How is it possible that I've gone this far without writing something on Sephora? Let's right that wrong. Great place to check out a lot of make up lines and not get the super hard sell from the staff. The selection is good and they have enough unique brands that a trip here is well worth your time if you're not looking for something specific. I always hit this place for the Tocca candles. They make great gifts all year round. I used to buy my Make Up Forever Color Liner liquid eye liner here but then they stopped carrying black. Who stops carrying basic black? Boo! read more

In five words or less: Cosmetic/Fragrance Mecca! A real one stop shop ladies. P.S. I love that you are able to sample a great majority of the products without enlisting the help of the employees : ) read more

Why'd you stop carrying my Carol's Daughter conditioner?!! *cries* Anyhoo, can't complain too much, since everything other beauty product I need is here. The Sephora line of products is extensive and a great way to save some $$ on makeup, beauty tools, etc. And who doesn't love a store where you can have your own personal mini-makeover while trying everything in the store? read more

I am a makeup/beauty product whore...So yes Sephora is my favorite store, you get to try and touch everything! But I have noticed that the customer service is not always the greatest, especially at the Powell store. Which is why they get a 4 and not a 5. I suggest the website. You always get free samples, you dont have to ask like at the store, and I suggest becoming an insider, their reward program The website is improving like reviews and ask a consultant, so maybe browse at the store and buy online. read more

I remember coming to this location and the sales people were super helpful! My friend wanted red lipstick and the sales lady gave her the whole rundown of the different shades of red. Back then I didn't know too much about make-up, but she explained that there are different shades of red: brown-reds, blue-reds, red-reds, etc! So informational! ..and she took her time to make sure my friend was satisfied with her purchase. I'm glad she explained everything and wasn't just giving her a lipstick and saying/thinking, "This one would be nice on you! Okay! Bye!" Also, considering it's in San Francisco, they weren't at all pretentious acting all high & mighty. They were genuinely nice :) read more

I would give this Sephora location five stars, but they sold me a used straightener. If I'm going to spend $255 on a pink ghd, you think they'd make sure it was in perfect condition? Mmm, guess not. But, their saving grace was the honest apology I received for the inconvenience of having to come back and exchange it (and all the lovely free samples they gave me. Zirh herbal under-eye cream? Yes, please!). I've also had some good experiences with one sales-professional in particular. I think her name is Jeanette, or.... hm. Okay, so I totally can't remember her name, but she's really sweet and helpful. read more

I really don't understand why people like this store so much. Maybe it's cool to see colors spread out and compare them, but anybody can open up any package and use it. EW!!! I DO NOT want used makeup. That's just gross. There is a big risk of that, especially at this Sephora location b/c all the crazy tourists and everybody else in the city. read more

Pro's Good location friendly staff Good selection of products ( cologne selection for me) Enough registers open so the line move faster Con's Real Busy read more

I love coming in here and I love browsing so naturally I love dragging my friends here as well so that we can browse together. It's a huge selection but you should have a good idea of what you want before you head in because there's so many brands carried here. I love the Tokidoki, tarte and Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup but the best part is that once you can zero in on what brands you prefer, then the sales associate can help you refine your choice. Oh and Make Up For Ever has the most fantastic shades of red I've seen for all sorts of skin undertones. Plus they have OPI in every possible shade. read more

I'm not a fan of the crowd and crazy teenage girls running around excitedly, but this is probably the best Sephora I've been to. The store is probably double or triple the size of mall sephora locations, so everything is spaced out AND they are able to carry a lot more brands in their stores. Their skincare section is also huge and so is their fragrance section. One thing I really liked about this location is that there are a bunch of sales associates running around ready to help you. I don't really see that in other stores. Plus at the other stores some of the workers can be really cold and shrug you off. I didn't really see that issue over here. They also have a HUGE selection of nail polishes, and they have all their nail stuff out at a station so you could technically walk in there and paint your nails for free. read more

Among the Sephoras in the city, you'd think this one would be more chaotic and messy. It's cleaner than the Stonestown one, and the staff here are amiable and ready to help you without being pushy. I ran into a problem when I purchased and opened one of the Tokidoki eyeliners that were on sale -- the purple came out extremely red. I brought it back immediately and ended up being helped immediately...by almost every associate on the floor. After being redirected to four different people who all suggested the same products over and over to me, the last girl finally gave me a decent suggestion and I just went with it. Makeup is still pretty foreign to me but I'm learning, and I'd go here again in the future just because it's better than Stonestown. read more

When I know I need to pick up some makeup, I always try and go to this specific Sephora location. I love the location, the set up and the customer service here... It's no wonder I reached VIB status so quickly... (Mind you, I didn't start buying/wearing makeup until this past year.) Location-wise, this Sephora is the most easily accessible in San Francisco. It's right in the heart of the city, possibly 75 steps away as you get off Bart or Muni at Powell Station. It is surrounded by shops everywhere so it's a perfect place to come and take care of a lot of things. It's also a dangerous location as my office is only a stop away, and I find myself dropping in during lunch breaks. The set up here makes it so easy to find what you need. Seriously, you can't get lost or confused (I feel like I'm always getting disoriented at the Valley Fair location, but probably because it has two entrances). Customer service here has never been a problem. I strolled in yesterday on my lunch break to see if I could schedule my complimentary makeover that I got with my newly-acquired VIB status. One of the staff directed me to Chris who happened to be available, but I told him that since I was on my lunch break I couldn't do the full 45-60 appointment (I didn't know they went that long). He told me I could just go ahead and have a seat and he could do something quick (I picked my eyes). And wow, I've never had a guy do my makeup before, and I can attest that he does it way better than I ever have! I'll definitely ask for him when I schedule my full hour of makeover! Warning, because of all the great things I pointed up above, this place can get very busy, especially during the holidays.Your lunch break won't be enough time to shop around and wait in line to pay (as I've discovered). read more

I have spent hundreds of dollars a year at Sephora. At the end of November I purchased an expensive CC cream. The sample color was not good for me and I attempted to return it several times in December and January but due to Covid restrictions the lines were ridiculous. Today, I went to Sephora to exchange it (unopened) for a more expensive alternative and was told it was past the return date and they refused to return it. I was shocked, so called the corporate office customer service and the agent was flippant and told me , yep that is their policy, it's on the website and they don't change it. I thanked her and said that my choice for cosmetics will certainly be Macy's or Nordstroms who have customer service oriented policies. She said that is certainly my choice. And it certainly is!! read more

I gave Sephora another chance and they blew it! I was in the Sephora yesterday at The summit in Reno Nevada. I typically go to Ulta instead because it's always a pleasant experience. Yesterday, the product I was interested in looking at is not in Ulta so I was forced to go into Sephora. The people in Sephora are like a bunch of commies! The experience is severely uncomfortable. 10 years ago I made a commitment never to step foot into that store again I broke my commitment yesterday in order to check out a particular product. I did not purchase it because I couldn't wait to get out of there. I will just purchase it online now from the company itself. read more

I still miss the natural lighting from the old Sephora on Stockton but I have accepted the change and now embrace the Powell St store as much as possible. Being unable to avoid the perfume section warrants negative 1 star. I love the selection and the truly helpful advice from the majority of the employees but often do not feel welcome in the store. Being followed several times and chased in the store (I was skipping with a Lancome Juicy Tube to show my friend...beware! it's a criminal activity!) often forces me to choose Nordstroms, Macys or even Saks for my ridiculous fancy make-up purchases. read more

There are not too many more good things I can say about Sephora that hasn't already been said. Its a makeup/skincare/haircare/etc paradise (although it is pricey; be prepared to pay a pretty penny for not much quantity, but *mostly* good quality products) Though not as big, the ones in Anaheim and Walnut Creek are nice too. It's a nice place to pop into while visiting SF read more

This five star rating goes to the Director in Charge last night, Lauren. I had placed an order on sephora.com and paid partially wiht my sephora gift card. i threw the card away after receiving the order confirmation. five days later i was sent a message that my order was cancelled. bummer city. i really wanted what i ordered but was concerned about retreiving my sephora card balance. i struggled to even speak to a rep on sephora's 800 number and was on and off of hold for about 40 minutes. i was then turned away saying that if i went to a sephora store, i would be taken care of...brushed away like trash...weep....:( well lauren the manager at sephora was super patient and waited for a sephora.com rep with me and handled my balance. she was so kind & understanding and saw it through even though it was clearly sephora's big rush hour. she completed the transaction and made sure i knew i was a valued customer. lauren turned such a frustrating situation into a pleasant shopping experience. i am so pleased to receive such great customer service. thanks again. will be back for more gifts. read more

It really depends on the person who is helping to take care of you. I came across some really bad workers who aren't really very helpful and some who are TOO eager to sell you crap to someone who was just trying to help. When you do come across the gem of a worker, she will help make samples of whatever products you are looking for, label them and tell you what is good about each product, why it's popular, etc. Sephora really isn't that expensive, considering that at Saks and Bloomingdales the average price for creams, lotions, toners, eye creams are around 100. Sephora is kind of like the middle ground in between luxury and economy...and who wouldn't want to spend a little more than $10 on your skin, the one thing that you have for the rest of your life that you show to the world. The best part about Sephora is their return policy. Absolutely amazing. You can just bring in the product and if you don't have a receipt they will give you store credit. If you do have a receipt, they will give you a refund (at current selling price) even if it is used/open/whatever. The bad thing is that you'd expect all Sephora's to carry the same brands but they don't. Depending on the location, they will carry cheaper/expensive brands/merchandise. read more

Came here around lunch on the work week to grab the coveted Clarisonic (aww yeah). You know I was pleasantly surprised that I was not hounded by sales associates and when I needed help, they were um...knowledgeable? Wow. The cashier was loading me with deets on freebie facial, makeup events. A bit overwhelming but hey, its free and she wasn't rushing on the lip service which was good. Would give 5 stars but sorry, the Clarisonic I got was used (one cleanser inside was almost empty. EW, what the hell?) read more

I'm a Makeup Junkie, I love make up of all shades and brands... The Good: They have a wide range of brands in a larger color range than other Sephora's I've been to. When you go to the store, the brands may seem intimidating, but just take your time. They have plenty of testers for just about everything they sell. The Sephora insiders club is the best because its so easy to spend enough to get the free deluxe size samples. The Bad: MAC isn't carried here. :0( Not everyone should work at Sephora... I've been color matched wrong here like 10 times! This one time I went there, they put light power blue shadow all over my crease, by the way, I'm Black, think Kelly Rolland skin tone. The Ugly: My face when I ran out of Sephora with foundation that didn't match my neck! Overall: I would recommend going here, but do your homework before you go and don't let the sales people overwhelm you or convince you that a color that doesn't look good on you is worth your $$$. If you have to let them color match you, walk outside and look in the mirror or even go home and then come back. This Sephora is the biggest and the best in SF, but I have to give it only 4 stars because of the pushy sales people that need some help color matching. read more

Really nice people! From the door greeter guy (fabulous eyebrows!) to the cashier (loved your eyebrows too!) My big shout out goes to Michael! What a charming gentleman who actually LISTENED to what I said and brought me the items that would work for me! I hate going shopping for cosmetics - so when he approached me and complimented my jewelry - then asked very politely if I had questions to which I gave my standard "nope, I am good" response he smiled and just chatted a bit. I relaxed and admitted I had no clue and explained the issue that I was trying to solve. He was extremely helpful! So if in the city - stop by Sephora and ask for Michael! read more

This is a great store, it's just soooooooo crowded and there is usually a long line at the checkout! BUT, the staff are all friendly and willing to help when they are available! I def make this a regular spot on my lunch breaks! read more

I walked in here to pick up a few make up products. From the get go, I was warmly greeted. One staff member walked me over to the product I was looking for and was very courteous in helping me make my selection and have all my questions answered. I liked that there was plenty of staff members around to talk to. Often Sephora's I visit are highly understaffed. Thank you! read more

I'm a fan of this location, though I really prefer the Novato location in Marin, because of the 1-on-1 customer service offered, and because you never have to wait in line more than a few minutes. The downtown location is right next to Burger King, next to the cable car turnaround. Always greeted at the front door. Lines are always long, but they push through pretty quick. I have to ask for samples here, which is fine I guess. I really wish, with the amount of money I spend with this company, that they would just give them automatically, since I often end up purchasing the items later that I wouldn't have otherwise experimented with. Some of the gals here are great. The last time I came in, I was specifically looking for a blush pink of a lip gloss, and she let me know that they aren't going to be carrying that brand for much longer, so I stocked up. read more

I love Sephora and this location is one of the best. The store is large and there seems to be no shortage of merchandise. The nice workers are always available and willing to help. The staff usually offer free samples and who doesn't like free samples! Sephora carries some of my favorite make-up lines, think Marc Jacobs, Make Up Forever, Tart, and I can spend an evening playing/testing/sampling different products then go home with at least one amazing piece of make-ups. I've also visited Sephora stores in Sacramento (Arden Fair Mall and Roseville Galeria) and the customer service has always been consistent. Join their Beauty Insider club, it's free and you earn points for free gifts. read more

I love the choices of products and the welcoming ambiance. SO many skincare choices. love love love, because I have super sensitive skin and it's a chore to find something that works well for me. -1 Star for: The staff : When I was a motorcyclist, I had people tailing me in the store. It was incredibly annoying, especially since I spend enough to be in their VIB club. When I wasn't carrying a helmet around, it was hard to find help. That says quite a bit to me. And when I could get help, it wasn't always the most pleasant. Granted, I get it- it's probably a management thing pressuring them to sell, sell, sell! read more

At this location, I just had probably the worst shopping experience of my life. When my friend and I visited this store, we were greeted by very friendly staff that seemed happy to help us. Together, my friend and I talked to multiple girls in uniform that were very nice to us and seemed to know what they were doing. During our about 1 hour visit, there was one male employee who came up to me more than three times to "check up" on me, asking if I were ready to go to the counter or if I needed any help at the moment; both times I politely declined and moved on. I didn't think much of it and assumed that he was just being friendly to me like his coworkers had been. However, as I was shopping in various aisles, I noticed that he seemed to be following me throughout the store. I'm not just being paranoid - he definitely was observing what I was doing, and when I caught his eye he quickly busied himself with organizing shelves and whatnot. (This is all when I am separated from my friend btw). Even then, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt because I have never been followed in a store before, given that I don't think that my appearance really screams "thief" since I am a younger Asian girl (as if appearances should even factor into that.) In the checkout line, I realized that I wouldn't have enough money to buy everything in my basket, so I took out a thing of mascara and placed it deliberately in one of the sample shelves. Nothing too scandalous, right? When my friend was called to the counter to buy her things and I was left alone at the front of the line, the same Guy came up to me once again and awkward/seriously asked me how I was doing. Before I could even respond he was walking past and away from me, glancing in my bag as he did so. Less than a minute after I got called to the counter, the Guy approached me and told me to come with him. First, he asked me if I knew where I put the mascara that I had before *hm, I wonder how he knew I had the mascara in the first place? Was he by any chance watching me when I put it in my shopping bag?* At first, I was a little confused and embarrassed - was I getting in trouble for not putting it back where it belonged? The Guy proceeded to tell me that they have been "watching me on their cameras" and that he saw me putting the mascara up my sleeve, which I definitely didn't do. I offered to take my jacket off and let him search it, so he can know that I'm telling the truth. He told me that he saw me enter the line with the mascara in my bag (proving that he was indeed watching me shop) and leave the line without it. I suggested that perhaps the mascara fell behind the shelving or that another employee may have taken it out when organizing, but he proceeded to talk to me like a child and explain how the "shelving there is special and doesn't work like that." He told me to go back to the counter and pay for my things, and as I did, he met with some of his coworkers and began to whisper and glance at me. By this point, I was pretty shaken and a little teary eyed just because of the way the situation was handled and how I was talked to. I understand that Sephora probably gets a lot of shoplifters, but I also know that there is a much better way to handle that than to follow customers around for no apparent reason and then talk to them as though they are stupid liars. Basically, the Guy ended up finding out that one of his coworkers picked the mascara up while organizing the shelves. He let me go with a curt, "you are free to go." - no apology offered whatsoever. I was too overwhelmed to remember to check what this guy's name was. The other guy who helped me out behind the counter saw that I was crying and offered me a free moisturizing face mask though. Thanks. Ulta Beauty, you'll be seeing a lot more of me from this point forward :) read more

Recently I came to this sephora, pretty set on purchasing several specific products. Usually I would spend about 300 dollars in one visit. As I was browsing and just about to ask for assistance, the beauty advisors definitely eyed me - and avoided me. They greeted every customer in my proximity - except me. I was confused why they treated me so oddly. Figured perhaps I look a tad bit more disheveled than usual. I do understand the retail business as I have worked in retail for years. Little do they know, they are losing on business by profiling a customer in such a manner. The associates here need better training. Bummed out, I walked out empty handed. At least MAC and Tony Moly aren't too far away. read more

Today my mom and I attended a free Contour and Highlight class taught by Natalie and Katrina. They were so nice and funny. They both taught us a lot. Instructions were very clear and they were open to any and all questions. They provided all the supplies as well. I can't wait to go to another class. There was also no pressure to buy any products which I appreciated. Even if you think you know a thing or two about makeup, you can learn something from this class. Thank you both for saving us all from looking like fools while experimenting with contour products. ; ) read more

Truly horrific products! Never leave reviews, but this is a must. Claims and statements are a lie, company integrity is none! Do NOT waste your money on these products! read more

I had the best customer service I've ever had from Sephora at this location! I wish I got the employees name but she was unbelievably helpful. I showed her these 2 foundations that I wanted to try samples of because I searched up "highest rated foundations". She showed me those 2 foundations but asked me about my skin type because she wanted to also show me foundations that are good for my skin. She must have given me 20 minutes of her time while she went back in forth through out the aisles explaining foundations and getting me samples of each one. I was so impressed I kept telling my fiancé who I came with how sweet she was to do all that for me. UPDATE: her name is Jessica!! read more

the best store ever made. this ones my FAVORITE out of all the other ones!!! uh i hate the walnut creek store they only have 1/4 the stuff its depressing :-* read more

SEPHORA - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm not really sure why I, a girl who doesn't really wear makeup, finds herself in this store so often. Maybe because everyone's so nice, even when I walk in wearing a hoodie, no makeup, and bad hair. And all the packaging is just so adorable. And since nobody works for any particular brand, they're great at showing me around the different lines to find the one that works best, and they offer free samples of practically everything... I love helpful staff: the tall Peruvian woman and the trans lady especially. read more

I'm giving this Sephora one stars for the weirdo at the register. I chose my own make up, thank you very much. In and out and all. But when the girl called me to the register, she wasn't ready for me. She was busy opening up something and smelling it. I was buying one freaking item and I had it up to the register, in my hand and she was too preoccupied with her own thing. Woah. Maybe she was high. The store itself was way too busy for my taste - I wanted to get in and get out. And there was no one really to help me find the right shade of makeup like at other, less busy Sephoras. It was kind of unclean too. Luckily, I pretty much knew what I needed. Overall - one of the more painful makeup shopping experiences. read more

A Sephora is a Sephora is a Sephora. You get deducted a star for lackluster customer service at this location. But otherwise, you have been there to help me through the bad times and the good. You have been there for me on occasions when I needed a stellar last minute gift. You have been there for me when I need to kill a little time. You have been with me while I have grown and learned about beauty products since high school. You have had products available that I could not find anywhere else. You have adopted me into your Beauty Insider club and send me weekly investment tips (specials and last minute offers). I always smell nice because of you. All you have asked in return is a rather hefty portion of my paycheck. Small price to pay, I say. Small price to pay. read more

I LOVE Sephora. I could easily spend a lot of time in here checking out their products and also buying a ton of make up BUT today, I stopped by the Sephora in Stonestown and I was asked by the same lady 3-4 times if I needed help....all in less than 10 minutes. She looked at me up and down and probably thought I was going to steal something. The third time she asked, i told her "Nooooo I don't need any help!!!!" I felt like I was back again in my country (Panama) or Argentina where they follow you all over the store wondering if you are going to snatch something. You feel persecuted and you don't even feel like buying anything because you don't have the freedom to try anything on because some woman is watching you over your shoulder. I hope Sephora doesn't turn into this....because I would rather spend time shopping online than being persecuted and judge by some useless sales girl. This is why I gave Sephora a 4 star. Oh! and I ended up buying a Hope In A Jar, Tarte Lipstick, Bumble and Bumble Defrizz and a Philosophy face wash - these are all great products!!! I am addicted to Hope in a Jar! read more

I've received good customer service the last few time I was at this location. I know sometimes it's a hit or miss, but based on recent visits I give them 4 stars. I also like that they carry a good selection of "natural" products. read more

Super busy all the time unless you go early in the morning when they open. Sales clerks can be very helpful or ignore you. This is the biggest sephora I've been to. There is a great selection of stuff here. You got everybody here. Girls putting their whole face on with the samples and girls just browsing. A good thing about sephora is that you get to try everything first. however, if there is a brand that also sells at department stores, buy it at the department store because they have better deals. Sephora never has gift with purchase. At other places, I buy $30 worth of stuff and get a free palette+mini lipstick to try. Sephora's VIB card membership gets you a small sample of one thing starting at $100 culminated purchases. Also a tip is that JCpenny spehora and stand alone sephora stores are NOT the same. If you buy a thing at sephora, don't try returning it at JCpenny sephora.They will treat your purchase as a "return without receipt" because the receipts are not interchangeable. It is a big hassle and they will have to scan your ID card because they need to track people who "don't have proper receipt". read more

Excellent service! I really like this Sephora location. They are really helpful and nice!

Five stars for Amy who helped me get perfume samples to try out for my future purchases. She was super amazing and and a ball of sunshine. Also thank you to Patrick who asked me if I was fine and needed any assistance. I ended up going with a Chloé perfume. Great customer service here and I'm also impressed with the layout and ambiance of the store. The only problem I had was getting my birthday gift. I also asked Lorraine if she could give me my birthday gift since my birthday is next Saturday on August 6th, and she told me to come back in August. I thought it was kind of rude because Sephora normally allows you to pick up your gift 2 weeks before or after your birthday. When I went to the Stonestown store, I had no problem and Elisa helped me out with a smile. read more