Sephora Logo
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5.9

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: August 28th, 2021

Sephora offers a selection of makeup, skincare, fragrances, body lotions, and hair products from hundreds of brands.

Sephora was founded in France in 1970 and now has approximately 1,900 stores in 29 countries worldwide, including 360 stores across North America. The Sephora website was launched in the United States in 1999.

Keep reading for the pros and cons of shopping with Sephora along with verified customer reviews. 

Top Ranked Companies

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The Good

  • Vast Selection of Makeup Products
  • Great Online Features
  • Free Shipping on Orders Over $50
  • Flexible Return Policy
  • Beauty Insider Rewards Program
  • Customer Service Hours

Vast Selection of Makeup Products

Sephora offers thousands of products from hundreds of makeup brands. Among the top beauty brands they sell:

  • Kat Von D
  • Huda Beauty
  • Drunk Elephant
  • Briogeo
  • Fenty Beauty
  • Jo Malone
  • Urban Decay

Customers will find a wide selection of eye shadow, bronzer, concealer, eyeliner, lipstick, waterproof mascara, and many other top beauty accessories. If you are looking to try something new every order comes with two free samples of your choice.

Great Online Features

There are several different online features that Sephora provides for additional information about its beauty products. In the Beauty Talk section of the website, users can submit questions to be answered by other Sephora users. In order to join the conversation, however, users must be a Sephora member. All users can access how-to videos from professional makeup artists, articles, and The Beauty Board which provides inspirational photos and makeup ideas.

Free Shipping on Orders Over $50

Sephora offers free shipping on all orders over $50.00. For orders under $50.00, users are offered 3-day shipping for $5.95. Sephora also offers 2-day, 1-day or USPS priority shipping for an additional cost.

Flexible Return Policy

Sephora also offers free returns both online and in-store. Customers will receive full refunds for items that are returned within 60 days, or store credits for items that are returned in 61-90 days.

Beauty Insider Rewards Program

Sephora customers can sign up for the free Beauty Insider rewards program and email newsletters. This also gives you the option to receive free deluxe samples, birthday gifts, Beauty Insider offers, and more. Sephora members also have unlimited access to the Sephora Community for the ultimate Sephora shopping experience. Here you can ask questions about all of the products and even how to choose the right shade for your skin tone. Non-members also have access to the Community board but cannot submit questions.

Customer Service Hours

Sephora has an 877-number for contacting customer service. Their customer service representatives are available Monday–Friday, 6:00 am–9:00 pm PST, and Saturday–Sunday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm PST. Under the "Contact Us" section of the website, users also have the option of filling out an online form to contact customer service through email.

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The Bad

  • Missing Popular Brands

Missing Popular Brands

While Sephora offers hundreds of different makeup products from top beauty brands, it does not sell some of the most popular brands. For example, Sephora does not carry L'Oreal, CoverGirl, or M.A.C.

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The Bottom Line

Sephora is an established brand in the makeup industry and offers the convenience of returning and exchanging online purchases in-store. In addition, the website features several helpful tools for all makeup enthusiasts including articles, videos, community forums, inspiration boards, free samples, and a personal wishlist.

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Star Rating

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4.5

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196 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

59%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

1%

1 grade

2%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Denise H. Mona, UT

I am a huge make-up lover and overall, Sephora is a nice store with a large variety of products. However, their customer service could be much better. My experience is that many of their employees are not very well versed in their product lines and not good at recommending items. I have found this to be true even in stores located in large metropolitan areas.

9 years ago

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Madi Thompson Ogden, UT

I've overall have had pretty decent experiences when shopping at Sephora. I enjoy the fact that they let you take home a sample of whatever you like. Their stores could be cleaner as far as testers go but other than that, I'd recommend it.

8 years ago

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Kathrine Evans New Orleans, LA

Most of the time I go it’s very clean and the workers take good care of u and make sure everything cleaned but sometimes the workers don’t acknowledge you , I went in there for the third time in my life with no makeup on and no one came up to me and the fifth time I went I had a full face of makeup on and three workers came up to me asking me questions about if if I need anything and I kind of find that rude

6 years ago

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Katie Kearney Vienna, VA

I went to sephora for my engagement photo makeup. I called and scheduled a time for them to do my makeup, however, when I arrived the girl who does their makeup left so I was stuck with a girl who said she would do her best. I was extremely disappointed because she did not do what I asked her to and we had to redo it a couple times and even then I was still upset. They did not do anything about it so I was upset. I ended up having to wipe some off and do my own makeup for my photos.

7 years ago

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Alyssa Boren American Fork, UT

It's way too expensive. Yes, it is high quality, but people who can't afford super expensive make up still want high quality make up as well. The makeup is nice and lasts long.

7 years ago

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Emerald Scott West Jordan, UT

The customer service here is outstanding. The employees are really knowledgeable. My biggest issue is that their products are so expensive and it's hard to find good deals. Their "cheaper" options aren't even that cheap.

8 years ago

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Olivia Hardy Baltimore, MD

Sephora had a wide variety of makeup products. I typically use their skin care and lotion items. Their app is also very easy to use and a free download. Sephora is usually expensive but good quality, however I personally do not recommend their hair products. I have not found them beneficial just a waste of money.

5 years ago

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Mason Allen Provo, UT

Sephora is too expensive for the quality of products they sell. Some of the products are name brand and those seem to be priced alright but then there are others that are much less quality sitting on the same shelf for the same price. I always feel pressure to buy when I am there as well.

5 years ago

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Samantha Fayetteville, AR

Everytime I have purchased from Sephora I have been pleased with my products, but not necessarily the customer service. The stores I have been to have had some employees that were condescending and did not seem very friendly or willing to help.

5 years ago

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ChanceyParker Jackson, MS

I always had to follow people around to even get samples. The rewards are a joke. You get samples basically that are so small and not even worth wasting points on.

6 years ago

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Rachel Butler Provo, UT

The employees just don’t feel as qualified to help me as they should be. I want someone there who knows more about make up and what are good options for me than a quick google search.

5 years ago

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Rhyia Emeri Reyes San Antonio, TX

If you like luxury, you should go to Sephora. You earn points for every purchase, but the free trial products are not worth it. There are other stores where you can get the same products, but at a discounted rate.

5 years ago

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JCrosbie Salt Lake City, UT

Lots of selection. Great variety. Store feels overwhelming. I don’t enjoy how made up the artists are or how they push you to more expensive product. Stores often feel dirty, especially the sample areas.

5 years ago

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Cassidy Lucas Olney, MD

I have only shopped here a couple times but the service was not very good. But the products are always on n great condition when you buy in store or online.

5 years ago

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Anne Marie Milne Layton, UT

Sephora is okay. I don't think they have as good of a selection as some other makeup places. I never have as much luck when I go there. Unfortunately I would not recommend.

8 years ago

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Lindsey American Fork, UT

In my opinion, since I'm not super intense about makeup, Sephora is overpriced and too fancy for me - not worth it.

8 years ago

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Kay lynn Tucson, AZ

My daughter loves this store. I just wish the reps knew more about makeup for darker skin tones

5 years ago

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Madison Kneiss Gulfport, MS

The amount of money you have to spend in order to get a very small reward, is ridiculous.

6 years ago

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Jennifer Salt Lake City, UT

The products are great, but every Sephora I've been to has awful staff.

5 years ago