Sephora at JCPenneys

I came in here just because. I had a few colognes in mind that I wanted to test out and upon walking in I went str8 to the men’s section. They had about a mini wall & a half w/​men’s cologne. I understand this sephora is held inside of JC penny but still. Really? Just a wall? Maybe a variety of only 30 colognes? So obviously I didn’t find what I was looking for here. Now I know why I love Ulta 10x better.

This is rated so high because of the service given by Liz. My friend and I went in to browse the bare minerals counter and liz was so helpful in helping me find the right shade. She was patient and thorough. They even offered tester/​samples UNLIKE dept. store make up counters and some sephora locations. My friend actually received a sample of perfume she’s been looking to try. This is a small version of sephora and they don’t carry all of the products I use. They were out if the shade of foundation I needed. Unfortunately it will take a week or two to get it. I may have to look somewhere else. If you’ve not tried bare minerals liquid foundation, I highly recommend you try it! Also bought a bottle of Dolce/​Gabanna One… Love

Today I went to Sephora at JCPenney’s, with my silver Beauty Insider card in hand, prepared to buy Mother’s Day gifts for myself and my mom.
After spending 20 minutes looking around (in a store that wasn’t very busy) without been greeted with a, Hello!, I talked myself out of spending money there and walked out. I know I’m not invisible, but I certainly felt that way.
I don’t think I’ll waste my time at the JCPenney location. I’ve had far better — even fun! — experiences at Briarwood Mall’s Sephora.

For an academic girl like me with a taste for finer brands and none of the makeup artistry skill to go with it, Sephora is a refined form of medieval torture. I adore cosmetics. I lack the skill acquired from 15 years of eyeballing my reflection critically in the mirror in the predawn hours, like so many of my feminine compatriots did. I see all the pretty implements and my stomach twists in dread. How am I to know whether the fan-​tipped brush is meant to deposit loose powder eyeshadow or meant to torment the unsuspecting by entangling itself in my lashes, made from the synthetic equivalent of honey badger hair?
Enter Sephora, a chain devoted to all things cosmetic, aimed at beginners to professional makeup artists. Friendly staff can assist with niggly problems and showing techniques, or help you locate that brand new eyeshadow shade. They can be a bit too helpful; I felt a tad stalked after being greeted by all three employees in the space of three seconds. Maybe the baby had something to do with it, though he was fast asleep when I swung by in search of new foundation.
The outposts at JCPenneys are more pop-​ups compared to their standalone or mall stores, so don’t expect the full wall of perfumes, the large beauty stations, and tools aplenty to bewilder the Spanish Inquisition. Nonetheless, this Sephora is beautifully bright and well-​laid out within its compact confines. Several popular ranges are carried at their beauty bar, but rarer lines and more obscure items require a visit to the larger store. They do have many packaged gift options at holiday time, but some of Sephora’s trademark beauty bundles («buy this, get four of that» or «special gift with purchase») aren’t available in large quantities here. Call ahead about availability to save yourself the trip for a specific item that’s out of stock.
This Sephora is very clean and ideally situated near the front of the store, so getting in and out takes little time at all.
One day I’ll really sit down and have them teach me more than just the basics without requiring a 6 week intensive certification course for balancing one’s complexion with a tube of green goop, which they sell along with other fine photocorrective shades like yellow, peach, and pink.

I went in to try the Color IQ and got way more than I barganed for. Adam was teaching another girl how to use it and had her do a quick foundation application on me. I wasn’t in a rush and love make overs so I didn’t mind letting her practice on me. She was really helpful and Adam did a great job explaining the products and proper application techniques. They were so sweet and gave me a bunch of samples of perfumes, and a few blushes so I could find the right one or have a little travel pack.
I wound up buying pretty much everything they recommended because my face looked perfect. PERFECT. You couldn’t tell I had make up on.
I was about to swear off Sephora after a bad expierence at the one in 12 Oaks, but thanks to the staff at the Sephora inside JC Pennys, I will continue shopping here. And only here.

This place KILLS me! Why do I torture myself by walking into this place?!
BECAUSE I’M SICK IN THE HEAD! That’s why!
For being such a scaled down version of Sephora they sure pack A LOT into one space. They carry all of the popular high end brands that I like. Please note that because it’s a smaller store, all of the great products that a typical Sephora would carry, are not carried in this location.
Everyone I have encountered at this location was friendly and helpful.
Added bonus: You can use your beauty insider card here!
They have a great return policy as well. You can return or exchange ANYTHING you purchase if you are not 100% happy with it, accompanied by a receipt. It doesn’t matter the reason! Did the eyeliner make your eyes constantly watter? Did you realize the shade that you picked, didn’t go with your eyes? Did it not perform to the claims? NO BIGGIE! Bring it back!

JCpeney’s has contracted with Sephora to open mini-​stores in their department stores. I had checked online for a cruelty-​free cosmetic line and found out that Urban Decay was certified cruelty free. My sister is an animal activist and would appreciate that in a gift.
While checking out the line, Anita, the sales associate, helped me put together a his and hers anniversary gift that was real special. Urban Decay had an edible body glitter that would make for a fun date night out and added complimentary samples of cologne and perfume! She also wrapped the gift! Thanks, Anita