For an academic girl like me with a taste for finer brands and none of the makeup artistry skill to go with it, Sephora is a refined form of medieval torture. I adore cosmetics. I lack the skill acquired from 15 years of eyeballing my reflection critically in the mirror in the predawn hours, like so many of my feminine compatriots did. I see all the pretty implements and my stomach twists in dread. How am I to know whether the fan-tipped brush is meant to deposit loose powder eyeshadow or meant to torment the unsuspecting by entangling itself in my lashes, made from the synthetic equivalent of honey badger hair?
Enter Sephora, a chain devoted to all things cosmetic, aimed at beginners to professional makeup artists. Friendly staff can assist with niggly problems and showing techniques, or help you locate that brand new eyeshadow shade. They can be a bit too helpful; I felt a tad stalked after being greeted by all three employees in the space of three seconds. Maybe the baby had something to do with it, though he was fast asleep when I swung by in search of new foundation.
The outposts at JCPenneys are more pop-ups compared to their standalone or mall stores, so don't expect the full wall of perfumes, the large beauty stations, and tools aplenty to bewilder the Spanish Inquisition. Nonetheless, this Sephora is beautifully bright and well-laid out within its compact confines. Several popular ranges are carried at their beauty bar, but rarer lines and more obscure items require a visit to the larger store. They do have many packaged gift options at holiday time, but some of Sephora's trademark beauty bundles ("buy this, get four of that" or "special gift with purchase") aren't available in large quantities here. Call ahead about availability to save yourself the trip for a specific item that's out of stock.
This Sephora is very clean and ideally situated near the front of the store, so getting in and out takes little time at all.
One day I'll really sit down and have them teach me more than just the basics without requiring a 6 week intensive certification course for balancing one's complexion with a tube of green goop, which they sell along with other fine photocorrective shades like yellow, peach, and pink. read more