Ever surprise what it’s like procuring with a magnificence editor? Welcome to Counter Service, a collection the place we go to our favourite magnificence boutiques IRL. We’re visiting the curated areas and locations that make procuring in individual oh-so price it—and also you’re coming with. Up subsequent, Sarah Felbin, Attract’s senior commerce editor, visited Ulta Magnificence on the hunt for Mom’s Day items that her mother will love and use on the every day.
I’ve all the time been tremendous shut with my mother (assume Lorelai and Rory from Gilmore Women, however with much less boy drama). She was my introduction to all issues magnificence, from serving to me excellent my eyeliner earlier than a dance competitors to selecting the best mani-pedi shade mixture for my senior promenade. And most classes began the identical manner: with a visit to our native magnificence retailer. In our case, that was Ulta.
My mother and I’ve spent hours roaming its hallowed magnificence halls, tossing new launches into our baggage to debate intimately later. So, after I was at a loss for the place to select up a Mom’s Day reward she’d really love, I made a decision to swing by my native retailer first—and I’m so glad I did.
Moving into the 86th Road location in New York Metropolis (previous the rainbow lipstick mural) takes me proper again to these childhood procuring sprees. the vibe: huge gross sales flooring, brilliant lights (excellent for swatching—and you realize we’re testing every thing), and seemingly countless, with rows of pristinely organized status magnificence manufacturers and drugstore favorites alike. As a magnificence editor, that is my dream. I actually can’t wait to dive in—even the playlist, stacked with Beyoncé, ABBA, and Dua Lipa, will get me within the temper to do some digging.
As I tempo the aisles, looking, swatching, and chatting with the shop associates, I discover some issues I already can’t reside with out that I do know Mother will love, and a few new issues I can’t wait to introduce her to. Nearly with out realizing it, I’ve stuffed my bag with a pile of presents starting from skin-care gadgets to make-up to perfume—and I’ve barely even made a dent in all of Ulta Magnificence’s choices. (There’s all the time her birthday…and Christmas, too.) Here is what my haul appeared like.





