Two women have filed lawsuits against Ulta, one of the largest beauty retailers in the United States, claiming that the company repackages and resells beauty products after they have been opened and returned. 
 
 The newest lawsuit, filed by Meghan Devries in Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois, states that Ulta has a routine practice of repackaging and re-sealing products that have been previously purchased, used and returned by customers. It claims that Ulta will return those used products to its shelves to be purchased by other, unsuspecting, customers. 
 
 The complaint states that the company has a limit on how many returned items can be thrown away. 
 
 "Managers at [Ulta's] retail stores are given a quota as to the number of returned items that can be deemed to be 'damaged,'" the lawsuit alleges. 
 
 It goes on to further explain, claiming that if returned items look good enough to resell, they're returned to the shelves so they don't exceed their quota. It goes on to state that the products are put back on the shelves without being labeled as "repackaged" or "previously used." 
 
 The complaint provides examples from former employees who have posted to Twitter about Ulta's alleged routine practice of instructing employees to repackage products and return them to shelves for resale. 
 
 They would resell EVERYTHING. ( makeup , hair care , skincare, fragrance ,hair tools, etc. ) — fatinamxo (@fatinamxo) January 10, 2018 
 
 Devries hopes that her lawsuit changes Ulta's alleged practice of limiting the number of items that can be thrown away. Additionally, it seeks compensation for all customers who bought used products. 
 
 A separate lawsuit with the same claims was filed last month by a California woman. 
 
 “Every customer who has purchased cosmetics at Ulta since this practice began was put at risk of unwittingly purchasing used, unsanitary cosmetics and this risk reduces the desirability and value of all cosmetics sold by Ulta,” the lawsuit states. 
 
 This complaint also sites Twitter user @fantinamxo’s allegations, stating that the Tweets have prompted responses from countless other current and former Ulta employees from all over the country who confirm the practices at the stores where they worked. 
 
 They even put back a USED liquid lipstick, the manager said she would “clean it with alcohol” ( that was the last straw for me ) here is a photo of a lip palette ( exclusive online only ) that was returned and mangers put it back on the shelf to resell ( CLEARLY NOT SANITIZED ) pic.twitter.com/V6TRPOKAHk — fatinamxo (@fatinamxo) January 10, 2018 
 
 The woman who filed the suit, Kimberley Laura Smith-Brown, hopes to form a class that would extend to everyone who purchased cosmetics from Ulta. 
 
 A spokesperson for Bolingbrook-based Ulta told WLS-TV in Chicago the following: 
 
 "Our policy does not allow the resale of used products. We are aware of the lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend against the allegations. The health and safety of Ulta Beauty guests is a top priority and we strive to consistently deliver an optimal experience every time they shop with us." 
 
 Mary Stringini is a Digital Reporter for WFTS. Follow her on Twitter @MaryWFTS. ||||| CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Attorney Thomas Zimmerman, Jr. of the Chicago-based Zimmerman Law Offices filed a nationwide class action suit against Ulta Beauty, Inc. (“Ulta”). The suit alleges Ulta has a routine practice of repackaging and resealing beauty products that have previously been purchased, used and returned by Ulta’s customers, before returning those used products to its shelves to be purchased by other consumers. 
 
 The case, Meghan DeVries v. Ulta Beauty, Inc., was filed on February 8, 2018, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. 
 
 The suit alleges that, for the past several years, managers at Ulta’s retail stores throughout the nation are given a quota as to the number of returned items that can be deemed to be “damaged” and thrown away, and store managers would get lectured by Ulta’s upper management if their stores were over the quota. The suit notes that Ulta received and responded to complaints from customers and employees regarding those practices, but it nevertheless continued its corporate policy and practice of surreptitiously reselling used beauty products. 
 
 Used beauty products—such as mascara, foundation, and shampoo—were almost always placed back on the shelf since it is difficult to tell if they were used, according to the complaint. The suit further alleges that for beauty products that obviously and visibly appeared to be used, Ulta’s employees were instructed to clean those beauty products with cotton swabs to make them look like new, and place them back on Ulta’s store shelves for resale. 
 
 Consumers expect that beauty products are new and unused when purchased from retailers, because, by nature, used beauty products are unsanitary and unhygienic, and place people at a risk of contracting disease. Attorney Tom Zimmerman noted, “The lawsuit cites to an undercover investigation that found used beauty products at Ulta were contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, two types of bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract that are expelled with feces, such that people could literally be applying and smearing someone else’s fecal matter directly onto their lips.” Attorney Zimmerman continued, “The investigators also noted that used beauty products can contain the herpes simplex virus—which can survive on the surface of a lipstick tube for up to a week—as well as Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause very serious infections, boils and lesions, especially if you have an open cut on your skin or lips, or it gets in your eyes.” 
 
 The lead plaintiff represents all consumers throughout the United States impacted by Ulta’s actions. The lawsuit seeks damages for the money consumers spent to purchase used beauty products from Ulta, and injunctive relief to force Ulta to stop repackaging used beauty products and reselling them as if they were new. 
 
 A copy of the complaint is available upon request. Attorney Tom Zimmerman will be available for interviews and the lead plaintiff may also be available to speak with the media on a limited basis. ||||| (GIF: Tumblr) 
 
 Thanksgiving is so five minutes ago. We gave our thanks, had a lot of turkey and pumpkin pie and enjoyed the company of friends and family. Now it is time to focus on the Black Friday sales. You may not feel like getting up early and dealing with the crowds of crazy bargain hunters but these deals are worth it. It’s the perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping, while treating your self to a little something too, obviously. If you are feeling lazy, don’t worry, because a lot of the sales are online too. 
 
 (Related: 13 People You Will Meet At The Black Friday Sales) 
 
 These are the 15 Black Friday sales you need to check out: 
 
 1. Birchbox 
 
 Attention all makeup lovers. Birchbox are offering 25% off your order for Black Friday when you spend $35 or more on subscription boxes or full size products. Remember to use the code “BIGDEAL.” If you are an “ace” Birchbox member (you have 500 or more Birchbox points),you will get 30% off. Use the code “ACESONLY.” 
 
 2. Eloquii 
 
 Make Eloquii one of the first sites that you click on because the entire site is 50% off. Do I need to explain anything else? 
 
 3. Ulta 
 
 Ulta started their Black Friday deals on Thursday and there are lots of heavily discounted makeup and hair items. Make sure you take a look at the bareMinerals sets for $10, the Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potions for $15 and the Benefit Cosmetics eyeshadows and lipsticks for 50% off. Don’t forget to take the coupons with you for more savings. 
 
 4. Old Navy 
 
 Old Navy are giving you 50% off the store for today. Try to remember your shopping list and proceed with caution. 
 
 5. ModCloth 
 
 Make sure you have ModCloth on your shopping list because they have 40% off. That includes favorites and new styles. Don’t worry, you don’t need a promo code. 
 
 6. Zumba 
 
 If you are in the market for some more workout clothes, Zumba has some great deals on until December 1st. Shirts start at $6, pants at $9 and shoes at $37. Be sure to check out the bundle packages for even more great deals. Because things just keep on getting better, you also get free shipping. 
 
 7. PerriconeMD 
 
 PerriconeMD, aka the makers of the cult favorite Blue Plasma have up to 45% off select products starting today. They also do great makeup products so make sure you don’t go too crazy with the skin care products. 
 
 8. ShoeBuy 
 
 ShoeBuy has lots going on for Black Friday. Certain styles are heavily discounted, and there are sales of 30% off. You also get free shipping and exchanges, so try that pair of boots. 
 
 9. skynICELAND 
 
 Skin care brand skynICELAND are offering free shipping on all orders so you don’t have to worry about factoring in those annoying delivery charges into your budget. 
 
 10. W3LL People 
 
 W3LL People are offering 20% off site-wide except value sets, plus they are giving you free shipping. There’s no coupon code required and the deal goes through until Cyber Monday. However, don’t procrastinate or your faves may be sold out. 
 
 11. Band of Outsiders 
 
 This one is different than the others on the list, but if you are in the NYC area, it is not to be missed. Filene’s Basement are hosting a Band of Outsiders sale at the brand’s old Wooster Street flagship store. It’s your last chance to get some of the defunct label’s beloved pieces. If you don’t live in the area, don’t worry, because clothes are on the website for 50% off the original price. 
 
 12. Stowaway Cosmetics 
 
 If you are a fan of BOGO deals, you will love Stowaway Cosmetics Black Friday offer. When you buy one Stowaway Cosmetics Kit, you get one free. The kits are valued at $75 and include right-size Radiant Complexion BB Cream, Creaseless Concealer, Cheek & Lip Rouge, Effortless Eyeliner, Creme Lipstick, Defined Lash Mascara. Get one for yourself and one for your BFF. 
 
 13. Glow Recipe 
 
 Korean beauty lovers will be pleased to know that Glow Recipe are giving shoppers 20% off on orders when they spend over $70 or more. Time to stock up on more sheet masks. 
 
 14. Forever 21 
 
 The prices are always good at Forever 21 but now they are even better. Outerwear and sweaters are 50% odd and you get free shipping when you spend over $30. That shouldn’t be hard to do. 
 
 15. Peach and Lily 
 
 Because you can never have enough skin care products, head to popular Korean beauty site Peach and Lily. They have 20% off the site for Black Friday. Now is the perfect time to try another ampoule. ||||| Walgreen goes upscale with new Loop flagship 
 
 Walgreen's new, 27,000-square-foot flagship store on State Street will offer everything from sushi to flu shots. Photo by: Erik Unger Photo by: Erik Unger 
 
 
 
 Walgreen Co. is about to unveil a new Loop flagship store that company executives are betting will change the way you think about drugstores. 
 
 On Tuesday, Walgreen will open a 27,000-square-foot, two-story location with an eye-popping array of amenities, from manicure stations to a sushi chef, in the former Loehmann's department store at State and Randolph streets. The shiny, porcelain-tiled space is a 180-degree turn from the grab-your-Q-tips-and-run stores that have blanketed Chicago for years. 
 
 But with this opportunity for brand reinvention comes plenty of risk, namely an already-crowded marketplace catering to busy professionals. And as pharmacy margins increasingly tighten, much is riding on the 110-year-old company's effort to increase personal care, food and convenience sales. 
 
 “Drugstores in general have really recognized that their hold on the beauty market has been whittled away by the Ultas and the Sephoras of the world,” says Wendy Liebmann, CEO of New York-based consumer research firm WSL Strategic Retail. “They know if they want their female customers to buy an extra item when they walk in, they really have to up their game.” 
 
 — Neil Stern, senior partner, 
 
 McMillan Doolittle & Co. ' The purpose of the new flagship is to change the perception of the brand.' 
 
 Walgreen executives won't comment on how many flagships they plan to open, but the company confirms it is evaluating former Borders bookstore sites across the country. 
 
 The No. 1 drugstore chain's makeover won't come cheap. The new Walgreens will include a sleek cosmetics area that looks like a mini-Sephora and offers $15 manicures and eyebrow-shaping. There also will be a barista, made-to-order sushi, a juice and smoothie bar, self-serve frozen yogurt, upscale wine and spirits and a wide cheese selection—even a humidor. 
 
 On the pharmacy side, the store will staff a full-time “health guide” to act as a concierge, helping customers navigate health care options. Self-serve kiosks will allow customers to grab prescription refills quickly and there will be private consultation rooms where they can get flu shots, blood-pressure screenings and blood-glucose tests. 
 
 GETTING SQUEEZED 
 
 It's by far the most aggressive in a string of moves by the Deerfield-based company to attract upscale, professional shoppers while boosting sales outside the pharmacy at the back of the store, from which Walgreen historically has drawn two-thirds of its revenue. Profit at the chain hit a record $2.7 billion in fiscal 2011, but a shake-up in the pharmacy world is threatening that figure in 2012. 
 
 Pharmacy reimbursement rates are being squeezed by the government and private insurers as they attempt to bring down health care costs. Walgreen's prescription income will decline this year after St. Louis-based Express Scripts Inc., a pharmacy benefits manager that administers health plans for corporate and private health insurance clients, dropped Walgreen from its network in a fight over prices. 
 
 As a result, Express Scripts clients—who include local employees of Exelon Corp., W. W. Grainger Inc., Allstate Corp. and William Blair & Co., to name a few—no longer can get their meds at Walgreens at in-network prices, which could cost the retailer $5 billion in sales in 2012. 
 
 Shannon Curtin is heading Walgreen's makeover. Photo: Erik Unger Photo: Erik Unger 
 
 Carol Levenson, a credit analyst with New York-based GimmeCredit LLC, says the corporate divorce also could lower front-end sales by decreasing the overall number of people walking through Walgreens' doors. 
 
 This is where Shannon Curtin comes in. 
 
 “My whole existence is to enhance front-of-store sales,” says Ms. Curtin, who, as Walgreen's general merchandise manager for beauty and personal care, is overseeing the overhaul. An avowed beauty junkie who got her start spritzing perfume at a Dillard's department store in Arkansas, Ms. Curtin has worked for MAC cosmetics and most recently spent nearly a decade as a senior buyer for skin care products at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 
 
 At Walgreen, “our heritage is in pharmacy, but we want to uncover untapped potential in the front end,” she says. 
 
 Ms. Curtin has spent two years conducting market research and recruiting little-known overseas brands like Becca, an Australian makeup line whose packaging—and $25 price tags for eyeshadows—resemble those of Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown. A facial serum from Italian skin care line Rilastil will retail for $160. 
 
 Though the European brands add a certain air of sophistication, the real litmus test will be whether major American cosmetics manufacturers “start to believe this is a legitimate outlet for higher-end products,” Ms. Liebmann says. 
 
 Walgreen gets a makeover Select a photo Eric Unger The main level of a new Walgreen's store at 151 N. State St. offers a juice and sushi bar as well as a full complement of wines and spirits and a humidor. 
 
 UPSCALE SPACES 
 
 The cosmetics area, called the Look Boutique, debuted two years ago in the New York-based Duane Reade chain as part of a successful transformation from dingy, urban drugstores to sparkly, upscale spaces that resemble department stores. Walgreen acquired Duane Reade from Stamford, Conn.-based private-equity shop Oak Hill Capital Partners in 2010 largely to capture the chain's merchandising and marketing prowess and since has tested the Look Boutiques in a handful of Walgreens across the country. 
 
 “The purpose of the new flagship is to change the perception of the brand,” says Neil Stern, a senior partner at Chicago retail consultancy McMillan Doolittle & Co. “Walgreen has always been conservative. You don't go into a Walgreens and say, ‘Wow.' “ 
 
 Perhaps a bigger problem is that customers often go into a Walgreens unaware that it is, in fact, a Walgreens. 
 
 “Everyone used to say, ‘Oh, you walk inside a Walgreens and a CVS and you can't tell the difference,' “ Ms. Curtin acknowledges. “Well, now you can.” 
 
 But with Sephora, Ulta and a Macy's within blocks of the new store, not to mention scads of food options catering to the Loop lunch crowd, Walgreen will have to fight for customers. 
 
 “I might get a manicure or some sushi there,” says Heather Salisbury, a River North worker walking past the store on a recent evening. But she says she won't stop buying her makeup from the nearby Macy's Clinique counter. 
 
 With the possibility of more mega-Walgreens comes the possibility of ever more amenities—perhaps even an in-store bar. When asked whether the Loop store will follow in the footsteps of a Manhattan Duane Reade's decision to serve draft beer, a Walgreen spokeswoman says, “Never say never.”
– There's nothing like opening up a brand-new makeup kit and glamming it up—though that glamorous feeling may be lost if you find out you're applying makeup someone else already used. That's the gist of a complaint filed in Chicago last month by a California woman who says Ulta repackaged returned cosmetics and placed the items back on store shelves, the Los Angeles Times reports. "Every customer who has purchased cosmetics at Ulta since this practice began was put at risk of unwittingly purchasing used, unsanitary cosmetics," the lawsuit states. Kimberley Laura Smith-Brown of Los Angeles alleges she stocked up on dozens of items from Ulta's Sherman Oaks location over the past six months or so—and then saw whispers on social media that her stash may not have been as pristine as she thought. A Twitter user who said she was an ex-Ulta employee started the hubbub, claiming that when she worked there, her manager would instruct employees to clean returned items with cotton swabs and alcohol, seal them back up, then slip them back on the shelves. And, she said, they "would resell EVERYTHING (makeup, hair care, skincare, fragrance, hair tools, etc.)." Other supposed Ulta employees both refuted and supported her claims. ABC Action News reports a second lawsuit was filed last week in Illinois' Cook County Circuit Court, with plaintiff Meghan DeVries alleging Ulta managers are given a "quota" of how many returned items can be listed as "damaged," per a release. The lawyer in that class action says used cosmetics can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and even the herpes simplex virus. (A potential concern in children's makeup: asbestos.)