Sephora cuts back on security and adds Black-owned brands
Sephora responds to years of backlash for the company's lack of diversity

Sephora houses some of our most loved beauty brands, so whether you're after a new mascara, want to try the latest drop from Tarte, or are simply on your way to pick up the best BB creams, Sephora has you covered.
But lately, the store has been getting a lot of media coverage after Black shoppers called out the store's lack of diversity and racial bias—and it's not the first time this has happened.
After an incident in one Sephora store, R&B singer SZA took to Twitter to vent her frustrations after she was accused of stealing, tweeting: "Can a b*tch cop her Fenty in peace er whut ."
The store since apologized and has now promised to change its structure, cutting back on security guards and introducing more Black-owned brands in the effort to rally behind equality.
Lmao Sandy Sephora location 614 Calabasas called security to make sure I wasn’t stealing . We had a long talk. U have a blessed day SandyMay 1, 2019
A spokesperson for Sephora said: "We recognize that racial bias affects our stores, just as it affects all retailers."
Chief marketing officer Deborah Yeh continued: "Discrimination, and unfair treatment is woven into institutions across America, and retail is not excepted."
While Jean-André Rougeot, President and CEO of Sephora Americas commented: “At Sephora, diversity, equality, and inclusion have been our core values since we launched a new kind of beauty retail destination in the U.S. over 20 years ago. But the reality is that shoppers at Sephora, and in U.S. retail more broadly, are not always treated fairly and consistently."
Sephora now aims to help Black entrepreneurs by including 16 Black-owned brands by the end of the year along with implementing new customer-greeting strategies to prove that all shoppers are treated the same consistently.
They are also reducing large-scale security guards and police officers in and around its 500 U.S. stores.
-
-
How to sell on Depop and make serious money
Got a closet full of too many clothes? Learn how to sell on Depop and get cash for your old or unworn styles
By My Imperfect Life •
-
Apple cider vinegar for hair: it will give you stupidly shiny strands
There are so many benefits to using apple cider for hair that you'll be replacing your fancy clarifying shampoo with it.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Hyaluronic acid: benefits, what it does, how to use, side effects
Everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid benefits and side effects
By My Imperfect Life •
-
How long does a skincare product really take to work?
Not all ingredients are created equal, nor do all skincare products get to work at the same speed. Here a doctor breaks down your routine...
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Megan Thee Stallion just shared her skincare routine and we're taking notes
"Alexa, play Body by Megan Thee Stallion..."
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
Charlotte Tilbury has launched a brand new skincare product for glowing skin
Fan of the Magic Facial sheet mask? Charlotte Tilbury is back with a brand new skincare launch
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
This genius oily skin roller went viral on TikTok - here's why you need to snag it now
With thousands of perfect Amazon reviews, meet Revlon's Oil-Absorbing Roller.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
What is Toasted Skin Syndrome and can you treat it at home?
It's all over Beauty TikTok, but what does Toasted Skin Syndrome actually involve? We asked an expert to break it down
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
Why people are obsessed with this cult Japanese face cream right now
Sales more than doubled at the start of this week – so what makes it so good?
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
I tried the Fenty Skin Flash Nap eye cream and these are my initial thoughts
One writer puts the new Fenty Skin Flash Nap eye cream to the test
By Lucy Abbersteen •