JCPenney in Poplar Bluff has now become a one-stop shop for special events with the addition of Sephora inside JCPenney.
"Opening this location gives us an opportunity to connect with shoppers who have not experienced a beauty destination like Sephora," JCPenney General Manager Evelyn "Evie" Smith said. "As one of the comprehensive beauty attractions in town, we look forward to providing an elevated beauty buying experience that is not being offered anywhere else."
Sephora, Smith said, is a beauty paradise that offers a wide assortment of makeup, skin care, fragrance, bath and accessory products.
Sephora inside JCPenney celebrated their grand opening Friday with a ribbon cutting while a line of nearly 300 people waited to shop the newest addition.
The first 100 people in line were treated to mystery gift cards up to $100 in value and 400 were given Sephora gift bags full of product samples.
Local construction crews began the 800-square-foot addition in the center of JCPenney in February. The store brought eight new jobs to the area.
To accommodate the new addition, Smith said no merchandise was eliminated from JCPenney, but in fact, more was added through creative merchandising and displays.
The product consultants of Sephora received months of training in makeup application and skin care solutions and are ready to offer a comprehensive approach recommending brands, Smith said.
To help assist product consultants find the most precise makeup match for customers, Color IQ and Moisture Meter technology are available only at Sephora.
"Color IQ is the most advanced foundation matching solution in North America," Smith said.
Through taking photos on a person's forehead, cheek and neck, an official pantone skin tone number is assigned and scientifically matched for precise foundations, concealers and lip colors for the skin.
"This takes less than 15 minutes and is complimentary," Smith said.
The Moisture Meter is a stick with a sensor that measures the amount of moisture in a person's skin.
The number on the meter indicates how hydrated or dehydrated a person's skin is. The technology assists in finding the kind of products that should be used on specific skin types.
Over 50 brands of makeup, skin care and fragrances can be found at Sephora including Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, which is exclusive to the store.
Other makeup brands include Too Faced, Kat Von D, BITE Beauty, Urban Decay, Smashbox, Colt, Cover FX and more.
Skin care lines include Origins, Glam Glow, Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, Shiseido, Peter Thomas Roth, Ole Henriksen and more.
Fragrances from favorite lines including Dior, Gucci and Marc Jacobs can also be found at Sephora.
The store also carries their own self-titled line of makeup, tools, accessories and skin care, which Smith described as "very reasonably priced."
Sephora encourages customers to touch, smell and sample products during their shopping trip to find the perfect item.
"The ability to try everything is something that makes Sephora different than any other beauty product store," Smith said.
In addition to trying products in store, Smith said customers can receive samples to take home before actually purchasing a product.
"The ability to play and try things in a fun atmosphere is something you will not find anywhere else," she said. "That's what Sephora is, exceptional customer service and fun."
Sephora also offers the Beauty Insider program which allows customers to earn points on purchases and redeem for rewards.
As a Beauty Insider member, for every dollar spent on merchandise instore or online, customers receive one Beauty Insider point.
In addition to gaining points for rewards, members will receive Beauty Insider only products, birthday gifts, exclusive samples and all access to personal beauty.
Smith also added members are eligible to receive special gifts from Glam Glow, BITE Beauty or Bumble and Bumble.
By using your JCPenney credit card at Sephora, Smith said customers can "double dip" and receive points for both stores.
Customers in need of a new look can receive complementary assistance from experts who are able to help clients master new techniques in minutes from smoky eye, polished brows, blush and bronze, correct and conceal, foundation, eyeliner, lips and everyday eye wear.
Beginning Sept. 1, Sephora will be booking custom makeovers with a minimum purchase of $50.
With the transition of the salon coming in July, JCPenney will be a one-stop shop for special events for dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair, nails and now makeup.
"Whether you have never tried makeup before or you're an expert, you are going to have a lot of fun with our highly trained product consultants," Smith said.