10 Shamazing Reasons to Check Out The New Ulta Beauty in Kailua
It’s 10,000 square feet of beauty products and services, a brow bar, skin bar and salon. Why are you still sitting at home?
Photo: Robbie Dingeman
No amount of concealer can hide how much we love beauty products. We’re pretty obsessed. So, in honor of the grand opening of Ulta Beauty Kailua, we put together a list of our top makeup and hair finds at the Windward location. The Pearl City location opened in August, but, we have to note, the Kailua shop is the only local Ulta (and one of only 14 in the nation) that carries Chanel beauty products. ’Cause we’re all in desperate need of Chanel.
Stacey Makiya
Senior Fashion Editor
Daily Beauty Routine: I get ready in about 10 minutes. After a morning shower, I wrap my hair into a bun, slap some vitamin C serum and lotion on my face, fill in some brows, and, if I feel like being a rock star, I’ll brush on some blush and curl my lashes.
What I Love About Ulta: You can get everything from Maybelline mascara to Dyson’s Supersonic (and super expensive) hair dryer. Plus, there’s a brow and skin bar, and a salon. It’s a one-stop shop with everything you might be looking for at Long’s Drugs, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s. I love the Kailua location especially because it shares a parking lot with Whole Foods Market!
My Top Five from Ulta Beauty Products:
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion
($40)
I’m always outside, usually doing something active. So, this Shiseido sunscreen, which was recommended by some guy friends, does the job. It becomes more effective when water or sweat hits it.
RoC Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Restoring Night Cream
($27.99)
Let’s just say I’m getting up there in years, so I’m now on the hunt for anti-aging night creams. RoC’s night creams are no stranger to top 10 beauty lists, including those from Harper’s Bazaar and Health Magazine. And, its drugstore price makes it even more attractive!
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
($399.99)
This is the Cardi B of hair dryers—a tiny powerhouse that blew up last year, and it’s totally boujee. But, I totally want one!!
Issey Miyake Eau de Toilette
($78 for 1.6 ounces)
I hate strong scents. A LOT. Those seasonal scented hand sanitizers are pure evil. The only perfume that doesn’t make me want to crawl out of my own skin is from Issey Miyake. Ulta offers a full lineup of the designer’s fragrances—even body lotion for those who love to layer it.
Chanel Inimitable Mascara
($32)
I’m in search of a new mascara and this version gives life to lashes without smudging and flaking. Plus, it’s an excuse to visit the Chanel counter and pretend I can afford everything there.
Louis Scheer
Art Director and Freelance Makeup Artist
Beauty routine: I’m an all-or-nothing kind of gal. OK—not nothing—that’s barbaric. At the very least, I splash some water on my face, moisturize and sunscreen. At the absolute most, I cleanse, exfoliate, apply a cocktail of serums, moisturize, sunscreen and then go all out on my mug. Foundation, concealer, a good amount of setting powder for my super-duper oily skin, tons of blush, a bit of bronzer, brow pencil for my non-existent brows, a super long-wearing orange-tinted lip stain or lipstick and some lip balm. The full beatdown takes anywhere from 30 minutes if I’m in a rush to an hour if I’m listening to music and actin’ a fool.
What I Love About Ulta: I generally try to keep my routine affordable. But for my freelance makeup kit, I’m always finding excuses to drop a good chunk of coin on higher-end items—especially when it comes to complexion products and eyeshadows. Ulta makes it easy to do both kinds of shopping in one go. Less time driving and more time shopping is cool with me!
My Top Five from Ulta Beauty Products:
Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Matte Foundation
($39)
This foundation is an oily-skin gal’s dream. It sets on its own to a skin-like matte finish and holds up really well when natural oils start doing their thing. I find that even if I don’t powder, I can blot throughout the day with only a minimal amount of transferring.
Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder
($7.99)
This is hands down one of the best affordable loose powders available. It sets foundation and concealers beautifully, doesn’t look heavy and has a great range of shades. The best part is that price. Maybelline killed it with this one.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in “Berry Adore”
($30)
I’m obsessed with blush. I’m not ashamed to admit I wear too much; if no one asks if I’m sunburned, I didn’t put on enough. This trio has all the everyday colors I need: a cool berry, a neutral mauve and a warm coral. I would layer them all like a maniac. (Pro tip: Vibrant berry tones are the best colors to use if you want your blush to look like actual flushed—almost irritated-looking—skin. Aka the Louis look.)
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Natural Spray
($54 for 1.35 ounces)
I used to be perfectly content using my Victoria’s Secret Tease body spray every single day. Then Issey Miyake came and ruined everything. The scent is warm, spicy, bright without being offensively sharp and is supposed to last. I’ll never abandon my Tease spray, but I may need this to be my new special occasion spray,when I want to smell super rich, sexy and important—but not obnoxiously so.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30
($19.99)
I never skip sunscreen. SPF is the best defense against skin cancer and premature aging! If I’m running late, I apply a 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen to save time. This is one of the few moisturizing sunscreens that works on my oily skin. The lightweight hydrating base and niacinamide helps balance my skin’s oil production so I can blot less throughout the day.
Ulta Beauty Kailua, 609 Kailua Road, Suite 106, Kailua, (808) 824-4017. Ulta Beauty Pearl Highlands, 1000 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City, (808) 638-4701. Ulta.com
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