Soap Brows: The Billion Dollar Brows Hack You Need to Try
April 24, 2024
By
Stylist Venita
As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Paris, casting a warm glow on the iconic Eiffel Tower, a young woman named Isabelle stands outside the grand doors of Sephora. With 3 copies of her CV firmly grasped in her sweaty hands, her heart races with anticipation as she prepares to step in for an interview. Hopefully, she will be accepted into this giant retailer—a world where makeup palettes hold infinite possibilities, fragrances evoke memories, and skincare rituals become acts of self-love.
Isabelle isn’t just any job seeker; she’s a seeker of passion, purpose, and expertise. She knows that working at Sephora isn’t merely about selling products; it’s about curating experiences, empowering others, and celebrating individuality. And she’s not alone. Thousands of hopefuls like her aspire to join the ranks of Sephora’s beauty mavens—the beauty artists who blend artistry with science, the fragrance enthusiasts who can identify notes with a single sniff, and the skincare gurus who decode the secrets of radiant skin.
Several years back, I found myself in the same spot as Isabelle. I stood before those imposing Sephora doors, feeling a rush of fear mixed with a little bit of excitement. But I wasn’t just looking for any job; I was searching for something deeper—passion, meaning, and skill. For someone whose makeup journey started way back in kindergarten when I first fell in love with vibrant eyeliners and the magic of colors, I knew I had to get this job.
However, my passion for colors didn’t end in kindergarten. In the year 2001, I joined Sephora after submitting my application 4 times. Each time I would get a polite “Thanks, but no thanks” – how frustrating that experience was 😢 But hey, the fifth time’s the charm, right? And so, on my 5th attempt, I finally got accepted and waltzed my way into Sephora. Yey!
My official title? Licensed Beauty Advisor. Fancy, right?
But let’s break the job title down: I was the fairy godmother of makeup, some sort of genie granting beauty wishes. My mission was selling products and services to clients in all areas of the store, and helping them discover the benefits of our loyalty programs available.
And then—cue drumroll please🥁—I quickly climbed up the ladder. Up, up, up I went and soon, I had a backstage pass to Sephora’s hiring process. I interviewed, I hired, and I mentored. From the stockroom (where eyeshadow palettes whispered secrets) to the corporate office (where PowerPoint presentations sparkled), I saw it all.
Now as a retired Sephora veteran, I reminisce about the good ol` days when blush brushes were my sidekicks. I worked with some of the funniest, friendliest, and most creative people you would ever meet on this planet. Man, I had fun!
Today, my passion for makeup still burns brighter than a highlighter, but my heart now flutters for something else: helping others explore career paths within Sephora—whether they dream of creating captivating displays, formulating innovative skincare, or shaping the brand’s digital presence. I just love showing people how passion can be easily married to a profession!
Anyway, this post isn’t just about me. It’s about you. Whether you’re a makeup artist with a brush in hand or an analytics wizard crunching numbers, today I want to help you learn what Sephora seeks in candidates, the qualities that light up their eyes, and the secret ingredients that will make your interview process outrageously successful.
What are we waiting for? Let`s do this!
While I’m not their official spokesperson, I’ve explored their world extensively. I’ve seen the passion behind the scenes and experienced the magic of their products. As such, I can confidently tell you that this is a brand that values passion, authenticity, and curiosity. It also isn’t just a place to sell lipsticks; it’s a launchpad for careers. From makeup artists to marketing strategists, Sephora nurtures talent and fosters growth.
But it’s not just that. Here are additional reasons why you should consider working at Sephora.
However…
Working at Sephora might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re allergic to glitter (it happens), if you think contouring is a fancy word for “map reading,” or if you believe skincare routines are best left to elves, then maybe—just maybe—Sephora isn’t your enchanted forest.
But if you’re ready to blend passion, authenticity, and curiosity into a magical career potion, step inside. The beauty adventure awaits, my friend 🌟💄✨
Whilst Sephora has dozens of positions scattered across their 2,700+ stores in 35 countries worldwide, here are some of the most common ones:
Sales Associate/Cashier:
This is the entry-level position where you will interact with customers, provide product recommendations, perform makeup applications, and handle transactions. Prior experience in retail or customer service is helpful, but not necessary.
Beauty Advisor:
This is a more advanced position where you will specialize in a specific category of beauty, such as skincare, fragrance, or color. You will need to have a certification or license in cosmetology, esthetics, or makeup artistry, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in your field. Pay is around $18.25 – $22.38/hr.
Sales and Service Leader:
You will be responsible for measuring KPIs and proposing action plans to improve client experience. You will also be responsible for coaching Beauty Advisors when they engage clients about Sephora`s loyalty programs. Prior equivalent work experience, preferably in the retail/service industry is preferred.
Operations Associate:
You will be responsible for ensuring that all shipping and receiving activities are completed and executed within the store promptly. You will also be in charge of maintaining, organizing, and cleaning the stockroom and sales floor areas as needed. Your salary will range between $19.00 – $23.28/hr.
Inventory Control Associate:
As an Inventory Control Associate, you’ll be handling all overflow/cycle counts, researching missing products for orders, and handling damaged products per company/vendor agreements. This position requires familiarity with WMS software or previous experience using menu-driven applications. Your minimum qualification should be a High School Diploma or equivalent.
The application process depends on the type of role you are interested in. Here are the general steps for each type:
So, you’ve tossed your résumé into the Sephora sea, and now you’re waiting for that magical call—the one that says, “Hey, gorgeous, let’s chat!” Fear not; I’ve got your back. Here’s your backstage pass to acing the interview:
The Prelude: Application Magic:
The Phone Call Tango:
The In-Person Ballet:
The Beauty Monologue:
The Final Pirouette:
Here are some frequently asked questions about working at Sephora:
Sephora offers a variety of benefits to its employees, such as:
🔸Competitive pay and incentives
🔸Health, dental, and vision insurance
🔸Retirement savings plan
🔸Paid time off and holidays
🔸Employee discount and free products
🔸Training and development opportunities
🔸Career advancement and growth opportunities
🔸Fun and supportive work environment
🔸Recognition and rewards programs
The working hours at Sephora depend on the type and location of the role, but generally, they are:
🔸Retail Position: The working hours vary depending on the store hours, which are usually from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. You may need to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime, depending on the store’s needs and your availability.
🔸Corporate Position: The working hours are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but you may need to work longer or flexible hours, depending on the project deadlines and your workload.
🔸Distribution Center Position: The working hours vary depending on the distribution center operations, which are usually from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. You may need to work shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime, depending on the order volume and your availability.
The dress code at Sephora is based on the company’s color palette, which is black, white, and red. You will need to wear a uniform provided by the company, which consists of:
🔸Retail Position: A black or white shirt, a black or red apron, a black or red scarf, and a name tag. You can also wear your black pants, skirts, or dresses, as long as they are clean, neat, and appropriate. You can also wear your shoes, accessories, and jewelry, as long as they are comfortable, safe, and tasteful.
🔸Retail Position: A black or white shirt, a black or red apron, a black or red scarf, and a name tag. You can also wear your black pants, skirts, or dresses, as long as they are clean, neat, and appropriate. You can also wear your shoes, accessories, and jewelry, as long as they are comfortable, safe, and tasteful.
🔸Corporate Position: A black or white shirt, a black or red blazer, and a name tag. You can also wear your black pants, skirts, or dresses, as long as they are clean, neat, and appropriate.
🔸Distribution Center Position: A black or white shirt, a black or red vest, and a name tag. You can also wear your black pants, shorts, or jeans, as long as they are clean, neat, and appropriate. You can also wear your shoes, accessories, and jewelry, as long as they are comfortable, safe, and tasteful.
The hiring process at Sephora may vary depending on the type and level of the role, but generally, it takes about two to four weeks from the application to the offer. Here are the typical steps and timelines for each type:
🔸Retail Position: You will have one or two interviews, either by phone or in person, with the store manager or a staff member. The interviews will last about 15 to 30 minutes each and will focus on your personality, experience, and skills. You may also need to do a makeup application test or a role-play scenario, depending on the role. You will usually hear back from the recruiter or the manager within a week after the interview, and if you are selected, you will receive an offer letter and a background check form. You will need to complete the background check and the paperwork, and then you will be scheduled for an orientation and training session, which will last about two to four hours.
🔸Corporate Position: You will have two or three interviews, either by phone, video, or in-person, with the hiring manager and other team members. The interviews will last about 30 to 60 minutes each and will focus on your qualifications, skills, and interests.
You may also need to do a presentation, a case study, or a work sample, depending on the role. You will usually hear back from the recruiter or the hiring manager within two weeks after the interview, and if you are selected, you will receive an offer letter and a background check form. You will need to complete the background check and the paperwork, and then you will be scheduled for an orientation and onboarding session, which will last about a day or two.
🔸Distribution Center Position: You will have one or two interviews, either by phone or in person, with the distribution center manager or a staff member. The interviews will last about 15 to 30 minutes each and will focus on your availability, education, and experience.
You may also need to do a physical ability test or a drug test, depending on the role. You will usually hear back from the recruiter or the manager within a week after the interview, and if you are selected, you will receive an offer letter and a background check form. You will need to complete the background check and the paperwork, and then you will be scheduled for an orientation and training session, which will last about two to four hours.
Congratulations! You’ve just completed your backstage tour of Sephora—the place where makeup dreams come true, fragrances sing sonnets, and skincare potions work their magic. Remember, this is not just a store; it’s a playground for beauty enthusiasts. If you’re ready to blend passion, authenticity, and curiosity into a magical career potion, then this must be your next career. Whether you’re into contouring like a pro or decoding ingredient lists like a detective, Sephora invites you to play.
I hope this guide has helped you with a few insights on how you can get hired. I`m rooting for you and wish you all the very best! 😘
