Sephora Opens a Second Ottawa Location in the Bayshore Shopping Centre

Ottawa just got more beautiful.

Sephora, the French cosmetics retail giant, first moved to Canada in 2004 in Toronto. Now, with 25 northern stores, the black and white striped entrance is becoming a fixture on the Canadian retail landscape.

If you have yet to visit a Sephora location, I suggest remedying the situation immediately! It is a beauty lovers paradise, especially with the new Bayshore store which will be home to 5,218 square feet of makeup, skincare products, tools, accessories and bath & body goods.

The best part about Sephora is undoubtedly its try-before-you-buy concept. In fact, they were the first beauty retailer to employ this unique open-sell philosophy, setting up stations around each store with disposable brushes, swabs, sponges and cleaners to allow shoppers to touch, play and try the products.

Sephora’s beauty experts allow you to explore the options yourself, but are always available if need be for friendly and helpful advice. A concept that I am sure many shoppers can appreciate, because no one likes being hassled by sales employees.

Sephora provides a truly rare retail experience, and one that the cosmetics giant has built its reputation on. Each of the stores’ cast members (otherwise known as sales associates) are some of the most educated in the beauty business. Each employee must be trained in an intense educational program that focuses on skincare, hair care, colour and general beauty. Armed with this knowledge, they are readily available to offer shoppers a non-biased approach to recommending products.

Not only do the beauty experts recommend products, but they are also available for a quick lesson in makeup. In June, Sephora launched Express Services at the Sephora Beauty Studio, where trained Beauty Experts offer complimentary in-store beauty lessons.

“Over the years, Sephora has noted that no matter which season or trend, certain application requests remain a constant,” says Christine Jack, Sephora’s VP of Stores. In stores, you can learn to master the coveted smoky eye, define the perfect pout, or achieve a flawless complexion.

If you are interested in a more in-depth tutorial, or need a knock-out look for a special event, you can come in for a Customized Makeup Application. An expert artist gives you just the look you want in a private 60-minute makeup session, while providing tips and techniques to recreate the look on your own. The service is available with a minimum $50 purchase – a bargain for a detailed lesson, awesome products and a gorgeous new beauty look!

For those who need even more beauty scoops, you can also join Beauty Insider, which allows members to access special products, exclusive samples, and even a free birthday gift. I, for one, look forward to this yearly gift, and will be heading to a Sephora location come September for my prettifying present!

Sephora stores are not only stocked with over 140 beauty brands like Benefit, Dior and Josie Maran, but they also have hard-to-find names such as Anastasia, Make Up For Ever and Ojon. I can’t get enough of their branded shelves, home to gorgeous products from the likes of Kat Von D and TARINA TARANTINO.

The store’s private collection is another standout, with everything from brushes and bronzers to lip glosses and eye shadows -priced affordably no less.

With the success of the Sephora’s first Ottawa location in the downtown Rideau Centre, I have no doubts that the new Bayshore store will be equally well received.