Came here again after work and it still sucks. I was in the store for 15 minutes and no one said hi to me when I walked in or came up to me when I clearly needed help. I ended up going to Nordstrom to pick up the Dior lip balm and eye brow pencil that I was looking for. At least the MUA there was helpful and actually got me what I needed unlike the girls that just walked around with a product in their hand as if they were putting it back while talking to each other. Work does not mean social hour... Maybe I'll just stick to makeup counters and online shopping. On the other hand, Sephora's customer service call center is AMAZING! I had multiple accounts and cards that weren't linked and in a matter of minutes the suuuper sweet girl on the phone linked my accounts and made sure all my past purchases showed up and I received all my accumulated points on one account registered to my primary email address. I might just have to drive the extra miles to Oakridge. P.s. I wouldn't get made over here, not only is it a toss up on who actually knows their stuff about what to use but it doesn't seem like they take care of their testers. EVERYTHING is sticky and oozing. Bacteria galore. Yuck. read more

I have never been a girly girl. Alway a tomboy I never had a chance to get in to the whole hair and make up side of being a female. To be honest the whole thing was a bit of mystery to me. This all changed when I had a friend take me in to Sephora. The staff is knowledgable and was able to teach even me how to do all those girly things one needs to know. The best part was they took in to account that I live an active life and were able to give me products that fit easily in a bag and don't look over done. They also taught me how to go total glam, which surprised some of my male friends when I put it in to practice. They even taught me 5 million ways to do my hair, helped me pick out a signature scent (prada), and all the cases to organize things. All in all Sephora is a great place to go to get all those little things one needs to pamper themselves. read more

I am not a make-up person...I couldn't tell ya a blush brush from a concealer brush to whatever else brush. But when I walk into this place I am transformed! I am in make-up heaven...I am in awe...I have no idea where to look first....I get ideas in my head like I actually know what to do with all these pretty things (and then I realize that I don't know what I'm doing). It's great. But people please do one thing for me, puh-leez! Don't try on the make-up with the packages' applicator! Gag! When I see these people using the applicators (that come with the packaging) I just want to run out of that store. Come'on people that is freakin' nasty! You don't know who used it before you! And they supply the customers with q-tips and other DISPOSABLE applicators. (MINUS ONE STAR FOR NASTY-ASS PEOPLE!) read more

I've only been to two other Sephoras other than this one. But this has got to be the worst. Granted, I was there near closing time. But i asked the makeup artist to help me find a concealer that would be able to fill in my fine lines and make everything look smooth. I asked to try clinique's because that was the one i was interested in, but then she proceeded to put on other brands, other more expensive brands on me. In addition to that, this girl had to be the most inexperienced makeup artist i have ever come in contact with. I have no idea what i'm doing but i had a feeling she didn't either. I feel bad for any other real beginners who come across her. First of all, she didn't know what shade I was supposed to be. I told her that I was a medium shade and when there were in between shades, she couldn't pick out my color. She'd think it was my color, then put it on and realize it didn't fit me. She never proceeded to try to put a dab on my face or my hand to see if it fit me. And the thing was, she didn't even pretend to know what she was doing. She would ask me what color and when I just gave her what I knew, she didn't know what to do with it. She just did whatever. Secondly, she did not know how to put the concealer on. Let alone fill in my fine lines and make everything look smooth underneath. She put it on and it looked horrible. Maybe because it wasn't the right shade in the first place or maybe because she had no idea what she was doing. But i made it look better than she did. She asked another makeup artist for help on how to fill in the fine lines and they recommended this cream that i already had. We tried it and then put the concealer on, nothing. Then she told me that the only thing i would be able to do was to use a $70 eye cream that would solve the whole fine line problem. Right...I bet i could go to another sephora or to another makeup place and they would be able to use concealer or whatever makeup to help fill in those lines. And they wouldn't just throw me at the $70 eye creams. I just had her direct me there and I left. Store was closing anyhow and I didn't feel like shelling out 70 bucks for someone who did nothing for me. Selection was okay in this store. My normal one is the Sephora in downtown San Francisco, which is huge. So i guess it's kind of unfair to compare the two. I'll stick with the Sephora downtown next time. The one star is for the fact that at least the girl was persistant and kind of nice. read more

It's Sephora, so this place is cosmetics galore. I wish the staff was better informed about the products. I went in wanting to try a different foundation, but wasn't sure which one to purchase since their are so many. Normally I use Urban Decay, but I want something different, something that makes my skin look more made up. Whoever I spoke with advised Nars because it'll give me a natural look - this was after I finished saying I no longer want Urban Decay because it looks too natural. So I went home and read reviews online. It would have been nice to get advice/help with what i wanted. EDIT: Originally I gave Sephora 2 stars but now I'm giving it one because even the website is disappointing. Almost all products from fragrances to cosmetic tools have a 4 star rating and up. Sephora is known for filtering out negative product reviews. Considering how expensive it is in there that is really upsetting read more

I love the product and the selection, lets get that out of the way. Sure, it can be a little overwhelming, but take your time and you'll get what you want. You can test the products anyway and they have stations of brushes and removers so you don't end up with streaks all over your hands. The staff, however, can be really hit and miss. Sometimes they are super helpful and can get you exactly what you were looking for (and sometimes things you didn't know you were looking for) . But other times, ah other times. Those times you can't get the staff to even point you in the right direction for a specific product. If it were super busy I could kind of understand. Or if you were asking staff while they were assisting others, sure, I get it. But when you are the only person in the store and the staff are so busy chatting that they don't notice that you have been scanning the store looking for an available member of staff we have a little problem. Would I come back? As I am not really one who wants to be followed about, sure, if I'm in the mall. But would I go to this one over the one in Oakridge? Not a chance. read more

Great customer service at this location! If only it wasn't such a hassle to park at Valley Fair. Beverly helped me find the right foundation shade using their skin id machine. If you are not sure about what foundation matches your skin, have them use this tool on you! It matches your unique color and the consistency that you like to the right foundation for you. Based on my skin type we came down to two different foundations by Bobbi Brown and Georgio Armani. Since the employees here are not paid on commission, they will genuinely tell you what products you need, and not the ones that will give them the highest paycheck. Beverly suggested a few of her favorite products but did not try to upsell me, making for a more positive shopping experience. She didn't rush through helping me at all, which lead me to make my choice. The Bobbi Brown foundation I walked away with matches my skin perfectly! On my way out I asked for a sample of a skin product and was given it promptly. I was here on a Saturday and the place was a ZOO, but I still got superb customer service. Keep it up, Sephora! read more

On a recent visit here, customer service has plummeted. Some of the sales associates are out right snotty. I see half of them wandering around like a bunch of tourists instead of actually helping out customers! read more

Skincare: ROSE! ROSE! ROSE! Makeup: JESUS! JESUS! JESUS! Rose: Is BEYOND knowledgable on skincare. She is always so friendly and helpful! Because of her I have switched completely from shopping at Ulta to shopping at Sephora based JUST off of Rose's assistance. When I turned 30 this year I went into Sephora to get an ENTIRE new skin regime, Rose first sent me off with samples to try some products she recommended and I ended up buying everything she recommended. She listened to my needs and wasn't pushy. She is my ONLY go-to for all my skin needs at Sephora. Jesus: Is an incredible makeup artist and has completely changed up the way I do makeup! He isn't JUST knowledgable on makeup products but is an AMAZING artist! He has worked with some of the BEST cosmetic names in the business so he KNOWS his stuff! read more

After staying away from this store I thought maybe the remodel might bring better customer service I was wrong! The girls who work here never get better always pretentious and talking ish about customers in their ear piece. I walked in with a friend and saw a brand had a new product excited by it I take a pic and post on my snapchat.The workers quickly start whispering in the ear piece and follow us around the store for like 5 mins then one comes out the back and stops me and asks "Can I please ask you why you took that pic on your phone?" WTF!! you serious ?! I ask her why I can't take a pic? And she gets all scared and says oh no no we just like to hear feedback . WTF! If only they spent all this time sanitizing their products after they use it on people and stop being gross they'd have a better store. The newer workers always look depressed to work there and I can only imagine why. read more

This location is nicer and bigger, but came here on a Monday night asking for help locating a hair dryer (yes I could've bought it online but I had gift cards). The store employees took way too long to help me out. I was given attitude by one, who said she would call someone (but looks as though she didn't). My boyfriend then had to go ask someone else to assist me, and they took forever. However the makeup stations look larger. I'm someone who used to frequent the old location and get makeovers, and there would be shoppers bumping into me as I got makeovers, so that problem seems to have been solved. They need to definitely improve their customer service! read more

My fiancé loves this Sephora. Actually, she loves any Sephora but this one in particular. The sales associates are super helpful and friendly. We were trying to do a cat eye and neither of us knew what were doing and Salvador came over and offered some amazing tips. Kudos to him and the staff. Will definitely return! read more

5 stars for Desiree!!!! She was absolutely WONDERFUL in helping me figure out what products to use. I'm am so clueless when it comes to makeup and have been doing the rite aid/Walgreens run for years. I finally decided to invest in some good makeup and step into the unknown realm that is Sephora. Clutching my sisters hand and my mamas, terrified by the gorgeous women running amuck, we were first shot down by one of the makeup artists who seemed to be more preoccupied with cleaning pretend spills then catering to a few lost souls such as us. Luckily! Desiree swooped in like a fallen angel and really helped me find some GREAT products that matched my skin tone PERFECTLY! She didn't force me to try something I wouldn't use, didn't pull products that were crazy expensive, and she was just so kind all around. She actually insisted I hold up the mirror to watch her as she showed me how to put everything on. And she recommended the BEST rose water setting spray. She made me feel like a princess. The only gripe was that while she was trying to give us great product knowledge, someone over her head piece kept trying to pull her away from our consultation. It seemed silly to be bothering her while she was working with a client when there were multiple other artists running around.. Regardless... I'm a happy new beauty club member and am proud to announce I am officially a Sephora girl!!! Desiree, thank you!!!! read more

SEPHORA - Tonight's haul! THANK YOU DESIREE!! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Its a nice enough store, its obvious they have their work cut out for them keeping it clean, but they try. Its ALWAYS busy here....ALWAYS. They used to have a lot more friendly artists there that I got used to seeing, but something happened because all the faces changed. That was disappointing because I got used to the same faces over the years and enjoyed seeing them, but that's retail I guess. I hadn't been there in almost a year because I was stocked up and don't work in the area anymore, so I don't know when they all left. Their prices are just stupid for somethings, but that's a reflection of the company not the store. I do wish the new people were friendlier and happier to give samples out. I do not go in there and sample everything, I take things home, try them and 7 out of 10 times I go back and buy it. When I get attitude for asking it makes me feel like buying at Nords or Macys. I was in the store last week and I walked around the makeup part of the store for 15 minutes before anyone even said hello. That's terrible customer service and made me feel like because I went in there with minimal makeup and my hair in a knot I wasn't pretty enough to be talked to. when I used to go in right after work I feel like I got more help. Maybe they are paid on commission and I don't look like I'll spend enough? Anyway, this store does leave some things to be desired, but its better than any Ulta anywhere. They need to bring some of the old artists back though, this new batch is stuck up and doesn't know enough about the products. read more

I never understood the hype around girls and Sephora, until last night. I'm 25 and the only way I was taking care of my skin was with soap and water. I walked in wanting to take a Skin iQ on their iPad and within 5-10 minutes of me working on the quiz, Marlene came up to me and offered her help (I was so relieved, because I don't even know my skin type lol). I told her what I came in for and she went to work. Essentially, I got a facial. She put different products on my face such as cleansing milk, setting spray, exfoliating gel for dead skin cells, moisturizer, eye cream, and sun screen. Marlene made conversation with me and made me feel comfortable throughout the process and explained the product (what brand it is, what it does, etc) but we also talked about our personal lives. Also, I have no make up routine. I told Marlene and she got me into one of the 90 minute make up classes. This class was facilitated by Michelle and she had two consultants with her one of them was Natalie and the other girl was Kery/Keri. It was the No Makeup, Makeup class. Before the class starts, they match your skin color for a foundation and concealer and then the class is taught step by step. Overall, I had a really positive experience. Yes, I'm broke now. But it was worth it. It's the day after since I started my new skincare regiment and my skin feels great. I'm sad because the Sephoras near me are inside a JCPenny's and I feel like I wouldn't get the same experience. read more

Worst SA: Clarissa - blonde, shaved close cropped hair, medium height. AVOID her at all costs. Why? She's unfriendly, unprofessional and downright rude. If I could give her zero stars I would that's how bad the entire interaction was. In her defense, maybe it was too early for her to be at work. (10am) Walked into Sephora at the start of business trying to get some help with eye makeup (I don't wear any and obviously don't know what to do with myself) and unfortunately got paired up her in a tutorial. Between her telling me I was too slow trying to get eyeliner on, was doing things wrong, and a general lack of interest in telling me about the products she was using on me, it was the worst 20 mins of my life. And believe me when I say general lack of interest I mean zero info about the products, zero info about technique. So much so I felt I should probably google stuff myself rather than ask her. Somehow I SHOULD have known she was using a waterproof pencil on my eyes, and how to use a smudge brush. I also was supposed to know how to create a crease myself because y'know, everyone who walks into Sephora is an expert makeup artist. Newsflash: If I'd known how to do any of this I wouldn't have asked for help. The worst part of the experience was probably when I asked her if she could help me even my eyes out - I had done one eye (badly) and she had done the other. She bluntly informed me that there was nothing she could do cos I had used too much shadow in a harsh line and stood there staring at blankly, waiting for me to move on, get out of her seat so she could get on with her day. Eventually I asked for makeup remover cos who wants to walk around with uneven eyes? I left the session without knowing what she had used on me simply because she didn't bother telling me. Clarissa, here's a tip. Don't work in beauty or service if you wake up with a bad attitude. You came so close to ruining my morning but for Maria. Here's where the two stars in my review come in: Maria thanks for pairing me up with Chelsea after. Girls, if you need a great SA, look for Chelsea. She's friendly, figures out what you need in a sec, and super informative about stuff. She not only helped me finally pull the look together but also suggested other great products. Midway through she started helping my best friend out as well (no attitude, no wait your turn shifty eyes at all), and we left the store with products we are super happy with. read more

Sephora is like magic. I think that Sephora is at it's most magical when you are feeling like crap. LIke poo. Like you really would rather just curl up on the floor and die. Not that I ever felt that way.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA. Actually my best trip to Sephora, actually my FIRST trip to Sephora was when I was dumped on my ass and heartbroken. My best friend dragged me to Sephora and we proceeded to have beauty therapy. I made myself look pretty, even with the red-rimmed eyes and chapped nose. And I felt instantly better. I swear it was make-up MAGIC. F-ck that guy that dumped me, I looked GOOD. No, better than good, I looked HOT. And that -- and a new pair of shoes -- makes everything ALL RIGHT. read more

Deduct 1 star for chaos, the somewhat icky shadow testers. Can someone give the girls some windex? I don't think it would bother me any if they cleaned up a bit on their shift. Whew. Complaint over. This place is as manic as my review, though! It would be nice for the atmosphere to be a little more relaxed and stuff, but then it wouldn't be Sephora. The killer beesknees about this establishment really is the beauty and make up selection that demolishes make up counters and stores nationwide! read more

Whether you're a make-up guru or just getting started, Sephora can't be beat. The salespeople are extremely helpful and charming. The organization of the place is alright - it took me a while to find some of my favorite brands but they were all there and prettily organized. I was so glad when one of the salespeople walked up - I'd been trying to swatch for ages and my hand was beginning to look like a mosaic. She helped guide me to some sweet shades and I was off :) read more

I have mixed feelings about this place, a sort of love-hate relationship. On the bright side, there is a ton of inventory and they've been having some occasional sales. However, I don't always love the salespeople. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't retail people make like 3 cents an hour? You'd think those girls would know the value of a dollar better than anyone. Why, then, when I ask for a product recommendation, do they always direct me to the most expensive option??? If I wanted to drop that kind of money I would just get plastic surgery. To be honest, though, even if Sephora never gave out another sample ever again, and they doubled their prices, and the salespeople suddenly turned into flesh-eating zombies that I had to dodge while running to the Philosophy area, I would still go. Because Sephora is a grown-up girl's Disneyland. And the salespeople are the crazy Disney characters that wander randomly around the park. read more

This review is strictly for their employee Caroline. Mmm, I'm 95% sure that her name. Haha I was planning to purchase Dipbrow by Anastasia & I needed help choosing the right shade for my brows, I'm personally not too great at that because I always get something way too dark. She suggested that I try chocolate because she said it would be best with my skin tone & dark hair. Because this was my first time using gel for my brows, she took the time to help me out with the application. She made me feel comfortable & let me use her brush while she attended to another customer. Turns out that we accidentally picked out the wrong shade (dark brown) because it was in the wrong slot, bit we tried again with chocolate & it was so much better. I was listening to her as she was helping another customer about foundation & I applaud her for being very knowledgable with the products that she suggested. Unfortunately I was not able to get the Dipbrow because the shade I wanted was sold out. But I enjoy giving credit, where credit is due. Great job Caroline! Keep up the lovely work. read more

Went in for a full face makeover before an event and Odaly was so nice to me and did such a great job. I don't often wear makeup and she was able to come up with something not too wild for a natural girl like me yet flattering and appropriate for a party. One star off for not getting all the names of products that were used on me in the email (I got maybe half of the names?) luckily I remembered some that i liked, but not all! read more

This is my all-time favorite Sephora for several reasons. First of all, the specialist I spoke to had arguably great knowledge of their products, shades, ranges, and the effects of their foundations. I was certainly dissatisfied with a product and in an instant, a loathed item became a store credit gift card so I was able to choose something else in return for the powder that made me look chalky. They understand that not a single item will work on everyone so everyone will have different taste in makeup, skincare, or scents. A salesperson assisted me in choosing a Make Up For Ever Duo Mat compact which is my new staple to my beauty regimen for going out in the evenings and she assisted me select the best shade in different scenarios such as oily skin, setting foundation, and dry skin. The cashiers were extremely friendly which is more than what I can say for other Sephoras I have visited and the greeters had baskets ready in hand to give to customers to aid in their shopping. I like that their travel sizes aren't in one stand that you have to go around to view all the items so you're not crowding around people or looking awkward around the registers like certain Sephoras, but rather, aligned straight so as you proceed in line, you'll notice all their travel sizes in that line, easily pick one up you need, and finish your transaction. read more

I had the worst experience today at Sephora. I went there to get my hair done and the stylist was the most rude unprofessional person. She told me she's going to take care of my hair however she made me wait for 45 minutes doing another costumer's hair which came after me and did't have an appointment. When my husband confronted her she just answered very rudely that I'm with the costumer now. So he went and talked with the manager they told him that she's working through thrid party and doesn't represnt Sephora which I don't care. While she's working at sephora and using they're brand, Sephora is responsible for whatever happens. I will never ever going to use their services again ever. read more

I have a love hate relationship with this store. As much as I love make-up and the items that they carry, Sephora VF has sales associates who have to hover over you constantly and act beyond pompous. As a make-up snob, I like to read up reviews and go to stores to do a few swatch tests or roam the isles. I go here to be at peace, not to be bothered. The only reason why I ever buy anything here is because I get gift cards to this place. If you enter to any Sephora store new to make-up...bring a friend who knows make-up because it's overwhelming. read more

I went in Valley Fair recently and this lovely girl named Martha helped us out. I believe facial is where she specialize in Sephora. Well Martha was great, she put all her time & effort to help us find the perfect mother's day gift. The assistant is super friendly & genuinely assisted us with friendliness, product knowledge, & good sales experience. With all the questions we had, she knew exactly what to say and what to recommend. I was really satisfied and thank you Martha for making my experience awesome! Definitely willingness to recommend! read more

SEPHORA - I was really satisfied and thank you Martha for making my experience awesome!! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I booked my appointment for an full glam makeover first time ever doing it at Sephora & I was scared at first usually many makeup artist make you feel cakey or too dramatic but I wasn't disappointed at all. Laurie did an AMAZING JOB!! I told her my concerns & she listen made my overall look beautiful. She's definitely the best & thanks to her wonderful customer service I'm 1000% coming back. Recommend to book your full glam appointment with her! read more

The sales associates in this location really know how to make a customer feel unwanted. I walked around the store for a solid 10 minutes without receiving any assistance. There were more staff on the floor than actual customers, as this was middle of the day on a Thursday. I was not wearing any make up, so I get that I probably looked a bit rough. My fiance and I had planned to go downtown on this particular day and get married, so I really wanted to find a foundation that matches at the very least. I have so much make-up already, but since I buy everything online, I've never had the opportunity to talk with someone in person about my skin type and what products might work better than what I already have. Anyway, after browsing for a 10 minutes and attempting to walk up to a couple of employees who turned away from me, I made eye contact with one woman and approached her while starting to speak. She gave me the stink eye, turned away from me, and walked away. Really? I walked into MAC and was greeted with smiles and was helped right away. I found what I was looking for and received some advice for my dry skin. Guess who's getting the 5 star review from me today? read more

Yay got a free iPhone case bc of downloading the app. Thanks to my bf for the email update he gets from the store. Hehe.. As for their products, I've never bought anything from Sephora, but their customers service was good. The lady who helped was friendly. read more

Quick lines, organized store, tons of customer service reps on the floor with friendly service (even though I was dressed down in work out clothes with no make-up on). I'd definitely recommend this location over some of the others nearby. read more

I was in near closing and expected to be rushed. I went to the perfume section, the nice woman there asked me what I was looking for. I gave her a convoluted, unhelpful, rambling answer. She then patiently helped me through about a dozen suspects by spritzing, waving, describing. She was so nice. I made my selection and went and paid for it. How she could be so helpful, breezy yet professional and just downright spot-on amazed me. I usually buy at department stores where it's painfully obvious that they work on commission. Even NOT at closing, I feel like I'm "on the clock." This was a great experience at Sephora. read more

I love this sephora because everyone is so nice and polite. Its always nice to get a facial done there by Jamie . Very relaxing and always recommending me great skin care. I also love getting my makeup done also a plus by Araceli and a couple of other girls..ive always got treated well even if i wasnt wearing any makeup. Plus they have stock most of the time. My favorite place to be .... read more

I love Sephora because they have such a wide variety of brands. It's not just makeup, they have skin products too as well as perfume too! Some makeup brands include sephora, dior, kat von d. Some brands here are cheaper but DON'T BE FOOLED! Once, I chose a $50 gift for Christmas that was a makeup set, and the quality was absolutely horrible. This is where utilizing testers are a good thing! Kat Von D has great quality and Sephora brands are a hit or miss. I definitely recommend playing with the testers to really feel the make-up to make sure the substances are not chunky but smooth, and lasts long. I think the mascaras are for the most part, very similar. The skin care section is SUPER pricey but they have 2 sections. 1 section is more for general skin care, and one where they are MD recommended (acne, specific skin types). I have regular skin and no acne so I always hop over to the regular skin care section (also the cheaper section!) I bought a daily moisturizer called Hope In A Jar that is for all skin types, that they sell for $15 in the little boxes by the register. I believe the regular sized ones are about $35. This moisturizer is amazing! I definitely recommend it. The customer service here is also really great. Most of the employees know a lot about all the products and they're super friendly too! I ask them questions all the time about skin care and they really help me make the decision a lot easier! Definitely sign up to be a Sephora member as well online (don't worry it's free)! You get points for every purchase and then you get free gifts! My last free gift was an anti-wrinkle cream that works great! I say give Sephora a try if you're new to the make up world and want to test out different brands to see where your preferences lie! Sometimes they have great deals on kits, that's usually what I get. Then, when you are more familiar with a specific brand, you'll have a better idea of what you want =) read more

This is not my kind of store. I don't use cosmetics. However from the guy point of view, this place isn't too bad. It seems much smaller than other Sephora's which is a blessing as that means there is less to see for some other unnamed shopper. They had everything that was needed and the customer service was good. It's cramped which is the only negative to me. read more

This is my favorite Sephora in the bay area. Most Sephoras are so similar with the item offerings, but this one consistently has a great product selection, and more importantly, GREAT ladies that work there! The staff are always pleasant, and very generous with samples :) Which of course means I frequent this place and love it. read more

Make up Make up and MORE MAKEUP.... you gotta love it. I find myself coming back and forth here to fill up my make up kit for the freelance work that I do. My favorite brands are NARS, MAKE UP FOREVER, and SUGAR, well the lashes!!! They have fabulous lashes here, as well as beauty needs, such as tweezers, brushes, etc. The people who work here are wonderful. Everytime I come in Diana is always pleasant to be around. She helps me fill my basket, which I love her for it and my wallet hates her for it. read more

Tons of makeup, tons of perfume, tons of hair stuff, tons of everthing. In all actuality, that's part of the problem. There's too much stuff everywhere and it's a bit chaotic and a bit overwhelming if you don't have a desired destinatiion. Not quite enough people on staff to help you find something if you can't find it yourself (and if i'm having a hard time finding something, it's a bad sign since i'm a hair and makeup artist myself and should be able to easily navigate through a hair and makeup mess). Overall there is a fantasic array of products, definately the latest and greatest if you have the time and patience to find what your looking for, what you need or just to indulge for the hell of it. read more

Any one of my friends can attest that I am a hardcore City girl, but there is one thing that San Jose has over San Francisco, and that is their Sephora in Valley Fair (technically it's in Santa Clara, but hey close enough). Whenever my college roommates and I needed a study break, we would take an extended one at this grown-up candy store, so to speak. To compare, the SF location is waaaay too crowded, what with all the tourists and other shoppers whose shopping bags keep smacking your legs as they walk by. I'm not one who likes to be doled over by salespeople, but sometimes I really do want assistance, and the MAs at the SF location aren't always willing to give it. Perhaps I don't have "Hey-I'm-a-tourist-willing-to-drop-a-shitload-of-money-here" written on my face. I'd argue that the Sephora at Valley Fair is just as big (it has two entrances), and the selection is just as vast. The MAs are very approachable, and while Sephora is a popular pit stop at the mall, there are far less people crowding your space so you can swatch as many Makeup Forever, Cargo, or [insert favorite brand] products as you wish in peace. Oh, and kudos to Sephora for carrying Kat Von D's limited edition makeup line! read more

Although it feels like you are being monitored for shop lifting the entire time...service here is great. You'll at least yet one person in the store to ask you if you need help within the first 5 minutes of your visit. Each time I had a question about particular products, I was directed on to where it was and suggestions on which brands to get. My last visit I was suggest Boscia's Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 Lightweight Defender to help minimize excess oil. I also got a free dry shampoo sample with my purchase :) The only think I was disappointed in was they were out of Lancome's Liquid Art Eyeline :/ read more

On the weekends this place is so crowded. I went on Saturday to pick up my birthday gift and some make up. Usually there is always someone to ask if we need help, but not that day. Apparently they didn't get their shipment of Birthday gifts until the 22nd, which is mini eyeliner, mini mascara, and mini white eyeshadow. This is better than the mini lip glosses I got last year. This is definitely my one stop makeup shop. They have my essentials: BareEscentuals, Clinique and Urban Decay. It is make up heaven. read more