably don't have the time or energy to read up on cosmetics magazines or tips on new ways to apply make up or which products would be best suited on their skin. It's all about making sure women don't have "cake faces" and to gear them towards something that will make them feel confident, youthful looking, and keeping up with the latest trends. A store that focused on organic products is definitely something that cosmetics in America and worldwide should place more focus on. I understand there is bare essentials but to me that is just not enough. I am not knocking bare essentials and saying that it's not worth it but what I am saying is for something that is supposed to be better than MAC or clinique it did not come strong enough. There's like 10 eyeshadows tops, weird blushes, and the brushes are a step up but at the same time people don't seem to either care or just don't see it worth buying. So we definitely need an organic line comparable and just as big as MAC cosmetics or Sephora.

[makeMEupGiRL]

Thank you so much for all of your insight! you really were great!!