SEPHORA — Attraction in Tigard

I was trying to set up a new shower for my daughter and I wanted to fill a shower caddy with eight or nine really nice things. I didn't know what these things should be so I went to Sephora because I'd heard they have a wide range of higher end stuff. I'm a dad and I don't know anything about what are fancy scrubs or body washes or cleansers or exfoliators or moisturizers blah blah blah and I thought somebody at Sephora could tell me exactly what to buy. It was not to be so. The very affected young man who very briefly purported to help me steered me toward a $62 dollar value-pack, including four or five useless-seeming "fragrances" of some supposedly Brazilian brand he claimed was the rage with teenagers. I'd told him at the outset exactly what I was trying to do ... fill up a shower caddy with a bunch of great things and I told him I wasn't looking for a teenager's value pack. I wanted nicer things than that. Well what did I think I wanted? That was the whole point, I didn't know and I wanted good advice. This guy didn't seem want to take the time to think about it or educate me and point me to seven or eight really nice things. He seemed condescending and impatient and clearly didn't think my mission was worth his time. This from some 20-something guy who works at the mall, LOL! Maybe it's because I'm not at all metro or I don't sport tacky pricey bling. Anyway, I did a little reading and research and found everything I needed elsewhere. So what I learned is that Sephora doesn't bother to have staff trained or interested to sell to customers. I mean this guy simply had zero customer-orientation. Since the corporate higher-ups and store managers don't want to offer great customer service ... as they clearly don't given all the other one and two star reviews ... there's no need to bother with a Sephora store. Just buy your 30 and $40 tubes and tubs of stuff online. I lump Sephora together with Charlie's Philly cheese steak up in the food court where I subsequently partially ate some of the worst food I've ever had in my life. That place should literally be illegal and don't go there either.

UPDATE: here's what the internet told me about the Brazilian brand the Sephora guy was pushing on me ... it sounds extremely gross and even dangerous!

"The popular Brazilian-inspired brand is likely Sol de Janeiro, known for its "Brazilian Bum Bum Cream" and signature Pistachio scent that appeals to teenagers.

Sol de Janeiro Why it's popular: Teenagers are drawn to its strong, sweet scent, particularly the Pistachio-Caramel fragrance of the "Bum Bum Cream".

Product focus: While the Bum Bum Cream is a firming product for adults, teens use it as a deeply moisturizing and fragrant body lotion.

Key features: The products are recognizable by their bright, tangerine-colored packaging.

Considerations: Health experts have raised concerns about the undisclosed fragrances and potentially harmful chemicals in the products that could negatively affect young skin."

So if you want to potentially poison your teenager Sephora would love to sell this toxic goop...

So, to start off... My son was caught stealing here, and I wanted to do the right thing by taking him in, making him return all the stolen items and apologize. I also asked if I could record for documentation purposes. Teaching my child integrity and accountability right? When I walked in, I was greeted and I kindly asked if I could speak to a manager so she took me over to a guy named James who has possibly cheetah print tattooed on his face? I was being friendly, explaining him the situation, now, mind you, prior to him knowing why I was there he was very friendly and as soon as I explained myself, his ENTIRE attitude towards us shifted and he was dismissive from that point, went and got an assistant manager to handle my situation (???) when he walked through the store he looked over at us and shot dirty looks (WOW!) I didn't appreciate the sassy attitude at all. He treated me and my child like we were awful criminals, um hellooo I'm making him return the items and apologize in PERSON for what he did. Now, the assistant manager came and talked with me, I explained to her the situation again, she reminded me that my son was trespassed from the store (I completely forgot about that) so I got straight to the point and returned the stolen items, and told my son to apologize to her. Her name is Kara (Cara?) she was very friendly and professional, she kept a smile the entire time. She heard what I had to say and was very respectful and mindful, she listened to my son's apology and didn't treat him any less. Now, I know stealing is wrong and an apology doesn't fix his actions at all, but it helped him learn that being held accountable speaks volumes and hopefully he never steals again, but to treat a child so awful and rude, what the F? James, you need to practice your customer service skills, and your assistant manager should definitely take your position as Manager because you have no idea how to...

I stopped by the Washington Square mall yesterday to pick up some of my usual skin care + get some new cream contour, blush and a foundation brush.

I probably looked so lost in the store but JAMES came in to help. I seriously wish Sephora accepted email customer feedback on their website so that corporate can see this review... but James was simply, amazing. Give him a raise and a promotion - I am sure he is well over due for this!

James learned about what I was looking for and then took me around the store to show every product to me. He was thoughtful about understanding my skin type, my facial structure and what other products I'd be pairing with. I think he spent at least 10min with me, recommending products and taking the time to understand what I wanted out of them. For instance, he asked me if I wanted to get more of a JLO or Kim K look with my contour; understanding the difference between a hard contour or a bronzed look.

Then when I told him I thought I had a round face, he legit pointed out my bone structure - from my temple to my jawline, he took the time to compliment me and explain that people buy products to contour what I already naturally have.

I left with all of the products that James recommended for me (so far, so good!) and a major confidence boost. Thank you again, James. You were so lovely to work with and incredibly knowledgeable. A true makeup expert and the type of person that this world...