Makeup retailer Sephora UK opens first Scottish store in Edinburgh's St James Quarter

Makeup retailer Sephora has arrived in Scotland as it opened its first ever Scottish store at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter on Thursday morning.

It means for the first time Scots can shop the retailer’s most sought-after and exclusive brands in person, including rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup By Mario, Merit Beauty, Half Magic, Yepoda and Tower 28, alongside some other favourites such as Tatcha, Tarte, Summer Fridays and Kosas.

Customers visiting over the weekend will be able to enjoy a programme of experiences, entertainment and giveaways including a tartan-themed photo booth, brand moments from Scottish-born brand BYOMA, as well as Inde Wild, Le Monde Gourmand, Kayali, and Sephora Collection, and from Wingstop, Oakberry and local charity Coffee Saints.

As part of the opening celebrations, customers making any purchases between Thursday July 9 and Sunday July 12 will receive a Beauty Bonus Card, giving every customer an equal chance to instantly win prizes including goodie bags, Sephora merchandise, complimentary beauty services, exclusive products and discounts.

Customers can also enjoy Sephora UK’s growing range of redeemable beauty services, alongside access to the MySephora loyalty programme, which offers free delivery for every member, points on every purchase, early access to launches, exclusive rewards and invitations to special events through the Sephora UK app.

Sephora UK’s managing director officially cut the ribbon to the store’s first Scottish expansion and the moment was celebrated with a parade through St James Quarter, featuring homegrown talent including DJ Lu, drag artist Sally St Scott and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The opening of the 4961 sq ft premises comes ahead of the retailer launching its second Scottish location at Glasgow’s Silverburn in August.

She said: “Scotland has been one of the most requested locations from our community, so opening our first Scottish store is an incredibly exciting milestone for Sephora UK.

“Edinburgh is a city with an amazing beauty community, incredible creativity and visitors from all over the world, making it the perfect place to continue our UK expansion.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming both local customers and visitors into the Sephora experience for the very first time.”