I HIGHLY recommend this gem in Carmel!! Lisa and Shanna were SO awesome to us. We walked in and immediately Lisa was this beautiful, warm and welcoming associate who dropped everything that she was doing to assist us. My husband had heard of Cos Bar ALL the way in Paso Robles, and had spoken of coming here for years!! He had a lot of questions about the perfumes and colognes that were being sold there, and again, Lisa and Shanna were on it! I don't know what everybody's talking about with rude associates, that's not true at all!! I hate when people do that... I mean, to each their own but the atmosphere in here was so professional. I think that can't be true, and I'm very honest if I feel there's a chance of that. There's not here. We had questions about the makeup for my daughter as well, and Lisa related to being a parent while helping me choose colors for a 13 year old - which matched and looked great! Our daughter ended up buying some Charlotte Tilbury lipstick and gloss. We purchased a really nice cologne and were gifted a COOL red bag full of goodies!! They were also very patient with my son who hung around too, we all felt so welcome there. It lived up to the expectation we had to visit, but it's a special thanks to Lisa and Shanna for the hospitality!! Great reps, great experience... we will be back!! Thank you!! read more

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Very good curation of skincare and beauty products. The store has a prime location and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful!

Just went in to buy a $220 perfume. I was immediately helped by an associate, Patricia, and she was very helpful and encouraging especially when I mentioned this would be my wedding perfume. My sister in law and I decided to take a walk and come back to get the perfume. When we came back I had decided to pay with Afterpay in order to feel like I was saving some money on such an small item. Mind you I can pay the $220 with or without Afterpay I just wanted to justify my spending. Anyways when I went to pay with my Afterpay I unfortunately got a message right away saying afterpay wasn't working. I told PATRICIA that I won't be taking it since my Afterpay wasn't working and she just laughed in my face. Absolutely disgusting behavior from an employee. Patricia made purchasing my wedding day perfume a horrible experience. Will not be purchasing anything from here ever again and will tell everyone to say far away. P.S just bought the perfume from Nordstrom WITH Afterpay:)) read more

This is a month long overdue review but I have to say the sales associates were amazing when I last visited the store! There were 2 associates at the time and both of them helped me thoroughly to find what I needed. I don't know their names but we went there on Memorial's Day, it was relatively crowded as people were enjoying their holidays. I came looking for a Byredo hand cream and an eyeliner, I walked out with exactly those and some free samples! For the Byredo hand cream, I couldn't find the testers for the ones I was looking for so the first sales associate helped me open the hand lotions of the same scent to make sure I could smell them before buying. And I'm so glad she did because I found out those were not the smells I wanted, I ended up getting the Mojave Ghost hand cream for that part. As for the eyeliner, I asked the second sales associate if they had any "dark brown, matte, retractable, gel eyeliner". She definitely went above and beyond, looked around and tested pretty much the whole store to help me find exactly what I asked for! It was the Hourglass eyeliner in color Cave brown btw. In the end, I walked out of the store a happy customer :D read more

We came here while on vacation looking to get my beautiful fiancé some nice hair products to use while in Carmel. We came to the right spot. We were instantly greeted by the fabulous Patricia. Before you knew it she had asked my fiancé all the essential questions and got her set up with a product she loved. Patricia and the warm service she provided will make us come back to this beautiful store every time we are in Carmel! read more

On a weekend away in Carmel, I realized I forgot a few necessities. I was trying to figure out where I could go to pick up a few items without having to drive to a mall and find a Sephora. A quick search popped up Cos Bar and I was happy it was within walking distance. It was easy to find on the 3rd floor right off of Ocean Ave. I walked in and was greeted warmly by Carrie who asked how she could help. I was thrilled to see they carried Oribe which was exactly what I was looking for. I then asked about a night cream as my face had been acting up and she and another lovely woman helped me select a great product that I am loving on my face! I then proceeded to buy a bunch of other great items and literally had to stop myself before it got out of hand. Cos Bar has amazing products! La Mer, Chanel, la prairie, Orlane, Coola, Jack Black, Slip silk and many others. The store is bright and airy and the service was wonderful. I am so happy to have Cos Bar as THE cosmetics shop in Carmel by the Sea! read more

Very friendly vibe and good food. We sat outside with our dog and could enjoy the music and scene without being right in the action.

Went in a 445 new years eye The team was amazing My sales person Carrie was not in but they jump on it to help me with a new makeup look for my party that night Told them I was in a hurry and rang it up Great Manager Great Make up Staff Thank you for being in Carmel read more

The saleswoman gave me inaccurate and I have to say dishonest information that their products are cruelty free I feel conned and insulted , bad business practice. read more

I was recently in Cos Bar Carmel and purchased a few items and noticed a day or so later that one of the items wasn't exactly what I thought I purchased, that's what happens when you're (me) too vain to wear my glasses all the time. I contacted Cos Bar Carmel and they made it right immediately. Their customer service was fantastic and top notch. I highly recommend as they have wonderful products and a great staff. read more

Cos Bar is always helpful and carries some brands that I can only find at Neiman Marcus or other out of reach department stores around this area. Very nice selection and helpful staff to accommodate your needs. Thanks gals! read more

Cos Bar Carmel - Mmmmm just bought all my CHANEL MAKE UP today! Friendly and very helpful Ladies to assist... Love this place!! Xo - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Carmel, California

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A month ago I spent $800 at this store for skincare products which I am happy with. I went in today to get help with makeup to minimize wrinkles above the lip. The woman who I believe is the manager (and who I met the last time I was in) jumped to direct her employee to show me a lip plump product. She did not listen to what I was asking for and belittled me for the nature of my request. I turned around and walked out. It was embarrassing and degrading. I will never set foot in this store as long as she is working there. I do love the products and am happy to patronize other locations and buy from them on line. read more

I wish I could give this place 1/2 of a star. And that would go to the fact that it's located in such a quaint part of Carmel Plaza. Future shoppers and Makeup fanatics of this place BEWARE. They do NOT accept returns. You're better off at Sephora, Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus where if the product doesn't agree with you, you can return and exchange NO HASSLE. I went here with my friend who was visiting from the East Coast, so I thought bringing her to The Cos Bar would be a great experience since she's already been to Sephora and regular Dept. Store makeup counters. I've been to The Cos Bar many times before, and there is this new worker there who obviously does not have a clue what she's doing or talking about - or she's too worried about how her own makeup looks to want to pay any attention to the customers in her store. I'm not talking about the typical workers here, but there is one I've hardly ever seen. I saw an ad on a Shiseido Makeup Company and asked her about it. The line was called Cles de Beaute or something. I tried out the lipstick in that line at the Cos Bar, and did purchase the lipstick shade I liked, with more help from my friend who doesn't work there, than from the lady working the counter! Since I loved the feel of the lipstick so much, I wanted to ask about the foundation part of the line since I'm considering switching foundations. The makeup artist said that "Cles de Beaute does not provide any samples because they haven't figured out how to put the products in a sample bag or jar yet.." Are you serious?? THAT was her answer? As if I were a five year old she was trying to convince a lie to. Later on I'd stopped by Nordstrom, was pleasantly surprised to see they carried Cles de Beautehad and low and behold, the Cos Bar makeup lady was WRONG. The company, Cles de Beaute, did figure out how to make tiny samples for customers to try out their new product. The Cos Bar worker was just too damn lazy to give me a sample, or really was that dumb to sell a product she doesn't really know about. read more

Update 6/2017: I have continued to contact Cos Bar Carmel by phone to make more merchandise orders, and they continue to provide excellent service. Despite having a lot of walk in traffic, they always take their time with me on the phone and continue to provide the excellent service I described below. Orders arrive with lovely handwritten notes, and care is taken when they help me select products. I am by no means their biggest customer, yet from the first, very tiny purchase, they've made me feel valued. Don't be scared by the negative reviews- those are very dated and don't apply to the current staff or company policy, but if you're worried about the return policy, ask prior to purchase. Always good practice. I am surprised by the negative reviews here. I was treated like royalty both times I set foot in Cos Carmel (and continue to be treated well - I live across the country, and now make orders by phone from this store, even though I can order from their website, because they treated me so well and took time to get to know my skin and what would suit me). I didn't make a huge purchase my first visit, yet both the manager, Lisa, and the specialist who continues to assist me, Melissa, were caring, knowledgeable, and friendly. Their help on my first visit with products resulted in an unplanned return visit the next day to buy more products, and they've been extremely helpful with every subsequent contact and purchase. Highly recommend a stop if you are in the area and need skin care or cosmetics. read more

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING UNLESS YOU ARE SURE YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT and DON'T CARE ABOUT BEING ABLE TO EXCHANGE OR RETURN IT!!!!! They do not take exchanges or returns no matter what- EVEN with a receipt! Huge thumbs down when you can go to Sephora and return or exchange anything. Also, I find it interesting that each of the brands they carry have different policy from The Cos Bar- If you bought it directly from their web site you could return it there as well. The Cos Bar is doing themselves a huge diservice by not accepting exchanges or returns. I will drive to San Jose or order online from now on. It's the principle of it. When I attempted to exchange a makeup that I found to be a bit too heavy after a week of wearing it to work, I was asked if I tried it on in the store, which I did. To compare trying it on in the store to wearing it for a week is ignorant. read more

Janice says: This store reminds me of those Hong Kong cosmetics store, where everything is just cosmetics, and of all the high end brands. It's not like Sephora or ULTA. This is much more condensed and small. I did receive a mini makeover here where they basically just use the samples to put make up on you. The girl that did it was quite nice, and she did a good job but it was very simple. So beware that if you're told that you get some sort of "makeover" there, that it's not that big of a deal at all. Come here when you suddenly can't find your $100 cream and need it right away while you're on vacation. read more

I am also surprised to the reviews... my 2nd time there and is just as great as the 1st time when I was there with my family. We were not treated stereotypically like at other places but they are warm and welcoming. Thank you read more

Terrible! Walked in with my friend...not a peep, nor a sign of acknowledgement from the two women that were behind the counters - Really? Is business so good that you choose to ignore potential clients? Thank God Nordstrom is in business - Why would anyone walk into your store? read more

Please note that if you have opened the product that you bought at Cos Bar and it doesn't work for you, Cos Bar does not accept returns. Sephora does, as well as Macys, and many online stores. So, if you want to avoid snooty customer care and store displays/samples that are being constantly touched and used, shop somewhere else. Not at Cos Bar. read more

Cos Bar...You were rude the first time I went in there. The only reason I went back is because you carry NARS. I went in a few months ago in search of a Lorac liquid eyeliner, unaware of which brands, exactly, they carried. I asked a younger woman if they carried Lorac, to which she replied "no." Which would have been fine...until the older woman (whom I've seen in there again) piped up with a snooty look, scoffed and a "can't you find that at walgreens?" Well, I'm sorry it is not Dior, but it is definitely not Revlon. Know your cosmetics brands even if you do not sell them in your store. Know which brands and products you carry which may be comparable or better. Sell me on something else and do not treat me like dirt when I go in there. I will order NARS online, next time...or drive to San Jose and get it from Sephora. read more

I will not step foot in this store again. I had the mistake of returning twice after a very unpleasant initial encounter to see if they had changed but nope, the sales women there are still rude and cold. They mutter a non-enthusiastic hello while not even bothering to look your way. They make me feel like I'm intruding and the bigger one always rolls her eyes whenever I ask a question. read more

Service was awful. Employees were extremely rude and gave a lot of back sass. They should be trying to sell a product, not get people out of the store. Ended up buying something just so I could have an excuse for them to stop talking and for me to get out of there fast. Remember - everyone is a customer, not just 30 year old rich women. SERVE WITH COURTESY. I would never go back. The store itself was kind of nice so it is a shame indeed. read more

I have visited this store three times, and every time I go, I get the side eye from sales people, so I refuse to go there any more. The only reason they get one star is because they have a fabulous selection of cosmetics, including Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Tom Ford, La Prairie, and Chanel. Lose the attitude, please. I so wish a Bluemercury would come to town as they understand the value of service and that matronly Carmel types aren't the only ones deserving of it. read more

This store has such potential to be an asset to our community - good location, extensive line of high end products, full service for our out of town visitors, as well as filling the niche for locals left empty when the cosmetic counter at the Saks store in Carmel Plaza closed. Sadly, though, I can't recommend it. I have shopped here regularly in the past, am a Pebble Beach resident, and promote tourism to groups in our area, but have too much self esteem to subject myself a second time to the treatment I received here recently. I'm thinking it might be time to promote Patricia to another store - in King City, maybe? read more

I have frequented this store for many years without ever having great service, but still never even thought to review until now . Yesterday I went in with a friend looking for a lipstick(Cle de Peau, which I purchase at Neiman's locally). The young lady came over to the counter and I told her I was looking to see the new colors of the formula that I was pointing to. She stood looking at me like a "deer in the headlights" and said nothing, as if I was speaking a foreign language. I tried again, by saying I had seen them advertised. Again, nothing but a condescending look from her, as if I was an idiot. The other sales person commented from the other side of the store that what I was looking for might be in a newer collection. At that point, I could have stayed and browsed the store, but felt that there was no reason to waste my time in such an unwelcoming atmosphere. No wonder there was not one other customer in store on a Saturday We come to Carmel a lot during the year but will make certain to never walk into this store ever again. Btw, really miss Saks, that was customer service. read more

As a high-end cosmetics junkie, I don't mind paying for quality. However, a cosmetic store that's return policy is "unopened and only store credit" is ridiculous in the age of Sephora/Barneys/etc. liberal return policy - I can return even to online stores more than this.. Store lighting is bad (and the day I was there the store lights were off) so testing it at the store is misleading. You'll only know if it's bad if you try it at home or go outside (with a crowd of tourists watching), then it's too late. Buy here ONLY when restocking, and save your money for items your sure of. Don't even THINK of asking for samples. They are "out" every singe time or their severely annoyed your asking. They have a sadly small selection of the on-trend niche brands Tom Ford (very limited stock) and Armani. Their major inventory is upscale department store brands La Mer, Mercier, NARS, Bobbie Brown, Chanel. Oh, yes.. Everyone is right. Sales staff has attitude I'd expect in LA. Do you think the Management cares? Not by the looks of this.. all these reviews and its still happening? I'm from LA and the pretentiousness exceeded the upscale boutiques on Melrose! read more

I really can't imagine how a place like this stays open. I literally felt like I was imposing upon them when I walked in. There were two older ladies working (not the best idea for a cosmetics store) and they both were very cold. I got a half smile from the short haired one and less from the larger woman. I left with nothing. However after reading the other reviews it sounds like I was better off that way. I think this place could do well if they had some younger, fun, less stuck up staff. read more

Beautiful store, nice selection. Over a year ago, Melissa took over an hour to help me find the best foundation after bobbi brown canceled my go to.still feel inclined to write this. Even sent me home with tons of samples. Her care exceeded any expectations. Thanks Melissa read more

Honestly, I cannot believe there is a single negative review about this place. Maybe folks should try Sephora and then compare to Cos Bar. I love the Cos Bar in Carmel. Moved here last year and was thrilled to find such a special place.Just had a fantastic makeover and every item I purchased looks great. These gals know their stuff and will not try and sell you what you don't need. Samples? Always. Honest opinions? Yep. They only have the best brands and they really test their cosmetics. I never have wanted to return a thing, but if I did, I know it would not be a problem. They are a breathe of fresh air from the department store cosmetic counters and Sephora from the Bay Area. One last thing...check the dates of the negative reviews (3 years ago). The management in the Cos Bar changed awhile ago and the girls are rockstars. read more

I always thought this place needed a Sephora. Cosbar doesn't offer as much variety but this place works. I've only been to the one in Aspen before so it was exciting to see that we got one in Carmel. read more

Was very happy to find my favorite chanel compact after macys was out! I called to make sure they had the product before hand and the lady who answered was very friendly and helpful! She was also in the store when I got there. I was expecting to pay a wee bit more considering its downtown carmel cos bar... im thinking they are going to jack the price up for sure! .... NOPE! same price as macys and the internet! Wow impressive~ You made another customer! read more

I'm very surprised to see some of the negative feedback here. Grant it, most of the complaints seem to refer to policy. I just don't understand, the staff is knowledgeable and the product variety is great. They have always been willing to let me sample before buying expensive product so I never have needed to return OPENED, UN SELLABLE product. I've been shopping here for years. They have excellent men's fragrance and skin care selection. Staff is great and always kind and professional, even though I'm not a big spender, I get VIP treatment. read more

Shanna is AWESOME!! Love their selection of makeup and facial products. Always helpful. Thank you ladies!

I am surprised at the negative reviews too. I had a great experience, a wonderful customer service rep and am so happy to have a place to go in the area other than Macy's for cosmetics. At Macys I have waited forever to find a rep to help me and often have gotten someone from another counter to help, then they don't know a lot about the line if they are covering a different counter than they are trained in. Here they know each line carried and are very knowledgeable. They were out of a foundation I wanted, gave me the tester to take with me until the foundation could be shipped to me via ups at no charge. They were sweet, not pushy and very helpful. I will be back. read more

This was such a great find! I have been living here for 7 years and only recently discovered Cosbar. They have great high end products and just got the Tom Ford lipstick line in! All of the sales associates are great! Very knowledgable and helpful in finding what I need. They don't hover but seem to offer genuine opinions and suggestions. I look foward to shopping here. Nice hair care products, cosmetics, perfumes, etc. read more

If you are a beauty junkie like me and you are in Carmel, this is a must stop! They carry the most amazing, some hard to find beauty finds! They carry skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair and body products. If your boyfriend is a fancy guy, you can pick him up some stuff in here too. The staff is friendly and informative. Some of the stuff is pricier than your standard department store brands, so try before you buy. read more

Small store with higher end brands. They don't always have my shade in stock (so i will have to agree with the other who commented) BUT have always provided me with a generous sample that lasts me much longer than needed. They will order and ship directly to my home. I knew exactly what I needed so I didn't need to return it or ask many questions about the product so I can't comment on that. Bobbi Brown was only available in San Jose until recently (Macy's now carries it) so it saved me from having to order over the phone or traveling further than I wanted. read more

I normally shop on line. It's easier, faster and also reduces the likelihood of having a bad experience. I was in Carmel shopping for a baby shower gift. This store display caught my eye so I went inside. I had no idea there was a make up store in Carmel. This place is a complete gem! They carry things that saphora and Neiman Marcus either do not have or are sold out of. This was the only place that had my favorite shade of ysl lipstick. I honestly have searched everywhere and places have been sold out for ever. Ohhh and the girls are amazing! Even though I was interested in just that one product they still took my information and called me as soon as another shipment came in. I was really surprised that I had even gotten a call. Awesome place! I love them! read more

I don't even know where to begin. This group of ladies are professional, caring, love what they do , and exude their passion forward. If you need honest progressional advice and want to walk out feeling like someone truly cares, with great advice, ideas, whether it be anti aging, make up color, fragrance, etc. I highly recommend "The COS Bar" in Carmel. I used to work in the the cosmetic industry. I know read more

My husband and I were on vacation in Carmel and went into this store at the Carmel Plaza. This cosmetics store has the worst manager I have ever encountered. She gave my husband and I so much false information just to make a huge sale off of us. She really did a number on us. We spent hundreds of dollars in this store , believing that the products that we purchased would do what she said they would do. Instead , not only did the products not work after using as per instructions, but the products made me break out to the point that I had to go to a dermatologist. My dermatologist told me that the products that she sold me were the worst products for the skin. I would strongly advise anyone looking for high end cosmetics not to shop at this store - go to a reputable department store where you will get great, honest service. If you do choose to go to this store, stay away from the store manager - her name is Kathleen. We will warn everyone we know not to go to this store if they are visiting Carmel,CA. Very disappointed. read more