Cardiff’s retail scene was taken to a whole new level last night as Sephora rolled out the black carpet for an exclusive VIP launch party ahead of the official opening of its first Welsh store at St David’s Cardiff today.
The global beauty giant, which has become synonymous with prestige, inclusivity and innovation, celebrated its arrival in Wales with a glamorous evening filled with live entertainment, celebrity guests, and plenty of sparkle.
The launch event brought together a mix of well-known faces, content creators, and local officials, all treated to Sephora’s signature style and flair. Guests received an exclusive Sephora Welsh Love Spoon invitation ahead of the party, setting the tone for an event that fused Cardiff’s proud local culture with Sephora’s global prestige.
Inside the store, the celebrations featured bilingual entertainment, live performances and themed canapés crafted by Cardiff’s local culinary stars.
The evening included standout performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Actavia, singer Amlish and vogueing performers from the House of BVLGARI Prada, hosted by The Voice Wales star Aleighcia Scott.
Photo Credit: Dave Benett
Influencers including Wayne Goss, Kristy Webley, Ieuan Jones and Kane Hinge joined the guest list, while top beauty brands such as Benefit, Milk Makeup, Yepoda, Too Faced, and Haus Labs took part with live demonstrations.
Photo Credit: Dave Benett
The excitement stretched far beyond the store. Ahead of opening day, Cardiff city centre was transformed with striking Sephora branding across escalators and walkways leading to St David’s, a level of anticipation rarely seen for a retail launch in the capital.
Today marks a new chapter for Welsh beauty lovers as the 4,672 sq ft Sephora Cardiff store opens to the public. It’s the retailer’s first store in Wales and its 11th in the UK, offering the full Sephora experience, complete with exclusive brands including Makeup by Mario, Glossier, Rare Beauty, Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Fenty Beauty and, for the first time in UK stores, Charlotte Tilbury.
Marketing Officer, Sephora UK), Rehana Osmany (Global General Manager Sephora
Collection), Sarah Boyd (Managing Director, Sephora UK), Catherine Spindler (President
Sephora Europe and Middle East), Steve Biggs (Supply Chain Director, Sephora UK), Iona
Nicolau (Human Resources Director, Sephora UK) , Agathe Mailfait Dol (Senior Legal Counsel,
Sephora), Jill Stutzbach (Director of Merchandising, Sephora UK). Photo Credit: Dave Benett
Sephora’s new beauty bonus card means customers don’t need to queue overnight to secure special giveaways, every shopper this weekend will have the chance to win prizes with any purchase.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director at Sephora UK, said:
“Cardiff has given us such a warm welcome, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally open our doors here. The energy and enthusiasm from the local community has been incredible.”
With the Cardiff store now open, Sephora continues its UK expansion, with Oxford and Belfast set to follow in the coming months.
