As of January 21, 2026, the beauty industry is abuzz with excitement over Sephora Beauty World, a groundbreaking international event that’s set to redefine the future of cosmetics, skincare, and wellness. Scheduled to take place from May 16 to May 19, 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, this highly anticipated celebration marks Sephora’s most ambitious endeavor to date.
With more than 200 global beauty brands, 60,000 in-person attendees, and half a million digital participants expected worldwide, Sephora Beauty World 2026 is being hailed as the ultimate intersection of technology, artistry, and innovation. The event will blend in-person experiences with digital engagement, offering workshops, exclusive product launches, and cutting-edge beauty technology demonstrations — all centered on the event’s theme, “The Future of Beauty.”
What Is Sephora Beauty World?
Sephora Beauty World is an immersive global event created by Sephora to unite beauty enthusiasts, industry leaders, and creators in a four-day showcase of creativity and innovation. It’s more than just an expo — it’s a full-fledged experience designed to educate, inspire, and connect consumers with the brands shaping the beauty landscape.
The event will combine product discovery with interactivity. Guests can attend masterclasses hosted by world-renowned makeup artists, explore tech-enhanced skincare zones, and shop limited-edition collections available exclusively during the event. Each zone of Sephora Beauty World is designed to reflect Sephora’s mission — to make beauty accessible, inclusive, and future-forward.
This inaugural edition marks Sephora’s first large-scale international beauty event, signifying the company’s shift toward experiential retail on a global stage.
When and Where the Event Will Take Place
Sephora Beauty World 2026 is scheduled to take place at the iconic Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, one of the largest and most technologically advanced convention venues in the United States. Located on Manhattan’s West Side, the Javits Center is known for hosting world-class expos, fashion shows, and global trade events, making it a fitting home for an experience designed to represent the future of the beauty industry.
For four days in May, the vast convention complex will be transformed into a fully immersive “beauty metropolis.” Each floor will feature its own themed districts, combining interactive brand pavilions, cutting-edge digital installations, live runway-style presentations, creator meet-and-greets, masterclasses, and entertainment zones. Visitors will be able to move through different “neighborhoods” dedicated to makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrance, wellness, and beauty technology, creating the feeling of exploring an entire city built around creativity, self-expression, and innovation.
Event Overview
- Dates: May 16–19, 2026
- Venue: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Manhattan, New York City
- Expected Attendance: More than 60,000 in-person attendees across the four days, with over 500,000 participants joining through livestreams and interactive digital platforms
- Daily Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with exclusive VIP access beginning at 8:00 a.m. for early shopping, private demonstrations, and limited-capacity sessions
New York City was selected as the host location because of its unmatched influence on global fashion, beauty, media, and pop culture. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, it reflects the core values of inclusivity and representation that Sephora aims to showcase through Beauty World. The city’s status as a trend-setting capital also ensures strong participation from top brands, celebrity artists, industry leaders, and international press.
In addition to the physical experience, Sephora Beauty World 2026 will feature a large-scale digital component, allowing fans around the world to explore virtual booths, attend livestreamed panels, participate in product launches, and interact with creators in real time. Sephora has indicated that this hybrid format will continue in future editions, with plans to expand Beauty World to other major global cities in the years ahead, turning the event into a rotating international destination for the beauty community.tate across major international cities, including Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.
The 2026 Theme: “The Future of Beauty”
The official theme for Sephora Beauty World 2026, “The Future of Beauty,” captures a pivotal moment in the global cosmetics and wellness industry, where technology, sustainability, and personal identity are converging faster than ever before. The theme is designed to reflect how beauty is no longer defined solely by products, but by experiences, data, innovation, and the values consumers demand from the brands they support.
Across the four-day event, the concept of the future will be brought to life through immersive environments, next-generation product launches, and forward-thinking discussions led by scientists, founders, digital creators, and cultural tastemakers. The focus will be on how beauty is becoming more personalized, more responsible, and more inclusive, while still driven by creativity and artistry.
Attendees will explore a wide range of futuristic showcases and in-depth panels, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Personalization
Visitors will see how AI is transforming skincare and makeup through advanced skin analysis, DNA-based routines, and hyper-personalized product recommendations. Interactive stations will demonstrate how algorithms can customize formulas, shades, and treatments in real time based on individual skin tone, texture, lifestyle, and climate.
Sustainability and Clean Innovation
A major pillar of the theme will be environmental responsibility. Brands will present breakthroughs in refillable systems, biodegradable packaging, waterless formulations, and carbon-neutral production. Educational sessions will examine how the industry is reducing waste, sourcing ethically, and building circular beauty models that prioritize long-term impact over short-term trends.
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Beauty Discovery
Guests will experience the future of try-before-you-buy through advanced AR mirrors, virtual fragrance labs, and metaverse-inspired showrooms. These technologies will allow attendees to test makeup looks, hair colors, and scents digitally, while also exploring how virtual beauty is expanding into gaming, social media, and immersive online worlds.
The Power of Creators and Digital Culture
The theme will also highlight how influencers, content creators, and independent artists are shaping global beauty standards and driving product innovation. Panels will explore the role of social platforms, livestream shopping, community-led brand building, and how diverse voices are redefining what beauty looks like across cultures and generations.
At its core, “The Future of Beauty” is about more than predicting trends. It is about sparking dialogue on how the industry can evolve responsibly, embrace technology without losing authenticity, and continue to celebrate individuality in all its forms. Through this theme, Sephora positions itself not just as a retailer, but as a curator of innovation and a leader guiding the next chapter of the global beauty movement.
Ticket Options and Pricing
Sephora Beauty World 2026 offers a range of ticket options designed to accommodate different audiences, from everyday beauty lovers who want to explore the event casually to industry professionals, creators, and superfans seeking a premium, behind-the-scenes experience. Each ticket tier provides access to a unique level of programming, exclusivity, and interaction with brands and experts.
The three main ticket categories are:
General Admission – $50
This entry-level pass grants access to the core experience of Sephora Beauty World. Holders can explore the main exhibition floors, walk through immersive brand activations, participate in interactive product testing zones, and attend a selection of workshops and live demonstrations. General Admission is ideal for attendees who want to discover new products, meet brand representatives, enjoy entertainment, and experience the overall atmosphere of the event.
VIP Experience – $150
The VIP pass is designed for those who want a more elevated and exclusive visit. In addition to all General Admission benefits, VIP guests receive early entry to the venue before general doors open, allowing for a less crowded experience and first access to popular booths. The pass also includes priority seating at keynote sessions and masterclasses, access to invite-only panels with celebrity makeup artists, brand founders, and top creators, as well as a premium Sephora gift bag filled with deluxe and full-size products from leading and emerging brands.
Digital Access Pass – $25
Created for global fans who cannot attend in person, the Digital Access Pass offers a comprehensive virtual experience. Pass holders can watch livestreamed keynotes, panel discussions, runway-style showcases, and product launches. The digital platform will also feature interactive brand demos, virtual try-on tools, creator-led tutorials, and exclusive online shopping offers available only during the event.
All tickets are sold exclusively through Sephora’s official website and mobile app to ensure authenticity and secure access. As of January 2026, demand has been exceptionally high. General Admission tickets are close to selling out, VIP Experience passes are available in very limited quantities, and the Digital Access Pass remains open to participants worldwide, allowing beauty enthusiasts across the globe to be part of Sephora Beauty World 2026.
What to Expect at Sephora Beauty World 2026
Sephora Beauty World 2026 will be designed as a fully immersive, city-like experience, divided into themed zones that represent every major pillar of the modern beauty industry. Each area will offer hands-on interaction, live education, entertainment, and exclusive access to the innovations shaping the future of beauty.
The Innovation Hub
This futuristic zone will spotlight cutting-edge technology and science-driven solutions. Attendees will experience AI-powered skin diagnostics, smart mirrors that analyze tone and texture in seconds, and personalized product formulation stations. Robotic hairstyling demonstrations, automated skincare devices, and virtual beauty consultants will show how artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming how people discover, test, and customize products. Guests will be able to receive real-time digital skin scans and leave with routines tailored to their skin type, environment, and lifestyle.
The Global Brands Pavilion
The largest section of the event will bring together more than 150 leading and emerging beauty brands from around the world. Major names such as Fenty Beauty, Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Drunk Elephant, Glow Recipe, and many others will create immersive brand worlds featuring new product launches, live artistry demonstrations, shade-matching sessions, fragrance discovery bars, and exclusive merchandise. Many brands will unveil upcoming collections for the first time, giving attendees early access to limited-edition products and pre-release formulas.
The Creator Studio
Designed for influencers, makeup artists, and content creators, this space will function as a professional production hub. Equipped with high-end cameras, lighting, sound booths, and editing stations, the studio will allow guests to film tutorials, conduct interviews, and host livestreams. Sephora will organize creator meetups, collaborative shoots, and social-media challenges, encouraging real-time sharing across platforms using official event hashtags and branded backdrops.
The Wellness Retreat
This calming environment will focus on holistic beauty and self-care. With soft lighting, relaxing scents, and nature-inspired design, the Wellness Retreat will offer mini facials, scalp treatments, hand therapies, and personalized skin consultations. Guided meditation sessions, breathwork classes, and wellness workshops led by dermatologists and experts will highlight the growing importance of mental well-being and lifestyle balance in modern beauty routines.
The Main Stage
At the center of Sephora Beauty World, the Main Stage will host the event’s most anticipated moments. Daily keynote addresses, live makeup and hair masterclasses, panel discussions, trend forecasts, and celebrity appearances will take place here. Renowned artists, brand founders, scientists, and global creators will share insights into innovation, inclusivity, and the next wave of beauty trends, turning each session into a high-energy, festival-style experience.
Confirmed Brands and Key Highlights
Sephora has assembled a powerful roster of globally recognized beauty brands for Sephora Beauty World 2026, with each participating company using the event as a launchpad for innovation, limited-edition releases, and immersive brand experiences. The focus will be on sustainability, personalization, and next-generation formulations, giving attendees first access to products that will shape the market in the coming year.
Among the most anticipated participants is Fenty Beauty, which will debut a new line of eco-conscious complexion products. The collection is expected to feature inclusive shade ranges, clean formulas, and sustainable packaging, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to diversity and environmental responsibility.
Rare Beauty will unveil an expanded blush and lip lineup, introducing new textures, long-wear finishes, and universally flattering shades. Live demonstrations by professional artists and creators will show how the products perform on different skin tones and face shapes.
Charlotte Tilbury is set to showcase its next-generation AI-powered foundation finder. This technology will allow guests to scan their skin in real time and receive precise shade and formula recommendations, blending luxury beauty with advanced digital personalization.
The Ordinary will introduce a breakthrough skin-balancing peptide formula aimed at strengthening the skin barrier and improving long-term hydration and resilience. Educational sessions will explain the science behind the ingredients and how the formula fits into minimalist skincare routines.
Drunk Elephant will present its new refillable packaging system for its bestselling serums and moisturizers. The brand will highlight how this shift reduces plastic waste while maintaining product freshness and performance, aligning with the event’s sustainability focus.
Tatcha will offer a cultural and experiential highlight by hosting traditional Japanese beauty ritual demonstrations. Guests will learn about time-honored skincare techniques, ingredient philosophies, and mindful application practices inspired by centuries-old traditions.
Many of the products and technologies introduced by these brands will be available for early purchase exclusively at Sephora Beauty World 2026, giving attendees the opportunity to shop limited releases and pre-launch items weeks or even months before their global rollout. This early access, combined with live education and hands-on testing, positions the event as both a trend-forecasting platform and a major commercial launch stage for the beauty industry.
Celebrity Guests and Speakers
One of the most anticipated aspects of Sephora Beauty World 2026 is its high-profile lineup of celebrity founders, industry icons, and leading experts who will take the Main Stage throughout the four-day event. These appearances will blend inspiration, education, and entertainment, offering attendees rare insight into how some of the world’s most influential figures are shaping the future of beauty, wellness, and culture.
Among the confirmed headliners is Selena Gomez, founder of Rare Beauty, who will speak about self-acceptance, mental health, and the role of authenticity in redefining beauty standards. Her session is expected to focus on how emotional well-being and representation are becoming central to modern brand values and consumer connections.
Rihanna, the visionary behind Fenty Beauty, will headline a keynote centered on diversity, innovation, and inclusive product development. She is expected to discuss how expanding shade ranges, adaptive formulas, and cultural awareness have transformed the industry, as well as how future technologies and sustainability initiatives will continue to drive change.
Beauty entrepreneur and global influencer Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, will lead an in-depth conversation on digital influence, brand building, and the power of community in the social media era. Her session will explore how creators and founders can leverage platforms to build trust, launch products, and connect with audiences worldwide.
Hailey Bieber, founder of Rhode Skin, will share her perspective on clean skincare, minimal routines, and the growing demand for barrier-focused, dermatologist-inspired formulations. Her appearance will highlight how simplicity, transparency, and ingredient integrity are becoming key pillars of modern skincare.
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross will bring a scientific dimension to the Main Stage, demonstrating advanced at-home skincare technologies and discussing how clinical innovation is making professional-level treatments more accessible to consumers.
In addition to these confirmed speakers, the Main Stage will feature surprise celebrity appearances, live demonstrations by top makeup artists, influencer roundtables, and brand-led showcases. These sessions will cover topics ranging from trend forecasting and sustainability to wellness, entrepreneurship, and the cultural impact of beauty, making the stage a focal point for both star power and industry insight throughout Sephora Beauty World 2026.
The Digital Access Experience
For beauty fans around the world who are unable to attend Sephora Beauty World 2026 in person, the Digital Access Pass is designed to deliver a rich, fully immersive online experience that mirrors the energy and exclusivity of the live event. Through a dedicated virtual platform and Sephora’s mobile app, digital participants will be able to engage with the event in real time while enjoying features created specifically for an online audience.
Digital attendees will be able to stream all Main Stage programming live, including keynote speeches, celebrity interviews, masterclasses, and panel discussions, directly from their phones, tablets, or computers. High-definition broadcasts and multiple camera angles will allow viewers to experience the atmosphere of the venue as sessions unfold.
In addition to live sessions, pass holders will receive access to exclusive, behind-the-scenes interviews with brand founders, celebrity guests, and industry experts. These digital-only segments will dive deeper into product development, business strategy, trend forecasting, and personal journeys, offering content not available to the in-person audience.
Interactive features will play a major role in the online experience. Viewers will be able to participate in live polls, Q&A sessions, and virtual product demonstrations, where experts showcase application techniques and performance in real time. Augmented reality tools and digital try-on features will allow users to test shades and looks from participating brands directly on their screens.
Shopping will be seamlessly integrated into the livestreams through Sephora’s digital storefront. During product reveals and demonstrations, viewers can click to purchase featured items instantly, access event-exclusive offers, and secure limited-edition releases without leaving the stream.
All recorded sessions will remain available on demand for 30 days after the event concludes, allowing digital pass holders to rewatch keynotes, revisit tutorials, and catch up on any content they may have missed. By combining live interaction, exclusive content, and integrated shopping, this hybrid model ensures that Sephora Beauty World 2026 is accessible to a global audience while delivering a level of engagement that closely rivals the in-person experience.
Sustainability at Sephora Beauty World
Sustainability will be a core pillar of Sephora Beauty World 2026, influencing everything from event design and operations to brand participation and attendee experience. Sephora has committed to hosting the event as a low-impact, environmentally responsible showcase that reflects its long-term goals for reducing its global footprint and promoting conscious consumption.
The entire experience will be built around the idea that innovation in beauty must go hand in hand with responsibility to the planet. From the materials used in installations to how guests travel, shop, and interact with products, every detail is being planned with environmental impact in mind.
Key sustainability initiatives include:
- Paperless ticketing and digital schedules
All entry passes, maps, and daily programs will be available through mobile devices and QR codes, eliminating printed materials and significantly reducing paper waste. - Zero single-use plastics throughout the venue
Disposable plastic bottles, cutlery, and packaging will be replaced with refill stations, compostable materials, and reusable alternatives across food courts, lounges, and brand booths. - Eco-conscious displays and booth design
Brand installations will be constructed using recycled, upcycled, and reusable materials, with modular structures designed to be repurposed for future events rather than discarded. - Green transportation partnerships
Sephora will collaborate with public transit authorities, electric vehicle services, and ride-sharing platforms to encourage low-emission travel options for attendees, staff, and guests. - Product donation and recycling stations
Designated areas will collect unused or lightly used beauty products and packaging, which will be donated to local shelters and community organizations or processed through certified recycling programs.
These efforts support Sephora’s broader “Planet Positive” initiative, which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, supporting sustainable sourcing, and encouraging circular beauty practices. By embedding sustainability into every layer of Sephora Beauty World 2026, the company aims to demonstrate that large-scale global events can be both visually spectacular and environmentally responsible.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a foundational value for Sephora, and Sephora Beauty World 2026 is being designed to ensure that every attendee—regardless of physical ability, sensory needs, language, or gender identity—can participate fully and comfortably in the experience. Both the in-person and digital formats are structured to remove barriers and create a welcoming environment for all.
Key accessibility and inclusivity features include:
- ADA-compliant entrances and pathways
All main entrances, exhibition floors, stages, and seating areas will be fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wide navigation routes to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. - On-site accessibility teams and sensory-friendly spaces
Trained staff will be available throughout the venue to assist guests with mobility, hearing, vision, or cognitive needs. Quiet rooms and low-sensory zones will be provided for attendees who require a calm environment away from crowds, lights, and noise. - Sign language interpretation and live captioning
Main Stage keynotes, panels, and masterclasses will feature professional sign language interpreters and real-time closed captioning to support deaf and hard-of-hearing participants. - Gender-neutral restrooms and inclusive facilities
Restroom facilities will be clearly marked as gender-neutral, and changing areas will be designed to be comfortable and private for all gender identities. - Inclusive product sampling and shade representation
Brand activations will ensure a full range of shades, textures, and formulations suitable for all skin tones, hair types, ages, and identities, with trained staff available to support personalized consultations.
For digital participants, inclusivity will extend to the virtual platform as well:
- Multi-language live captions and subtitles for global audiences
- Screen-reader compatibility and adjustable text sizes
- Customizable contrast, audio, and navigation settings for different accessibility needs
By integrating accessibility into both physical and digital environments, Sephora Beauty World 2026 aims to create a space where diversity is not only represented, but fully supported—ensuring that every guest can engage, learn, and feel seen within the global beauty community.
Economic and Industry Impact
Bringing Sephora Beauty World 2026 to New York City is expected to deliver a substantial economic boost to the local economy. With tens of thousands of in-person attendees traveling from across the United States and abroad, hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and retail districts are preparing for a major surge in demand. Industry analysts project that the four-day event could generate more than $50 million in tourism-related revenue, driven by hotel bookings, dining, shopping, and local entertainment spending. The scale of the event positions it alongside major conventions and cultural festivals that significantly contribute to the city’s annual visitor economy.
Beyond its immediate financial impact, Sephora Beauty World represents a strategic milestone in the evolution of retail. The event reinforces Sephora’s position as a leader in experiential retail, a rapidly growing model that blends live entertainment, hands-on education, digital technology, and commerce into a single, immersive ecosystem. Instead of relying solely on physical stores or e-commerce platforms, Sephora is creating a multi-sensory environment where consumers can learn, interact, and build emotional connections with brands in real time.
On a broader industry level, the event signals a shift in how global beauty companies engage with their audiences. Sephora Beauty World demonstrates how major retailers are moving beyond traditional point-of-sale experiences toward large-scale, community-driven gatherings that function as product launch platforms, content studios, cultural festivals, and innovation labs all at once. This approach reflects changing consumer expectations, where shoppers seek not just products, but experiences, personalization, and meaningful interaction.
By combining economic impact with cultural influence, Sephora Beauty World 2026 is positioned to set a new benchmark for how beauty brands, retailers, and creators collaborate—shaping the future of the industry while transforming New York City into a temporary global capital of beauty, innovation, and experiential commerce.
Why Sephora Beauty World Matters
Sephora Beauty World is more than a large-scale showcase of products and brands; it represents a bold vision for where beauty culture is headed. The event reflects a future in which technology, inclusivity, and sustainability exist side by side, creating an environment that encourages self-expression while remaining socially and environmentally conscious. It positions beauty not just as an industry, but as a cultural movement shaped by innovation, values, and community.
Through Beauty World, Sephora is redefining how brands connect with consumers. Rather than limiting engagement to store shelves or online listings, the company is creating a living, interactive ecosystem where people can learn, experiment, and participate. Attendees are not just spectators; they become part of the creative process, exploring new tools, discovering emerging voices, and experiencing firsthand how science, artistry, and digital platforms are transforming the way beauty is developed and experienced.
The event also underscores the growing importance of community and representation in the beauty space. By bringing together global brands, diverse creators, industry leaders, and consumers from around the world, Sephora Beauty World highlights the power of shared experiences in shaping trends and setting new standards for inclusion and accessibility.
With its blend of celebrity influence, advanced technology, sustainable practices, and a truly global reach through its hybrid format, Sephora Beauty World 2026 is poised to set a new benchmark for large-scale beauty events. It serves as a blueprint for the future of beauty conventions—where innovation meets purpose, and where the celebration of beauty is as much about values and connection as it is about products.
For anyone passionate about beauty, Sephora Beauty World 2026 is the place to be — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that celebrates innovation, diversity, and the limitless possibilities of modern beauty.