Sephora Opens Doors at Mohegan Sun

It was early Friday morning at Mohegan Sun when the ladies who love makeup and a few token men started to line up outside Sephora for its grand opening. In fact, Janine Ritrovato of Norwich, who was first in line, arrived at 6 a.m. at the urging of her friend.  

“She dragged me here so it’s really her,” said Ritrovato, pointing to Contessa Vaillancourt, also of Norwich.

The mystery Gift Cards given to the first 100 in line helped.

“I love Sephora and the one I go to is at West Farms Mall, so I am very excited to get to go to one locally,” said Vaillancourt, who likes to sample products and loves the variety at Sephora.  

The pair of friends, along with other Sephora fans and beauty mavens, waited patiently for time to pass until the 10 a.m. opening. Finally, after a ribbon-cutting and spirited, if somewhat corny, Sephora staff cheer, they were rewarded with more than 13,000 beauty and skin-care products and accessories from which to choose.

The store offers 200-plus brands, such as Benefit, Laura Mercier, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Urban Decay and their own line of makeup, along with Clarisonic, Murad, Philosophy, PerriconeMD and Cosmeceuticals for skincare. Known for its customer service and return policy, Sephora also sells a range of affordable and upscale perfumes.  

“I've been waiting for Sephora to come around here forever,” said Kate Bradley of Gales Ferry, who also used to shop at the Sephora at West Farms Mall. “The have everything you can imagine – neutral colors and fun, bright colors. Now it will be easier to spend my money on makeup.”

Tamara Stockley of Chester, who for the moment was last in the long line, also was very excited about the store opening.

“I’m a certified esthetician, so I’m a make-up junkie.  I’ve been practicing since was about 14,” she said.  Her favorite lines are Kat Von D and Bliss for skincare.

The Sephora team and Sephora PRO Beauty Team Lead Artist, Gilbert Soliz, were on hand to offer  beauty advice and Sephora’s Express Services, a free session on how to learn a new look, like the hard-to-pull-off smoky eye, or the super-hot TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup.

The adorable Soliz, who is a rising star in the makeup scene, said that the trend for summer is a bold lip, bold cheeks and bright neon eyeliner. Think turquoise and green. “For skincare, it’s all about lightweight and a real dewy look,” he said.

Those long lines outside the store were quickly replaced by long lines inside the store.  But no one looked disappointed with bags filled and their smiles wide.

Maddie Cannon of Stonington was there to buy herself and her mom eyeliner.  “I was looking for a metallic Sephora eyeliner. I really love them here,” she said.

During a brief Q&A, Soliz shared some summer beauty trends and advice with Patch:

Q: Many of the mineral powders and some primers have SPF. Is this enough SPF for summertime?

It depends on your skin type and skin color. You definitely need SPF somewhere.  If your skin is more oily, it can go on after like a mineral powder such as Bare Escentuals.  I think if you can build in layers in your skincare, you will ultimately get more protection.

Q. Can you advise what order to put products on if using additional sunscreen?  Many women put it on last or when they go outdoors?

Cleanse, tone, moisturize then add layer of sun protection – always goes on last for your skincare (regimen). Then make-up.

Q: Can you recommend a sunscreen that doesn't leave a white residue?

There are several out there and the formulas are really innovative. Boscia has a new one called BB Cream, which is pretty hot right now, and Josie Maran’s SPF 40 moisturizer.

Q: How about a lip gloss with color that has some staying power?

NARS hands down. (Agreed!) You want staying power you go straight to NARS.  tokidoki has the Gelato Lip Balm that is super shiny and hydrating. 

Q: Any tips for frizzy hair in the humid summertime heat?

Living Proof’s No Frizz products is our top-selling brand. (For beachy waves, try Bumble and bumble’s Surf Spray.) 

Q: Any new trends for sunless tanners? 

TEMPTU just launched AIR pod Face Tan that dries instantly, and you don’t have to worry about it getting on your hands.

Q: Best tinted moisturizer for summertime? 

When it comes to tinted moisturizers, Laura Mercier gets it right.  Award-winning.  One of my personal favorites.  (Absolutely, just the right coverage and weight.)

Q: How about a nice light perfume perfect for summer?

Kat Von D called Saint or Hello Kitty.  (Want a beachy scent?  Try Jennifer Aniston’s new fragrance.  It really is lovely, but keep it with you because it doesn’t last long.)

Q: If you could buy one eye shadow palette for both a day and nighttime look, what would it be?

Sephora Blockbuster.  (Try Urban Decay’s Naked Palette. A lot of bang for your buck. They had some in stock on opening day! More than 75 percent of the stores are or were out of stock, so do call before you go. It’s HOT.)