Absolutely every last annoying thing I want to avoid when I shop is epitomized here. First of all, yes this place is pricey. I get it, and I'm not looking for the same experience, as at a Sephora, or even an Ulta, but when you see items that you can then find on Gilt Groupe for 1/2 off (like Nest, etc), it just emphasizes how overpriced this shop is. Second, it's beyond annoying and mind-boggling how many employees there are working in this tiny store, and how each one of them only deals with their own section. If you want a certain type of eyeliner (like liquid) , but they don't carry that in "their" line, whelp, they will try to push what they have in their line on you, even if you don't want it. Please don't tell me how to use a brush to apply eye pencil. If I wanted that I would buy it ffs. Third, the snooty attitude is so boring. Employee ladies: please have more chill, and also stop hovering! Gosh it is so unpleasant here. The store is minuscule - keep 10 feet from me so I can browse. Please stop suggesting things to me, so we can just enjoy looking and touching the packaging and if I have a question, will certainly ask. This store reminds me of why I shop online. I want my fancy eyeliner, and my Tom Ford perfume, but not at the expense of dealing with these type of people at Blue Mercury. Btw, parking near this location is a hellscape between almost no metered spots, and those aren't cheap, to the nearby structure that only gives 30 minutes free. TL/dr: stay away, shop online instead. read more

Not really sure what happened to this store. It looked like it was going out of business. Very low stock on everything. The tester candles are all old and don't smell like anything. Very slim pickings. read more

Many people seem to hate this store. Fair enough, but perhaps some perspective. Bluemercury is not a supermarket or discounter dispensing the latest powder or potion from CoverGirl, Maybelline or the Kardashian beauty empire. These are high-end powders and potions pushed aggressively by an extremely chatty tribe of in-store associates. If you want them to leave you alone just say so. It should also be obvious that you're not visiting Lourdes, if you enter the store a 51 y/o brand manager from Lawrenceville, you're likely to leave the same way, just far lighter in the wallet no matter how exquisitely they administer your facial or whatever serums they apply. Bluemercury sells extremely expensive cosmetics, not miracles. Worth a browse if you're in Palmer Square, just remember to put your game face on. read more

It's a girl fun zone!! From perfumes to cosmetics, face lotions, and a home scents Ow My!!! They have a very fair return policy. The employee's are friendly but..... I don't like when people don't allow me to just shop especially when I'm with my daughter it's our time! I feel like they follow you like mosquitoes even when you say you're just looking they hear you say one trigger word about a lipstick or something and they're trying to sell you everything! That's why I took away one star read more

Bluemercury - Shopping with my little buddy! The sales lady was telling us how a regular customer they had to wait on was exposed to Coronavirus SMH! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I went there with a specific brand in mind! The sales associate was either hard of hearing or had her own agenda in selling me a different brand. She aggressively recommended Augustinus Bader when I specifically asked for LaMer. She had a lot of negative things to say about my brand of choice... It was very strange and a little insulting. Yes, My friend and I were sized up and down. (we're Princeton residents btw) Considering the SA spent a good 15 minutes hard-selling AB to us, we passed the uppity test? ((eye roll)) read more

I met Jessica. She was very kind but didn't pity me :). I feel hopeless and pitiful and she gave it to me straight. What is gonna help this awful winter skin?? She showed me products in my price range that will help me, and she made me feel ENCOURAGED. And that takes a lot :). It's a gorgeous store and she is lovely and helpful. read more

Love shopping at Blue Mercury! Beautiful store! The service as you would expect is amazing. The selection is the best I've seen not only that the manager who helped me was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely will be back! read more

Just had my first visit in this store. I loved everything and was helped multiple times when looking at products. Sunshine M helped check my friend and I out and she was so nice! Would definitely recommend !! read more

I called this morning to see if I could get my make up done, no event, I just want all new skin care products and make up. I was told "No because it's our high season". Just walked by and the store is empty. read more

Sure, I'm not the best person when it comes to consulting for makeup (I'm a guy!), but Bluemercury has been a reputable business in the eyes of women, and men, when it comes to purchasing cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care products. I'm a bit "late" discovering them, but I was impressed on my initial visit to a store near my job at TriBeCa, Manhattan, so why not review this location in timeless, gorgeous Palmer Sq, Princeton? This location is at middle of Princeton's premier shopping district, Palmer Square, offering everything you can think of, from luxury boutiques that can save you the drive from NYC or Philly, clothes for any occasion, a certain other cosmetics store, and cafes. The location is in a classically designed brick building, neighboring Lindt Chocolate, another idea if you'd want to gift someone cosmetics and chocolates - you'll win for that day! Inside, it's an ample spaced interior full of everything a woman, or man would consider essential, coming from all lines and designers, some of the top names in the business. Necessarily and befittingly, Bluemercury can have wonderful products to wow anyone, but it comes at a price - a steep one! If you're looking for that precious gift and willing to pay a premium, it's the perfect place. As a male, I was impressed with the fragrances section, an extensive collection of scents and names that would set all eyes on me, but of course, it was near a staggering 350$ for a small bottle, hard to leave empty handed on my first visit! Did a coin flip to see if I would proceed, and favorable odds, I've went with the purchase. While there, I've selected some gifts for X-Mas - a Bobbi Brown cosmetic set for a pen pal across the country to be air-mailed, and a scented candle set for my sister. Favorable opinions were there on my NYC days, and it gladly followed on my Princeton visit. Went again to purchase a cosmetic set for my sisters birthday (again, I'm a guy, I don't know better!), and hefty price tag, it was a satisfying purchase. Also, this is one of many Bluemercury spots to have its own spa, if you/someone else wanted a spa retreat, to do facials, rejuvenation, and massages, makes for a good birthday gift! I'm not sure if you can schedule one for another location (in my case, not traveling across the state, despite the comforts Princeton offers), but it's a great choice. I'm not sure why people gave this location a bad reputation/rating, but I've had favorable talks with the staff, and they've been receptive, maybe I've had it different on quiet Sunday mornings, but I'm glad to look into coming here for my future cosmetic purchases. If you're willing to shop for lovely cosmetics/fragrances and willing to pay a (huge) premium, this Bluemercury is right for you! read more

See all

They're so rude and will give you the most judgmental looks and attitude if you aren't wearing designer and don't look like wealthy. Oh also don't bother going in there if you're under 30 because they will call you "sweetie" and make you seem extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome. Super demeaning and condescending. Also the manager doesn't do anything about the rude sales associates. They need therapy fr read more

With the exception of convenience, this (Princeton) store has little going for it. As the only customer in the store, I was completely ignored by all four sales people, most of whom were standing around chatting. When I finally asked for help, I did get a response from one person and the others all shot glances at each other. This is nothing new for this location. I've been shopping here since they opened but I won't be going back. read more

I went here for a brazilian wax and it was super uncomfortable. The girl seemed very nervous the entire time, kept chattering away, and couldnt seem to look me in the eye. I felt as if she was really rushing thru the whole thing and Im not surprised, as there is not much lighting in the room and you are practically in the dark. Not sure how that figures for removing body hair?!? When I got home, I (again, not surprisingly) realized she missed quite a bit. Blue mercury should advise its employees (and dare I say) TRAIN them to make spa clients feel comfortable - ESP when they are getting something done as personal as a wax. If you arent comfortable seeing another womans vagina, perhaps you are in the wrong field. read more

Blue Mercury is a swank boutique which offers cosmetics, candles and toiletries. BM carries, trish, kiehls, fekkai and the list goes on. Exact same price as the Department Stores, but if you want to spend $15 on a candle and $25 on soap, then this is your place. The staff is very helpful and the store exotic and beautiful. They offer spa service, they don't take checks and they carry red flower. read more

I've been here several times, and a number of the products are excellent, but that has nothing to do with this particular location. As other reviewers have noted, the workers here are absolutely awful. Firstly, there are far too many of them, and they do far too little. Imagine a gaggle of overweight middle-aged women gossiping with each other in a small provincial town, and you have the staff here. Snooty people without anything to be snooty about, frankly. My bitchiness aside, what I especially dislike is the insincerity of their advice. Worst moment: after telling one of the workers that I'm on Accutane - and therefore have extremely fragile skin - she recommended a face peel with an ultra-high level of glycolic acid! Surprise, surprise, this peel also happened to cost something in the region of $150. On other occasions, I've also been pushed towards (often dubious) products from obscure brands that cost well over $100. If you do end up coming here, I'd recommend that you know exactly what you want to buy, then grab it and get out as quickly as possible. When I adopt this attitude, the workers seem to realize that I'm not a local bored housewife with thousands to spend on overpriced stuff, so they just ignore me, which is good. Normally, one of the biggest pleasures of being in a cosmetics store is slowly browsing around the shelves for interesting finds, but I have absolutely no inclination to do this here because the atmosphere created by the nasty staff is just so unwelcoming... read more

I've noticed bad reviews on here for waxing, so wanted to add my own. Having tried a few other places in Princeton I now ONLY go to Christie at Blue Mercury for my waxing. She is great. Everything she has waxed (including bikini) she has done in a professional, efficient, and warm manner. This is also a great place in town to get brands that can be hard to find in this area - Dermatologica, Kiehls, etc... I agree some of the staff can appear a bit snooty (and sales reps can be pushy), but I've equally had excellent service from others who've been prepared to give me samples of things to try even when I'm not spending lots of dollars. read more

I signed up for Yelp just to write this review. It deserves a 0/5. My experience with the Blue Mercury at Princeton (Palmer's Square) was undoubtedly the worst wax and/or spa experience that I've ever had, by far. I had a brazilian wax. The woman definitely rushed (much like in the other review on here) and put the wax on in a very sloppy manner compared to my past wax experiences elsewhere. She had a brusque, condescending manner about her to go along with it. (All of Blue Mercury's staff act in a pretentious manner that I cannot fathom: you work for a middle-range esthetician or salesgirl salary in Princeton, which basically puts you near the bottom of the salary range in this town... what do you have to be snobby about? Waxing the pubic hair off of rich girls in town everyday? Unfriendly people will not get my business... I've moved to CompletelyBare, downtown NYC location) Even though the bluemercury site said that trimming may be done before waxing by the esthetician, and when I called I was assured that it would be done, there was NO trimming and therefore I felt incredible pain all the way through. Plus there wasn't any numbing cream to make up for that. Most painful and rushed wax experience ever. Even with all that pain, the wax was insufficient and left stray hairs too. No wonder, given the poor lighting and sloppy, imprecise job overall. No tweezing at all. I'll take self-waxing, or completelybare spas, or a privately owned boutique spa over Blue Mercury's sub-par services any day. Wish I could pay double the price of the wax just to take it all back. read more

I'm not sure how this store survives, but I couldn't wait to get out it as soon as possible. It's just very unpleasant to even be there. As many other mentioned, the stuff are incredibly unfriendly and borderline rude. I've never seen anything like it. 8-10 women are chatting among each other's, simply ignoring anyone in the store. The company website states that the owners created Bluemercury to be your friendly neighborhood store for the best beauty and experts advise. Well, this store anything but friendly and competent. I could go one. But I don't want to waste my time. This store won't last much longer. read more

I have to agree with the review written before me. Marianne gives the best facials! She is perfect in so many ways. Give her a chance and I promise you'll become a regular. Some advise about the staff that works the floor in BM. Kill them with kindness and they seem to warm up a bit. Life is too short to be miserable and to be near misery. read more

Have you ever seen Pretty Woman, where a boutique employee will not sell to Julia Roberts because she does not appear to be wealthy? If you have, you know exactly what it is like to shop at Bluemercury. I went to Bluemercury looking to treat myself to some new makeup. I am usually a loyal Sephora shopper, but I happened to be in town and thought I would stop in and look around. I have never felt so unwelcome in a store. Although there were more than five people working on the floor, I was aggressively ignored by all those in attendance. I looked around the store at the limited variety of merchandise, hoping to talk to one of the salespeople, who noticeably walked away from me as if I had an ailment they did not want to catch. However, this unwelcoming attitude was not given to EVERY customer in Bluemercury. While I was being ignored by a team of salespeople, I witnessed a customer come in off the street wearing Burberry and diamond jewelry who was IMMEDIATELY given attention by an employee who sprinted across the store to greet them, and helped with all of their questions. It was at this point when I left the store, disgusted. Is my money less green because it isn't stored in a designer wallet? I have been buying makeup for many years, often luxury products like those sold at this store. If Bluemercury is trying to establish itself as a competitor to Sephora, or even the MAC store up the street (where I have always been given lots of help by cheerful and knowledgeable staff), it may want to consider treating those who walk into their stores as potential paying customers, not loiterers. read more

Summary: SIX (out of 5) stars for my facials from Marianne ZERO stars for everything else Average = 3 star review Long version: Here is the good news: Marianne gives the world's best facial. And I have had A LOT of facials, all over the world. She is in a category all to herself. Here is why: - Her knowledge about skin is astounding. Like getting a facial from a dermatologist. She knows exactly what my skin needs and what products she needs to use. - Her knowledge about products is unrivaled. She can tell you what high end products are rip offs and which are worth it, as well as what the best value-for-money products are, all for your personal skin type. But she never tries hard to sell me anything, even after I ask for recommendations. - She has magic hands. The whole treatment is enjoyable, and even the extractions are tolerable. - During the facial she can talk about anything, or nothing, depending on your mood. - But bottom line, my skin always looks radiant when I leave (and believe me, it does not look that way when I arrive) I live in New York City, where there is no shortage of estheticians, but I travel down to Princeton to see her. I love going to spas, but never ever book facials because I will always be disappointed with anyone other than Marianne. Now if only I could find a masseuse I liked as much. The bad news is that I have to walk into Blue Mercury to get to Marianne. Other than to see her, there is no compelling reason to go. The staff is perpetually snotty and browsing is frowned upon. The "locker rooms" don't even have lockers that lock. They have a nice range of products, but they usually steer you towards the basics whose reps are present (so you are not actually getting the Sefora-like benefit of bias-free advice across multiple lines) and the prices are high. But despite all that, I am still a loyal fan of Marianne's facial. I'll keep going back as long as she works there. read more

I have been here twice for waxing, both times, it was unacceptable. The first time, the woman was pleasant, friendly and did a good job. EXCEPT, that I asked for a bikini wax, and she took off more than I requested because SHE didn't think I should have hair in that area. This is not the waxer's decision. If the waxer really feels more should come off, I'm not opposed to a suggestion, but she simply informed me of this as she was applying the wax. When I returned I asked to see a different waxer, and this experience was an absolute nightmare. The woman seemed to have no real plan for waxing and moved completely randomly around. When she finally finished (it seemed more like she gave up) she explained she didn't have any oil for removing any leftover wax and then just left. I really didn't know what to do. As I checked myself, I noticed there was a very large section of wax in my remaining hair. Even if I'd had oil it wouldn't have removed it. I was afraid to get dressed because I thought the wax would ruin my underwear. Finally she returned and handed me a pair of scissors and told me I could "take care of that". So I scissored myself. She then tried to overcharge me. When I explained the situation to the manager she was sort of blandly apologetic, but didn't offer any discount, assurances that it would never happen again, or any incentive for me to return there. I will never use their spa services again. read more

Ick! I just purchased over $600 of Trish MacEvoy cosmetics here on "presale" and am considering taking everything back. Why? Because I wasn't even greeted by the snooty girl at the desk. In fact, I wasn't even looked at. She seemed annoyed by the fact that I was there at all, despite the fact that I was handing over twice her weekly salary in a cosmetics purchase. Did she say "thank you"? Of course not! Even though I saved 20% on Trish MacEvoy products, I am considering returning every bit of it and rebuying at Nordsrom, where I am always treated nicely. Blue Mercury gets a black mark from me. read more

I am a total beauty and skin care junkie. I always keep myself up to date with the newest lines etc. I've been a sephora vvib for a long long time and after moving, realized that blue mercury is closer to my house than sephora. Happy to know they carried Kiehls I gave them a lot of my business. Their product selection is great but there is something seriously wrong with the women who work here. They have the biggest attitude problem I have seen for people who are selling products and make u feel like you are not good enough if you buy 2 products as opposed to 10. I'm afraid to try their facials and treatments because of the attitude problem I may have to put up with! I prefer Sephora for shopping any day! read more

They have a lot of great products but the sales associates could careless about you. I walked in the store with the intension of buying a Laura Mercier translucent powder but no one seemed to help me and I felt like I had to force someone to help me. It may be because I am 18 and they assumed I would not buy anything but neither the less they should at least try to greet everyone that comes in the door and not be so dismissive when asked to help. If it weren't for the products they offer and their proximity I would never go. read more

Talk about poor customer service. I went in looking for a wrinkle cream today and not one sales attendant offered to help despite their not being busy at all. I will shop at Sephora in the future. Oh, and the attendants had the snooty attitudes of real professionals earning 20 times their salary. Ick. read more

Rude, snooty staff, tried to sell me far more than I wanted, and did not care that the products that I ended up with were not the right match. The women that work there seriously need an attitude check. A baseline of respect would be a good start. read more

Dont like condescending people at all. Came in here, was ignored, then when helped irritated by the sales girls hideous make up. Sorry but I will spend my money elsewhere. Somewhere where my business is appreciated and people are cool and friendly. The prices here are high and I would love to try to understand the people in this world who will spend $30 on bath wash! read more

Let's see. There's quite a bit to say about this place. Staff- OK look, I just don't get excellent vibes from these guys. Me and my friend were trying on some brown mascara and they were just scaring me by staring at us the whole time. I was like I'm not gonna poison it. One time I got a tester with like a nano gram of stuff in it so I went over to the tester and put a little more in. The lady caught me and started screaming at me, I was so upset I just left. The glare they give me is like "buy something expensive now or leave." Well they give everyone that glare. I've spent quite a bit of cash here, hoping they would give me a frequent flyer card or treat me nicer. Apparently they don't speak sale. Products- Nice range. BUT GET LANCOME AND IT WOULD BE BETTER. I could just go to a department store though . . . Nothing really special, except the french grape thing. Really pricey, a sale now and then would be nice. Place- Really great location!!! I do love that. Nice floors, not run down at all. Very inviting, it smells nice too. In general, ok place with a splendid location and sometimes rude staff. read more

I LOVE shopping at Blue Mercury for Chanel, Bobbi Brown, and all the other great cosmetics they carry. They sell some of the best hair and skin products as well. My experience with the sales people has been consistently positive. I have never had a problem buying, returning or exchanging. During the winter holidays there is a fabulous opportunity to get 10 to 20% off your total bill depending on the amount you spend. It's an upscale shop and I can understand that it could be somewhat intimidating to some customers. If people perceive the staff as being unfriendly, I would suggest that they give it another try. I personally don't like being approached by overly aggressive salesladies. I have never used the spa. read more

Went in for a purchase I had planned and then ideas to change up my eye makeup. Salesperson seemed uninterested in anything except what I wanted in the first place, even when I asked offered little help and I left to go to find another store, could have sold me a thing that day! Store wS filled with sales people chatting to themselves and only 3 customers. read more

I love this place! They have a great selection of products and give great samples. They also have a spa which is not a high end day spa, but you can get an appointment quickly and the staff is great. Painless waxing and amazing facials from the staff. I will definitely be back. read more

I got a fusion facial from Lori , the esthetician at the spa there. And I was really happy with her service. She really understood my needs and did the facial according to that. Couldn't be any happier! Smiling and a friendly atmosphere at the store from the other staff would be nice. read more

My experience was wonderful both times I visited over the holiday season! Customer Service was excellent. Attendants very knowledgeable and able to work with both millennials and more mature women with ease. Today, Aaron ( sp?) was excellent when a product was out of stock at this location. He called at least 4 maybe 5 stores until he found it and made sure it was shipped ASAP! Also both times we got great samples. Visit and Enjoy! read more

This place has a very well curated lineup of products (nothing available in Princeton area that comes close, and I've found the people that work there to be very knowledgeable...and really nice and friendly. It seems like every time I have the need for some kind of help with a skin challenge or would like to find a new way of redoing my look I can count on the people there to set me on the right path. I've gotten tons of samples there over the years of products I've been interested in so if you think you are not sure about something make sure you try it out first...I've never been refused. They seem to enjoy giving you a sample or a parting from their product on shelf (maybe a tester). I've found the people here to be really approachable but don't follow you around so definitely the kind of place I like. I've only had a few spa treatments here....several facials and a waxing and all were as enjoyable as they can be and great results...so I recommend a try. read more

This is the store that I always visit for makeup and stuff I need for my skin (killing the acne, calming down the redness, hydrating and so on). Its in the middle of town and convenient to shop when in town for whatever. I think this place has some of the more knowledgeable estheticians around and they seem happy to spend time just working through what interests me...not big sale hounds. I've gottent to be friendly with some of them so each time I visit I pick up a new trick with the color...and that makes it pretty fun to come back each time. Having someone make you look beautiful is way better than looking at boring YouTube videos and trying to learn a new makeup method. Anyway, I highly recommend this place since I always get what I came in for plus I always learn something new. read more

Jean Luc and the other employees at Blue Mercury Princeton are fantastic. I always get personalized help and am treated like a very valued customer. It's a wonderful store with excellent products. I've been going to this store since they opened and have never had a negative experience. For locals, it's a treasure to have in town. read more

I'm so glad to see so many bad reviews about this store because I almost developed a complex for the experience I had today (being facetious). I don't know what it is, but I agree with most posters here about this store's snootiness. When I walked in the store this afternoon, there were about 6-8 sales people and no other customers. How many of the sales people asked if I needed help? ZERO, NONE, NADA. There were even a couple of them right in front of me talking to each other and didn't bother to ask if I needed help. I was so puzzled. It's like I was invisible. Every time I tried to make eye contact with one of them, they just won't see me. They were all in their own world. By how they were acting, you would think these pathetic sorry people just want to get fired or are looking to get closed down. read more

I had the worst Brazilian wax experience here. I have previously had waxes at BM, and they have ranged from mediocre to good, but this time, it was TRULY AWFUL. I was waxed by a lady with mid-length blonde hair. She put huge amounts of wax on and ripped off a gigantic area at once, and while she was doing it, she would press her hand down on the other side very hard. I asked her if she could do smaller areas, and she just looked irritated. I think she wanted to get out of there ASAP and just wanted to do it as quickly as possible, not caring that I was in pain. She basically ignored me and continued to do large areas. I tried to hint to her that it was incredibly painful by asking if they had changed the wax, because it hurt more than usual. She just said "No" and didn't try to reduce the pain. Her wax was so badly done that I got an incredible number of ingrowns right after - I have never experienced anything like this before. I am never going back to BM for a wax again, and I highly advise others not to. I do go there to buy make up, but I find the staff to be very snotty and unhelpful. read more

I was dismayed to see how low of a rating my favorite store in Princeton received on Yelp! I felt the need to remedy some of the old complaints and update Blue Mercury's feed with some of the things I love! 1. I love this store for the people; Meg, Jean-Luc, and many others have always been so incredibly helpful and FUN to talk to. If you are passionate about beauty products, and talking to others about them, this is a store for you. 2. I also love Blue Mercury because it stocks the best of the best. I like being able to try products and get a feel for them before buying, especially products at a pretty high price point. 3. When you are overwhelmed by the plethora of good things in this store, all you need to do is ask for help... or if you don't know what you're looking for, start a conversation! In the world of retail, this is becoming such a gray area - people hate being approached, but complain when they are not! I have found that this particular store gets very busy, but the staff are dedicated to finding whatever is it you need! 4. Last but not least, don't forget to check out their make-up parties. They bring in top artists from Chanel, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown who are all very talented and nice. I always make an appointment and have fun trying new products and experimenting with colors I wouldn't ordinarily gravitate to. This is truly a wonderful store with many experienced and knowledgeable people willing to help ensure you find whatever it is you're looking for. read more