The Beauty Bandits
ELLE US|August 2024
Michelle Mack seemed to be living the dream life, until it all came crashing down. Authorities say the alleged mastermind of a multimillion-dollar crime ring delivered a simple order: Steal all the luxury makeup in sight.
SARAH TRELEAVEN
The Beauty Bandits

Late last summer, Kimora Gooding and Serena Reyes arrived on the East Coast. For the two women in their early twenties, it was a business trip of sorts, or maybe a mission. Their flights, rental car, and hotel rooms had been paid for, and they carried a list of beauty stores to visit and specific items to steal. The plan was to get in and get out, ship the goods to the boss in California, and head home, hopefully without a trace. Gooding and Reyes were pros-they had each hit dozens of stores, according to an affidavit for a federal search warrant, and could scan for merchandise like they had eyes in the backs of their heads.

The two women headed to Ulta Beauty, a nationwide emporium of beauty, skin care, and fragrances, and consulted their "shopping list," sent to them via Facebook or text-allegedly the only way they ever communicated with the boss.

And then their sticky fingers got to work, collecting serums and lash-lengthening mascaras, the more coveted the better.

But what Gooding and Reyes didn't know is that they were being watched-and had been for a while. Since August 2023, the California Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations had been looking into a series of thefts at Ulta Beauty stores, with assistance from corporate investigators employed by Ulta. The suspects scooped up in the related busts were almost always young women, typically with previous theft arrests.

Soon the authorities zeroed in on a group who appeared to be working in concert. Between September 2021 and fall 2023, the group committed over 230 thefts from Ulta Beauty retail stores across the country, stealing thousands of products. According to a complaint filed by California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, their ground zero appeared to be California, where thefts had occurred in 21 counties, in cities from Sacramento to San Diego, and not just at Ulta, but also at Sephora, Sunglass Hut, and others.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE USView all
Peer Into Our Crystal Ball
ELLE US

Peer Into Our Crystal Ball

And behold the future of your skin, hair, and body. The ELLE beauty team talked to experts to learn about the most exciting innovations ahead.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
THE BIRTH OF THE LITERARY IT GIRL AESTHETIC
ELLE US

THE BIRTH OF THE LITERARY IT GIRL AESTHETIC

A new book brings Joan Didion, Eve Babitz, and their still-influential style into focus.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON
ELLE US

Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON

The actor and former pro-athlete - star of Tenet, The Creator, and now The Piano Lesson, in select theaters November 8 - talks about facing his fears, being ghosted, and meeting one actual ghost.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
KYLE'S WORLD
ELLE US

KYLE'S WORLD

Front-row fixture and budding designer Kylie Jenner expands her growing empire.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Kesha Frees Herself
ELLE US

Kesha Frees Herself

With a new album, her own record label, and a 10-year plan to upend the music industry, the liberated pop star says anyone with \"deep, dark secrets better run.\"

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
Making Her Own Way
ELLE US

Making Her Own Way

Actress Nico Parker is shining by embracing her individuality.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST SKIERS GO
ELLE US

WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST SKIERS GO

From the steepest slopes to luxury spas, find your spot.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
ELLE US

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

A new launch from Michael Kors celebrates the beauty and grit of New York City.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
OUT OF OFFICE
ELLE US

OUT OF OFFICE

For Agua by Agua Bendita, resort isn't merely a season—it's a lifestyle.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Fringe Fantasy
ELLE US

Fringe Fantasy

Alessandro Michele gets into a '60s groove with the Garavani Nellcôte bag from his debut collection for Valentino.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024