Sephora is one of the most popular beauty retailers in the world, offering a wide range of products from various brands and categories. However, sometimes, Sephora decides to discontinue some of its products, either because they are not selling well, they are being replaced by newer versions, or they are no longer compatible with the company’s vision and values. This can be frustrating for loyal customers who love these products and want to keep using them. In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why Sephora discontinues products, how to track down your favorite discontinued Sephora products, and some alternatives that you can try instead.
Why Does Sephora Discontinue Products?
There are many factors that can influence Sephora’s decision to discontinue a product, such as:
- Sales performance: Sephora tracks the sales data of every product it carries, and if a product is not selling well or meeting the expected targets, it may be discontinued to make room for more profitable or popular items.
- Customer feedback: Sephora also listens to customer feedback, both online and in-store, and if a product receives a lot of negative reviews, complaints, or returns, it may be discontinued to maintain customer satisfaction and trust.
- Brand decisions: Sometimes, Sephora does not have full control over the products it carries, as some brands may decide to discontinue their own products or stop distributing them to Sephora. This can happen for various reasons, such as changing market trends, product reformulations, brand repositioning, or legal issues.
- Company values: Sephora has a set of values and standards that it follows, such as being cruelty-free, clean, and inclusive. If a product does not align with these values, or if it violates any laws or regulations, it may be discontinued to uphold Sephora’s reputation and integrity.
How to Find Discontinued Sephora Products?
If you are looking for a discontinued Sephora product, you may still have some options to find it, such as:
- Check the Sephora website: Sometimes, Sephora may still have some stock of discontinued products on its website, and you can find them by searching for the product name or browsing the sale section. However, you have to act fast, as these products may sell out quickly or be removed from the website altogether.
- Visit a Sephora store: You can also try visiting a Sephora store near you and ask a sales associate if they have any discontinued products in the back or on display. You may get lucky and find some hidden gems that are not available online or at other locations.
- Contact the brand directly: If the product you are looking for is discontinued by the brand, not by Sephora, you can try contacting the brand directly and ask if they still have any inventory of the product or if they can recommend a similar product from their current line. Some brands may also have their own websites or online retailers where you can buy their discontinued products.
- Scour the online marketplaces: Another option is to look for discontinued Sephora products on online marketplaces, such as eBay, Amazon, or Poshmark. You may find some sellers who are willing to sell their unused or lightly used products at a reasonable price. However, you have to be careful and do your research before buying anything online, as some sellers may sell fake, expired, or damaged products. You should always check the seller’s ratings, reviews, and policies, and ask for proof of authenticity and quality before making a purchase.
What Are Some Alternatives to Discontinued Sephora Products?
If you cannot find your discontinued Sephora product anywhere, or if you want to try something new, you can always look for alternatives that are similar or better than the original product. Here are some tips on how to find suitable alternatives:
- Compare the ingredients: One of the best ways to find a similar product is to compare the ingredients list of the discontinued product with the ingredients list of the potential alternative. You can look for products that have the same or similar active ingredients, such as antioxidants, peptides, or retinoids, that provide the same or similar benefits, such as hydration, anti-aging, or brightening. You can also look for products that have the same or similar base ingredients, such as water, oil, or silicone, that provide the same or similar texture, consistency, or finish, such as creamy, matte, or dewy.
- Compare the shades: If you are looking for a similar color product, such as a lipstick, eyeshadow, or blush, you can compare the shades of the discontinued product with the shades of the potential alternative. You can look for products that have the same or similar undertones, such as warm, cool, or neutral, that complement your skin tone and enhance your features. You can also look for products that have the same or similar intensity, saturation, or opacity, that suit your preference and style, such as sheer, bold, or metallic.
- Compare the reviews: Another way to find a similar product is to compare the reviews of the discontinued product with the reviews of the potential alternative. You can look for products that have the same or similar ratings, feedback, or recommendations from other customers who have tried both products. You can also look for products that have the same or similar pros, cons, or tips from other customers who have shared their experiences and opinions. You can find reviews on the Sephora website, on the brand’s website, or on other beauty blogs or forums.
Some of the most popular discontinued Sephora products are:
- Lancome’s blush subtil in Cosmopolitan Pink: This was a beautiful and long-lasting blush that gave a natural flush to the cheeks. It was discontinued in 2011 and replaced by the Lancome Blush Subtil in Pink.
- Tarte “Rise & Shine Lip Gloss and Stain”: This was a combination of a lip gloss and a lip stain that gave a pretty and plumping color to the lips. It was discontinued in 2011 and replaced by the Tarte Lip Tart.
- Dior Lip Serum de Rouge in 740 Rosewood: This was a luxurious and moisturizing lip serum that gave a sheer and radiant color to the lips. It was discontinued in 2012 and replaced by the Dior Rouge de Paris Lipstick.
- Kat Von D Autograph pencil eyeliner: This was a creamy and pigmented eyeliner that gave a precise and smooth line to the eyes. It was discontinued in 2013 and replaced by the Kat Von D Eye Pencil.
- NARS penny lane cream blush: This was a creamy and buildable blush that gave a natural glow to the cheeks. It was discontinued in 2014 and replaced by the NARS Orgasm blush
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about discontinued Sephora products:
- Q: How can I know if a product is discontinued or not?
- A: You can check the Sephora website and see if the product is still available or not. If the product is out of stock, you can sign up for email notifications to be alerted when it is back in stock. If the product is marked as sale or clearance, it may be discontinued soon or already discontinued. If the product is not listed on the website at all, it is most likely discontinued.
- Q: How can I request Sephora to bring back a discontinued product?
- A: You can contact Sephora’s customer service and express your interest in a discontinued product. You can also leave a comment or a review on the product page, if it is still available, and ask Sephora to bring it back. However, there is no guarantee that Sephora will listen to your request, as it depends on many factors, such as the availability of the product, the demand for the product, and the decision of the brand.
- Q: How can I prevent my favorite products from being discontinued?
- A: You can support your favorite products by buying them regularly, leaving positive reviews, and recommending them to others. You can also follow the brand’s social media accounts and join their loyalty programs to stay updated on their latest news and promotions. You can also stock up on your favorite products when they are on sale or when you have a coupon, but be careful not to buy too much or too often, as products have expiration dates and can go bad over time.