Sephora

I don’t wear makeup. Well, not really. If my nose is shiny, I might put on some loose mineral foundation. It helps even out my skin tone, anyway.
The problem is that I have incredibly sensitive skin. It is so frustrating to buy a product, only to discover I can’t use it because it irritates my skin.
I always thought Sephora wasn’t a place for me. I thought it was a cosmetics store. I’d never even thought about stepping inside, but I happen to like free stuff and had heard you get a little something-​something for your birthday when you sign up as a Beauty Insider. So, I did.
The free gift was a lipstick sample this year. I have no need for that, but free is free. I’m not sure if you /​have/​to buy something in order to get your free gift, but I didn’t want to sound cheap. «Hey, I’m just here for some of that free lipstick that I’m not even going to use.»
I took some time to browse the store, and I learned a few things:
1. Sephora sells more-​a than just make-​up. Inside, you’ll find fragrances as well as skin– and hair-​care products.
2. It’s not just a place for chicks. They have an entire section of products for men.
3. They don’t sell only Sephora-​branded items. I had always assumed that, but I was wrong. Take a look at their website, and you’ll see the plethora of brands they carry. BareMinerals, Bumble and Bumble, Clinique, and L’Occitane are just a few examples.
4. The store seems to be well-​staffed. I’ve been twice: once for my «free» lipstick and once on Black Friday. On both visits, more than one employee asked me if I needed any help. I could hardly look at anything without being asked if I needed help. I was convinced they must work on commission, but reports from the Internet indicate otherwise. That makes me feel better about turning around and making my Black Friday purchases online. :)
5. It’s not a cheap place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score a good deal here. Sign up as a Beauty Insider, and you’ll receive offers all the time!
And here’s where I admit that «free» lipstick I didn’t even want ended up costing me $ 100. Well played, Sephora. Well played.
When I made my purchase and received my free lipstick, I also received a sample of First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-​Firm Sleeping Cream. It’s safe for sensitive skin, and I loved it. I ended up buying a gift set of First Aid Beauty products as well as some other really awesome Black Friday deals. With my online order, I also was able to select three free samples. In addition, I had a code for a free holiday pouch containing an additional twelve samples. I’ll be trying new products FOR WEEKS. I’m so excited.
So, why three stars? It’s a nice store, and it’s tons of fun. However, I really don’t have much need to ever go to the store again. The sales people are nice enough, but they were a little too hands-​on for me. I mean, one of them offered me a shopping bag TWICE. Really? A bag for all of the invisible things I’m holding? If you like lots of sales interaction, go for it. I’d just rather shop online. :)

I always get amazing customer service when I go into this Sephora! This is the only one I will go to in Saint Louis! Devon is so helpful and nice! He does the best make up, he’s a true artist!

I do not go to Sephora too often, however this is my favorite place to go to find new cologne. This place is over priced, but the selection is great and the people are very nice and helpful. Once I find what I like I buy it, however the next bottle I buy online because it is much cheeper.

While I’ve overall had very positive experiences at Sephora stores in general; I did want to single this one out. My roommate and I made appointments for a «makeover» session earlier this summer. Unfortunately the name of the wonderful woman who did our makeovers escapes me now; but she was great.
She took the time to find out what kinds of shades and such that we preferred and then gave us multiple color options within what we said we preferred. She took her time doing the makeovers so she could show us exactly what she was doing and explained why she was doing it.
I believe the makeover is *either* $ 50 *or* you have to spend that amount; well each of us ended up exceeding that by a significant margin. Don’t get me wrong there were things she used that I didn’t care for or purchase (for example I have a particular blush from NYX that I really like — Cinnamon if anybody cares); but she did also use some things that I really, really liked. The «They’re Real» mascara is great; and the CoverFX foundation works wonders for me as two examples.
Sephora is by no means cheap; and I do use some cheaper makeup for certain things — but for others — well you get what you pay for in some cases.
The only other comment I’d have is in regards to Barbara K’s review below. Everybody’s experience is different; but I’m by no means «petite» and I’ve never observed behavior like that in Sephora in general, much less in this location. They’re always (in some cases overly) helpful.

I walked in, they said hello and I asked for a few ideas on makeup. Kyle was nice at the beginning, then he began to try makeup on me which is what I wanted, he put colors on that I didn’t like and was RUDE when I said I didn’t like it. I was going to purchase over $ 100 worth but with his nasty attitude and slamming of the make up when I said I didn’t want it I then got up and left. anybody that reads this go to the sephora in JCP! they’re great

I’m a huge fan of Sephora. The crowd at the Des Peres location is my favorite. If you need your makeup done, GO SEE KAREN B!!! She is hands down the best makeup artist I’ve ever used. She is so sweet and really listens to what you want, not what she thinks would be best. Helen was also super sweet, she helped me pick out some great skin care products that should help me stay wrinkle free for many years to come :) The managers there are also nice… just an all around great place! If you are coming in on the weekend, make an appointment so you get the attention you need!

I love the items carried by Sephora, and will go in there if there is something I know they carry, and want to buy.
However, I found that if you are thin and cute, then the saleswomen are all over you. A «healthier» person like myself can wander around for ages without finding anyone who has time to help. I have observed this with other people coming in besides myself. The only time I have had good service was when the saleswoman was «healthy» as well!

ok so I’m not exactly sure why, but there are two sephoras at West County Mall, yes TWO! There’s one on the first floor that has a store all on it’s own then there’s one inside JC Penny.
While the one inside JC Penny is definitely half the size of the actual one in the mall — it’s customer service was absolutely wonderful.
A very wonderful lady named Renee helped me choose foundation, primer and even got a couple of samples for me. She was super nice and very helpful. Overall it made my experience at Sephora a lot more enjoyable than in the past (the south county sephora employees made everything oh so depressing!)
A little tip: If you notice the product that you intend to buy is a little bit warm (due to sitting under the bright lights all day) don’t hesitate to ask a sephora employee to grab you one that’s in the drawer underneath the display.

This is a very functional chain store. Being a chain it can import all sorts of products (Urban Decay, Guerlain, Bobbi Brown, etc.) from many different companies and/​or countries. We are talking higher end products that they chat up in woman magazines.
The first Sephora was in France and they are owned by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. So they are trying to portray a very high standard and image. (Personally I could care a wink for that I just love the huge selection. ;)) Even with this heavy foot in the big expensive fashion business world, there are also products specifically made by Sephora i.e.: eyeshadows, eyeliners, lipstick.etc.that are fairly reasonable in price. There are also SO many different colors you would be hard pressed to find a color they *didn’t* have.
Perfume and cologne for men and women border each wall. Woman on the right and men’s on the left.
They also carry skin care products from all over the world.
I saw some hair products and some nail polish but I don’t think the selection is high for either of these products here.
Newest Craze:
Currently there is a new product, TemptU, out that they will applied for free if you stop in and request it… Spray on foundation. It sounds garish and like clown wear but it is all but that. It sprays on light and doesn’t emphasize the lines in your face, if you have any. :p
I do not wear base now because I just can’t find any that I like.
Give it a try! I thought it went on better then any base I have tried so far but I haven’t tried them all yet. «TemptU» is the product name. It is expensive but «flawless skin» (as so the many reviews say) is nothing to sneeze at if you have the budget.
Almost every aisle has a mirror, applications, makeup remover, etc. so you can try any tester product.
It is definitely a girlie heaven that even the most non-​pink wearing gals (tomboys rule! :p :D) of us will enjoy.

I agree– this is the best Sephora, hands down!
I was delighted to get help from two wonderful ladies (sorry, their names escape me) but they were AWESOME. They showed me how to apply makeup (the right way lol) and they gave me samples, which I didn’t know they did until I went there.
The one at the Galleria is nice, but this one is fantastic!

This place is awesome! The staff were very helpful! I have extremely sensitive skin & came in here looking for stuff for dark circles under my eyes. They gave me a sample of some stuff that would help. That is awesome since I can try the product before buying it. My skin acts sooo wacko that sometimes I’ll buy something thinking it would work, but it doesn’t. Instead, I get a itchy, red reaction to the product. Very large selection of cosmetics & perfumes. The staff are quite knowledgeable.