I've recently moved into the area from New York and visited the store with my friend since we were…read moreexploring my new neighborhood. I've always loved Aesop products and love to visit their store but never purchased anything (until this visit). I would say a lot had to do with the genuine encounter with the sales rep, Astrid who was very knowledgeable and intentional with the products they recommended. They were very attentive with what scents I was into and what would complement my style. The whole experience was so lighthearted but also very informative, Astrid knew what they were talking about when it comes to scents and even aesthetics. I barely write reviews so this means something to me, the vibes were *chefs kiss* thanks Astrid!! I can't stop thinking about this hand soap that sits on my kitchen counter, the texture, the scent the feeling it leaves on my hands.

I was visiting my best friend who just moved back to Cali from New York, and since she lives about…read moreten minutes from Abbott Kinney, we wandered through a few fragrance shops. I'd already bought some samples at another store, but the service there was pretty hands‑off. As we walked by, something about the aesthetic caught my eye, but it was the inviting scent -- the kind that makes you want to linger -- that pulled me right through the door. I complimented the representative, Astrid, on how incredible everything felt the moment we stepped inside, and he immediately brought over a candle for me to try. From that moment on, he stayed with us and walked us through candles, hand soaps, hand creams, and fragrances with this calm, attentive energy that made the whole experience feel unhurried. One of my favorite parts was the hand‑washing station right in the middle of the store. I didn't even realize it was functional until my friend started washing her hands mid‑conversation. Astrid invited her to try the Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, and as he was describing the texture, the exfoliation, the creaminess -- I couldn't help but join in and see for myself. The scent, the hand feel, the way it exfoliated without drying my skin at all -- it was divine. He followed it with the Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm, which complemented the soap so well it felt like the two were meant to go together. At one point he even joked about the working shower they have in the back stocked with product, which made us laugh. With my background in sales, I can tell you he's genuinely talented -- personable, kind, knowledgeable, and somehow persuasive in the most subtle way. I didn't feel pushed at all, but I absolutely felt sold. I was genuinely compelled to buy some of the products based on the interaction with him alone. I bought the hand balm he recommended and have been using it nonstop, while my friend grabbed the Reverence hand soap. But I can't stop thinking about that hand soap -- I took a picture of it so I'd remember exactly which one I'm coming back for. I also felt genuinely seen by Astrid -- like every curiosity had space and every question was met with intention. Meanwhile, Le Labo down the street was overwhelming: so many scents, little to no input, just "what did you like?" No journey through the notes, no sensory experience, nothing immersive. After that, the difference was night and day. Aesop actually feels like they care about the experience -- and having someone like Astrid on the floor proves it. Honestly, after reading some of the existing reviews, I realize my experience at Aesop was completely unlike the negative ones -- I went in expecting nothing, and they exceeded everything, enough that I had to sit down and write a review.

Ironically, as a young college student, I was a makeup artist at Sephora's original flagship store…read morein San Francisco when it first opened well over two decades ago. Today, as a customer, I've watched the company decline into the complete opposite of what it originally set out to be. At the time, Sephora was at the forefront of transforming the makeup buying experience. It wasn't just about buying makeup at a superstore as it is now. It was about having an experience with skilled makeup artists with expertise in brand awareness, artistry, and customer service. Right about now, you're probably asking why this is a 5 star review when it sounds so negative review. This is where things take a turn... I'm writing this review specifically for the Sephora in Marina Del Rey because despite what I think has declined throughout the company, in my experience, this location consistently strives to uphold the original standard and vision that made Sephora so special. Every time I walk in, I'm greeted immediately. If I'm browsing, someone always checks in to see if I need help. If they aren't the best person to answer my question, they have no problem introducing me to someone who is. I've also worked with associates here who have been incredibly articulate and knowledgeable about the specific products they specialize in, and that level of expertise really stands out. Highly recommend! 5 stars all the way! *****

Great Sephora location!!…read more Parking is free and usually available, but the Waterside MDR can get pretty full during peak hours and in those cases parking can be rough. When no parking in lot, makes it really tough since no close street parking nor other lots. Always greeted warmly by front entrance greeter and asked if we need a basket. Overall staff are usually friendly and very helpful. Mostly good selection and stock is kept up pretty well.

Wonderful store with wonderful merchandise. Love their fragrance candles and the folk working…read morethere. Thank you Val, Luis and crew!! See you soon.

I am a big fan of Le Labo and discovered it in NYC around 2018 when Santal 33 was the rage. Now I…read moreprefer the orange blossom scent since everyone started wearing Santal 33. My tastes have changed over the years and steered away from woodsy scents. I still love the mandarin and hinoke shower gel I use every day. This store is larger than most and has a Photo Booth and cool pix on the outside.

Albion Gardens was one of the most relaxing spa experiences I've ever had. I arrived a little…read morehungry, so I grabbed a spicy tuna onigiri and a strawberry matcha from the café before my appointment--both were delicious. My skincare specialist was incredible. The facial was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep twice! Her touch was unbelievably gentle, and she worked the products into my skin so effortlessly that the entire experience felt like a face massage. I left feeling refreshed, pampered, and with a few skincare products to take home. Honestly, I'd stop by again just for the café alone, but the spa experience made it even more special. I can't recommend Albion Gardens enough.

Came here for a pop-up with kintsugi! It's a beautiful space and everyone here was lovely…read more The workshop included onigiri and a drink from the cafe menu. The tuna onigiri was alright, but the chicken one was addicting. So much more flavorful. I also tried the cream soda in the strawberry flavor and it was AMAZING on a hot day of walking around. I was probably annoying everyone in the workshop by sipping on it every few seconds. We previewed some of the skincare and makeup there. I definitely want to try a a facial here sometime!

I got a spray tan and I had the best time with Gabriela! She was so kind and asked so many…read morequestions to make sure that I got exactly what I wanted. She was super thorough and gave me very good instructions as to how to make it the best tan possible and it looks SO GOOD. It's lasted so much longer and is much more even and natural looking than any other spray tan I've had. I'm definitely coming back thank you sm Gabriela

Great place! Great location! Technician Chandler rocks!…read more This is the place. No drama waxing!!

Briana is their newest addition to the store and she brings a new perspective to the store and…read morebeing the youngest (Gen Z) I love to know what products are worth trying. That generation is always in the know of EVERYTHING. This place has so many new products that it's hard to keep up and when I walk in they all look the same that I find myself walking in circles. She was so sweet in walking with me through the aisles and giving me all the info she had on every new product. That was so unexpected and appreciated! I've been here many many times and outside Lily, no one else has been very helpful until now. I bought everything she suggested because she simply sold me on them. It's nice to go to the same location knowing someone will take the time to help out.

I absolutely love this new location Very spacious…read more They have parking in the back of the building I think the front door is closed and you enter from the back Everyone is very helpful in the store. Check it out!

I had such a great experience at Things We Do! I went in for a treatment with Izzy, and she is…read moretruly the best. She's always so sweet, gentle, and makes you feel completely comfortable from start to finish. You can tell she really cares about her clients and takes her time to make sure everything is perfect. I always leave feeling refreshed and taken care of. Highly recommend seeing Izzy--you won't be disappointed!

Isabel is an absolute GODSEND! I was so, so, so nervous about getting any facial treatments, and…read moreshe was so patient, kind, and helpful. I literally brought in a binder full of questions, and she sat down with me and went through every single one. She never pressured me. She did a fantastic job working within my budget and priorities. I got chin and mid-face filler and OMG. . . what an improvement! Per my request, she walked me through every step of the process and even let me watch her do it. I actually watched myself start looking younger in a matter in minutes. It was wild! We "did less" that first day to make sure I was happy, and then I went back the next day to add more. I can't recommend her enough!

So 100% I do not consider myself to be a make up girly. I wear makeup maybe a couple times a week…read more But I had run out of my Fenty foundation and wanted to come by here to see about a replacement. As a dark skinned, chocolate woman, my skin color can fluctuate a little bit throughout the year based on sun exposure, so I wasn't exactly sure of what shade I should get. One of the clerks said that someone could help me with color matching. Enter Grace, literally the best beauty consultant I have worked with an over a decade. I literally have never had anyone care or question what I was doing and I've been to multiple Sephora's throughout Southern California. Apparently, the Fenty comes on my skin a bit orange and she recommended a totally different brand that I've never heard of. It was literally my skin color without a weird tone. I had no idea that makeup could look so good and so natural. I have pretty clear skin, but shade matching is always been a challenge and she nailed it. Best experience at a beauty store ever! I don't live anywhere near Santa Monica, but I come around this area maybe once a month and when I need make up again, I will definitely swing by this store, but if Grace isn't working, I will probably leave.

Recently: February 12, 2026 | Santa Monica | Whenever I'm shopping on Third Street Promenade, I…read moreusually stop by Sephora! It's definitely one of my favorite stores! Customer Service | I have personally always experienced friendly and welcoming customer service from the moment I step into the store! Excellent customer service with a smile! While walking through, I'm usually asked if I'm looking for something in particular; someone is always willing to give a helping hand! Even on the way out, I have experienced the friendliest goodbye, even asking if I found everything I was looking for! Bri definitely stands out at this location & has helped me many times! Thanks again! Inside | Neat, tidy & organized! I love their travel size section! It's also fun sampling different fragrances! Often times, I will sample a fragrance, go shopping and if I still enjoy it, and it mixes well with my body chemistry, I usually buy it! Location | On Third Street Promenade; it's nearby numerous restaurants, other shops, and entertainment, along the Promenade! October 12, 2025 | Another example of great customer service! I walked in, confident about a very fancy fragrance that I had been eyeing for quite some time & had sampled plenty! I asked if it was in stock & Kelly said she would help me as soon as she took an item to another customer! She came right back, found the fragrance, shocked that I didn't want to try it on first! Hahaha! She was also able to help me at the register! When she placed the exquisite fragrance in the bag, I asked if there was tissue paper! She asked if it was a gift! I said, yes...for me! Hahaha! She happily added black tissue paper to my bag & I was grateful! Busy Bee | At times, this location can get super busy, especially when there's a sale, during the holidays and on the weekends! Overall | Excellent customer service, clean, and tidy store and so many fun items to sample, score! I love this location!