Sephora is launching in the UK
(Picture: Sephora)When it comes to discovering new beauty labels and stocking up on brands that aren’t yet available in the UK, a pilgrimage to Sephora is a crucial part of the itinerary for any US or European trip.
The megastore is a treasure trove for sampling the very best skin, makeup, fragrance and hair the world has to offer and in stores like the flagship on the Champs- Élysées, there are interactive experiences, in-store consulations as well as visits from the likes of Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
Now Sephora is launching in the UK — much to the delight of beauty buffs across the nation. This announcement comes after the multi-retailer acquired the Feelunique’s website last year and from October 17 will transform into Sephora.co.uk. A bricks-and-mortar establishment is set to follow in spring 2023.
“At Sephora, we innovate every day to build the most loved beauty community. We are delighted to bring Sephora to the UK, responding to Britain’s strong demand for our unique prestige beauty experience”, explains Chris de Lapuente, Chairman and CEO at Sephora UK. “Customers will be encouraged to explore and discover the best versions of themselves as we support them in their beauty journey with a fantastic curation of time-tested classics and new indie brands”.
The brand reveals that we can expect a fully immersive website and accompanying app with the instantly recognisable black and white stripes throughout. There will be products across all categories, including Makeup, Fragrance, Skincare, Haircare, and Wellness.
Making a splash on UK soil exclusively on Sephora comes cult New York-born label Tarte Cosmetics, Vancouver-born clean beauty ILIA, ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr, GXVE by Gwen Stefani, Skinfix, Vegamour, and unsurprisingly Sephora’s own-brand collection.
These will sit alongside prestige British labels like Pat McGrath Labs as well as Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, honey-infused haircare label Gisou, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Rose Inc, Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness’ JVN, K-Beauty hero Glow Recipe and Makeup by Mario, which was founded by Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist. All of which are currently stocked at the likes of Cult Beauty and Space NK.
With a 50-year heritage, what took so long for the retailer to make a splash on the British market? There was a brief foray back in 2000 that disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.
With Space NK and Boots already major high street players, it is already a crowded market. The two have been fortifying their offerings with exclusive US launches in the former – ranging from JVN to Tula – and concessions from big name brands from Laura Mercier to MAC via Huda Beauty in the latter. These established retailers have 76 and 2,200 shops respectively as well as a strong online presence.
Will Sephora be able to hold their own among these behemoths? Backing from owners LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton suggests it will, but only time will tell.
