Things I will not longer do after working at Sephora 👀 spilling all my secrets!

[@sebumpostmortem]

Since I worked at a Sephora placed in a basement, I used to take my customers upstairs, to the entrance, where natural light is after the foundation swatches were fully oxydized. If the sun had set, I gave 3-4 samples and I scheduled an appointment whenever they had free time on day time. I was warned-threatened several times NOT to do it in spite of receiving a lot of written congratulations saying "It' s the first time in my life that someone has found my perfect match and has explained me why it didn' t work". I refused to colourmatch inside the store and I ended fired. 😌 I would do it again. 🧛🏻‍♀️🖤

[@De_Elias]

The hero we need

[@Sarah-ic4yu]

Lol man I wish you could color match me! It’s so damn hard to do objectively on myself and every time I’ve gotten somebody to help they have been completely off

[@Bigb00bs_umchileanywaysso]

It’s so crazy how the establishments are always like “customers are always right” but when you actually do help the customers with all your heart, you’re not doing your job. I’m so sorry you lost your job for doing something so amazing. It’s their loss honestly🫶🏽

[@rhiannonh.7463]

Commend you for trusting your gut on what to do, because it’s what I use to do at ULTA & Shiseido! Customers want to find their shade to the point they come back k buy it over & over.

[@CherryJuli]

That’s exactly why I don’t let anybody else color match me. Usually it’s the wrong shade. I once bought a foundation I was color matched to at MAC and when I arrived home I looked like I have a sunburn. The MUA there was sure I must have a pink undertone because I’m fair. I actually have an olive undertone.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

I’m convinced they do the horrible lights so you end up buying multiple shades.

[@Lauren21288]

Nah they just cheap

[@jh2471]

Makes sense

[@kr0wn.aSSaSSin]

Or so anything + everything looks good on you!?

[@clubbasher32]

And to make you feel insecure about yourself if you come in with a fresh face

[@tiffanythomas1883]

Girl!! I never thought of that good thinking

[@ahdb6220]

I think minis are really good for people who like to carry their makeup around or even for travel. It’s also an option if you haven’t tried the product before. It’s not just about the price, if you buy the full size and end up not liking it and you don’t have anyone to give it to, that would be so wasteful.

[@TheBurrito171]

Many mascara minis are actually a better value intrinsically, if you do the math.

[@deathbeforedecaf7755]

This!! And I agree with the mascara. They use their best formula in those!!

[@yesyes594]

People forget what the use of minis is. Like they’re the most helpful thing that graced the makeup space lol I hate carrying full sizes

[@k_tubbs]

I actually have to disagree on the minis! Obviously for many people, such as yourself, you use your products daily or at least frequently. I don't wear makeup every day so getting the Laura Mercier powder in a mini saves me money in the long run. Same thing with primers and mascara. I also often grab skin care in the mini if the full size is just way too expensive. Yes I use it everyday but it's much easier to make a smaller purchase. I definitely feel the minis have their place.

[@TheCutiepie2004]

I actually like the minis as it gives me a chance to test out a product to see if I want to splurge and buy the full size

[@EnvyBlu]

I really like the minis to try out the products before I buy an expensive item. I certainly can’t afford to buy a bunch of full size products, not like them, then they are sitting in my drawer not being used.

[@tracy_cakkes]

That’s actually true I rarely wear makeup and most of the full size bottle goes to waste I’m going to start just getting the minis

[@neversaw]

Yep! I mostly buy minis as I often don't finish the product before it needs to be thrown out for hygiene/out of date. If I end up using it relatively fast I'll buy the bigger but esp coming into summer where it's too hot here I just don't bother wearing make up to melt it off

[@jessicabui7826]

She means the minis that are pot by the register, not the minis in general. The ones by the register DONT have good value, but that’s not to say there aren’t others with great value

[@twobluestripes]

Minis are so great for cream or liquid products that will expire faster, or that you will go through more slowly, like blush/eyeshadow. In that case, it’s a pretty good value.

[@LizzyCarrone9]

Current employee here! We always sanitize the alcohol and makeup remover dispensers (not sure why your store didn’t) and the lights have updated! Come visit at our New Orleans Lakeside location!

[@md55773]

Yeaaah... sure...

[@LizzyCarrone9]

@@md55773 Not sure why I'd comment just to lie about that (we don't even make commission) but okay

[@Mimi-hn6iv]

​@@LizzyCarrone9 I remember trying to help people, when I worked retail and they didn't want to take my help, because they didn't want me getting a commission 😂 all we got was 7.25 an hour. No more, no less.

[@LizzyCarrone9]

@@Mimi-hn6iv people can be crazy rude. Most jobs aren’t commission-based anymore outside of department stores but some people are just wack.

[@md55773]

Well you should abolish commissionary jobs and start fighting for well paid jobs. The American working system is a joke. You do work hard but you still don't complain at the right people, the government. You just point at one another, it's hilarious!

[@Mspiggy375]

I worked at Estée Lauder for 6+ years and we sanitized everything several times a day. We would also recommend that foundation be looked at in natural light.

[@MeeaCaroline]

When I buy the minis it’s usually to give the products a test before I go back for the full size

[@Genevieve88]

I used to work for Lancôme. I won’t use ANY testers of makeup on my face that are sitting out to use. I test everything on my hands. Never on my face!

[@haleyscherer6058]

Minis are awesome! I love trying something out before making a full size purchase. Also, i travel a ton and rely on them.

[@morganonawhim]

We sanitize the containers for swaps/rounds/etc at our store. And I love the minis… it’s true you’re paying a much higher price per oz but I think I’m not alone with not always finishing full sizes that I buy which creates a lot of waste. I love trying new things so the minis are a great way to scratch the itch without having a ton of product I don’t use.

[@rockymountainskies1744]

Worried about single use products in zero cross contamination containers but will use tester makeup on her face... girl your priorities are all wrong!

[@chailaelizabeth2111]

I feel like if we all cared about each other more as human beings it wouldn’t be like this. Honestly don’t eat out because 9x out of 10 they’re not clean.

[@angiejacobsrs]

That’s nasty..I worked at MAC and we would clean out the disposables every other week or so. Also the minis are great for travel or trying something new without committing to a full size.

[@Tiff-vi9kx]

I like the minis. It helps me try out products before committing to larger ones.

[@jazzybelle2954]

I’ll very rarely buy minis - because you usually can grab them up online with reward points or the offers, or sometimes as part of a value set. I never buy eye cream due to this strategy lol
If it’s a holy grail product for travel/handbag convenience then I get it though.
Some products you may not use up quickly enough to warrant buying a full size
For foundation, get them to give you a sample pot to take home so you can test out the natural lighting & also see how your skin reacts to it (nice way to get a few days of free product 😉)

[@Mai_fig]

I agree the minis not being a “bang for your buck” but they are incredibly practical. I’ve broken so many blushes, eyebrow pens, lotions in my bag .. Having the little ones really do come in clutch

[@cocochanel773]

The mini mascaras are way better than full size. Every time I buy a full size, I find it dries out way quicker and gets thrown out. Mascara isn’t what it used to be, as it would always last quite a while when I was younger. Not only do I prefer the minis, but just found out my girlfriends do the same for the exact same reasons.

[@zeals936]

Minis are good for traveling. A proper store will and do clean out items, sanitize testers, counter tops, and even door handles. And makeup artists encourage clients to check out foundation and makeup in the sun. I used to work at Sephora.

[@Sarahishappy123]

Exactly! I am also a beauty consultant at a store and when I do a shade match I go to the window and let the customer see what it actually looks like

[@ejohnson3131]

How about about a video titled “Why I No Longer Shop at Sephora!” and the number one reason will be their employees.

[@BubbleBunnyy]

It depends on the store some are so rude, too pushy. I hate that, lately I’ve experienced that less.

[@kirasthebest]

That makes me so sad...I wonder if this is in bigger cities because I have so many clients come into my store saying they specifically come there because we're so nice 🤷🏾‍♀️🤷🏾‍♀️

[@BubbleBunnyy]

@@kirasthebest yea I think it is in bigger cities, I’ve been in some in Miami where the employees are kinda stuck up and hound you. I’ve went to others where the employees are very nice.

[@goonie8517]

I go to Ulta instead for Sephora because of the employees. Sephora employees will insult you as soon as you walk in, especially the men that work there. And their rude insults are just passed off like "Oh he's just a sassy gay bestie" like he literally told my friend she looked like dog shit but yeah ok. Plus Ulta rewards and sales are way better. They only ask me if I need help 1x then they leave me the fuck alone and don't insult me into buying their shit.

[@mr.a.]

Wow this video is spot on. I too worked at Sephora. The lighting issue is because all the black in the stores. Black absorbs light. The hygiene stations are extremely dirty! Stay away. They need to implement a nightly routine to soak those containers in disinfectant and refill them in the morning.

[@starwilde4252]

Lol emergency doctor to working at Sephora 💀

[@bananamilk1974]

Girl I cleaned them. But I worked at sephora at 18. They usually had teens, part timers cleaned them out😊

[@bip5395]

Actually, for many years Benefit’s They’re real mini was cheaper per ml than the normal size.
Also it is good to try out something new even if it ends up more expensive in volume or weight because you pay less on something that can not really work for your skin

[@cokeejohnson]

I agree with you. I do go outside to check the color as well and take a picture. ( inside the store as well as out side)

[@elle-vk4js]

Minis are great for travel as repotting some skincare can degrade its quality and is really difficult for make-up items. I travel with a combo of repotted, minis, and sample packets. Which means I can keep my entire routine in my carry-on.

[@Lillybean25]

keep spilling more tea I’m thirsty 😭💕

[@CherryJuli]

I actually do like minis. You don’t have to buy the full size if something you might not like. I also like mini blushes or bronzers. They usually last me forever.

[@ErinJudex3]

mini mascaras are FOR SURE worth it! you have to replace that bad boy every six weeks if you’re using daily, so you end up wasting a huge tube for no reason.

[@becm963]

Agree. I always purchase mini mascaras. If I am supposed to replace my mascara every three months to avoid eye infection, I am going to buy a mini mascara tube of it.

[@twobluestripes]

I really wish my favorite mascara, which is drugstore, would come in minis. I would buy a multipack, too!

[@catherinevaz6139]

I bought a mini eyeliner pencil, and I love the fact that I'll be able to use it all before it dries out. Which usually happens when I buy the full size.
I also love mini lipsticks & glosses, because you can just throw them in your purse to do a quick retouch anytime 🥰

[@mongdc]

Sometimes I prefer minis because I don’t have to commit to a full size and this allows me to actually finish the products. If I end up loving it then I’d purchase the full size. But I rarely use a few things like eyeshadow, so when I find mini mascaras or mini eyeliners I tend to gravitate more towards those because I’d hate for them to go bad before I can use them.

[@Aintnoabsoloteway]

I never actually test makeup on my face because of something my mom used to tell me.

[@sstacyss]

I only test foundation with a pump. I clean the pump with my own sanitizer and test on lower face

[@Booby_toesdays]

👍🏻 the minis are great for trying a product and if you like it, get the full size and keep the mini in your purse 👍🏻

[@z.deutch1334]

I travel, and international flights have maximum liquids and gel limits. I usually do carry-on not check-in luggage, so minis are a lifesaver to overcome the volume limits. Also I've done the repackage full sized items into smaller jars/tubes/containers thing, and I've had a few of them burst or leak in the zip lock bag. Honestly it's just easier and less headache to get the mini sized items (to save, buy them when the store has a sale)

[@lindagelinda4077]

The Natural light to match foundation is sooo correct! I do the same.

[@EnvyBlu]

If it was your job to clean the containers, then the fact they didn’t get cleaned was your fault. Of course you had some time throughout your shift to clean them.

[@saturdaymorning176]

LOL have you worked retail before? Try to do some shit like that and get yelled at by your boss. Every. Time.

[@bryanr8398]

Tell me you never work without telling me you never work:

[@distinctlydri2831]

Exactly. It’s a part of the training. Heck you are supposed to sanitize the products before you test in customers. She was lazy.

[@yourerightimwrong4567]

@@saturdaymorning176 At the end of the night...? Literally, grab them all, put them on the counter, spray them down, let them sit, spray two rags, wipe down one side of a counter, wipe containers down well, stack them into each other, wipe another side of the counter, spread them on the counter, and then whoever opens sets them all back in their spots after wiping down the shelves where they are held. 15 minutes tops each time.

[@ricebeansrockroll882]

Fr, you find a way to get it done if you care

[@ADF200]

I always assumed the makeup remover was to use to wipe off swatches. people using these on their face 😳

[@sz6557]

For me the minis are the best thing at sephora. I tend to use very little product so they lay a long time and they're usually a great value for me

[@emmakunis]

me walking away with the foundation: “i’m just.. trying to see if it looks good outside.”
*bolts away*

[@eeejay235]

She worked there and refilled the container, why couldn’t she have cleaned the container too? It’s not that long of a process and could have prevented other people from getting exposed

[@michellelee8933]

Exactly 😭 girl didn't do her job and wonders why nobody is doing it

[@a697ag]

She was a lazy careless employee and she assumes everyone else is.

[@lesliebb8400]

I noticed the horrible lighting the first time I ever walked in a Sephora and wondered why they allowed that kind of lighting. I never bought anything for my base because I couldn’t what the color really looked like. I think they lose more sales with this lighting

[@Wrxgirl2021]

I had a worker put concealer on me. I got a severe eye infection. Never again.

[@JayJay-qu4nw]

You're definitely right about the items by the checkout /registers

[@lesliemaddison3917]

Please do more 🙏🏾 this was helpful thanks!

[@izzyfizzy08]

i don’t usually search directly on my face, i usually use the back of my hand or wrist so nothing bad has ever happened with the cotton pads

[@michaeltreat2315]

I use to work at Sephora as well, it was not our job to clean the containers. We were only told to stock them. Tbh there’s much worse stuff then this at Sephora. The only cotton round that would get ‘dirty’ is the very bottom one & at least the makeup remover bottle is being filled with makeup remover, you’re essentially filling it up with soapy water every time your refill… Now if you wanna talk about the makeup brushes the employees use… I would neverrr let one of those touch my face

[@Babezinni]

Sometimes you shouldn’t have to have your job spelt out to you. That’s proof of a good employee with great work ethic. If you refill the containers but see grime and spills around them you sanitize it especially since you know customers touch them all day and put it on their face. Everyone in this generation does the minimal amount of work just to get by and then wonders why the employee next to them gets better shifts etc.

[@michaeltreat2315]

@@Babezinni Customers touch EVERYTHING all day long and put it on their face, eyes, LIPS, ect. It’s impossible to keep everything sanitized, when most other people don’t care themselves. If something was visibly dirty then we would clean it but when you’re given 50 other tasks with 30 min to get them done at the end of the night with only 2 people you have no time to do the extra. People will literally grab a lipstick, smack it on their lips, put it back and the next person will do the same.. I agree that most of this generation does bare minimum and expects the world, I’m not here for that. I’m also not here for over working yourself at a job that pays minimum wage & requires the most. Which is why I am no longer there & have my own business that I worked my butt off for.

[@Andreea-kx5jf]

@@Babezinni “I wAs NoT ToLD to dO ThAt” ughh …

[@Babezinni]

@@Andreea-kx5jf insert SpongeBob gif *

[@TGRAM7]

I have been going to Sephora as long as they’ve been open and I have never understood their terrible lighting. I always have to return foundations and concealers because the lighting alters the colors so badly.

[@clarawallace5894]

I work at Ulta and am very surprised by this.

[@Kay2be2mr]

Why? Are things better and stricter at ULTA?

[@maggiee639]

The only one I disagree with is the minis. I love them because I like to carry a makeup bag of minis or if I’m trying a new product.

[@MsElectricsurge]

This and it’s great if you need to travel for work a lot. I don’t want to haul around full sized containers every time. Now that I got mini versions of most of my products I can travel with a smaller bag and don’t have to wait around for my bag because the carry on is all I need

[@maggiee639]

@@MsElectricsurge yes exactly! I can have a full face of makeup in minis that fits into a makeup bag I can throw in my purse. My actual makeup bag is freaking huge!

[@janasweeney8494]

Minis are definitely worth it, what is the last time you used up a full lipstick? If you switch a couple of shades or use some only every now and then, mini is surely a better option. Also, mascaras are best to try out as minis, if they work, you can repurchase but I like to keep them travel-size, plus you have better control of application. Also, not everyone is using blush or highlight every day, I've had an hourglass mini for forever now, would never be able to use the full size.

[@prncessxjasmine05]

You are so pretty 🥰

[@Mysticalala]

I always tell clients when shopping to take samples of the foundations I’m trying out on them! So u can see if you like the wear + see how the color looks in the day time. We even have this really big floor to ceiling windows in the front and I use the mirrors nearby during day time to see the color on them too.
ALSO I wouldn’t use the cotton pads at the hygiene station either 😭 when they’re empty, some clients like to use them as trashbins and we have to empty them. I need to ask my manager if we could disinfect all the hygiene stations during the day. Thank you!

[@goldiefatale]

I only buy minis and they last me a long time. full sized products I honestly end up giving away after a few months. mini sizes I actually use and they are great for travel.

[@choops9469]

Y’all she’s not hating on the mini products themselves, she’s saying how they basically jack the price a bit higher on the minis and how your better off just saving the money

[@katem331]

So.. didn’t you clean the container? There was not time? Give me a break 😂

[@melsin1143]

yes no time. have to go asap and do other things

[@NayNay97xoxo]

if u dont currently work retail or haven’t in recent years please kindly keep ur 💩 comment to urself

[@mkg2124]

Have you never worked retail in your life?

[@bostonreese4807]

I know that some of these stores can be crazy. Most of the time you are underpaid and overworked and being treated like crap by management and customers. Even though I’ve had a different experience, I’ve worked at enough places in general to know that not every location is the same. Bringing your common knowledge and common sense to a location helps better some of their issues if you apply them. The Sephora near me is very clean and their lights have changed. I never get my make up done there so I can’t speak for the cleanliness but I did work at a couple Bloomingdale’s locations and I know they are serious about hygiene. It just depends on the location and how much people care, which sucks.

[@sylvebertix8582]

Yup same thing happen to me about the wrong foundation shade i ended choosing a peachy shade instead of warm shade bcos of the lighting

[@Keresa101]

Facts, the minis have the worst value

[@abysmalagender]

I wish they had the price per ounce or whatever measurement like grocery stores do.

[@rhiannonh.7463]

Use to work at ULTA & freelance makeup artist who also use to be many many many years ago a CNA & phlebotomist, let me tell you even ULTA employees have all these issues too.

[@TheBurrito171]

TBH if you do the math, mascara minis are often a better value than the full size versions.

[@user-me22]

i think for the minis it depends on the product. If it’s just something you want to try or know you will use very little of sometimes it works out better even if the cost per unit is more.

[@ItsCottonie]

But the minis are my fave XD I never finish a full sized product before it expires. I don’t wear makeup enough. And I like to travel and be able to take everything with me as is.

[@janaj2748]

I peeped the Too Faced Hangover on the mini shelf at the end, their 3 in 1 setting spray is the GOAT. Don’t let anyone tell you different. 👀

[@yourerightimwrong4567]

I load up alcohol on one of the cotton rounds, clean the makeup remover lid, and then use a new round (from the middle of the pack) to wipe off my HAND. Who puts public makeup on their FaCe?!? Also, why doesn't Sephora have a 1/2 dishwasher in the back to put all the plastic tubs in?

[@Rebecca_Zhang]

Have to say the minis may not be the best value buy but if you are not going to be using that much product anyways it is pretty good especially if you have a hard time finishing products

[@conquistadorrocket]

exactly! every full sized mascara dries up or expires on me before I get a chance to use it all up. I'd say that's a worse deal than the mini which I finish no problem.

[@jenniferh2633]

Mini mascaras are actually alright. Easier to hold and don’t dry up before the tube is empty.

[@nykka3]

I only use the makeup remover on my hand swatches but the pure alcohol shouldn’t contain bacteria.

[@sarahkidd7477]

Would only buy minis for travel or testing before buying the full size, they're perfect for those

[@TheCarnivoreSoprano]

Minis are just to test a product so it's fine. I don't use the testers or anything anyway so there's that. And it's important to test a foundation on your own

[@lou3932]

I love the lighting in Sephora as far as the aesthetic, but no for my actual shopping. Whenever I pick up lipsticks to look at I have to move to various areas to see it under different lighting. I hate spending money on colors that look nothing like they do in store.

[@sadiebomar7115]

I work at ulta. These fixtures at the front are quite literally called impulse fixtures.

[@KKP7557]

I agree with the foundation thing. I treated myself to a new, pricey ($65) foundation for my 50th birthday this year. It matched perfectly in store. Once in natural light, it was too light. Hoping by midwinter it's a match. On the other hand, when I was matched in Ulta for a different foundation, it was the right shade in natural light as well.

[@arialamarre8617]

YES I got matched with a foundation once (& so expensive) I went outside and I was sooo orange

[@ayc1997]

True about the foundation 😡 I always ask for sample just to make sure.

[@catalinabrowne9023]

with the mini’s i prefer spending the extra money on mascaras. mascara should be used within 6 months and i personally can’t finish a big tub in 6 months so i prefer the mini versions, less waste product!!

[@tatianapolanco2115]

I always ask for foundation samples at Sephora, rather than going outside to shade check and come right back in to buy. I get quite a few uses and am able to see it in different lighting and see how it performs, too.

[@marissamkreads]

The minis can be as the trial products for the customers. If they like the minis, they will surely like the big ones

[@jackymartinez7502]

The last one, yess. I bought a Nars mini concealer , paid 12 bucks for lasted maybe 2 weeks and I don’t use a lot of makeup. Terrible value!!!!

[@stacy6437]

Yup I always go outside to check my face

[@milkflavored]

Ugh yeah I tried to buy some minis for stocking stuffers this year and they’re soooo overpriced! The tiny Sephora handlotion was $7! You get 10x that at bath & body for $4.95!

[@Luna-sz9uq]

The minis are mainly to try out the product. Better to spend $12 than $30 for something you didn’t like after all

[@keekee6254]

I love minis. I never finish them tho. I love makeup but don’t wear it everyday bc I don’t have time for it plus I suffer from allergies so I wash my face a lot at work.

[@gabrielaseveriano8042]

omg I got color matched at a Sephora once and it was the wooorst match! I don’t know how it looked like it matched on the store bc every time I tried to use the foundation after I looked like a ghost.

[@MeYou-gb7zy]

Surgeons, lawyers, ER DRs
Sephora employee…..
Lmao

[@nohasaeed7823]

The foundation one is 100% true from experience

[@bethannielynne4047]

I will just no longer shop there after working at Sephora. The culture was so toxic, I won’t financially support that.

[@nikitatavernitilitvynova]

Stores in my opinion (all of them) have horrible lighting to make you buy more. I can't tell you how many times a product looked different in store and out. I bought a blush from revolution that loomed awesome in store. But it turns out it's very pink and doesn't suit me at all. In the store (it had dimmer lights and more of a warm shade) the blush looked more orangy coral but on the skin at home with sunlight. It looks pink coral. And with pink blush I either look cold or dead because I have more of a yellow warm undertone. So neutral leaning red/warm blushes look amazing on me. Youthful, and alive.

[@girlwomen4685]

I know you’re not a doctor but this is the best video with this trend that made sense to me LOL. The DR ones are sooo dramatic but this was spot on 😅

[@kathleen1685]

Use the camera on your phone to check the color match

[@Hand_Of_Anubis]

So... its your own fault... for not cleaning it.

[@Xm3rmaid]

Every time I get color matched at Sephora I break out. They definitely don’t clean the brushes well enough lol

[@glorysolomon7299]

Thank you❤️

[@rumi1379]

Who even does that? I don't need to work at Sephora to know these things

[@CrimsonWing67]

I used their makeup remover once and it damaged my skin barrier. It was horrible experience of feeling like my skin is leather and then having all the skin peel away 😞

[@badbella1785]

Thanks 🙏 for this

[@dakotapowers311]

I currently work at ulta and the lighting is terrible there too, I’m convinced it’s a scheme to get you to buy more

[@Lala-lw6pi]

The minis are most definitely worth the money for someone like me who barely goes through big size products to the point the container is empty. I have very few products I do that with- and those i buy regular size. Also the alcohol kills bacteria…

[@kailapowell5500]

I by minis because I wear makeup for less than 20 days of the year. I have a mini primer that I bought a year ago that I’ve barely made a dent in

[@musiclover1581]

So so so true!!! Aaah it’s so awful and tragic