Benefit Brow Bar @ Ulta

I had a great experience with Mai. Having my brows shaped was a spur of the moment decision and she did a nice job with them. She first used shadow to create the look I wanted and then waxed everything else away. She had some extra time so I asked her to help me with a new shadow look. I love the shadows she picked out — a color I would never have guessed for me and it looks wonderful. I made some purchases and came away with a bunch of great freebies. She’s become my go-​to girl for cosmetic hep.

A few weeks ago, I made an appointment to see Mai at the Benefit Bar Brow in the Ulta store in Minnetonka, MN. I’ve always had my eyebrows waxed by hair salon professionals, but I thought it would be fun to actually see someone who only specializes in the art of eye brow waxing and shaping. I went into the Ulta store and saw Mai for my appointment. Before she started the waxing process, I specifically told Mai that I can’t stand «skinny» eyebrows — meaning super thin, wispy ones — and prefer medium to thick eyebrows. This is especially important (in my mind anyway) to stick to as you are getting older. Anyway, Mai said that I shouldn’t worry and that she never does that to clients. (I stole a quick look at her eyebrows and they looked great so I figured I was in good hands.) I also asked her if she could select a good eyebrow pencil color for me which she gladly said she could do. She finished waxing my brows and put on eyebrow makeup on me. Once I got home I noticed two big things that were wrong once I looked in the mirror: First, she waxed and plucked my eyebrows the MOST I have EVER had done in my ENTIRE life so that I ended up two super thin «commas» where my eyebrows should have been. (I was mortified.) Second, she put on an eye brow color that was much too dark for me. Words of advice to you Mai: You need to listen to your customers and follow what they are asking of you. I’ve had hair stylists who were new grads do much better than you at this. I will NEVER go back to the Benefit Brow Bar again. As a matter of fact, I went the next day over to the Clinique counter at Macy’s at Ridgedale and asked if one of the Clinique professionals there could help me. One of the women there helped me select an eyebrow pencil that was 100% a match to my existing eyebrows. Lesson learned. I have always had good luck going to the MAC and Clinique counter staff and will stick with them moving forward. No more Benefit Brow Bar for me. (Now I have to wait until my eyebrows grow back.)