Sephora

I’m a VIB member, and have been shopping at this Sephora for years. I went in yesterday to pick up some essentials, one of which I could not locate on the shelf. I was told by the staff that they don’t sell it, although they have been carrying it for years, and then was told that none of the other Sephora locations (inside JC Penny across Buffalo) carries any of the product line (FAB). However, I’ve called to confirm that both JC Penny Sephora’s do in fact carry this product and line.
I was also told that they do not have the 500 point gift, even though it is available online. I wasn’t offered anything to make up for their lack of stock, or shown any acknowledgement in the inconvenience… I’ve been saving up my points and looking forward to this gift!
Overall, the staff seemed unhappy to help — instead of offering to call other stores to find the product I was looking for, they were curt and told me that the product wasn’t available anywhere, which is, once again, untrue.
Having been a Sephora addict for years, I was very disappointed by the staff’s overall disposition, and will be taking my business to Ulta from here on out, as the Ulta staff was more than happy to assist in locating the product I was looking for.

I was super disappointed with my last visit to Sephora. i know someone who used to work here and she now does a youtube channel for products. She showed a face wash that i decided i wanted to get a sample of when i was there buying my friends Christmas present but no one would help me. I also wanted some opinions on a few of the face masks, but again i received no help at all.
No one even greeted me, i was super out of place and just wanted to get out of there after looking around for as long as i did. normally everyone comes up to me and asks me how im doing and if im looking for anything specific, that was not the case this time around.
the woman at the register was SOOO nice to me though, she even signed me up for a reward card that i have been meaning to do but i am normally someone who shops at ULTA because its closer to my home. I normally like sephora (all 4 times i have been there) because the staff is super helpful and they know all of the products inside and out.
I hope next time i go in and want to try something new someone will reach out and help me. I would hate to say these girls didn’t help me because i had my compression gym pants and Nike sneaks on with no makeup but overall i can’t imagine many woman going to the mall all dolled up anyways.
Hoping to update this review with more positive feedback next time.

Honestly the staff here are wonderful! I have never came in here and had a bad experience. All the staff at this location are extremely helpful! Kudos to the staff here!

Hmmm what to say about Sephora. I shall make a list.
1). They have any and all make up products you may need.
2). They have aggressive staff that are just dying to help you.
3). They are expensive… like, just their lip balm is probably $ 10 at cheapest.
4). Staff seems pretty knowledgable about the products and they all wear an overwhelming amount of make up so I sure hope they know what they’re doing.
5). The Beauty Insider Program is a thing. Points for what you spend blah blah blah, ask about it, if they don’t ask you first (they will).
6). Everything is very organized and each time I have come here they have not run out of any products I needed.
7). Clean. Very clean space.
8). Testers for products look better than testers in department stores that look like someone chewed it up and put it back on the shelf.
Overall, the workers are helpful but will leave you alone if you’re a shopper like I am and hate when people talk to you or even look at you. It’s expensive, but the quality is what you’re paying for.
X’s and O’s!
J

When I lived in NYC Sephora was an easy place to stop in and pick something up. They have great and plentiful locations and pretty much carry whatever you may want makeup wise. In Buffalo I have not come here much because its not a location I’m often in. But the feel is just like other Sephoras, although perhaps less crowded on a weekday morning.
Sephora carries most every (non drugstore) brand known, but I listed them below in case you want to check for yours. What I have not been able to confirm is that every single Sephora carries each brand at each moment. But they always have what me or friends are looking for.
Nice employees who are very knowledgeable should you have a question.
Acqua Di Parma
Agave
Algenist
ALTERNA
Amazing Cosmetics
amika
AmorePacific
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Andre Walker Hair
Anna Sui
Anthony
Apivita
ARDENCY INN
The Art of Shaving
Atelier Cologne
Bésame Cosmetics
BALENCIAGA
bareMinerals
beautyblender
BECCA
Benefit Cosmetics
Bio Ionic
Bite Beauty
Blinc
Bliss
Bobbi Brown
boscia
Boyfriend
Brazilian Peel
Briogeo
Bronze Buffer
Bumble and bumble
Burberry
butter LONDON
Buxom
Bvlgari
Calista Tools
Calvin Klein
Carol’s Daughter
Carolina Herrera
Cartier
Carven
Caudalie
CHANEL
Charlotte Ronson
Chloe
Christian Louboutin
Ciaté
Cinema Secrets
Clarins
Clarisonic
CLEAN
Clearogen
CLINIQUE
COACH
Colorsmash
COMME DES GARCONS
Comptoir Sud Pacifique
CosmoCube
COVER FX
D&G
Dauphines of New York
Deborah Lippmann
DERMAdoctor
DESIGUAL
DevaCurl
Diamancel
Diane von Furstenberg
Diesel
Dior
Disney Collection
DKNY
Dolce & Gabbana
Donna Karan
Dr. Brandt Skincare
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Dr. Jart+
Drunk Elephant
Drybar
DUO
Earth’s Nectar
Elizabeth and James
Embryolisse
Erno Laszlo
Escada
Estée Lauder
Eve Lom
Evian
Eyeko
First Aid Beauty
Flash Tattoos
Foreo
Formula X
Fresh
ghd
Giorgio Armani
Givenchy
GLAMGLOW
GLO Science
Gucci
Guerlain
HairMax
Hampton Sun
Hanae Mori
Hello Kitty
HERMÈS
Hourglass
Hugo Boss
Hum Nutrition
I LOVE NEW YORK by Bond No. 9
iluminage
Issey Miyake
Jack Black
James Read
Jao
Jean Paul Gaultier
Jennifer Aniston
JIMMY CHOO
JINsoon
John Varvatos
Josie Maran
Juicy Couture
Julep
Jurlique
KAPLAN MD
Karuna
Kat Von D
Kate Somerville
Kenzo
Koh Gen Do
Korres
L’Artisan Parfumeur
L’Occitane
Lacoste
Lancôme
LASHFOOD
Laura Mercier
LAVANILA
Lea Journo
Lit Cosmetics
Living Proof
MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA
MAKE UP FOR EVER
Manuka Doctor
Marc Jacobs Beauty
Marc Jacobs Fragrance
MARCHESA
Marula
Masque*ology
MDSolarSciences
Montblanc
Murad
Mustela
NAILS INC.
Narciso Rodriguez
NARS
NEST
The New Black
No Cosmetics
NOMATERRA
Nu Brilliance
NUDE Skincare
NUDESTIX
NuFACE
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
Ojon
Olé Henriksen
Omorovicza
One Direction
Origins
Oscar Blandi
Ouidad
Paco Rabanne
Perfect Formula
Perfekt
Perricone MD
Peter Thomas Roth
Pharrell Williams
philosophy
Phyto
Pinch Provisions
Pink Sugar
Prada
Radical Skincare
Ralph Lauren
REN
Repetto
ReTress
Riiviva
Rita Hazan
Rosebud Perfume Co.
Sachajuan
SEPHORA by OPI
SEPHORA COLLECTION
Sephora Favorites
SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE
Shaveworks
Shiseido
Silk’n
simplehuman
SK-​II
Skin Inc.
Smashbox
Soap & Glory
Sponge
St. Tropez Tanning Essentials
Stella McCartney
stila
Sultra
Sunday Riley
Supergoop!
T3
Tanda
Tangle Teezer
TanTowel
tarte
Tata Harper
Tatcha
tenoverten
Thierry Mugler
Tocca Beauty
TokyoMilk Dark
TOM FORD
Tony Moly
Too Faced
Toppik
Tory Burch
Tria
Tweezerman
Urban Decay
Versace
VERSO SKINCARE
Viktor & Rolf
Viseart
Vita Liberata
Wei
WEN® by Chaz Dean
Yu-​Be
Yves Saint Laurent
ZÜCA
123
** National chains default to 3 stars, they are likely A-​OK. If I rate differently I’ll outline why.
57

I’m not good at makeup. I didn’t really use it until my mid twenties and I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do.
Usually I go in here because I need help finding a product that works for me. There are so many products that are out there and the staff here is super helpful so it’s 100% of the time where I go for assistance. They have helped me pick out a concealer, an eyebrow coloring product, and a foundation among countless other things. They will put it on you and answer any questions you have about using it. Every person here is every friendly and eager to help you find what you like. They even have a service that they offer that they actually put this computer reader up to your face — it scans your face and they give you a list of things you can try to match your skin tone.
The selection here is pretty great too and it seems like it’s constantly expanding somehow even though he store isn’t getting larger. My favorite thing about Sephora is that they have a rewards program. You get points for every dollar you spend and I have been told that the points don’t expire. You can choose from a different selection of free gifts with your points each month and they give you a bonus gift during your birthday month.

Pretty happy with all my experiences at Sephora. I’ve been there spending $ 5 or other times $ 100 in one trip, but I have always had good service. I have always been greeted by an associate, but never chased around the store with a perfume bottle. They will help you if you want to try something, but there are also free standing sample areas with disposable mascara wands, makeup applicators, etc so you can try different things on your own if you are not so social that day.
Sales in general are only a couple of times a year if you are apart of their «Beauty Insider» program, but you at least get a decent b-​day mini gift. Their website also has an online inventory so you can see if something is in stock. Usually there is a small «clearance» section on one of the end caps near the perfume towards the front of the store. Other discounts may be scattered around.
The best feature of Sephora is their generous return policy. If you buy something, use it, and don’t like it, they will take it back with packaging and receipt. I have only used this once or twice and there were no issues returning it. Though if you have a big enough order, doing it online can get you free samples and there are usually a few coupon codes for more «deluxe» samples or bonus deals from their email list/​website.

And now, unveil’d, the toilet stands display’d,
Each silver vase in mystic order laid.
First, rob’d in white, the nymph intent adores
With head uncover’d, the cosmetic pow’rs.
A heav’nly image in the glass appears,
To that she bends, to that her eyes she rears;
Th’ inferior priestess, at her altar’s side,
Trembling, begins the sacred rites of pride.
Unnumber’d treasures ope at once, and here
The various off’rings of the world appear;
From each she nicely culls with curious toil,
And decks the goddess with the glitt’ring spoil.
This casket India’s glowing gems unlocks,
And all Arabia breathes from yonder box.
The tortoise here and elephant unite,
Transform’d to combs, the speckled and the white.
Here files of pins extend their shining rows,
Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billet-​doux.
Now awful beauty puts on all its arms;
The fair each moment rises in her charms,
Repairs her smiles, awakens ev’ry grace,
And calls forth all the wonders of her face;
Sees by degrees a purer blush arise,
And keener lightnings quicken in her eyes.
The busy Sylphs surround their darling care;
These set the head, and those divide the hair,
Some fold the sleeve, whilst others plait the gown;
And Betty’s prais’d for labours not her own.
–The Rape of the Lock, Canto I, Alexander Pope (1712)

This Sephora is not the best – they never have the latest products in stock or the deals offered at other stores. I recently went to ask for two samples, the sales lady didn’t fill up the container (so basically it would only ¼ of my hair) and she didn’t label the product so I couldn’t figure out which was which – so the entire sample was waste. I guess she would rather have me buy the whole product and return it if I didn’t like it. I would rather order online then go here.

Not my favorite Sephora location ever – but the displays are usually very clean, its well stocked, and if you manage to flag someone down they will help you. Most of the time when I come to the mall I look like I just rolled out of bed instead of my usual supermodel self – so I can see why sales clerks aren’t jumping at the bit to help me. Which is fine by me 90% of the time, I grab what I need and go!

Love this store. Friendly helpful girls who know how to help make you look your best! Great product recommendations. I hoped here after my chemo and they were wonderful helping me.

I’ll admit that I’m not Sephora’s ideal customer. My goal is usually to wear as little makeup as possible without looking unkempt, and I can usually accomplish this with products purchased at a regular ol’ drugstore. Whenever I’ve splurged on something Sephora, whether it was on an impulse lipstick or an expensive «award-​winning» eyeliner — I’ve always been a little nonplussed with the results. Sure, everything’s transient, from delicious food to beautiful clothes (which I happily buy on the regular), but when you literally wash something off your body every single day, it’s hard to see the point of spending upwards of $ 20 a pop on it.
If I do have to buy something beauty-​related, my inclination lately has been to try to patronize smaller local businesses for my beauty stuff when possible. I’m more interested in trying custom-​made perfumes from Lotions & Potions on Elmwood or Parker Pharmacy than I am in experimenting with foundations in the belly of the Walden Galleria.
I might be more interested in Sephora if they were to do something cool and different (hosting a makeup party? Driving a fundraiser for a local women-​focused nonprofit?). But right now, it seems like they’re coasting on the loyalty of a different kind of customer. The truth is, they don’t need me, and I don’t really need them.
That said, Sephora does carry a few hard-​to-​find brands that I have gotten hooked on, from Philosophy’s body scrub to Bliss’s buttery lotion. This is helpful.
So, three stars for now, Sephora. You’re A-​OK. But not totally necessary, at least in my usually un-mascara’d eyes.

I am in love with Tokidoki and Urban Decay make up, and I try to buy as much cruelty free, made in a country with labor laws make up as possible (which this store provides plenty of). Their prices are average-​ish versus similar stores who carry the same brands (and I thought a little cheaper than ULTA). Some of the items you can get cheaper online, but not many unless you run across a killer sale. Their personal line of make up has a lot of things that fit my requirements as far as country of origin, cruelty free, decent quality, etc. I particularly love their eye crayons. They are super pigmented, creamy and last forever. They have also went above and beyond to help my bf return and replace a defective pallette he got me for my b-​day, calling around to other stores until they found one. Very nice.
On the downside their service can be spotty. Some of the people are amazing — super friendly, very helpful, will go above and beyond to find you what you want, rocking some products in ways that make you want to test them, etc. However… maybe it’s because I’m what many call alternatively styled (i.e. sometimes my eye makeup is more complex than a dragqueen’s) that I often get attitude from the more trendy employees about my «look» (or I just get ignored while they run to whoever has the Coach bag). I’ve also had some older employees insult me to my face for how my hair or make-​up is done or how pale I am — sorry my skin doesn’t look like old shoe leather from over tanning and I don’t have straw-​textured, fake blond hair. Good sales pitch — I don’t care if I look like Ronald McDonald, it’s common sense that you don’t insult customers. Depending on how punky I look that day I also get eyeballed/​stalked around the store like I’m automatically going to take something. Lame.

I love Sephora.
Maybe because the bold black and white striped exterior seems to sing to me as I walk by, luring me in??? But I can’t get enough of this place… at the Galleria, JCP, or online.
Check the other reviews for the ins and the outs… but here is a tip from me to you (happy early birthday!) :
Sign up to be a Beauty Insider (their member card… it’s free) and you get a free birthday gift on your birthday. Just show up sometime around your bday, flash your insider card, and they give you a cute little gifty.
Last year was a Philosophy body wash scented like Birthday Cake (a sweet vanilla)…and this year it is a Lip Sugar duo (one tinted, one not.) Yayyy!
(also, google «free offers on your birthday» and you will be surprised by how many places offer up yearly deals, not just sephora)

Love to Sephora, but this is a particular shout-​out to Danita, the makeup manager at the location in the Galleria Mall.
I have a big day coming up, and needed a makeup overhaul (dude, I have lip gloss from the Clinton administration, and I’m not exaggerating). I didn’t know that you needed to make an appointment for a special occasion makeover so I showed up unannounced. They took me anyway (thanks!).
Danita took me over to a chair, explained everything she was doing, was a total sweetheart, and also did a fabulous job. While she worked, some of her coworkers stopped by just to say some lovely things. I particularly noticed that she didn’t rush, which was especially nice considering that I kinda just showed up without an appointment.
The best part is that she took me aside and told me that she’d be happy to help me if I had any problems remembering the steps she taught me. She mentioned that if I did, I could simply come in again and she’d go over everything with me. Then she loaded me up with free samples and sent me off on my gorgeously-​made-​up way. I actually hugged her when I left.
Will I return? Hells yes. I don’t like people poking at my face, but Danita made me relaxed, did an amazing job, and offered the kind of customer service you don’t normally see.
Yay, Danita. If you’re reading this, thank you.

Who doesn’t love Sephora? plus, soon they will be carrying Bumble and Bumble! Yay, now people will know what I have been talking about (and carrying) all of these years;)

I have to give credit where due, and I dont know where Leslie came from, but I’m travleing next week and needed a shampoo that wouldnt make my hair oily/​overmoisturized since I use a ton of product to straighten and maintain straight locks, and the adorbale CJ went out of his way to find me a replacement that was sulfate and cone free.
Leslie came to the rescue and introduced me to the Hercut line, which im still not sold on, but will work with thr PhytoJojoba shampoo, and even gave me tons of free products, so kudos for them getting knowledgeable people who actually exude sincerity.

You do get free samples when you order on-​line, but you can also get free samples in the store. All you have to do is ask and they will put a trial size in a little plastic container and into a baggie which they label so you aren’t confused about what you get.
Did you know that you can make an appointment with one of the consultants? I made a skin care appt with Leslie and she sat me down in the middle of the store, washed all my make up off (sure, a little self conscious) and then used different masks and lotions on me to show me how they work/​feel/​smell. It was like getting a facial, and it was completely free! I was there about an hour. Of course I bought a bunch of stuff, but she also gave me samples to take home. Now I have an all new skincare routine!
If you really want good assistance, make sure to make an appt or go during the week when the store is quieter. The consultants there are extremely friendly and helpful. I never buy anything new without talking to someone first.
Sephora: like a toy store for women!

Sephora is great and all… when you’re looking to buy the latest, greatest MOST expensive and probably most worth-​it beauty products out there.
It’s prices leave lots to be desired so ordering online is the way to go because they send you a handful of fun samples and treats! Sample in store then run home and order it.
**FYI Make-​up hounds***
If you dig Sephora, you will want to continue reading…
I know the Greater Buffalo area already has one of these up and running in the McKinley mall and so far many people I’ve run into haven’t even HEARD of this store. ULTA. I will write up a review of it.

My goal is to single-​handedly keep this branch in business. I go broke on a daily basis picking up such essentials as philosophy body wash, stila eye shadows, paula dorf lippie [EDIT: they don’t carry Paula Dorf but I still managed to drop $ 150+ on my last visit], gloss gloss gloss.
Downsides: no massive free samples (vs. internet ordering), empty wallet, having to go to the Galleria, swamped with mini-​Jersey girls and their Juicy Couture moms getting their Dior fix.