I'm a wedding makeup artist, and I went in to return some foundations today that gave a couple of my clients an allergic reaction. So naturally, I'm going to return them all if a few of them reacted badly for the safety of my clients. The person who helped me was rude from the start, giving me attitude even though the whole process took under 10 minutes. When he was almost done he said "so you don't want to keep any of the other shades for your kit? That's so unfortunate". No, I don't want to keep anything that could negatively harm my clients. Super unprofessional and rude, I hope this person can reflect on their attitude and treat everyone more respectfully. read more

I haven't been inside a Sephora in so long, it was refreshing to see so many more items available and for ALL people. There seemed to be a great variety for diverse skin-types (age, color, skin, sensitivity, etc.). We were greeted with friendly hellos and offers of assistance from at least three employees, who unlocked the doors immediately upon opening. We were given great advice, helpful service and each employee was smiling, which we took to be a good sign. Items purchased were great and looked/worked the same inside the store as well as at home. read more

SEPHORA - Teehee - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I came in the other day and had such a wonderful experience! I just came in for some foundation and James was such a great help. They showed me multiple options and answered all of my questions. I haven't worn makeup in such a longtime I was basically starting over. I then went to the skincare and was helped by Charlie who was patient with everything I asked and showed me some great products. Since it was explained so well I was happy to start with a new skincare line that they showed me. Tinaka was also wonderful in helping me find the right haircare products. My hair hasn't felt this healthy in so long. I will most definitely be coming back for more and really look forward to talking more with everyone. Such a great team! read more

Recently went to this store to return something that was less than a week old. I did use the product until it broke my skin out. Jessica who said she was the manager but was the assistant manager told me they cannot accept it because it is used. She was rude and her tone was off. Once I asked for the store manager name and number she then wrote it down and followed me around the store. I will be filling a complaint with Sephora for her terrible customer service. read more

I will begin with a confession: I don't wear a lot of make up. But, I needed some new products and my sister likes this place. First, their sales associates are helpful and nice. When I didn't understand a question meant, they showed me. I never felt judged or pushed. I left with a complete set of high quality make up that I feel confident will look good and treat my skin well. Why only 4 stars? They were out of some of what I wanted. This meant more expensive substitutes and/or trips to another location. But, the place was clean, well lit, and staffed with knowledgeable people who were supportive as I struggled to articulate what I wanted. They have many brands available and I left both satisfied and pleased. read more

Seems to be constantly out of stock- didn't have the amber vanilla from 7 virtues and I randomly chose a different brand Dolce&Gabana and they were out of stock too. Online always saying out of stock- honestly just move the whole business online at this point- so childishly unprofessional. What is the point of showing on the floor product if you don't have it in stock? Management needs to be fired and get someone that knows how to keep the shelves stocked and back of the store. Are shipments even coming to the stores anymore? Won't bother shopping in person anymore since Sephora's Motto seems to be "Out of Stock" a consistent theme- the only thing Consumers can count on from Sephora Management! read more

Everything! Customer service is absolutely horrible!!! The girls that work there are mean and disrespectful. And they sit there in a group and talk to each other and ignore customers. It's not okay. read more

I'm a big Sephora fan, but I rarely buy anything for myself. Let's be real: make-up - especially good make-up - is pricey. Very pricey. And my kid and my mom always give me their cast-offs (lol) (note: they are high end cast-offs, or make-up samples they get). Point is, I don't often go into Sephoras anymore as I don't get anything, and to be honest, I'm so out of the make-up loop, I don't even recognize most of the brands nowadays, or know what the various products even do. That said, it was my birthday and I DO relish getting my free Sephora birthday "reward" gift. I usually give these annual gifts to my kid but this year, she insisted I keep it for myself. So we visited this large downtown Sephora in early July to get my gift. Before arriving there, I decided to get myself make-up. It had been years, but I wanted a good foundation and I had no blush. My kid knows make-up, and I trusted her to guide me, and I also trusted the Sephora folks to steer me to the right products. Luckily, I stumbled upon Sandra, the nicest and most knowledgable employee there. And they now have the coolest thing ever: a tool/app on their phones that, when placed on one's face, tells you the condition of your skin and gives you recommended products for skin care and make-up. AND they keep this info in their database so that you could go into ANY Sephora, anywhere, and they have this info. AND they email all this info to you, too, so you have a record of recommended products. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of choosing make-up foundation colors and types, and everything else. I just think the whole thing is magical! WOW. Anyhow, Sandra recommended a particular blush and foundation and I just LOVE them both. And I got my birthday gift - and kept it for myself. All this is pretty remarkable for me. And it felt good. read more

Downtown Portland, OR Cory helped me find the perfect products. He looked at me and knew what I needed. I'm in my 70's and sometimes buying makeup is a bit traumatic. Cory was kind and sensitive--and fun. read more

I had the best experience I've ever had at a Sephora store this past Saturday. Corey was just so freaking amazing. I flagged him when I needed some help and he immediately dropped what he was doing and helped me and my sister find the perfect products. He suggested things I would have never think of and they ended up being a perfect match, made me looks like I don't have dark circles under my eyes, which in my opinion, is witchcraft cause I'm a tired mom of 2. I ended up getting everything he suggested and left with a smile on my face. If you're thinking of stopping by, definitely do and ask for Corey, he will not only help you find the right products but also show you exactly how to apply them. He's such a joy to be around and I would definitely make this my default store if I lived in the area. Thank you Corey, you are an angel and I will be forever grateful for your help. read more

Fantastic experience here! My unusual color of eyeliner was discontinued and running low. I was greeted when I entered, explained the issue and showed my old product to the employee. Within five minutes, he'd shown me two suitable options and I had paid and was done. It seems like these days so many people are bad at their jobs so I appreciate it so much more when people are awesome instead. Couldn't have asked for better! They know their stuff! read more

Unenjoyable experience. The people who work here just don't seem to like their jobs (all but the greeter). They get the job done but aren't friendly and I don't feel welcome at all. I'm a VIP Rouge so spend a lot at Sephora.. but tend to shop online because of the great samples. I went in because I wanted recommendations on SPF tinted moisturizer. I was open to any brand, wasn't too strict on matte or dewy just wanted a good SPF product. After looking at reviews I was interested in Saie and SuperGoop, and the woman with black thick rimmed glasses came to check my color. Because they had limited availability in colors she bounced me around to the Sephora line and UD both of which didn't have SPF. She had a hard time explaining CLEAN products to me.. and we ended up back at Saie and went with a shade. but she was not friendly, honestly kind of rude and just seemed annoyed to be there. I'll revert back to shopping online or going to Ulta or Nordstrom.. overall disappointing experience. When you go into the store you expect expert advice and a friendly associate - neither of which I got. read more

One of the smallest Sephoras I have been to. Each brand only gets a tiny section of its own with very few products. Don't count on finding something specific you saw on the website. Other than that, the staff were very nice and very helpful, which I appreciated! read more

I give them a 5 star because they do care about delivering their promises. I have been a Beauty Insider for years, and when I remember to pick up my bday treat, it always worked unlike Ulta who just straight pretend they "ran out". Well if they "ran out" of promised stuff, I "ran out" as a customer. Def putting my preference to Sephora for purchases. read more

I'm behind in posting this review, so please forgive me, Blake. I went to Sephora a little over three weeks ago because I needed a new foundation, concealer, and a lipstick for a work event that I was going to. Blake was super kind and patient while I was trying to figure out what I needed. They made sure to match my foundation (I bought Fenty concealer and foundation because that's a brand that I love) and he introduced me to a whole new line of lipsticks (Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipsticks) that are a GAME CHANGER. Seriously. Wow. I may never try to wear another lipstick because this stuff changed me. Anyway! Thank you, Blake, for being so kind and for helping out. I hope that your managers read this review and sincerely thank you for me! read more

SEPHORA - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I feel pretty Oh so pretty I feel pretty and witty and bright That's what I felt as I waltzed into the new Sephora today. I felt pretty. The house music was bumpin. The beauty associates were all decked out in their black uniforms with their garish war paint, swirling around the sales floor, some of them descended upon me ready to show me the latest and greatest in makeup fashion. Sadly, they did not have the one thing that I was after. I wanted the Guerlain Terracotta Loose Powder Kohl Eyeliner. The charming gal that was assisting me though did give me a free shipping code so that I can order it online and get the shipping waived. That was very thoughtful. But just because they didn't have the one thing that I wanted, it was not a total bust, makeup is fun. The store is bright, colorful and fun. It smells good in there. I love Sephora. I ended up with my favorite mascara that I had been putting off just for this occasion. Now...I feel like running and dancing for joy! For I'm in love with a wonderful store. read more

SEPHORA - Brand spanking new - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

I would like to specifically thank the sales team at Sephora today for helping me find a solution for my broken compacts. Both my NARS and Tarte blushes had broken hinges and I was appreciative of the advice that I received. I didn't want to waste product, I just wanted to find a way to preserve and/or repan them. I learned that I could separate my blushes from their original packaging with a blow dryer and that a magnetic palette would work for both of the blushes that I wanted to rehome. Literally everyone that I spoke with was super sweet and helpful. I walked into the store with a bare face and little sleep, dressed for a cleaning shift at work. Nobody treated me like I didn't belong there and I had a really good time browsing. I look forward to visiting this location again, I've always had really good experiences at this Sephora and I appreciate the work that the staff puts in to make patrons like me feel welcome and unafraid to ask questions. read more

SEPHORA - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

When in Portland, you definitely want to take advantage of retail therapy. Portland and the rest of the state of Oregon does not have a sale tax meaning some added savings over buying the same items north of the border in Washington. I am not a regular Sephora shopper, but I do like the Sephora Favorites men's fragrance samplers that they offer. Usually these samplers contains several travel size fragrance bottles for you to try and which are great for trips. But what makes this a good deal is that there is a certificate enclosed in which you can redeem for a full size bottle which costs less than the price of buying that bottle on your own. I have bought this sampler on Sephora.com, but since I was in Portland I decided to hit up one of the Sephora B&M stores there. This location is in downtown Portland near Pioneer Place. It is smaller than the downtown Seattle location, but it is quite a nice size store in which you should be able to find what you are looking for. Indeed, I was able to find the sampler here. It was actually near the front of the store, but I completely missed it since I thought it would be put in the men's fragrances section. They should think about adding a sign in the fragrances area about where to find this product or simply make space for these samplers there. The lineup for the registers is in the back left side of the store just before the fragrances. Checkout was smooth and friendly. I find Sephora stores to be mostly the same. Except that service is better in some locations than others. I found this location to fall in the prior category. Again, if you are making a trip to Portland and looking for cosmetics or fragrances, make sure to visit Sephora for a good selection combined with tax free shopping. read more

I'll start off by saying I am obsessed with Sephora. I think (and don't even want to look at my bill) I spent about $200 in 1 stop. But you know what though? They have an awesome return policy, if you don't and are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it. I am however, usually quite happy with my choices and end up keeping 95%. Usually all Sephoras get a 5/5 from me because really, it's all about the products and they have an excellent selection. You will only lose points in service and that's where the 4/5 comes in. I received absolutely amazing service from one sales person and then another one seems to act like I'm bothering her while she's stocking the shelves. Come on, I wouldn't ask if I didn't need your help. Lucky Sephora has those online surveys... not sure if it helps, but please help train all staff the same. We're not professionals and that's why we need help and will ask for it. So help us when we need it. read more

SEPHORA - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This is long overdue, but I want to thank the staff for being so incredibly helpful when I went there to get my wedding make up back in October. It made having a"pandemic wedding" much less stressful. My friend and I came in and the staff gave us a lot of helpful product recommendations from different brands. They demoed the products on themselves so everything was safe and within social distancing guidelines. I discovered a lot of new brands I had never heard of or picked on my own like Hourglass and Charlotte Tillbury. Everything looked great on my wedding day, a day when you want to feel your prettiest. read more

Take me there I wanna go there Take me there Let's go there Take me to that great place With wonders and wishes Yup, that's definitely how I feel when I think of Sephora! I love this magical place! Sephora has seriously been my new best friend-sorry MAC! After fashion fair left Macy's, I was on a hunt to find some foundation that works well for my skin tone; Sephora has amazing foundation options for dark complexions! I walked in this store on 10/6/17 to buy a couple make-up products and was greeted by the lovely beauty associates and friendly security guard! Branden came over to assist me in finding products. He literally spent about 15 minutes helping me and giving me great feedback and recommendations on which foundations were better than others, based on how I wanted my make-up. I sweat a lot, so I am always in need of waterproof foundations and lipsticks. It was a challenge to remember the products I previously bought on my last visit, however, Branden was able to look that information up by my phone number, making it so convenient! Thank you, Branden! He was truly helpful at assisting me and making sure I was happy with my choices. The lines do get long, but they move quickly. I had the pleasure of having Jazmine as my cashier; she's a sweetheart! She recognized my birthday during the month of October and had me choose a couple small birthday gifts. I swear I love Sephora for the points you gain from every purchase and the cute little gifts that come along with it; such great incentives to keep you coming back for more! The background music in the store and the friendly staff gives this place a welcoming environment! I love it here! I would definitely recommend coming here if you haven't already. Sephora has make-up for everyone! read more

See all

Located smack in the middle of downtown , this place has everything working for it like convenience , great sales people and a huge collection. Every time I was looking for something online and went in the store to check it out , I was able to get it . Trust me , Every single time without fail. I have been consistently shopping here for more than a year and have had great experiences with the staff. Most of them are nice and knowledgeable with the exception of a few . They have samples to try before you commit to a purchase which is good since the products don't come cheap here. I find it a little difficult to get help sometimes but that's mostly because they are always filled . read more

I needed new make-up bad! I just came from a two-week vacation in Hawaii the night prior and had gotten a gazillion shades tanner. I was going to a show that night and wanted to look somewhat presentable. I usually don't shop at Sephora. I buy my products direct from the Bare Escentuals location but Sephora was the closest within walking distance of my hotel and it was a plus they were located adjacent to the Nike store. Yay! I was immediately guided to someone who could give me some assistance as soon as I walked in. I knew what I wanted and needed someone to color match the powder to my skin. A sweet flamboyant gentleman helped me out. I liked how he was very direct and cut through all the BS. I was in and out rather quickly and was able to purchase what I needed. read more

SEPHORA - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Worse Sephora ever! The staff isn't knowledgeable about their products. Just yesterday I was sold a concealer 3 shades darker than my skin tone. If I wanted a contour, I would have asked. If it was just once, I wouldn't complain, but it's happened repeatedly with foundations too. Now I look like a repeat returner that Sephora looks down upon. This wouldn't happen in the NYC or Bellevue, Wa. Stores read more

Before Happy Hour, I wandered downtown and found myself in a Sephora. It's just right there and I'm not hard to convince. I left my long lasting lipstick at home, bought myself another in red. I actually did not like the one I purchased as much as my usual brand so I returned it without any issues, even though it had been opened. I love Sephora's return policies. Even more so, I love the little trial size and gift ideas near the counter. I found some Benefit products on sale and stocked up. After a little make up, I was ready to hit the town for some fun. read more

I love makeup, but I kind of hate this location of Sephora. Especially on the weekends - it's a madhouse and just stresses me out. Even finding a sales associate is like running a gauntlet, and forget being offered assistance. Never happens. I'd chalk it up to customer profiling, except I dress well and look like I know what I'm doing, so... who knows. If I know what I need, know where I can locate it and can dash in and out in under ten minutes, this store is fine. Otherwise, I'll take myself to Nordstrom, where I at least have a chance of being acklowledged by a makeup artist. read more

Makeup, skin care, hair care, bath accessories, perfume, and mani and pedi needs. Sephora tends to carry the high end products and you can quickly drop some serious cash here. 1. You can find hard to find products here for sensitive skin, all natural products that even come in recycled bottles and a huge selection. 2. They have samples of everything and give you a chance to try before you buy. 3. The staff is super helpful and can help you color match or find something that will work best for your type of skin or hair. 4. If you become a member they reward you well. Sample handouts, gifts on your birthday, and every purchase gives you points towards products. This place is paradise for the "product" lover. So glad we finally have one in Portland. read more

Sephora is a nice store for information on make-up or testing-before-you-buy (or idiots like me who hardly wear any and need instruction all the time because I don't practice). I saw that they have classes in how to apply make-up, which would be interesting if I had the time. Then again, no, I am not that kind of woman. I do like to know certain things that I need to know (the basics), but after that I am done. Yes, I have been here numerous times to get just that tad of mascara because (yay!) they have the tiny size (and it's cheaper then, otherwise I would be chucking a large, dried-out mascara glob, and that's bad for the environment), or that foundation that is so wonderfully soft and easy to apply. Sometimes I learn new stuff while talking to the experts (like the B&B cream--awesome!), and I think it is a great service to have these loads of well made-up and interesting looking women and men walking around. It's a great store. And getting my free birthday present a couple of months late was fun, too: thank you Sephora! read more

SEPHORA - Outside front - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I never leave reviews on yelp but it was my first time visiting portland, i was passing through with my dad on our road trip and decided to stop for a day! I'm going thru a breakup so i took a trip and decided to pick up my birthday reward from Sephora while I was here and was helped my Alex at the register and they were super super sweet and helpful! Big shoutout to them, they made my day :) read more

I rarely post reviews on Yelp except for exceptional service, which my experience with Sephora was. I have to thank Blake so much for his AMAZING artistry with applying makeup. I had a photo shoot for business head shots so I scheduled a 60-minute full face makeover. I didn't know what to expect as this was my first time at this store, but my expectations were far exceeded! Blake was so thorough going through all the different applications of skin care items and makeup, and showed me how he was doing everything. In the end I looked like a different person! I didn't think I could look so great. And the pictures came out wonderful. Thanks to Blake and the very friendly staff who greeted me and made sure I was comfortable and taken care of. I will be back for sure, and hope I can request Blake again to do my makeup! Thank you! read more

I usually go to Ulta because it is right by my house, but now that I spend a lot of time downtown I am closer to here more. I cam in for a specific thing instead of browsing so I didn't see much of the store. The lady that I talked to was super helpful. She found the product I was looking for and she helped me pick the best shade for my skin tone. Also if I come home and try it and don't like it, I can swap it for a different color. This store is pretty small, so it can be hard to get around when filled with people. read more

Fatima is the best! She was knowledgeable, relatable, listened to my foundation needs and literally put a full face of make up on me so I didn't walk out lookin a mess. Truthfully, I've never had great experiences at any sephora. I end up feeling rushed and walking out with the wrong shade or consistency. Fatima did a great job finding me tinted moisturizer, foundation, concealer, setting powder and made my difficult skin look flawless. She has excellent unbiased customer service and I'll be recommending her to friends. Thank you! read more

I have heard a lot of negative things about Sephora lately and have been avoiding it for the most part. But I had a shoot the next day so I went In desperation for the first time in years. On Sunday, July 14 I went into Sephora, desperately looking for help. The ladies at the door were less than enthusiastic when I walked in. The store was crowded, probably a tiring and hectic day. No problem. I was helped by a lovely person and we bonded briefly over being from the south. I wish I knew their name, because they were amazing and the only positive thing about my experience.  After securing the product, I made my way to the cash wrap maze to pay. There was a pretty good line, so I waited. Suddenly I felt like someone was watching me. I turn around and notice the security guard lady literally peering at me from behind the line entrance barrier. At first I shrug it off...but then notice she is only watching me, and as I move in the line, she is watching me in the mirror. Wtf. The store was incredibly crowded, she was the only security, and she was ONLY watching me...the only black person in the store. On Wednesday, July 17th around 7pm I went back to return the product as it ended up giving me a bad reaction. I walked in and was greeted very warmly by three very kind ladies. I headed straight to the cash wrap. The store was a lot less crowded, but still had people inside, spread out and wandering around. As I am nearing the wrap stand I look up and  notice a man starring directly at me and whispering into his earpiece. Around the same time, the same lady security guard is looking aimlessly at some stuff, but when she sees me she perks up. I stand in line behind the person who is being helped. The security guard walks over to where I am standing and stands directly next to the cash wrap, watching me! During my entire transaction she stands there watching me and doesn't budge. Just puffing out her chest, arms crossed in front of her, watching me. THERE WERE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE STORE, BUT SHE STOOD THERE, WATCHING ME. SHE WAS THE ONLY SECURITY PERSON IN THE ENTIRE STORE, BUT SHE STOOD THERE, WATCHING ME. I WAS THE ONLY BLACK PERSON IN THE STORE, AND SHE STOOD THERE, WATCHING ME.  I am livid, offended, and honestly pretty hurt. I want to give people the benefit of the doubt..I want so badly for the situation to be something else before I have to admit it is because of my skin color. But that? That was blatant racism.  Twice. I have heard stories and seen videos of how Sephora treats poc. I have even heard stories from people who used to work there who admitted that they were told to discriminate (aka "keep an eye on") people of color. It's really sad. Clearly I am not welcomed there, so don't worry, I won't come back. read more

Had a pretty decent experience at this location. I was able to return a product I hadn't had a chance to use til a couple months after buying with no trouble. Initially had trouble finding staff to ask a few questions, but by the end of my shopping experience they were constantly asking if they could help with anything else. This location feels cramped due to the overwhelming amount of products. Really wish they had more variety with facial mask products. They also need to restock the samples of products. I wanted to test on my hand some products but the tubes were empty. Was pretty bummed I spent nearly $200 there and didn't get any free samples. I forgot to ask for any, but usually they sneak some in my bag. Oh well. read more

This is a shout-out for Gabriella who I booked a Personal Shopper session with today. She did an unbelievable job of picking out the best makeup matches I've ever had! In a short session she found me new powder, blush, mascara, eye shadow and lip color. I didn't realize how great the products were that she picked out until I got home and put them on and OMG! Everything matched my skin perfectly and was so easy to apply. On top of that, I think she may have found the most perfect lip color that I've ever owned. She listened to what I was looking for and delivered big time. I will be back for another session with her to find more gems. Thank you Gabriella!!! read more

I'm hella salty. I asked about two clean brands Sephora (supposedly) carries. Girl blinked at me. I asked where the clean products are located and she kinda waved in the air and said "yano all over". Then she walked me over to a product line I had previously been told would NOT work w my skin/needs and she kept pushing me to try it. I obviously had zero interest. I asked about another product and she told me to go to Nordstrom's (I shit you not!). I asked if they'd be getting the clean products or could they order them for me. She said no, I should order them online myself. After I leave I find out Sephora can ship items to me for free. This girl needs some proper training. I'm legit annoyed. read more

For a downtown location, you'd think the salespeople would be snobby, but this is by far the best Sephora I've ever been to. Not too packed, easy returns, and the salespeople are always at the ready with enthusiasm and knowledge. The shade matching was perfect, and I'm always happy with their product recommendations. Shoutout to Madhis (apologies for the incorrect spelling) for being an absolute sweetheart during my last visit! read more

You know that look of fear a guy gets when walks into a store to get a gift for his better half? It's a debilitating feeling of being thrown into a pit of wolves. This is exactly how I feel about going into a makeup store. I'm a basic girl (but not a basic bitch) when it comes to 'makeup". Grocery store eye shadow foundation? Count me in. 99 cent eyeliner? Heck yeah! And that's my general knowledge when it comes down to it. I was skirting by A-ok with my less than average experience, but then my work had a winter party and I wanted to look..pretty? I decided to throw caution to the wind and signed up for a makeover. Best case scenario I would look somewhat relatively like a decent human being. Worst case scenario I'd look like a clown that got beat up by the rival clown gang. My appointment was at 2pm and I went in and was greeted immediately by the staff. I think they say my "deer caught in the headlines" look because omg why are there so many people shopping? Is everything free? Suzy was my makeup guru and lead me over to my seat. We went over what I was looking for (natural, flawless) and not looking for (read i.e. clown). I couldn't really go into details what I wanted because I don't know the lingo, but Suzy knew what to do. She explained everything to me without making me feel like a total idiot. Whenever I had questions (What the heck is that egg sponge for? What is countering? What's this torture device you call an eyelash curler?) she was patient and kind. She didn't try to oversell me or steer me in the opposite direction, which I appreciated. When it was all said and done...WOW! I look so purty! I got compliments all night and I felt...pretty damn good. I just have to say that woah, why are there so many steps for us ladies to look good? It's crazy to me how even before you put the damn makeup on, you have to prep, moisturize, get shit together. Then one by one you had the layers, mix, blend, contour, spray, line up, curl, move things around. It's exhausting as heck. Big props to people who do this for a living though. Meanwhile I'm freaking out over getting my eyeliner to not blind me. read more

Skin it's all over your body, sigh.. It just sits out there for all to see. You can never cover it all up, especially the face. I have never been a makeup gal but the whole anti-aging campaign is starting to nudge me like I have to start hiding something. And, speaking of that, suddenly I feel, umm, mature enough, that perhaps I do need a little something. I need some sparkle and glitter, and maybe color. I've gone in here sheepishly, a few times. I know what they see. They see a very inexperienced makeup artist. They frankly see, a throwback, a hippie from the '60s written all over my naked face. The shop is a little bit intimidating to me, probably because of my lack of experience. There are many concoctions with all sorts of different ingredients, like eye of newt and tongue of bat. Seriously though, lots of options for you. You can have sunscreen, or you can have shea butter, or you can have rosemary, or perhaps you would like to include exfoliants. Very confusing. That's ok because the folks here know these products and will help in the decision making. I am still not ready to go full on with a ton of different products that take hours to put on, and hours to take off, not to mention all the cost. So, I start slowly, and the sales people are very kind and comply. No one is pushy at this place, forcing me to purchase products. If anything, they suggest we start out with moisturizer samples. Go gentle into that good night. And so, I am doing a science project on my face, using the samples I've been recommended. I've got Clinique Redness Solutions, Murad, Dr. Jart, and First Aid all queued up. I look forward to going back knowing which product is right for me, thanks to these Sephora sages. read more

Wish do come true. My wish for years was for Sephora to open a location in downtown Portland. Since I'm carless (not careless), I frequent a lot of downtown places. Guess what, Sephora heard my wish and open a location right in downtown and about 1 block away from my bus stop. The store feels a bit small compared to Sephoras at Washington Square or Clackamas Town Center. I think they need to move the popular brands of make up to the center isles instead of the left isle because there's always traffic jams at the left isle. Anyway, that's just my two cents. Besides that, I'm excited with having Sephora in downtown P Town. My wallet will be a bit drier, but hey we all have our own vices. read more