Top News

If you are a beauty enthusiast, your Instagram and TikTok must already be full of videos from Sephoria, the mega beauty and makeup event happening this weekend in Dubai. Sephora's signature beauty celebration returned to Dubai this year from November 20–22, held at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City.

It is any makeup-lover's dream to be able to attend a grand event such as this, test out different products and also win a tonne of free samples and goodies. Tickets to the event sold out soon after they went on sale. The event promised over 70 immersive brand activations, masterclasses with beauty legends, exclusive product drops, and elaborate photo-ops. But what was supposed to be a glam playground became a disappointing experience for some early attendees.

Influencers and beauty enthusiasts complained of long queues, delayed opening and mismanagement on Day 1 of the event, which was reserved for VIP ticket holders only. Some said they had to wait in line for over an hour before entry, despite arriving early.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Sephora issued a statement on their official social handle, apologising to guests and assuring them that they would manage the event better on Day 2.

Many influencer posts on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram had one recurring theme long queues, despite day 1 being a VIP-only event. Visitors complained they had to stand in line for over an hour, the gates did not open on time, lack of proper food, and chaos while collecting swag bags.

One of the attendees I.J.A, who had a VIP pass to Day 1 of Sephoria, told KT she had to wait for 1.5 hours in line. "I reached at 5:30pm, and at 7:04pm, people were piled up at the gate as the event hadn't started. The gates were supposed to open at 6pm," she said.

"Once they started entry at 7:10pm, they were supposed to give us some tote bags, which hadn't arrived. So we had to wait again for the bags, without which we couldn't get our passports, and so we couldn't collect samples. It was 7:30, by the time we could start enjoying the event," she added.