The Cosmetics Company Store — Local services in Land O' Lakes

I regularly shop the cosmetics Companystore. in Orlando. I phoned this Tampa location to see if they had particular items and they did. A few days later, I was getting off work earlier than expected so I thought I would drive over from Orlando to purchase the items. I called, spoke to a Stephanie and told her I was on my way over from Orlando. I arrived at the front door at 6:53 PM and the door was locked. I waited ,lightly knocked on the glass Because I could see people in the back room. I also tried calling the store but the stores number had been forwarded to a mall general information recording.They finally emerged at 7 to make gestures at me that they were closed. One girl came to the door and shouted at me through the door that they were closed. I said, but I have been standing here for a little last eight minutes. I have something on hold I just have to pick it up. I asked if Stephanie was there. The other girl came to the door and said that she was Stephanie so I said I’m the guy that called earlier and told you I was on my way over you’re holding items for me, I’m just here to get them. She shouted at me through the door that she close the register and couldn’t do anything. I try to explain through the door, but I had driven over two hours to come and pick these items up today.She just shrugged her shoulders at me. I stood next to an SUV that was on display in front of their store and called the Orlando store to see if I could get a telephone number to report how rude they had been. The next thing I know a security guard walks up to escort them out of the store. As they were leaving I said there was no need for you to call security I was just out here making a phone call to tell someone how you treated me tonight. Stephanie put one hand in the air made an offensive, homophobic gesture at me and said good luck with that and walked away. The other employee was giggling and laughing about it.It’s hard to believe that Estee Lauder would hire such rude homophobic people to work in their stores. I’ll take this further and report it to a district manager. I wouldn’t shop here...

I’m a makeup artist and have been shopping here for YEARS! Every now and then I get a little nosy and read the reviews before going in—and today I saw one posted just a few hours ago actually that honestly rubbed me the wrong way. I felt like I had to speak up and defend the amazing staff at this store.

These ladies are always so kind, helpful, and welcoming—not just to me, but to EVERYONE who walks through the doors. I’ve purchased tons of products here for both myself and my clients, and not once have I ever gotten anything expired. Their stock is always fresh!

After reading that review, I actually went in and asked out of curiosity about the Clinique Acne Solutions foundation. One of the girls told me they only started carrying that line just a little over a year ago—so let’s be real, there’s no way it could’ve expired.

Also… respectfully, if you’re buying Acne Solutions foundation with salicylic acid for your older mom who clearly doesn’t have acne-prone skin, that’s probably why she had a reaction. You don’t need to be a makeup artist to know that salicylic acid can be harsh on skin that doesn’t need it. That’s not on the store—that’s on the buyer.

And while I’m at it, I was actually looking for that exact Too Faced mascara a couple of months ago and it was completely out of stock. So if she just recently bought it like she claims, it must’ve been part of a new restock. Again… not expired.

As for the samples—I know from experience that samples are usually only given if you ask, and sometimes there are limited shades left (yes, I’ve gotten darker shades too). It’s not a slight or a joke, it’s simply what they have available, and the staff are being generous by offering anything at all.

I didn’t say anything to the girls in-store because I didn’t want to ruin or bring the mood down the rest of anyone’s shift, but I hope if they happen to see this, they know how appreciated they are. They have loyal, happy customers who notice their kindness and...

Staff members were rude and racist!!They were chatting in a group while I walked in. No one said hello or at least acknowledged me as a customer that they are willing to help. They acted as if I don't ever exist! They ignored me....I was kind of put off by their arrogance. When I picked up a lipstick, they just yelled at me loud:"Miss, you cannot put that directly on your mouth, you have to use a Q-tip for hygiene purpose!" I mean, I AM NOT WHITE but I AM NO DUMMY! I wasn't going to put that ON MY MOUTH! I wouldn't want to catch any virus from their lipsticks!!! I have never been yelled at in a beauty store like this my whole life!

I didn't realized that they were being racist until one white lady and her teenage daughter walked in. They came in to buy some make-up for the teenage daughter. The staff were so helpful to them, stopped their group chat and greeted them as soon as they walked in. They helped them trying on different make up products: foundation, lipsticks, this and that..... I was there browsing still, and I noticed the difference.....I am kind of shocked that such obvious difference in treatment, respect and service still varies by your skin color.

If someone of management level can see my review, please train your staff properly. I will never step into that racist store any more. If you are a women of color, I suggest you avoid that store as well. Stepping into that store will only ruin your happy shopping spirit. I was happy and enjoying a peaceful Sunday afternoon, but the whole experience there made me really upset. I couldn't even finish my shopping trip and decided to drive home...