SEPHORA — Attraction in New York

We visited Sephora on 3/28 to shop for makeup for my cousin’s wedding, and unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. Initially, the staff told us we couldn’t use the makeup tables as they were reserved for other services, which we completely understood. However, a kind employee (a tall man) later found a spot for us to set up our items. The lady (with long black hair) who helped us recommend products was also very helpful and sweet. When we were done trying the products, she said she would take care of putting them away. However, another staff member (a woman with curly hair tied up) came to us and gave us attitude, questioning why we hadn’t put everything back. I was confused since the first employee had already said she’d handle it, and I felt like we were being blamed unnecessarily. We put back the items we knew where to return, but some we hadn’t brought there ourselves, so we didn’t know where they belonged. She came up again, looking annoyed, asking why we hadn’t put the rest back. (Even though it was explained, that we were told it was fine to leave them.) She also complained about the space we used to test makeup, despite it was being offered by another staff member. (which we told her, but she was still not understanding) Eventually, the kind lady who had helped us earlier said again she would handle putting the rest away.

The checkout experience was also unpleasant. I approached the cashier with a simple question, assuming she was available because no one else was speaking, but she responded in a bad mood, saying she was busy with another customer.

Despite spending $250+ on products, this experience left me feeling frustrated. I used to enjoy shopping at Sephora, but after this, I think I’ll stick with MAC Cosmetics, where the experience feels more accommodating...

Today (June 16th, 2022) me and my 6 girlfriends came to Sephora Studio Williamsburg in New York (241 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn NY, 11211), to do some shopping. When we walked in we started looking for the products right away. I grabbed a charlotte tilbury blush that didn’t have a tester in front of it. So i asked one of the female workers “is this more of a pink tone or is it more of a orange tone”. She replies, “i don’t know, look at the label and figure it out”. Immediately i felt uncomfortable and unsettled. So I ended up placing the blush back and not purchasing it at all. Then My girlfriends and I found the viral Dior lip oil that has been sold out everywhere. We all grab one and we’re super excited that we got our hands on it. Then one of my girlfriends came up to one of the male workers and asked if they carried a much cheaper brand of lip gloss (Boxom). He replied to her “no, we don’t carry that”. She then goes to him, “ Oh that is so funny because you guys carry Dior, but you don’t carry Boxom”. He then replies to her, mockingly, “Yeah that’s so funny Ha ha ha”. Both of us were extremely shocked that a place like Sephora which is supposed to be and enjoyable environment, would have such rude workers, that mock you especially when you are purchasing products from their store. Overall that was the worst experience I spent ever shopping for makeup, and will never step foot into that store...

I have to admit, I always get anxious going into Sephora due to past experiences given my wife is woman of color, but this visit was completely different thanks to Mya! She was incredibly helpful, attentive, and just radiated kindness and energy. My wife and I felt so comfortable and welcomed during our visit, We used to live in Brooklyn but moved to London and came back to our favorite neighborhood for the holidays.

As someone with a Black wife, I always worry about her being profiled while shopping—it’s a sad reality that happens more often than it should. But Mya made us feel seen and valued, and I really appreciated her for that. I also wanted to wish her the best of luck in pursuing her nursing career—I know she’s going to do amazing things.

To anyone leaving bad reviews, I just want to say: many times, it's the customers who are entitled, rude, and forget that retail workers are college students just trying to do their job. People walk in with their overpriced lattes from places like Alo Yoga, demanding to know every ingredient in a product because they’re suddenly concerned about “natural” ingredients—yet will happily get Botox and fillers. (This is what I’ve personally observed) It’s the typical attitude of some customers who forget that retail workers are there to assist, not serve their every whim. Mya is a real gem, and she made my experience a pleasant one....