Sephora

I have never been a fan of Sephora, I’ve always preferred Ulta, maybe thats just because I live closer to an Ulta and Sephora is way out of the way. That being said, I was looking for a glow kit from Anastasia and no places close to home had them. I checked the Sephora website and it told me that the glow kit’s were still in stock at the Suburban Square location. I figured I should call to make sure that it was defiantly there, so i did but the phone rang for 2 minutes so I hung up and figured I would drive there. I drove 45 minutes only to find out that they were out of stock. I know this was not the stores fault but I was very frustrated, the one associate who was helping me explained that it was a very popular product and there will be more shipment coming in friday. A couple minutes later a another sales associate approached me and asked if I needed help and I said «No thanks I’m just looking» and she said «Well we close in like two minutes.» Her attitude was very uncalled for. Not to mention before I drove there i checked the website and it said they closed at 9, it was 8 when they closed. Needless to say I will not be making the time to go out of my way to shop at Sephora.

REALLY upset. Just got back from an attempted shopping trip to Sephora. I am not a make-​up wearer, but I needed a specific product. I traveled out to the Sephora location at Suburban Sq. Ardmore, PA. Hard to find BTW. Finally got there — walked around the store aimlessly for a few minutes trying to find what I needed. Finally a CSR approached me. I asked her for the product I needed. She had no clue. Says they don’t sell it. It is a SEPHORA branded product!!! I explained what it was and she proceeded to tell me to go to Ulta. Really? Again I expressed my displeasure b/​c the product is clearly sold by Sephora and available online. She ‘helpfully’ explained that some products are only available online but if I knew my color# she would be happy to order it for me. DUH — I do not know my color # which is why I went to the store to begin with. When I said I don’t know it — she just shook her head in sympathy. NEVER GOING BACK. If Ulta does sell it — THEY have my business !

As excited as I was to hear that a Sephora was coming to Suburban Square; having visited on a couple occasions, I think I’d still prefer to drive outta my way to the KoP or Chestnut Street locations.
This Sephora is missing the Sephora charm — the store climate could almost be mistaken for that of an Ulta *GASP!* Part of the reason I prefer Sephora to an Ulta is partly due to the products they carry and that walking into Sephora, for the most part, often has you feeling like a goddess.
This location (although just a few months in business) falls a bit short and even feels a little removed. They don’t carry certain products; which I think has much to do with the neighboring demographic. I’ve tipped in that BlackUp isn’t there; they also don’t carry the full line of Stila and I couldn’t seem to locate Make Up For Ever. The fragrance section is also limited — almost that of a JC Penny Sephora so again; not a huge fan of this one.
The sales associates also seem a bit timid or not-​really-​busy busy or very «I don’t know what I’m doing but walk and smile». Countless times at the other locations, consultants or associates would see me try on a product and provide their insight or pull a «Ooh, girl! This would look great on you» and you would literally feel like you were shopping with your girlfriends even though you came in alone… Not so much (or at all) at this location.
Custom Makeovers? If you’re somewhat of an expert on your face and/​or can apply your makeup really well — don’t do it. If another Sephora MUA puts Nars’ Seduction blush on my
black face, I will cry glitter tears. It’s almost as if they’re told «if you get a dark skin black girl, use these things» and their own creativity is not exercised. I left (2 hours later BTW) a shade darker, my concealer was applied poorly (creasing like a muhh), and the tools she used to apply certain products didn’t make sense.
Perhaps some time is needed. Again, it’s still pretty early but I’m going to stand clear of this one for a while (or if I’m desperate) before my Sephora goddess vibe is poo-​pooed on again.
Still got some goodies though!

This sephora is brand new and it’s pretty awesome! It’s a lot bigger than I thought it would be considering most of the shops at suburban square are smaller boutiques. Aside from size of the store and variety, they really have just about anything you could need in makeup. I like the setup of the store and the wide selection and the employees offered their assistance but didn’t get pushy when I wanted to be on my own. Parking down the street is easy since there is a large parking lot. Only issue is you have to walk a tiny bit which sucks on bad weather. If it’s nice out, enjoy an outing to Sephora and the Starbucks a few stores down. My only issues which were minor is I couldn’t find shopping baskets that are usually available at Sephora and aside from the beauty desk area, there weren’t many mirrors.

Waited twenty minutes before I had any of the staff ask me if I needed help with anything! A new store like this (especially on the main line) should make their customer service priority. I found it off putting to see the staff chatting and goofing around in a circle. Other then the nice products, I have to say I am very underwhelemed. Nothing special.