As someone who gets overwhelmed in stores like Sephora and Ulta, I much preferred shopping at Merle Norman. Sandi was so helpful and it was a much more personal experience. I would definitely return. read more

My daughters and I have received at least 4 piercings here. She is experienced, calm, and knowledgeable.

I had to have my ears re-pierced. In March, I had to have a brain scan and my studs had to be removed. The nurse who put in the earrings pierced my flesh, resulting in a massive ear infection. After it was healed, I went to Sandy. She is the only one I trust with my ears. She pierced my ears without me experiencing pain. She gave me solution and pads to disinfect my ears. She threw in a free pair of earrings that I can wear after 8 weeks. The earrings are gorgeous cubic zirconia earrings. Moral of the story: Go to someone you can trust. For me, that person is Sandy. read more

After reading other glowing reviews about Sandy, I knew Merle Norman Cosmetics was the place to go. I have always had trouble inserting my earrings on the left side and now, after about two months, it has completely closed up. Sandy has such a lovely shop, she herself is so warm and inviting, not to mention such a wonderful human being. She tried countless times to re-pierce my ear but my lobes have gotten quite fat over the years and she feared she simply could not do a job she would be proud of - and that I would need to find a specialist in needle piercing. She even gave me the earrings she was trying to use on me plus a MN skin care gift. What a special experience for which I am very grateful. Thank you, Sandy! read more

I visited Merle Norman for the first time and had my ears re-pierced. So far I'm healing well and following all instructions given to me. I loved the atmosphere of this lovely boutique and will share my positive experience with friends. Lots of sparkly gift times so give this business a visit and see for yourself. read more

Merle Norman Cosmetics - Sparkly spare earrings to use after my ears heal well - Piercing Near Me - San Jose, California

I came here for the first time on September 29, 2018 and had a great experience. Fast forward, 5 years later, I came back to re-pierce one of my ear lobes. One of my ear lobes closed up due to me not wearing earrings during the pandemic. Sandy, once again, provided a great experience to me - while juggling another customer! read more

Came here for ear piercings - great customer service by Sandra! She was super thorough in explaining after care, and made sure I liked the placement, etc. Highly recommend as you'll get 1:1 attention and care - she even gave me a second pair of earrings, a cleaner kit with solution and some cotton pads, and a skincare sample for my sister who came with me! The earrings are also really great quality (comparable and even better than highly priced trendy online brands) and super reasonably priced. After a few months, my ears healed super quickly and easily. Thank you Sandra!! Highly recommend!! read more

Sandra is truly the best. In a pinch, I ordered online through Merle Norman's website but, ordered the wrong color. Sandra spent time helping me find the perfect color and sharing all the fun new products. From now on I will call her and order directly from her since she's got all the details on my purchases. :) read more

Amazing service. My daughter got her ears pierced there. They are super professional and kind. Affordable and we left with a really great feeling. Highly recommend this place! read more

I must have passed this shop a thousand times and never truly knew it existed until yesterday. I searched Yelp (naturally), looking for a shop that pierced ears and came across Merle Norman's. So glad I did cause that's where I met Sandra. There is no shortage of hospitality from Sandra. She is very welcoming and just an all around perfect shop hostess. Sandra's pleasant personality & positive spirit literally enhances one's shopping experience. The shop is clean, organized and well stocked. I found a uniquely perfect gift for a little girl, a purse disguised as an octopus. Too cute! read more

Merle Norman Cosmetics - Just purchased this super cute purse! They have such amazing things!! - Piercing Near Me - San Jose, California

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What a treat in cosmetic shopping! Sandy was so personal, with a genuine desire to find what you are looking for and make efficient recommendations. Her little shop is cozy and is the polar-opposite of Ulta or Sephora's overwhelming options and young, indifferent staff. I have such a hard time finding lipstick in light shades with just the right tone for my light skin. I found two here! If you are in the area, it is so worth popping in to see what they have! read more

We took both our daughters to get their ears pierced here. Sandra was very professional and kind. She explained what the procedure would be like and all necessary after care needed. When we came back to get more information 8 weeks later she was very helpful in explaining what needed to be done. She replaced a backing on one earring making sure everything was sanitary. She also gave my daughter a goodie back so she can experiment with makeup. We would highly recommend having your ears pierced. Sandra has been in business many years and is very knowledgeable, patient and professional. read more

I am so appreciative that Merle Norman has a service for ear piercings. Previously, I've had my ears pierced twice at two different places, one of them at Claire's. But due to my body's reactions to fake Jewelery, my holes would close up. The same day that I saw Sandra, my fiancé had purchased me beautiful earrings. We drove from SJ to SF for the earrings, and then to the SJ area to get my ears pierced.. that's how I impatient I am and how understanding my fiance is. I was sad that I could not wear my new earrings at that time since I understand I have to wait 6-10 weeks for my ears to heal. However looking back it's worth it. My ears are still pierced, I did not get an infection, and the lady who pierced my ears provided great customer service! read more

Bought product from here I was charged twice, very upset. I bought earings made my ears turn green. The lady insisted they were the best jewelry she has. Never going here . read more

My daughters wanted to get their ears pierced and I wanted to find a place I felt comfortable with. After reading reviews from Yelp about Merle Norman, I decided to give them a call for more information. I spoke with Sandy, who was the piercer. The piercing is free, you only pay the cost of the earrings ($25) and the cleaning solution ($5). Sandy was very efficient, gentle, and had a caring nature with my girls. My girls do not usually handle vaccines well, so I was a bit nervous about this experience. They did amazing and after the first ear was pierced on my youngest daughter, Sandy said that she got to pick a 2nd pair of studs for FREE to take home!!! My girls were so excited for this perk! We were in and out of the shop with 2 girls' ears pierced in about 20 minutes. If you're looking for a place to get your ears pierced, I highly recommend this hidden gem! read more

My family has been using Merle Norman products for yearsssssss. I have sensitive skin and the only Face Wash that doesn't make me break out is from Merle Norman. The owner is a wonderful gal who knows her stuff! She's super sweet and friendly. I always leave the store in a such a great mood. Even my grouchy teenager enjoys shopping here with me! lol We always go home with fun extra goodies. read more

Hello, My husband took my teenage daughter, Alexis, to the Merle Norman Studio located at 1535 Meridian Ave Ste 20 - San Jose, CA 95125 this afternoon. She was looking for some advice regarding an ear piercing that had closed up (pierced at a chain store in the mall). Sandra provided her professional recommendation and was able to perform the service immediately. My daughter raved about what an amazing experience they had in the store. How nicely Sandra treated her and how special she felt. My husband was very impressed with the store, the service and the pricing. Overall, an amazing personal experience you just don't find very often these days. Thank you for this! My daughter wished she had known about Merle Norman before she went to the mall and plans to recommend to her friends. Please continue to shop and support local, independent businesses whenever possible! read more

My mom always lets me take a couple of her Merle Norman lipsticks when I visit her. I love that the lipstick sticks have a liner and lipstick all in one. And the color doesn't come off easily. This week while I was visiting the South Bay I was going to look up where there's a Merle Norman so I could get some lipsticks on my own. To my surprise there's one in the shopping center where I got my haircut (@Do or Dye - a great salon!!!). Yay! I had so much fun with the owner trying on different colors. She is really nice and told me the truth when a color just looked so-so and when one looked great. I ended up getting Hussy. It's perfect and beautiful!!! Kiss & Hug Lip Glass Red Velvet is super sexy! As a side note, my mom has been wearing Merle Norman for decades. She has less wrinkles than me and my sister! So their products (in combination with staying out of the sun, which I never did/do) really work! read more

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Neighborhood chat room suggested I go here instead of a volume mall place to have my 13 year old daughters ears pierced! I did! yesterday,quick and easy.....reasonable,no problem and this red headed woman,( i married one of those!),was very helpful and informative! Great place.....for women! LOL Thanks for the suggestion! read more

A great experience! Sandy is very kind and helpful, with no hard sell at all! I went in to get color matched for my ultra foundation and she nailed it. Then I walked out with some goodies and a tote bag - and, again - no attempts to sell me more than I came in for. I will definitely be a regular customer. read more

This review is for the lady that runs the store, not the products... The lot was full with a funeral procession heading to the banquet hall, and I needed to get my toddlers to their prepaid music class next door. The only parking spots available were the 2 in front of Merle Norman...but the lady came out of the store and was rather aggressive about not allowing me to park there. I explained that the lot was full, and I had 2 toddlers...she threatened to tow my car, and told me to park on the street and walk over. Street parking is not allowed anywhere nearby, plus Hello, I have 2 toddlers and Meridian is a very busy road. It would have been the perfect opportunity for her to have some compassion and do a nice thing for a stranger... read more

My daughter got her ears pierced here. Because of COVID only 2 people are allowed in the store at a time and my daughter really wanted her friend there with her. The woman working worked it out so I signed the paperwork and paid and then switched so my daughter's friend could come in with her. It was very clean and professional and the ear piercing cost included the earrings, cleaning solution, and cleaning pads... and was much cheaper than I expected. Overall a great experience and I would highly recommend for ear piercing. read more

I love this place. You don't even understand. Merle Norman Cosmetics has been around forever. My grandma wore it. She took my mom for her first makeover and got my mom hooked. My mom did the same for my sister and me. Now, I don't generally enjoy anything that my mom recommends--if on principle alone. Maybe someday I'll appreciate her advice more. For now, I'm just happy with my makeup. Sandi is amazing. Sandi is Merle Norman to me. She's a one woman show. Her husband might hide in the back occasionally, helping her with phones or paperwork, but otherwise it's just her. She greats everyone warmly, no matter how many people she's got already in the store. And she will help you for as long as it takes to find the perfect product for you. She's a saleswoman but I don't begrudge her for that. She's a damn good one! I just know that I have to watch myself or I'll walk out spending a whole lot more than I intended to! Please don't get me wrong--she's not pushy. She just has a lot to offer and offers it so well that you really want to walk out with all of it! I enjoy the basics. That's just the kind of girl I am. Merle Norman is perfect for that. If I want to pick up a new shade or try a different kind of liner, they've got plenty to choose from. Sometimes the prices scare me. I'm a bit of a penny pincher. But I have to step back and realize that the $30 tube of foundation lasts me 3-4 months. The lipstick lasts at least that long as well. Last week, I got that foundation, lipstick/lipliner pencil combo, and moisturizer for about $80. If there's something I want to try, I find a sample in the bag. Even though she knows that I'm not the biggest spender through her door, she never skimps on those samples. I like that. Oh yea--if you don't feel like heading to the south bay, she'll mail it to you the next day. The website isn't super helpful and does not include product offerings--but give her a call and she'll send you a catalog. Sandi, you are amazing! read more

The women in my family have been wearing Merle Norman for YEARS! I came in with my grandma a couple months ago so she could pick up make up for her and my mom. The owner is SUPER nice and very helpful when it comes to the product. I didn't buy anything but we did get into the discussion about how I use concealer and mineral powder foundation. She ended up giving me a sample of the mineral powder, knew exactly what color would work for me, and threw in a free concealer! I was very excited to try it since my family loves their make up so much. The concealer works wonders and the mineral powder lasted all day on my face and looks flawless. I have sampled several other products from here, through my family, that I also love. I came back to the store yesterday to purchase the mineral powder foundation and received a very cute free gift w/ more awesome products! Not only do a give the brand 5 stars but the owner is excellent too!! read more

Sandy is the absolute BEST. I can't believe I can love the person who sells me my make up that much, but I really do love Sandy! I started going to Merle Norman since I was looking for a new foundation and Makeup Ally suggested the UltraPowder Foundation as the best foundation. At the time, this location was the closest to my home. I came in and Sandy was so nice. She took the time to help me find the perfect color. I am now addicted to this powder foundation. I normally have really bad acne, but after using this foundation, it's gone away! Not only does it look natural, but it stays on all day and doesn't crack inside my wrinkles. I also love their eyebrow pencil and their eyelash primer which I've received samples of. A few years ago, I moved to San Diego. Even though we have Merle Norman down here, I stay loyal to Sandy. A quick call and she knows exactly what I need and gets it to me in just 2 days. Not just that, no matter what I buy, she always gives me gifts! I don't know where I'd be without her. Sandy, you are great at what you do! To me, you ARE Merle Norman! read more

I have been shopping at this merle norman for over 20 years. I am addicted to their lipstick duo pencils and their mascara. Only cosmetic line i have ever found that has a foundation that matches my skin tone. And Sandy understands customer service. She is fab. And, blissfully, I now share a wall with Sandy since I opened my lingerie store right next door. She is a fabulous neighbor to have. read more

I'm so glad I went to Merle Norman! I had to have my ears pierced higher. She did it perfect. Very knowledgeable and helpful!!! I highly recommend Sandy. I'll be going back for other beauty tips and products!!! read more

We could not be happier with our experience here. My daughter had her ears pierced and was treated with such kindness and respect. She was shown how to care for her ears and was given a few free gifts which were unexpected but most welcomed as it was my daughter's birthday. We highly recommend Merle Norman Cosmetics. read more

The Merle Norman boutique on Meridian Ave. is a hidden gem. I received personalized attention in finding and trying skincare products and makeup. Sandra does ear piercing too. Compared with the Cle de Peau $75 concealer I tried at Nordstrom, the Merle Norman concealer I chose was far less expensive and didn't cake at all. The foaming cleanser, AHA toner and brilliant-C eye cream felt high quality and very fairly priced. I liked that the products are all made in the U.S., with ingredients I could understand. They carry an amazing variety of lotions, potions, creams, eye shadows and lipsticks, for all skin types and colors. The location in a old strip mall is easy to miss, but parking and access are simply a breeze. read more

When I think of the thousands of dollars I spent searching for the right makeup before finding Merle Norman...OY! My fav is the Lasting Foundation. Last, it does, and with a beautiful finish! I can even go swimming with this product and it looks like I just put it on, people!!! Best cosmetics EVER (worth the price) and I know I'd be in trouble if they ever quit making them. Another noteworthy thing: I have deep set eyes and my other eyeshadows always wanted to crease before. I wear certain Merle Norman eyeshadow (Luxiva Luminous) ALL DAY with NO creasing! I could go on and on about the products. I'm not rich, in fact I tend to be chronically broke, but I'll still shell out for this product because unlike any other I've tried, it actually does what it says it will do!!! Sandi is, as all the others here say, THE BEST. She will spend a looong time with you as you test different colors and formulas and will help you pick the best ones. She always has a smile and lively conversation ready. Love how she always plops a generous handful of samples in my bag, too!! I drive all the way from Santa Cruz on occasion to be in her shop. The fact that she likes likes little doggies helps too : ) This reminds me...I need to go buy some makeup!! read more

I just got my ears pierced for the first time, and I am so glad that I came to this Merle Norman location to get it done! She was so sweet and extremely careful, going over the procedure and follow-up care in great detail to make sure I knew what was happening. The training studs and additional earrings are gorgeous! It was also super convenient -- I called in the morning to schedule an appointment, showed up, and got the piercing and payment done in about 10 minutes. They also have a wide range of cosmetics, some jewelry (including more earrings), and other items in the store. I definitely plan to return once my piercing heals to look at other earrings! read more

Having an adult re-pierce my ears and advising on repositioning the placement of holes was a far superior experience than having a kid in the mall do it. The manager, Sandra, couldn't have been more helpful or pleasant. And a side benefit was checking out the great Merle Norman skin care line. read more

Ear piercing! This is the place to go! You know exactly who will be piercing your ears. She paid attention to detail, knowing that this was permanent. She asked our opinion of the location (based on a pen mark) and changed it when she thought one did not look right. (The price was VERY reasonable!) You get some make-up freebies and the starter earrings and some great earring posts for later. Worth the drive!!! Highly Recommend! read more

I came to Merle Norman because I was checking out the makeup line online and had some good reviews about it. I didn't expect much when I came in, but the owner's husband was super friendly and helpful. He helped me find what I was looking for and gave me free gifts with my purchases. He was also urging me to try out other cosmetics and asking if I needed samples of anything. Great customer service here! Awesome guy to talk to. Will definitely be back. The makeup also lives up to its hype :) read more

This is for Ears Piercing and the nail polish. I like the store, because it is small and relaxing. Lots of neat cosmetics and accessories to explore. It is very organized and clean. The lady who operates the store, I think, is the owner. She is so nice and professional. I felt like that we had a personal cosmetologist and shopper. We visited in July for the "Ears Piercing" service. It was nice to know that she has performed this procedures for years and had a great reputation. She took time to make sure that we knew the procedure and the care of the ears piercing. Since July, there were no infections or issues with the piercing. I recommend her service and boutique to those who want to receive the clean and proper ears piercing. read more

Got my 2nd lobe piercing here and the experience couldn't of been more enjoyable! The lady Sandra was so sweet and caring. She took her time and didn't try to rush things. Not to mention, great price! Also, she gave me a little free bag of products. I definitely will be coming back again. Would of gave it 6 stars if possible. read more

Went there to get my other ear pierced. First was done over twenty years ago. Good placement, great aftercare instructions, and excellent hygiene pre and during piercing. read more

I just started wearing my studs again and realize my right ear lobe closed up. Was in the area, stopped in, and received fanominal service from a sweet lady named Sandy. I was in and out in no more than 10 minutes and couldn't be more pleased. I'm happy to support this business, thank you! read more

I took my daughter there to get her ears double pierced and it was a wonderful experience. Sandi is so nice and patient and the prices are really reasonable. The store is great for this type of thing because it's small and intimate and you don't have half the mall watching you. My daughter is thrilled with her ears and we both felt so great about the whole experience. I highly recommend going there. She will definitely take care of you! Thanks Sandi!!! read more

I had my makeup professionally done for my wedding at Merle Norman 25 years ago (in Southern California), and I've been using their makeup ever since. Been going to this store in San Jose for about 15 years. Always excellent service, and of course the products are awesome. I took my two daughters there when they were young, and the folks that run the store always spoiled my girls with free makeup, especially those cute little lipstick dots that you put on with a brush. I moved up the peninsula several years ago, so it is no longer convenient for me to go the San Jose store. I tried some local Merle Norman outlets in my area, but I did not experience nearly the level of service I have consistently gotten at the San Jose store. So I order my cosmetics over the phone now from the San Jose store, and they ship them to me, for a nominal shipping fee. My cosmetics usually arrive overnight, and they always include the latest giveaway package of free cosmetic products to try. They keep a file with your makeup preferences, so in case you throw away your last blush container or something, they know what color you were. I can't think of a store of any kind where I get better service. They should get some kind of award--in my case, it is my continued loyalty. read more