This Sephora at Stanford is really helpful as it is a lot less busy then the location at Valley Fair and they have quite a large selection of products. When I visited last I had several very helpful employees ask me If I needed any help at all and If they could help me find anything. I believe there was a friends & family promotion and I had forgotten my coupon and was worried I would be unable to get my discount. Several sales people reassured me that it was no problem and that had a coupon I could use and I would still be able to get the discount. Usually at Valley Fair I have to desperately seek out an employee for help and at Stanford they all came to me if I look like I needed anything at all. My shopping experience was great and I would come here in the future if I needed anything at all especially since I work in the same mall. I had a great shopping experience and I recommend everyone to come to this Sephora to avoid the crowds and long lines since the sales people here and extremely friendly and so helpful! read more

Quite possibly the nicest staff of any Sephora I have shopped at. Seriously. Unpretentious, nice helpful people who have to deal with a lot of very pretentious not so nice people,and it's hard not to notice. Shop here, you'll see. Enough said read more

I like coming to this location whenever I need some beauty products. They always have someone at the door who greets you and it's easy to find a sale associate if there's anything you need. Their inventory is pretty good too and I usually don't have a problem finding products. I like how Sephora has a rewards program and you get a little extra beauty goodie when you reach 100 points. Also, don't forget to sign up for their mailing list since they also give you a birthday goodie as well! This year it was a generous sample size of Philosophy's vanilla birthday cake body wash, which smells yummy. Can't go wrong with freebies! read more

SEPHORA - Birthday freebie! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Palo Alto, California

The quality of staff and stock in this store has changed dramatically since corporate cleaned shop and remodeled last year. Now one of my favorite weekly stops. read more

I came in here and I knew I was going to buy. I knew what I wanted, and I wanted to try a bunch of other products and yes, I wanted to BUY. I didn't have my Louis Vuitton purse, and my outfit didn't look designer, so I guess that's why no one offered me for help when I was obviously having a hard time finding what I was looking for? I knew I wanted to get the kat von d foundation and powder, but i wasn't sure what my shade was. I spent 30 minutes struggling to find the right shade, when one of the employees asked me if I was okay. She didn't say, "hi, how can I help you?" Or, "what are we shopping for today?" Or, "let me help you find the right shade!" It was, "are you okay?". It sounded more like, "umm, are you lost? You don't belong here." The look on her face said it all. I brushed it off. I didn't want someone who seemed disinterested in helping me. After I picked out my foundation and powder, I walked around the store to find some matte lipsticks. I asked of each of the associates which ones were matte. She said, "these ones", pointed, and walked away. Oh, okay. Thank you, that was SUPER helpful! I tried a lot of different lipsticks myself, helped myself to the makeup removers and q tips and tissues. It was like the store was just there as a showroom for the makeup and customers just helped themselves, like IKEA. What really rubbed me the wrong way, was while I was looking at products, with my basket in hand with stuff I picked out (Anastasia Beverly Hills contour, Urban Decay eye shadow), I had one associate follow me for 5-10 minutes. She didn't ask if I needed help, she didn't offer me tissue for my hand pallette, she just kind of shadowed me while pretending to straighten. After feeling extremely uncomfortable and unwanted, I decided to check out. I ended up paying $250 for everything that was in my basket. Mind you, I already am a Rouge VIB member, meaning I've spent at least $1,000 in their store. My regular Sephora is in San Jose, and it was my first and last time at this location. I would have spent another $1000 today if I had even the slightest bit of good customer service. This location really needs to get its staff evaluated. It was the absolute worse experience I have ever had. read more

This review is for makeover w/ Adriana: I went in for a makeup service for a wedding that I had to attend that night. Adriana was my makeup artist. I brought the dress I was going to wear and she worked her magic. She did such an amazing job. I LOVED my look. I will def book her for my Christmas party! read more

Vivien W's comparison to Fry's is dead-on. Sephora is a great place. It's so nice to walk in, and tell the gal (or guy--and there are quite a few of them!) that you need, say, mascara. That person will listen to exactly what you're after (waterproof, a special color, etc.), and show you a lot of different brands. That is something you just don't get in a department store. As much as I love Nordstrom's, all of the cosmetics live on separate little single-brand islands. Another thing: Sephora-brand brushes are fantastic, and less expensive than all the big names. (Sephora-brand eye pencils not as good.) This is definitely my favorite Sephora in the area. Valley Fair's OK, but too busy, and Burlingame is my least favorite. Salespeople not nearly as professional (and cool) as those at Stanford. And the Stanford store has a male makeup artist--can't remember his name--who's awesome. I just give Stanford four stars because they don't carry Trish McEvoy... yet. read more

My experience today left me feeling like I cannot trust Sephora employees to know what they're talking about. One employee suggested a chemical sunscreen for the body after I told her I was looking for a physical sunscreen for the face (she clearly didn't know how to tell the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens) and another employee told me they didn't carry Marc Jacobs fragrances while he was standing right in front of the Marc Jacobs fragrances. Also, this location doesn't give out samples. (The sunscreen girl told me, "we are out of those little sample containers. It's been a company-wise problem!" Yeah, right.) Go to Blue Mercury for better guidance, customer service, and samples. read more

Remember the days when shopping for nice cosmetics meant wading through a musk-drenched haze in department stores? And how you had to deal with an over-dressed, over-makeupped middle age housewife to get to the goods? Sephora has changed all that with their hands-on approach to selling designer makeup and skincare, transforming what used to be a time-consuming dreaded experience into an efficient and fun (!) way to get prettified. I guess thats why I don't pay much attention to good or bad service. I mean, the reason you go to Sephora is to browse a LOT of cool products yourself, not to be shown one lipstick at a time by your mom's beautician. If you're looking for good service, check out the cosmetics counter at nearby Macy's. If you're looking to try out new things without being hassled or pressured to buy, Sephora can't be beat. And this Sephora fits the bill as good as any other for that! read more

I really enjoy going into the Sephora at the Standford Shopping Center. I always get a nice welcome, ample recommendations and first-rate attention and service. This trip I did a quick scan because I'm pretty up to date with my Sephora items because of the beauty of online shopping (plus free shipping with a minimum $50 purchase). I zeroed in on all the new OPI nail polish and the cool nail art. Got a cool magenta hued polish ($9) along with some rockin' rhinestone nail art for only $5 a pack (rhinestone flower collection). Side note: make sure you use a couple coats of topcoat over the rhinestone gem to seal. At checkout, they opened another register when the line started to get a little long. The sales clerk went and got me another packet of nail art when I asked her if I could grab another one. The Sephora Stanford crew are always quick to help and value their customers. read more

I always come to this Sephora when my husband has to see his heart specialist at Stanford every time I come the customer service is outstanding and the management team is beyond friendly my daughter and I went in today and another great experience I appreciate the time that is taken to not only greet me and my daughter but the awesome conversation that we had with management was beyond great I will definitely be back again read more

Can I give a store zero stars? That would be amazing. Disclaimer: I do love love love Sephora. Not this location, thank God I live in LA with good customer service. I went into Sephora and asked for the bareMinerals new SPF 30 in Light. A salesgirl showed me the section and told me that they were out of stock in Light. Instead of asking me to come back after they restock or calling another store, she stared at me blankly and then walked away. That was really great, no- really. WTF? Do you want me to buy stuff? At checkout, the cashier was rude- whatever, I just wanted my stuff purchased and to leave. I asked for a sample. She rudely threw a previously opened sample into my bag. How gross is that? Seriously? How gross is that? It's one thing to play with testers, you are expected to realize that there is a certain level of germiness going on- but a sealed sample that had been previously open? I can deal with not so bright cast members, since I usually know what I want. I can deal with rude cashiers. Doesn't make me want to go back, but a girl needs to get her goods- but an OPEN SAMPLE? Maybe if I wanted a rash or some skin disease, I'd go back... but, yeah, I like my face without someone else's nastiness. read more

Usually when I go into a Sephora, I am immediately hounded, harassed and bothered by the store reps. "Try this." "This is SO much better." "Layer this after the serum." "Take a sample of this!" "Have you seen this?" "Let me show you this." Jesus! Just leave me the hell alone. I just want to get in and get out. I don't want another 17 products to layer on my face to the point that I look like I have 100% pure petroleum jelly on my face! This location is different. I was free to browse and look on my own. I quite like that. The Perricone, Brandt, Bliss and Origins sections were all fully stocked and very tidy. For a store that seems to be quite busy, this is quite a feat! Cheryl was my cashier and she was brilliantly fast. She even recommended a cologne, and that was only after I asked her for an opinion/recommendation. At the end of the purchase, Cheryl gave me one of the men's birthday gift packs which she said she gives to any guy that spends over $300.00 at once. Well, geez, I've never gotten this kind of treatment anywhere else! read more

I like Ulta, it'll do for basics (nail grooming supplies, for example) but for high-end cosmetics and skincare, Sephora beats Ulta blindfolded with one hand tied behind its back. Big plus for Sephora: Having mirrors, disposable tools, and makeup remover to make it easy for you to try items out as sanitarily as possible *and* take it off. And at this store I've always received great service, folks willing to go "to the back" to look for an item that may not have been restocked, or to discuss sunscreens in different lines. They will also offer advice, like "Oooh! That looks great on you!", but, er, well, I take that with a grain of salt, since that's what they get paid for. Clean store, helpful salespersons, lots of stuff. For me, perfect because they usually have all the lines and items I use regularly. And there's always something new I didn't know I wanted that catches my eye. This store is a big, old, girly playground! read more

Customer service was very poor. Without customers...you have nothing. I'll find my products on Amazon...pay less because I'll only buy what I need....and it gets delivered!....I win! ps...I spent on average $200 per month...ta ta Sephora! read more

I went in to celebrate an achievement by buying myself a fancy lipstick, since I don't own any nice lipsticks. Kiki (the girl in the amazing yellow eyeshadow with pearls all over!) steered me to the Gucci lipsticks & helped me pick out a shade. I was initially a little intimidated by the shade she picked, but having worn it throughout the afternoon I am so unbelievably in love with it! It's gorgeous with my undertones & is the perfect my lips but better shade. I picked it up another color as a gift for a friend & now I want seven more. Kiki was the absolute sweetest & has such a great energy, I would trust her with my life after this. read more

I was looking for a certain perfume that I had been wanting for some time. Unfortunately, my favorite place did not have it. However, the staff was very friendly...and told me to head to another place to find it. I guess Trish McEvoy had to wait... Either way...I needed some help finding some philosophy gifts, and was pleasantly surprised to find helpful staff willing to speak to me on everything products. The layout of this store is open, and easily to navigate. Moreover, it's not super hot(I melted at the valley fair location). Lines on 12/23 were not as bad as I thought, and really like that you can try everything. There is nothing bad I can say regarding my friend Sephora. OH WAIT...they need to give out more samples...because that's how I find new products. Other than that...it's all just lovely in Sephora land. side note***Join beauty insider and get some fun gifts! read more

Everytime I go into this Sephora, I wait to see how long it is before one of their earpiece clad workers offers to help me. Often, they see me and run the other way or to someone who looks more affluent. If they only knew how much money I spend on make-up! The best service I received was from one of their male workers who actually saw me looking at some NARS lipglosses and swatched them on his hand for me to view the colors. This store is pretty small/medium compared to other Sephoras (San Francisco Powell or Emeryville Bay St are my faves) and I imagine their selection is smaller as well. If I NEED something, I will buy it here. Otherwise, I'll wait until I go to a nicer (in products and service) Sephora or online. read more

I am always pleased with my experience at this particular Sephora. Being the Costco for elite make up products, the average makeup consumer can often become overwhelmed by the options but the staff at this branch make elite makeup shopping a breeze. The associates are attentive, and like many other retail businesses, they approach you and ask if you'd like any assistance. If you mention that you're browsing, they leave you be with a courteous and sincere, "Ok, let me know if you need anything." After milling about the place on my own and making no recognizable progress, I approached a representative and asked for their assistance/professional opinion. Within a few minutes I had what I was looking for and a few additional products that will enhance my whole beautifying routine. I expressed my concerns on cost and she found exactly what I needed for a reasonable price and a very distinct description on why I should use one product over the other. The whole exchange was quite good! I should also mention that this place is super pooch friendly with water dishes scattered about the store and a staff who is willing to not only pamper the person but the pooch, too. Thank you Sephora Staff of Stanford Shopping Center, keep up the good work. read more

What girl doesn't want to play with make up now and then? So if you do, Sephora is the place to go. They have a wide selection of products for you to try either on your own or with the assistance of their floor sales people. The store can get crowded at times, but there are always people available to help you. I always get good service here so I love coming here, although the store is a bit smaller than the Valley Fair mall. I also like Sephora because I don't feel pressured to work with anyone or to purchase anything. I really have the freedom to roam around the store and try different products at my own speed and preference. They do have their make up specialist to help you though if and when needed. That's the difference between Sephora and other department stores, and that's why I keep coming back. read more

I love going to Sephora at Stanford and spending time looking at all the cool, new stuff! Hightlights: Great environment -- bright, colorful, upbeat music, smiling staff, someone at front door always greeting customers Friendly staff -- Completely helpful and knowledgeable. I also never over associates talking about personal issues like the associates at Peninsula Beauty Supply in U. Ave lol! Awesome products -- Best quality and vast selection. I have even found the Sephora brand products to be some of my favorite. They are comparable in price to drugstore make-up but are department store quality. Sometimes I get ask if I need help too often (which can get annoying when I just want to look around) but maybe it because I look like I'm deer-eyed and lost when I'm really just in shock/heaven! Better than no one wanting to help you at all I guess! PS. BEST RETURN POLICY AROUND!! Used, open - doesn't matter, they will take it back within 90 days read more

Solid Sephora. Has just about anything you might want in the way of beauty products, perfumes, makeup, etc. Lady fun! I can browse this stuff all day and be perfectly happy, but after a while my nose gets freaky from sniffing all the perfumes! I found a couple of gorgeous eyeliners today, which I have learned...buy it when I find it as sometimes stuff gets discontinued. Place gets very busy and I have noticed its always packed with people, but there are always sales staff around to help answer questions. Great place! read more

I went into Sephora (any Sephora) for the first time on Friday with a specific product in mind to buy (UD primer). Luckily they had it on display on the front, and then I though of some other things to look for (eyeliner). I wandered for a while before I saw some other things I needed (nail buffer) and that is when a staff person finally talked to me. I asked about the location of the rest of the UD products, which she directed me too. I know I don't look like a rich or make-up loving sort, but I felt a little ignored. I was able to find what I was looking for and the cashier was very friendly, making the experience a bit better. I do wish I was greated by someone at the door who could have helped me find products or helped with samples. I expect to go back and give them another chance. read more

The last time I came was during the week and I thought the service would be a little better. I had barely walked in the store when I was asked if I needed any help. Well no, not yet since I just walked in the store and didn't have time to look around. I found what I was looking for (livingproof shampoo) but there was none on the shelf. I looked in the drawer below and didn't see any so I wandered around the store to see f there were any associates that could help me. The two on the floor were busy so I stood near one to wait until they were done. I know each associate saw me and after awhile (and I mean AWHILE), I wasn't about to interrupt so I just shopped around instead of just standing there. After the associates were done, nobody returned to my area and asked if I needed any help, even though I was one of 5 people in the store. I finally hunted one of them down and asked about the shampoo. The associate then came over, looked in the drawer (the same thing I'd done 15 min before) and said, "Nope, we're out of it." No alternative solution was given like "Oh, would you like me to call a different store to see if they have it in stock?" Or "Have you tried looking online?" Pretty indifferent and rude. They are often out of products that are left on the shelf as a demo but none in stock. read more

at first when I walked in the store it's very overwhelming with all the products. I must have been walking around for 20 mins before I got helped. once I got helped I felt it was worth the rate. Ruby helped me with all my makeup concerns. she asked me alot of questions in order to understand my skin and find the perfect products. every product I got was exactly what i wanted. thank you for making my experience a good one! read more

This review is for Michelle. Wow, she was such a great help!! I felt like I learned so much about my skin, and she directed me to products that I would never have even thought of trying! She totally made herself available multiple of times, and never once did she find me annoying-- unlike the first lady that helped me (another review for her). I'm really looking forward to trying my new products! Thank You Michelle for your help! read more

Sephora is the Starbucks of the makeup world. The intensity of cosmetic needs equivalent to those who demand their non fat double shot no foam latte to be consistent to any and all locations. But I do love thee. read more

I wish they had fragrance samples ( take home sealed in paper - magazine style ) . It's confusing to identify notes of any perfume with so many strong smelling skin n makeup products. Also I wish they had somebody to give quick tour of brands/specialties/best seller/ cult items. It took me 4-5 long visits n hours of online research to find these "must haves" Benetint Benefit what's up Dior mascara Dior addict lip glow Dior spray foundation Dior concealer Stila waterproof eyeliner Stila long lasting "patina" Urban decay naked2 basics Sephora water proof eye makeup remover Glamglow... N so many other skin care products read more

I like the location of this sephora. I went with my mom to purchase some items she needs before her trip. As soon as went in no one said hello or offered to help. In fact when we asked for help so my mom could get matched for a foundation the lady we asked seemed really bothered that we were asking. She said she would get someone to help us but no one ever came. A few moments later we asked other people for help and they were more helpful and nice. I really wanted to make this my go to sephora since it is close to my house but with inconsistent customer service it won't work for me. If you know what you need then this store will work for you but if you need Assistance just know that it is a hit or miss. read more

Had the best experience at this Sephora-- first of all, come at night, around 7pm, when the mall is all quiet and peaceful. Best time to shop. Sales associates are bored so they're especially helpful. Finally bought the Naked Palette by Urban Decay... yes the one that's so popular and matches every skin tone. 12 sparkly eye shadow colors, applicator brush, and the "eyeshadow primer potion". They even offered to make me a sample after my purchase... so this lady made two foundation samples of Laura Mercier's silk creme foundation... I've been eyeing it for awhile so finally I can find the perfect match. But seriously, outdoor malls at night-- a very nice pleasant change to the normal pace of things. read more

I normally don't like going into Sephora stores as the experience is hit or miss depending on the sales associates. It can be a VERY intimidating environment, especially for a make-up newbie like me (and I'm in my late 20s!). But I needed a few things...and basically an angel by the name of Alyssa Gonzalez took me under her wing and patiently provided specs, ingredients, colors, and samples. I ended up leaving with some Clarins products, which unfortunately made me break out horribly...so bad that I didn't want to leave the house. I went back the next day and Alyssa immediately returned the items, sat me down, and went to work on making me feel more at ease about the break-out. She didn't just load me up on random products, she was diligent in keeping my skin type and concerns in mind. She selected products with which she had personally used and explained the different ingredients in those products that would help reduce the inflammation from the break-out, but more importantly conceal the red coloring without the area looking cakey. THANK YOU Alyssa G., you are a gem!!!! I feel more informed about the products at Sephora, and less mortified to walk out of my house with this break-out. I came out with some real HG products like the Tarte tinted moisturizer! read more

I usually always come here since it's the closest to me but I recently stopped shopping at this specific Sephora because I went in a while ago and I was looking at there lily lashes and then I had a worked just looking at me and asking me if I was going to buy them , then I saw he called his other workers and gave them a look so I grabbed the lashes and looked for a foundation since I needed a new one and I had workers just staring at me like if I was going to steal after I bought the stuff they were all nice i did not have a good experience. read more

Very helpful staff at this Sephora location. I have been on a mission to find the perfect shaving products to help prevent any razor burn and all the horrid stuff that can come with shaving. Adrianna walked me through the Anthony line of products and spent a good 15 minutes going over the products in between greeting guests which was fine and provided me with an array of products to try. I also asked about summer fragrances and she chose out the best selling and ones that she liked and I have to say 9/10 she showed me were very good. She also provided me with a few samples of some summery fragrances and off I went. I did not feel any pressure to buy the products which in no way I was trying to get freebies I just want to know the products are good before shelling out $80 bucks in shaving products. read more

I got a custom makeover for my Junior Prom done here. It's free with a $50 purchase so I just bought a gift card. Bree did my makeup and I loved it! She was really nice and professional, and another staff member also helped at the end. They use quality products and match them with your skin type. However, the makeover took over an hour. Also keep in mind that if you want false lashes, you'll have to pay extra- I didn't know this until the end. read more

I got my FREE birthday present from Sephora- a vanilla cupcake bath and shower bubbles. YAY! So I do get some perks for being a Beauty Insider, and I redeemed the coupon 14 days after my birthday. I walked up to the cash register and showed the sales representative my email. She gladly gave me the bath bubbles, and even activated a new Beauty Insider card for me. Happy Birthday to me! (Okay, this was back in May, but I still remember how happy I was in getting a gift!) read more

How is it that every other store, you can make a return without having the credit card you purchased items on, but this Sephora you can't? I tried to return items and don't keep my Sephora card on me, and so they couldn't process the return, nor could they put it on another card, or offer me cash; they could only offer store credit. I went back the following day to make the return. Although the day before the associate was able to take my return from the parking lot entrance and try to process my return while I waited outside, on my second attempt, I was told I had to go to the other entrance and wait in line. I asked the employee at the other entrance why I had to come to this entrance, when the day before, I could go to the other. I explained to her that I had worked over 70 hours and had gone out of my way the day before and had been turned away because I didn't have my sephora card, and now I'm told I have to wait in line to make the return. I walked away and got in line. She came over a moment later and said, "okay I can help you as I've made two of my employees come outside to accommodate you". She really didn't have to attempt to make me feel guilty after I was obviously already frustrated. I work with patients every day who are really sick and they are also frustrated and never do I make them feel guilty for their frustration. She could have approached me and said, "I'm sorry you've had to go through all this to make a return, let me go ahead and help you inside quickly. There was no need to tel me she forced two employees to wait outside so she could "accommodate" me. Times are frustrating for us all right now, as I am a nurse and trust me, I know this, but this Sephora doesn't make these times any easier. Most companies are thanking healthcare workers, allowing earlier hours and discounts, while this Sephora shames them in front of a line full of people. Way to go Sephora. read more

They've got some sullen ladies working here. I guess the upside of this is that I get to be left alone while browsing (a rare and wonderful thing), but when I request assistance and, eventually, check out with whatever overpriced death potions I'm purchasing on a given day, I expect to, at the very least, not be treated like I'm inconveniencing employees. All I can say for this location is that it's in a pleasant shopping center and that I was able to find the item I went there for. One of the sales associates, a somewhat heavier white woman, was nice, but I don't know her name. read more

I am not too good at makeup but recently had some awesome help from an associate Vanessa. She helped me find everything I needed--the right blush, brush and more. The atmosphere inside the store itself was clean and neat which was super helpful when trying to find the right style or color of an item. Besides the array of different designers available here, the service at Sephora today was so refreshing and I totally recommend the location there at Stanford shopping mall. Ended up paying more than I meant to but am still very happy with the purchases thanks to the help received. Thank you Vanessa!!! read more

I love this place. I have been coming here for years. Today I went so I could get suggestions on what makeup I should wear for the Katy Perry concert next week... I was greeted right away, and the employee that helped me was Jose Luis who showed me what makeup would look great on me, and also black and pink false eyelashes. I asked him if he could do my makeup and he said yes. First he did my eyes beautiful, than I had to go to an appointment. When I came back he finished and did my lips. I ended up buying gorgeous false eyelashes, and some sunscreen Goop that they have from the checkout selection. I was happy with my experiences as always, and I will come back soon. I always recommend this Sephora to my friends. read more

This Sephora might be smaller than the one at Valley Fair, but it is WAY better organized. All of the samples to try are present and in the right slots. The staff are extremely welcoming and helpful, always ready to answer a question or make a suggestion. The times I've been here, the line has always moved quickly and been fairly short. I think I will come here rather than go to the Sephora at Valley Fair in the future. Bonus: it's way easier to sign up for events here, such as samples and makeovers. read more