The first time I entered an Ulta store, I almost began to hyperventilate! After I regained my composure and picked my jaw up off the floor, I walked around for over an hour, weaving in and out of each aisle. I knew that this place would soon become my home away from home!

If you've never visited Ulta, I strongly urge you to do so. You will be amazed by the enormous selection of cosmetics, fragrances, skin care and hair care products (they also sell health and beauty basics like cotton balls, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products). The concept is somewhat similar to Sephora, but at Ulta you will find both drugstore lines and higher-end, prestige lines. Whether you just need one or two items, or you're looking to restock your medicine cabinet or cosmetics bag, you're sure to find something in this beauty mega-store.

In addition to selling other brands, Ulta also sells their own line of reasonably priced makeup brushes, cosmetics, body products, and nail polishes (the products listed below are just a sampling). If you're lucky enough to live near an Ulta store, be sure to stop in and take a look. If you think you're going to be shopping there often, you'll definitely want to sign up for their buying club, which allows you to earn FREE products! If there isn't a store in your area, you can shop via their Web site at ULTA.com or call (866) ULTA-COM.

Contour Lip Liner Pencil ($6)
Most lip liner pencils I've tried are either too dry or too soft, but this one is just right. Ulta lip liners are available in a nice range of colors; Wine, the color that came in the gift with purchase they recently offered, is a deep, rich burgundy shade. I was happy to find that this lip liner will work with a lot of the lipsticks I already own.

Creme Lipstick ($8)
As the name suggests, this is a creamy lipstick. Nutmeg Creme, the color I received in the gift, is between a burgundy and a bronze. This is not a sheer lipstick; it provides a lot of color, but it is not long lasting. This is a good, basic lipstick formulation that goes on smoothly and does not feel sticky.

Eye Shadow ($6.50)
Ulta has a huge, almost overwhelming, selection of eye shadows. Whether you prefer soft or bold, matte or shiny, classic or funky shades, there is something for everyone in this collection. The color in the gift was Penny, a dark bronze shade. I wouldn't say that it goes on softly; this is an intense color. I normally wear softer, subtle shades, but I will save this for special occasions. These eye shadows are sold only as singles, so you can choose exactly which shades are right for you.

Lash Building Mascara ($7)
This mascara is appropriately named. With the first coat I got a very natural look, but my lashes became thicker and more dramatic the more coats I applied. You're probably wondering, "How is this different from any other mascara on the market?" Well, unlike many others, this one does not clump as you add layers. If you need new mascara, you'll definitely want to check this one out.

Nail Lacquer ($4.50)
Ulta also has a fantastic selection of nail polishes. I purchased Sheerest Pink, a pretty nude color; Iced Champaign, a light lilac; and Wedding Rose, a pearlized lilac. In the gift with purchase I received Brandy Glaze, a reddish bronze color. It is a little too intense for my taste, but I would recommend it for deeper skin tones, or for those of you who like dark, rich nail color. These nail polishes are good, but they chip after a day or two just like any other polish on the market.

Bubble Bath ($7.50 for 10 ounces)
This is available in several yummy scents; I chose Lily of the Valley, which is a soft, light floral scent. This bubble bath produces lots of bubbles and it works great as a shower gel as well.

Body Lotion ($9 for 10 ounces)
This basic body lotion moisturizes without feeling greasy. The scent is light (I chose Lily of the Valley), yet long lasting. I apply this lotion at night so it doesn't clash with my perfume during the day.