3.5.13 I'm running out of things to review--WAHHH! So much for project "step outta my comfort zone"?!--so I'm relying on one of my fav stores for this review in my 365 challenge. Along with being a Yelpaholic, I am also a Shoppaholic who's remedy for anything bad is a prescription for retail therapy! (my poor bank account!) My most recent obsession has been with makeup (obvi if you read my Longs Drugs post below). And, Sephora is by far the best place to find anything makeup related that your heart desires!! This location is especially great since it's always well-stocked, there's so many brands that you can always find something for your type/liking and the staff is generally pretty nice and helpful. I did have one incident here where the staff totally botched...this was when the 1st Urban Decay Naked Palette was in high demand; it was such a hot commodity that the only way to get your hands on it in store was to physically go to the Sephora store you wanted to pick it up from and put your name on a waitlist. Waiting time was a few months too. When you do this, they'll call you when your waiting time is up and you have a few days to pick it up. They left a message for me and I went in on the date they said they would hold it till; an employee took me to the counter and took out "the list" binder--they had already crossed out my name. I was pissed...kind of had a firm verbal interaction with the employee and then a supervisor lady came out and told me they couldn't do anything after I explained that I should have it in my hands that day. I waited three freaking months and I came in on the pick up time frame and they did NOTHING for me. I just had to suck it up and get on the list again. I have to say I was very disappointed by this incident for a long time. I still see those two employees in the store too; sometimes I feel bad because I felt like a I acted like a b*tch, but then I remember what happened and I don't feel so bad anymore. But, I've moved on. Even though I had one bad experience, I can't deny that this store offers a lot of great products and the return policy is awesome!! While you can try things in store, it's kind of hard in the open space and you can't really inspect how a product looks and how wearable/durable it is throughout the day. When you purchase something, try it out and you're not a fan, you can return it and get all your money back, no questions asked! Well, they'll ask you if you tried it, but I love this policy! If you foresee yourself becoming a Sephora groupie like myself, sign up for the Beauty Insider program and start earning those points from your purchases! Points can be redeemed for deluxe samples, etc of products that you might be interested in but aren't willing to quite cough up the moolah for the real deal product. Once you accumulate enough points within a year you can be upgraded to Very Important Beauty Insider (VIB) and get exclusive early access to incoming products! For example, VIBs currently get first access to the newest Disney Princess line collab which comes out later this month! EEK! This review turned out to be longer than I thought...and I need to stop. Just like how I need to stop frequenting this store. Haha ya right ;) Yelp 365 Challenge: #064/365 read more

The staff at this location are very friendly and knowledgable about the various skin care, makeup and fragrance products. They have a variety of brands which is awesome cause each brand has something different to offer as far as their best products. You can make an appointment or walk in if they aren't to busy to have your makeup done and get a mini makeover. Marcie did my makeup and did great and gave me many pointers for when I do it myself. They will also do a color match for free with a small device that captures images of your skin color. They have a free Beauty insider program which I recommend joining cause you get free samples and products after reaching so many points. You can also test everything which can be super fun for finding the right shade and type of products. read more

I have absolutely nothing to say about the makeup, but the free WiFi is "on point" (as the makeup gurus say). My girlfriend walked around the store looking at random stuff that I have no idea what it is, but I was able to check hockey scores and videos (Connor McDavid ftw), as well as watch cat videos on FB all at pretty fast speeds. I am extremely thankful to the staff/management for setting up this amazing problem free network. I'm glad they understand 1/3 of the people in their store at any given time are unfortunate males drug in there by a significant other. I don't know a contour from a concealer, but I know I love anything that can pass the time as my female companion goes skipping through the many aisles of lipstick and stuff. Thanks sephora! read more

This one is no different to the 9 million others I've been to. But I did receive 2 deluxe samples of my choice for checking in. Color me happy!!!! read more

Yep.... I give them 5 stars. I love that they carry ALL products in my favorite line (Anthony Logistics for men) and not just a few select items. All the sales staff are great and very helpful. read more

Came here with my aunty from Japan and she was looking for products to take back home. Kristen helped us out and applied a custom makeover to her. She did an excellent job and explained the products very well. She was also very patient with us as we had many products we were looking for. I recommend her if you have questions about anything read more

I've never had a makeover before but my friends and I had so much fun with Lyn! Sometimes I buy products and am disappointed later, but everything she helped us select is the best. read more

This Sephora is great because of the staff. They don't hover over you, but are quick to assist if you have questions.

Went into sephora today and immediately was greated by a sales lady. As I was browsing through the perfumes I found one my bf and I really liked and out of no where another sales women asked me if I wanted a sample. Of course I didn't back down but and was pleased that the customer service is great, no pressure into buying something. read more

I was genuinely greeted with a smile upon entering the store by someone I later find out is the store manager. Every single sales person I walked pass asked me if I was finding everything okay and if I needed any help. Which I sure liked because some locations usually look at you and walk the other way. Upon checking out with the line started getting long and there was only one cashier but another lady jumped and helped to get the line down which I like. I was serviced by Gee at the register. She was actually one of the main sales lady asking if I needed help. Thank you Gee for helping me and being so friendly. I'll be returning back to this Sephora even though the drive is far but it's worth it! :D read more

I went in to exchange some makeup that wasn't my color. My mother bought it for me with her card while she was visiting me. They were out of the shade I wanted, so the woman at the front said she could order it no problem. Awesome. So she's doing all this stuff on a phone, asking me my address so she can have the exchanged makeup sent to my house and my email blah blah blah. Then she asks me to press okay on the card reader to refund the money for the make-up, which I say is weird because I wanted an exchange, not a refund. She says oh well we have to do it this way, so I guess I have no choice, so I press okay on the card reader like she told me to. After all my info has been entered she asks how I would like to pay... Sorry what? No, I told her I wanted to exchange it. Not refund. She says "well since we're out of the shade you want, we have to order it, and we don't do exchanges if we have to order it," ugh!... Well thank you very much for communicating that earlier lady. So now my mother's card has been refunded the money that bought the original shade I came in to exchange and I'm walking out with NOTHING. So I now have to needlessly purchase the make-up myself, all because of this lady. On top or that, she was rude. Her name was Mila or Misa, I can't remember exactly. read more

Let me preface by saying I love sephora! The products they carry are excellent and their return policy is awesome too. But... I have only once had someone ask if I needed help in this store, and ive been coming here pretty regularly for the last 4 years. (Im convinced that the gal asked if I needed help because I was carrying a Nordstrom bag) I needed a new face wash, I was milling around by the face washes reading labels, kinda lost looking, with pleanty of sales associates around and no one asked to help. Same things happened with bb cream, eyeliner, the list goes on. guess you shouldn't come into this store from the beach or on your day off looking like a trashball and expect good customer service. Get it together people! I think im going to stick to sephora.com. read more

I wish I lived near a store like Sephora! Super cheap make up and hair etc and shop Is huge, all the brands I love.

I love sephora especially the Waikiki one their customer service is so on point. They helped me with my foundation because I don't normally wear it. I Will be coming back. read more

So disappointed. My first time going into Sephora at this location and its most definitely my last. The workers there were little to no help at all what so ever. It's so frustrating trying to find products I have such little knowledge of and wanting to spend the money, then having workers like at this location putting little effort into helping out on where to find the products I am looking for. I found my self having to ask the associate several times if they were able to direct me to the product I was looking for due to the fact that most of the time they pointed to a section and went back to what they were doing. read more

I was walking around - going back and forth where the perfumes are located and I couldn't tell how it was sorted. I couldn't find what I was looking for so I started searching around for a sales associate. I kept catching their eyes but they did not want to be bothered. I finally caught someone who was stuck trying to fix a display case and she barely looked up as I as talking to her. This is a Wednesday night, it's not busy at all and that's how the service as. There were so many workers and that's how they were acting. Even worst, one associate finally came up and angrily asked if I needed anything. She didn't let me finish before she turned around super quick. I was trying to balance a shopping bag and my 3 yr old and I got so fed up with the customer service that I just left the store. I'd rather purchase from Nordstrom, Sephora Ala Moana or anything other department store than deal with this horrible customer service. read more

I always use here and usually people are nice. But I had very bad experience who are named Natari with blond. She was really rude and bad attitude to me and my three year old san. read more

From the moment I walked in, got greeted and asked if I needed any help. I have a full face make over with Shanie for beach photo and was new to Hawaii didn't know what to expect. Shanie was really sweet, helpful and took her time to ensure the makeup is done perfectly. She will help find Products to suit your need for your skin type. She did so well on false lashes that it didn't irritate my eyes and hardly know it was there. Thank you Shanie for making me look pretty for the photos and taking the time to explain the different products. Mahalo!!! read more

I visited this store a couple of times during my holiday last week. I wasn't satisfied with the customer service at all! The make up and product specialists don't take any interest in helping out their customers. If you know what you want, then visit this store. If you are wanting help, this isn't the outlet for you. read more

Michelle, Pat and Shay were amazing - such an awesome experience for natural mature gals!!! Hooked us up with anti-aging, no makeup, makeup class, so much fun!! Thank you for such an awesome experience - so blessed to see an amazing team in action read more

my first yelp review and its not even for a restaurant (which is really the only reason i use yelp lol) - lisa working monday night was just so sweet! i came in after work to replace a perfume that had run out and made the mistake of deciding to try out some new ones.. im ridiculously indecisive but she hung out with me for at least 15 minutes- discussing different ones, giving suggestions and insight, and helping me test them out! she even gave me samples to take home because i couldnt decide at the end. she was incredibly helpful, friendly, welcoming, and didnt make me feel at all guilty for walking in circles and sniffing my arms for 15 mins. ill be back soon to purchase my favorite one! thanks for awesome customer service (: read more

Ageism rampant . I had my 74 year old mother in the store trying to get a Bobbi Brown lipstick of a particular shade. My sister in law saw a gaggle of sale associates who were just standing around socializing, all had seen my mother looking for something,a separate from the gaggle assciate one nice gentleman came over to help out. Sephora, your sales training needs to be updated. We ended up leaving and going to t galleria. Much better service attitude with the staff Sephora . Treasure your gentleman associate . He was the only one who left good feelings with my mother and sister in law after their visit to your store. read more

I was here yesterday in the afternoon. I was planning to buy the naked 3 palette & there was none at the shelves. I asked an associate, he said I had to get it at the cashiers. Only one associate asked if I was finding everything alright. There wasn't that much people on the floor, I guess. While I was at the cashier, the lady didn't ask if I was a beauty member. So basically, I didn't earn any beauty points. It seemed like she was in a hurry. I had to even ask her if I could use my 15% off coupon thing & she said okay. Overall, I think I'd rather stick to the sephora at ala moana. read more

I always shop at Sephora at least once a month I always go to Ala Moana . This time I went at Waikiki location , I went there because they're having the VIB 15% sale and wanted to buy few things for me and for my friends. Everyone is very helpful I was very happy on what I got and I have some samples too that the lady gave.When I'm about to pay my items, first the Cashier is very rude and she just looks down never look at my eyes and rung up my items I told her that I am a Sephora member and I gave her my email and reminded her that I have the 15% and I told her that I will pay 2 separate checks Because the other stuff is for my friend and she ask me .. so, are we charging your friend regular price or u want to give her 15%? I was like!? What?! Of course I want you to give her the discount that's the reason why I bought her stuff! She didn't even ask me if I want to redeem my points I have to ask her and she ring it up separately and when I left I check my stuff on the side and I can tell the difference, my receipts are crumpled inside, no paper wrappers and she didn't put my samples I went to her and ask her where's my samples and she said there's none and I said I'm 100% sure it's in my basket she act like I'm lying and the other cashier was looking then she found my stuff..she didn't even apologize to me and doesn't even care..I was really upset when I left the store on what she did to me. Please train your cashiers well! Customer service is very important. I got no apology! read more

employees are really friendly and helpful. sometimes i get a newbee that doesnt know what he/she is talking about and tries to wing it but then they give up and ask for help. either way they are awesome. I love the opi nail polish and the skin care lines are always good too. Pricing is a bit high but they let you get a sample and try it before buying so you can be sure that the product is for you! read more

I went in here recently, and I was greeted with open arms. I don't know what happened since I last came here, but there was a definite change in the attitude from the employees from before. They were all so helpful and kind. Definitely will return! :o) read more

I was so thrilled with my visit here. Awesome selection, awesome staff, awesome experience. I'm not very educated in makeup and everything I needed to know, the sales lady knew she sold me what I needed with no B.S. I'll be coming back to this store for a long time. read more

The retail associates, managers, and everyone that works in this particular Sephora are bar none the best as far as customer service. I have been to Sephora stores all over the nation, and there is a completely different feel to the one here in Philadelphia. They are helpful, they know their product lines, and they are always more than willing to help. While many others have been rushed and even rude in other stores, these associates even pass off clients to more knowledgeable associates if they think that someone else can better answer a question. I used to be fearful walking into a Sephora with a concern or faulty product, but this store is full of staff that love and believe in the products they sell. The store offers more expensive products, but once you go in and experience this kind of one-on-one customer service, you understand a)why you go there and b)you will know why the products are better with an in-depth explanation from the person helping you. I cannot give enough positive accolades to this store! A+++++ read more

I love this Sephora store. There is no pressure to buy. The sales staff are very knowledgable about the products. They are always happy to answer any questions. I always have a great shopping experience here. read more

I work super close to this Sephora, so it was really convenient that when I started wearing lipstick recently, Sephora was close by to support my addiction! The employees are all super helpful, they greet you when you arrive, but when I actually need help deciding on a color I have to hunt an employee down to get advice. Its sometimes a hit or miss with the employee's recommendations, I asked for advice on which shade to go with in the Kat Von D liquid lipsticks (my favorite) and it was recommended that I go with the shade I originally liked, but when a "makeup specialist/artist" was called over, he recommended another shade and told me that the shade I liked wouldn't look as nice as the one he recommended. I bought the shade the specialist liked and it looked horrible on my skin, too brown and dull. So its really up to you. But the cashiers are all super helpful, returns are easy and the store is stocked of absolutely everything so you don't have to order online!! read more

I go in here with my wife pretty often. I enjoy the process and I have little to no interest in this kind of stuff. They're always polite, professional, friendly. Samples are abundant and the return policy is generous. read more

Now I come into this Sephora almost everyday after work and I usually buy about up to $100 every time and I try to keep my VIB points up. Some of the girls recognize me every time and some know my name and they give me great customer service, like a family. I always have a great time but today was different, today an employee (I have her name and appearance locked down tight if Sephora wants to know) harassed me about an eyebrow pencil I had tried on which was warm brunette in the hourglass section. Mind you, she did some customer service and followed me a bit but found me later with attitude saying "where's that hourglass pencil you were trying? it's not there anymore." and I said "yes it is" and she responded back "No it's not" and stood there glaring at me. I couldn't even believe I had to go show her where it was. So we go there and low and behold the warm brunette I used was there and she was looking for the soft brunette. She saw it and didn't even apologize about it just said "Ah! People move things around here all the time" I work in retail and customer service, I know you don't apologize for liability reasons and to do customer service in this aggressive manner just leaves an uncomfortable feeling. I'll still come back because it is my favorite Sephora, but know your facts and don't just point fingers. read more

I love Sephora, unfortunately in Australia we don't have Sephora, so going into the stores is like being a kid in a candy store. On my last visit to Hawaii I went to their store at Alo Moana, and remember the customer service to be great even though the store was packed, so I was expecting the same sort of service at this store. As soon as enteredthe store I was greeted by this guy, and then that was it. There was only two customers in the store. I had a list on me of all the things I wanted, and was having difficulty in finding. There they were the staff talking amongst themselves not wanting to offer any assisistance. What annoyed me was there was the manager loving herself in the mirror applying her makeup, every 5 minutes she would keep checking herself out ( get over yourself sweetheart) I was looking forever to find a YSL mascara and thought stuff this I will ask for her help, so I asked her where the products were, she walked me over and goes here are the mascaras, and I said oh I am not sure which one I need, she just walked off. I was like are you kidding me!! If it wasn't my last day in Hawaii I would have just walked out. I spent over $500.00 in this store. I do know when I am in Hawaii next time, I would not go to this shop. read more

went to sephora for a shopping spree and the experience was completely ruined by this one staff member who was extremely rude!! i went up to her to ask a question and she gave me a stare, shook her head and walked away without saying a single word!!! i have never been treated so badly at sephora before and i'd recommend everyone to go to the other sephora so you can stay away from this very very rude woman! read more