The Sephora beauty supply retail store is a true paradise of beauty products for every type of individual. The origin of the name Sephora was derived from historical roots. Half of the name came from one of the wives of Moses. Her name was Zipporah, an enchantress who was renowned for her intensive beauty. Then merging her name with the Greek term for all things pretty: sephos. Subsequently, Sephora was born behind this combined concept of "beauty authority."
The Stores
The beauty store concept of Sephora began during 1969 in France and is currently the leading retail beauty chain store in Europe. In 1997, the stores were bought by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton - a Paris-based luxury product group. After the purchase, the company expanded into the United States in 1998 and now has 515 stores in 14 different countries worldwide.
The stores are certainly an all encompassing beauty supply house, with a specialty store feel hidden inside a department store style floor plan. They carry over 250 brands and a broad range of product categories including skincare, makeup, hair care, fragrances and more. Given such a wide range of products and brands available, the Sephora store is an ideal place to comparison shop for price and makeup color opportunities. For a store location near you, check the website's store locator.
Employee Training
In order to maintain a level of beauty excellence and expertise within their stores, the company created the "Science of Sephora." An intensive employee training program to ensure proficient knowledge of skin physiology, makeup artistry and customer service skills by all sales people. These beauty experts are available for your personal assistance in the stores and online.
Website
The website, www.sephora.com, was first launched in 1999. It is now the company's largest money-making" store" with access to over 12,000 products in the privacy of your own home. The site also offers a wide range of beauty advice and tips, information on new product development, a great gift collection, product reviews and much more.
If you or someone close to you has a special occasion coming up, be sure to check out the gift registry feature online at Sephora. Many people forget how expensive and important makeup can be for those distinctive events such as weddings, proms and birthdays. With a registry, you are sure to have the right products with the right colors for your own personal beauty format.
Catalogs
Magazine style catalogs are issued several times a year and are available online, at the stores or by mail. They offer beauty hints and tips, along with showcasing selected products available at Sephora.
Sephora Collection
The company launched their private label brand products in France during the year 1994 with a bath assortment collection. The line has now evolved to include makeup, skincare, hair care and more. They cover all the basic essentials, plus a few fun extras. The makeup products are moderately priced and known for their immense color assortment, plus professional style makeup brushes.
