Nelson made Holiday shopping so easy this year! He helped me find gift boxes and stocking stuffers!

Some people go to church, some people do yoga, I go to Sephora. Unfortunately, I didn't reach that level of higher power at this Sephora. The ladies there, with the exception of one who gave me a compliment on my eyebrows but then told me I should really re-think my mascara, were not helpful at all. Usually I am offered a basket upon my entrance into the store, and if I can't find something, they are more than happy to look in the back or in the drawers under the display. Not only did I get the eye roll of death when I asked where the Urban Decay section was, but I also got a heaping serving of attitude when I informed the gal that there was no more of the brown pencil that I wanted. Way to kill my beauty buzz. On the other hand, the store itself is decently stocked. They carry Bobbi Brown products instead of an assload of Kat Von D stuff, and no one seemed to mind that I gave myself a manicure right in the front of the store and didn't even buy a nail polish. read more

My daughter and I had a good experience here last weekend. We needed help picking a good foundation for evening out skin, and we received quick and helpful service. The nice young woman also helped us to choose a good every day eye makeup for our skin tone, and she gave us a lesson in how to apply it properly for a nice effect. Thank you! read more

I've shopped at Sephora in multiple states and countries. This is THE WORST Sephora I've ever encountered. My Mom had warned me, but I thought maybe it was a fluke. Nope. Went today to exchange a couple of things I had purchased online. No one greeted me at the door, a first, and then I noticed all of the SAs were clustered around the sides. I witnessed a customer ask for assistance and the SA actually sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes! I couldn't believe it! I've never witnessed such outright rude behavior from someone whose job is customer service anywhere in the world! I walked out without doing business with any of them. I'll go to Annapolis or just mail the items back. Steer clear! read more

So sad to see that someone had a crappy experience at this store. I've had only positive experiences with the sales associates I've worked with, but I've seen others who I imagine could be who the previous review is about. Customer service is SOOO important, and for anyone whose going to drop a ton of money like you will absolutely do at this store, there's absolutely no reason for anyone to be treated like crap. The last time I came in, I was looking for the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume. I'd gotten a gift certificate/perfume finder thing for Christmas and I needed to redeem it for that perfume in a specific size. Each time I'd come previously, they'd been out, so I called beforehand this time and the sales associate was nice enough to pull out a larger size one and not charge me extra, and also leave it out for me at the counter to pick up since they were running low. Definitely sign up for the Beauty Insider thing... it's free... and once you accumulate 100 points you get a "deluxe" sample. You also get a free gift on your birthday. Anyway, I love Sephora, I hate that I can spend $90 and only come out with a bag the size of a greeting card... but that doesn't stop be from doing it far more often than I should. read more

Pretty awesome location. Always busy but the crew is awesome once they actually get to you. Great variety of makeup. It's like Christmas all year round. read more

Let me first say, I love Sephora. With that said, I do almost all of my ordering online. Every time I step foot in this place looking for something I need, they are out of stock. The first time it happened, I didn't think twice. The second, third, fourth... I'm no longer going to waste my time for mediocre service, tore up displays and products I'm going to have to order online anyway. read more

I always get great service here, and whenever I buy my (fairly expensive) perfume I get a pretty decent sized sample of another. I also had my makeup done here by Jessica (pro-tip: if you spend $50+ dollars, you can get full face makeup done for freeeeee), and she did an AMAZING job. I mean, my boyfriend was floored at how amazing it looked. I wish she could do it every day! read more

I was in here again to make a repeat purchase of what I bought in January. I'm still not impressed. This store has such crowded aisles and the staff are positioned in such a way that I had to wind my way through the store as if I were in a maze. Luckily there were no flying fragrance bottles this time. read more

I came to the Sephora at Columbia Mall last night looking for new foundation. I am basically the worst at picking out makeup for myself, especially when it comes to coverage for my problem skin. I was immediately greeted by Jordene, who was so nice and so helpful! They have this little machine that almost looks like one of those things they use at the doctors office to check your sinuses. It somehow identifies your skin pigmentation to help find the right color for you, and helps the associate locate some products with shades that might work for you. (I don't even understand the technology behind that one, but it was really cool! Way better than me trying to figure it out on my own!) We tried 5 or 6 different foundations - different shades, brands and finishes. Jordene was really honest with what she thought and helped me pick out the right product for me. They were clearly very busy and she gave me her undivided attention. I left feeling confident about my purchase, whereas if I tried to figure it out on my own I would have been totally confused. The only downside to Sephora is that it's ALWAYS so hectic! It's just really popular and really crammed. Probably a good thing for their business, though. read more

Lots of cosmetics, perfumes, hair care, everything to make you look fantastic! I was amazed at one display that featured almost any color of nail polish that one could possibly ever imagine. It looked like a paint sample display at Home Depot! (Sorry to anyone not interested in this whole subject, but there's not much else to talk about at a Sephora store.) There are a number of comments about customer service at this location, but either we were there on a good day or someone has been paying attention to complaints and doing some re-training. There were a few consultants on the floor who offered advice but also left my friend and I plenty of time to smear various samples of lipstick and eye shadows on the backs of our hands. They have little stations with Kleenex and make-up remover so you can clean up your sample streaks and go back in for more. When we checked out, the employees were really friendly and we were even joking about the fact that since I'm from Montgomery County, I'm not used to getting bags for my merchandise. (I'm not complaining since I think the bag law is a good one to help save the environment.) I found a lipstick I liked, my friend a few items. The prices seemed to all be retail so a little pricey, though I was asked if I had a "card". Apparently the card has some sort of benefits, but I don't have one since I don't get to the store too often. It was fun. Probably wouldn't stock up on my favorite "beauty" items there but would stop back in if I was at the mall. read more

This store is okay. NARs brings me here mainly and Anastasia products I can't find in Ulta. High turn around rate per employees. A whole new set every time I come in. As far as expertise pretty good. As far as MUA with talent - very few. Ulta is better but Sephora has better high name brands. read more

Half the staff is nice the other half isn't. Which is sad because those who aren't nice ruin the experiences all together. The ones who are not nice it's like I'm pulling teach trying to get help from them. They just shouldn't be in retail. Hopefully they realize that too. read more

I was greeted right away and love the music selection. the staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the fenty line. I was in and out quickly. The lady at checkout was dancing and upbeat. The woman helping in urban decay she was good and gave me some nice gift wrapping. read more

I purchased a Clarisonic Cleasing System last Nov as a gift to my friend. She did not use it until March, but only found it is a broken one for the first time charging it. The customer service refuses to exchange it because it's beyond 90 days. And said the only option is to contact the manufacturer. Bad product in the first place and it is ridiculous a defective product cannot be exchanged or returned!!! Very frustrating experience. Never thought they would treat customer like that. Sarcastic VIB read more

I love Sephora in general, but I really love this branch. The people here are so helpful and patient. They listen to you and give you samples. I keep coming back to this one because they attend to you without being pushy. The different people that helped me on different occasions didn't stop until they found the perfect foundation/lipstick / mascara for my sensitive skin. I returned some make up that didn't work for me with no problem. I love them! read more

I visited this store during the holiday madness, and still received top notch customer service! with the store being so busy, there weren't any baskets to use when i first got there, so i started just carrying all the products i had picked up in my hands. one of the team members noticed me and found me a basket to use. the line was extremely long, but it moved at a very quick pace, especially for how busy they were! and lastly, they had a team member at the entrance of the store selling only gift cards, which i think is extremely helpful for those that are going there only for that, and don't have to waste time inside. the energy overall and the customer service inside is exactly what is needed during the holidays! read more

This was honestly the worst experience I have ever had. First, there were at least eight employees on the floor and even though some were helping customers, the other half were just wandering. My friend and I were confused on a certain foundations shade system and one employee who saw this just inched by singing to herself as if we were not there. I understand some people might not pick up on "confused" looks, but she didn't even bother to greet/ask if we had any questions. Second, I had to find someone to help me locate a brand that I was looking for. The employee was standing against the wall staring at customers, and when I asked for the location of it she just pointed in some other direction saying "all we have is over there". I'm not stupid, and I can most definitely figure it out... but it would have been nice if the employee would just be a little more helpful. read more

The Sephora in the Columbia Mall sucks. Their staff is not personable at all. I went in to ask questions about different eye primers and one of the sales associates acted as if I was bothering her (your on the clock may as well do your job lady). During their non busy hours the staff is standing around chatting and no one wants to help. It's kind of nasty in there these days too. The testers are gross. I understand people come in there to try products before they buy. I feel they they need to get a deep cleaning done. I think I will stick to Ulta at Gateway Overlook, it's clean and their sales associates are professional. read more

I went here with my boyfriend to pick up a couple of items about a month ago, was never approached and asked if I needed help. But instead some short girl with horrible greasy weave asked me boyfriend if he needed anything. I rolled my eyes. Word of advice treat everyone with the same level of respect and customer service and act like you actually want to be there. No one is forcing you to work at Sephora. Don't want to help customers then quit. And please have the male workers clean their black shirts or order them new ones! The only kind person in there is an older African American woman who worked the cash register with shorter hair. read more

I'm only giving this review three stars because of the products. 1. makeup artist - rude rude rude , and their makeup looks caked on. If you walk through the door in everyday clothes don't expect any help or customer service.They will look you up and down ,right in the eye and walk away from you. They have never matched my makeup properly it's always to dark and when you try to tell them this they catch an attitude and insult and blame your "skin problems". 2. store- to bright and cluttered. read more

I never gotten my makeup done before and I scheduled an appointment at Sephora, kinda worried because everyone told me that MAC was better! But Sephora actually did a veryy good job I was really pleased with my face after my makeup was finished! read more

The employees there are super attentive. The took care of me by answering my questions and gladly accepted my exchange. Will return again!

some of the worst service ever but its nothing new for this store. The only two exceptions to the poor service are Renard and the manager that transferred from the Georgetown store (I'm sorry I don't remember your name). Dedra or Diana, I can't remember her name but she made sure she spelled her name in a very snotty, combative way. She is a passive aggressive, condescending person who has no clue how to manage the store so that there are enough people on the floor to assist clients. Absolutely rude! Turned away from me and told me I'd have to wait ten minutes to get any service. Not, "let me see if I can find someone to help you". Not to mention people on the floor STILL don't ask if they can help with anything. They will walk right passed you. Just disgusting service and its been this way for years. When you have a nasty manager (Diana/Dedra) who doesn't appear to be doing a good job managing, you know you are in trouble. I remember when she started and to be fair, she never seemed to know much about the products to begin with so I'm confused as to how she is even a manger. I've know Renard for years and he is stellar, thoughtful, passionate about his job and ACTUALLY knows something about the products. Make Renard a manager and call it a day. read more

I came to the store with no appointment needing a full face makeover. Thankfully they took me before their next client came. The staff are very nice and knowledgeable about their products. The skin tech did an amazing job on my face. I felt like I was at a spa getting a facial. All the products she used felt nice and had a nice scent. The make up tech I had was funny and knowledgeable I just feel she didn't really listen to what I wanted. I told her my dress was light so I wanted my makeup to be light. Instead my make up looked vampy like I was going to a night club instead of a day time event. I also informed them that I have oily skin so I wanted all matte products. I'm guessing they didn't use a good brand or maybe too many moisturizers were put in my face because once I was out of the chair it already looked like I needed to blot oily spots. I was not happy with my make up. It looked like I could have done it myself. When I go to MAC the make up is so perfect it last the whole day and you can wake up with it still on. My make up here was off a few hours later. I love their buy $50 worth of product for full face I just wish they used better products and make up techs. At least I got a free birthday gift. That was a nice surprise! read more

I had a horrible experience here. Let's just say we had to get corporate involved because the district manager handled my issue very unprofessionally. I will never shop here again. read more

The staff here is consistently lazy and unenterprising. They also constantly ring up products incorrectly. Lousy store. Too bad Sephora does nothing about this place. read more

I came in for a DIY makeup look for my wedding without knowing much about makeup besides mascara and eyeliner. Jessica was super helpful in matching my skin tone with their photo technology (my tinted moisturizer is the perfect shade!) and she helped me select a few more products to create the look I was going for. She was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions without pressuring me into buying more than I wanted/needed. She even told me I could come back if I needed further advice and assistance with creating my look on my own. Everyone in the store was very friendly, as well. Sephora's return policy also sounds amazing and gives me confidence that if anything doesn't work out I don't have to worry about it. Will definitely be going back! read more

HORRIBLE. If i could give this store 0 stars i would. I went to get my make-up done for my WEDDING and it was the worst experience of my entire life. I created this yelp account JUST to write a review for this place. I was given a $100 gift card for my birthday and decided i wanted to use it to get my makeup done after buying $50 worth of make-up. I had gotten my make up done at this location before for my birthday in 2014 and it was such a great experience that i decided to come back. I REGRET IT. Jen was the one that was assigned to do my make up I believe and I honestly dont know why. She was really really nice and sweet and a lovely person BUT she should not be doing make up. especially for someones wedding. I wrote on a message before my appointment that this day was very important and everyone in the store knew that but everyone in the store still managed to do the worst job ever on my make up. Never in my life have i had someone do such bad of a job on a make-over. Not only did Jen not know what she was doing AT ALL. None of her friends - or the rest of the sephora staff that morning (July 1, 2017 11am) know either. On top of that the store manager or whoever was in charge that day was extremely RUDE. She was no help and on top of seeing how bad of a job Jen did...she did nothing to fix my make up. I WILL NEVER COME BACK TO THIS LOCATION. I had to rush home before my wedding ceremony to RE-DO my entire face. Unacceptable. Unprofessional. And if you think im exaggerating.....lets just say i wouldn't even go to the grocery store in the make up that they did that morning. I was even embarrassed walking to MY CAR. read more

I love Sephora, but this is my least favorite store. They are always out of at least one item I need. Additionally, the merchandise is not always in the correct spot. Check your purchase before you leave the store to make sure you're leaving with what you think you purchased. Or, better yet, save yourself the trouble and just order online. read more

I have been a VIB ROUGE member for as long as I can remember. This Sephora has the worst customer service. They never greet or help a customer. On several occasions I had to wait for a long time period to be assisted. I had stopped going into this store due to horrible customer service and racist employees. But I went in this week again and I regret it. Won't recommend this location at all. Terrible customer service, including managers, racist employees. read more

I was very disrespected by an employee named Aina. I told her exactly what I was looking for and she refused to give me what I was asking for because she didn't think it would work well with my aunts skin tone which I respect her opinion but overall its my decision what I want to buy. She rolled her eyes at me, got really aggressive, and was about to yell at me. If you go to Sephora just don't go to her is my recommendation. read more

Really really rude SAs at this location. I went to shop at this location more than 5 times. Every time the SAs there were so rude and not helpful. One time I asked a SA if they have any stock of a lipstick in the drawers since I didn't see it on the shelf. She rolled her eyes and said "No, we don't have." And she didn't even check the drawers yet. After this horrible experience, I NEVER EVER want to buy anything from them. Sephora really needs to behavior their own employees. read more

Brittani did my makeup and she was great. She took her time and and asked me how I wanted to look for my wedding and then actually did just that. read more

Un-welcoming, not professional, bad customer service. Let me just say this is my first review. I had to write to tell my story. I walked into sephoria of Columbia today and was greeted at the door. Thus the two stars instead of one. But then when I asked if I could have some help, and possibly help with applying makeup I was told "no" Instead of sorry we don't have any openings today for assistance with actual application but I can try and help you find what you need.... She said No and then followed this unwelcoming comment with, you'll have to make an appointment for tomorrow. When I said I live an hour away and was just looking for some quality makeup, I was reminded that I would need to make an appointment . If that wasn't rude enough, she looks at her watch and says ( as her and another associate are simply standing and doing nothing at the door) we are really busy and have another appointment "any minute" I walked out and went to Nordstorms MAC, and had a wonderful, professional and welcoming experience. read more