SEPHORA

I take the time to write detailed reviews when a place truly earns it, and the Marina Boulevard and San Leandro location has done exactly that — consistently. This is my third review, and each visit continues to reinforce why this location stands out so clearly from others. What sets this place apart is not just good service, but exceptional people. Every staff member I’ve encountered has been welcoming, respectful, and genuinely attentive. They listen carefully, explain things thoroughly, and treat every interaction with patience and care. There is a sincerity here that cannot be trained or scripted — it comes from a team that clearly values what they do and the people they serve. The atmosphere reflects that same level of intention. The location is well-organized, calm, and inviting, creating an experience that feels professional yet personal. Nothing feels rushed or transactional. Instead, you leave feeling supported and valued, which is something many businesses aim for but very few actually achieve. It’s rare to see this level of consistency across multiple visits, and that is why this review matters. Great experiences can happen once by chance — great experiences happening again and again are the result of strong leadership, thoughtful training, and a culture that prioritizes kindness and accountability. Marina Boulevard and San Leandro have created something special. This team sets a standard that others should learn from. Thank you for continuing to show what outstanding service looks like. You’ve earned not just positive feedback, but genuine respect.

Was able to come and be assisted by the beautiful, kind, and amazing Alicia. Alicia color matched my daughter with Ilia. And explained the findings of the color match regard to moisturizer recommendations! Although Alicia had to leave fro lunch the smoothe transition to Maui who helped us checkout via the scanner electronically with waiting further in line was an added bonus. Will definitely return for future needs! 🙂

I purchased the cologne sampler kit in-store because it came with a redeemable voucher for a full-size product. However, when I got home and opened it, the voucher was missing. I went back to the store to ask for help, and the manager immediately asked if there had been a plastic seal on the zipper. When I said no, they told me, "Oh, then it was probably stolen." I honestly can’t believe the store is aware that these vouchers are being stolen and still continues to sell these kits without checking them first. If they know the signs of tampering, why not inspect the products before letting customers pay full price for something incomplete? It’s also disappointing that they don’t seem to make any effort to track or replace missing vouchers, it feels like the responsibility is unfairly pushed onto the customer. Their only offer was to let us choose from what they had in stock or get nothing, and of course, they didn’t have our top two choices. We bought this kit specifically for the flexibility of choosing whichever cologne we wanted, but we didn’t get that experience at all because the store sold us a tampered product. Very frustrating experience, I expected better quality control and customer care from a store like this. I won’t be purchasing sampler kits here again.

I was extremely disappointed by the lack of attention and professionalism shown by the manager at this location. While I was waiting for assistance, I noticed the manager was standing in the corner, chatting with one of the employees, completely ignoring the customers who needed help. Several of us had been waiting for over 15 minutes after the manager had told us they would "be with us shortly." Meanwhile, customers around me were asking for help finding products, and no one was available to assist them. It's frustrating to see a manager prioritize small talk over customer service. It felt like our time and needs weren’t valued, and this kind of disrespectful behavior is unacceptable. I won’t be returning to this location again. It's a shame because I’ve always had positive experiences at other Sephora stores, but this visit left a bad impression. I hope the management team takes this feedback seriously and makes improvements for future customers.

Great staff! I needed to be color matched and was helped right away. Plus, finally have a foundation that matches my skin perfectly 👌 Everyone is super friendly here.

I came in specifically to get assistance selecting a foundation and had four different options in my cart. There was a long line, and only one staff member was on the floor. I waited patiently while she was helping another customer with shade matching, but as soon as she finished, she rushed over to help with checkout. When I asked if she could help me once she was done with the line, she flat out told me they weren’t doing shade matches. This was frustrating because I had literally just watched her do one moments before. I would’ve appreciated honesty, if she said the line was long and she needed to assist with checkout first, I would’ve understood. But being lied to felt disrespectful. Unfortunately, this kind of experience really puts me off returning to this location. If you're looking for real help, I recommend going to the Emeryville store — they’ve always been much more helpful and attentive

I had the worst experience here today. Never again. This staff needs a lesson in customer service. Maria needs to look for a new job. She’s in the wrong profession. The Emeryville store is the way to go. Although they are busy, they offer good customer service.