I absolutely love going to Sephora. Even though I am not a person that wears make-up on a daily basis, nor when I do wear it do I look like I am completely caked and ready for a burlesque show. Even for someone like me the store is completely filled with hours of fun and wonderment.
First lets start at the wall of perfume and give our olfactory system a work out. I could spend quite some time testing my nose on new scents and even trying to decipher the complicated or not quite so complicated notes within different designer's scents. Also, it is important to note that just because you love a perfume does not mean that your body will love it as well. Each person has their own unique chemistry and how it interacts with a perfume can dictate if you should or should not wear it, because you (or those around you) will be able to tell.
Once you have narrowed your mind on one, two, or more scents (though I would limit it to 4) test them on your arms. Test the first two at the inside of your wrists (don't rub your wrists together and mix the two). Three and four, if you have that many you like, should go on the inside of your elbows. Now wear these while you are looking at the rest of the store or complete your shopping in the mall. You want to give at least 30 minutes, preferably more, to allow your body to adjust the scent to your own chemistry.
Now off on to other areas of the store. Likely on another wall (or more) will be a plethora of facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, etc. Feel free to peruse this to your needs. Also, be on the look out for a worker that has a white pin on that says "Skincare Expert". This person has been schooled in skincare and its tips, tricks, best products for what you need, etc. They are more than happy to assist you with locating products to assist you with finding treatments for acne, dry skin, wrinkles, changes in your skin's condition, etc. Not only can they help you with locating products, but they can also give you details into the best times or way to use them. If you have questions, just ask. And if you do not see someone with one of the white pins, just ask another person in the store and they will be able to locate who you need.
Now, moving on to my favorite part of the store- make up! Oh there are so many kinds once you get looking and I am not just talking about brands either. At Sephora you will be able to find some of the elite well known designer brands like Givenchy and Yves St. Laurent as well as some of my personal favorites like Smashbox, Two Faced, Urban Decay, and MAKE UP FOR EVER (that's how the brand is labeled). Sephora also has a pretty amazing store brand that has everything from makeup to brushes to lotions. I really enjoy their eyeshadow. Be sure to spend some time looking around and even testing out the makeup. There are plenty of applicators and cleansers (if you hate what you just applied) all over the store. Check the ends of the makeup area, that's where I have mainly found the applicators and cleansers.
The idea in the makeup area is to just go wild. Do you always use pencil eyeliner but have wanted always wanted to try your hand at liquid eyeliner or perhaps a smudge pot? If so, locate the liner applicator brushes and pick up several. Please remember that just like you wouldn't double dip a chip into some dip; don't use the same brush in the tester liquid eyeliner twice. While looking around you can test out eyeliners, eyeshadow, blush, lipsticks, and even nail polish.
If you would like some information of how to apply the makeup you are looking at or how to wear the latest colors or makeup trends, check the Sephora store for information about dates that goes over that information and gives demos. If you are not available at that time, feel free to ask someone that works at the store if they would be willing to assist you with some application ideas or assistance.
If you are bored one day and want to head out of the house, but are not sure what you want to do... head to Sephora. Take the time to immerse yourself in the store with the wide range of products and brands. Be sure to play with different colors, look for a new perfume, and even try out a style to wow your partner or prospective one for your next night out.
Sephora also has a pretty amazing website but I by far prefer to head to the store and try everything out in person. I tend to use the website later if my funds are low while I'm at the store or for re-ordering something I need to replenish or am already familiar with.
In any case just enjoy yourself and try not to be overwhelmed by the amount of product packed into the Sephora store.
-C-
