Ulta

I’ve had 2 at MAC locations. The first time I did disclose my status. The 2nd time I didn’t at a different location.

6 of one, half a dozen of another…

I love the ULTA I go to. I have  never had any issues and I am kinda a fixture there, given how many years I've been going there. But hey, stores employ people, and heavens knows there are lots of humans around, and who knows what they may also be dealing with. We all go through those same gyrations. I wouldn't write them off just yet.

I've been to Ulta a few times now. Never got the makeover, but have talked to plenty of the people there who have walked me through the store and described their items and have had a few good pointers and chats between us.

Maybe try a different Ulta store. There should be more than one store near where you live. You could get a whole different response. And try talking to them on the phone. I think a phone call usually works better than a text. Most I have dealt with are happy to help and find an appointment for you. I've had good results at the MAC counter as well. That's where I got my first make over.

Hi Betty,

My advice is this... Don't waste your time with these stores. The sad reality is, they are not nearly as trans friendly as they claim to be. Some stores are better than others, as are some employees. But they all share one thing in common. They are there to make money and if they choose to deal with you at all, it will only be to sell you whatever products and services the store currently favors.  Most of the time the advice you will be given, is not the best advice for you.

I suggest you save yourself a lot of time, money and headaches. Get online and search for Makeup Tutorials on YouTube. There are tons of good advice from lots of women who have lots of talent and experience. Look for women who have similar skin to your own and for women whose appearance you enjoy. I suggest you start with Angela Bright. Hands down, she has some of the best tutorials on YouTube.

Like you, I tried other avenues to learn how to do my makeup. And I spent more money than I care to think about. I also got so frustrated and disheartened that for a time I gave up trying to learn. Eventually I tried looking for tutorials and found Angela's feed. Since then, I have really started to gain some skill and I am slowly figuring out what products actually work for me. I get very little time each week to practice. But I have learned more in the last year watching tutorials, than I did in the previous 3.5 years listening to store employees and purchasing professional makeup tutorial videos.

Good luck and have fun! 😉

Hi Betty,

I have to say I am very surprised hearing this.   I've been in a few different Ulta stores and in my opinion every store set a very high standard for service.  Far beyond what I expected.  In every store I have had multiple people help me find things, and I suspect that 20% or more of the staff in my local Ulta falls somewhere under the queer umbrella.

Hello Betty, I have been to Ulta in guy mode for eyebrows, hair and makeup, had nails and feet done several times at various malls, and did professional makeup in MAC stores when they were still around. All about 10 years prior to the new acceptance. It is possible you just found the wrong salon girl??? Or the wrong store? Or they really are just busy? I do agree with you going to get your own makeup and learning your self as professional makeup is gawd awful pricy and you will not only get a skill but save a ton of cash. However do not write off all people in that industry as unfriendly, actually I found people in the makeup/style industry more accepting then the average Joe, they just all aren't.

Just food for thoughts.

Miriya