This is going to be a bit like the Abercrombie post I just did, except that I don’t know the policy for Sephora so this is mainly just tips and techniques.
Sephora is one of those stores with SA who breath down your neck, give you suspicious looks, and judge you based on your appearance. Or at least that’s how it is in my location. Now don’t get my wrong. They have excellent makeup tips and can match you with your perfect foundation shade, but they can be so annoying when you’re trying to lift. So the first impression you make can really be important.
- Wear neutral colored clothing (white, grey, navy), nothing that will stand out on camera.
- Dress in a slightly preppy style (a blouse with a collar will go a long way), people who look respectable and professional are less likely to be suspected
- Wear heels! This is helpful because it can deter SA from tailing around behind you because the sound of your heels will make them feel like they know where you are, but they can’t see you concealing!
- Do your makeup! Pay extra attention to your eyebrows and your lipstick. Wear a brightly colored lipstick. For whatever reason, they trust you more if you’re wearing bright lipstick. It’s something I’ve noticed myself and heard other lifters talking about.
Now, the SA in Sephora will try to talk to you. They’ll ask you questions when you come in and see if you need any help. Don’t be intimidated at first-they probably don’t suspect you as they do this to everyone. However, if they continue to do this throughout your shopping trip without any provocation-GET OUT. They probably suspect you. Also, the code for a suspected shoplifter is to say “so and so needs a basket”. This is often accompanied by the SA trying to force you to take a shopping basket. At this point, get out! They suspect you.
Now, onto technique. This can be pretty hard in Sephora. You’re pretty much limited to concealing on the floor, and between the other customers, SA, and cameras (which are monitored!), it’s the technique that creates the thin line between success and prosecution for shoplifting. You have to look natural! I like to bring a friend with me just because it both makes the SA less sis and as part of my exit plan.
My technique for Sephora:
-Hang a structured shopping bag from another store one one arm. Have some clothing at the bottom-your coat or something you bought at another store will do. This is where you will be putting your stolen items-the clothing in the bag is to add structure and prevent the bag from making a crinkling noise when you drop something in.
-From the same arm, hang a Sephora shopping basket. You can ask an employee for one of these when you come in.
-Walk around the store-look natural. This is one of the most important parts. Don’t look nervous. Don’t take random products. Look at labels, test shades on the back of your hand, do things normal shoppers would do.
-When you see a product you like, take two of the same product very discreetly. Drop one into your shopping bag and one into your basket. Since they are on the same level, doing this in one movement will look natural.
-For bigger products, still take a duplicate, but walk around the area holding them in a position where looks like you are only holding one until you come to a blind spot. Here, very quickly drop one of the items into your bag and continue carrying around the other, putting it into your basket as usual.
-If you can’t find blind spots, I’ve found that a good thing to do is when you turn a corner, quickly drop an item into your bag. Or you can do this while turning around, taking something out of your purse, or adjusting your clothing. Any extra movement that distracts from your concealing!
-When you’re done, fake a phone call or a text. Tell the friend you’re with that you’re late to meet someone and mention something about ordering the products online when you get home. Say it loudly enough that the SA will hear. Then. Put your basket by the door and head on out.
Hope you all enjoyed these tips, please be careful and enjoy your new products!
