Sephoria was the beauty event of the year, and for any makeup enthusiast, it felt like stepping into a beauty wonderland! If you could visualize large groups of represented demographics and backgrounds, Sephoria felt like adult trick or treating but replace the candy with sweet samples, full size goodies and jack o lantern buckets with oversized tarp textured tote bags to support all the beauty treats we received within a span of 3 hours, at least for general admission.
This event was more than just a gathering of beauty lovers; it was an immersive experience that brought together some of the most exciting brands, trends, and innovations in the industry today. Here’s a recap of everything that made Sephoria 2024 a must-attend event and why 2025 has the potential to be even bigger and better!
Brand Booths: Where Beauty Dreams Came to Life
Sephoria 2024 was packed with some iconic brands showcasing their best products. Each brand’s booth was like its own mini-event, offering personalized consultations, fun photo ops, interactive product testing, and even tutorials on how to use their latest launches. Brands like Danessa Myricks, Natasha Denona, and Charlotte Tilbury drew massive crowds with their creative setups, engaging activities, and amazing full size products (in my opinion, they were the best booths at the convention).
Sol De Janerio’s set was built by hand by one of their designers. It was even more beautiful in person!
But let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to see even *more* of their favorite brands next year? Brands like Patrick Ta, One/Size, Haus Labs, Nimya, Fenty Beauty, and Dior would be a dream to see at Sephoria 2025! Their presence would add an extra layer of excitement and cater to makeup enthusiasts craving those bold and beautiful looks. Not to mention, they could balance out the makeup-to-skincare ratio, offering attendees a more comprehensive beauty experience.
Crowds and Activities: The Energy That Made It All Come Alive
The vibe at Sephoria 2024 was electric! The venue was packed with beauty lovers from all walks of life, all united by their shared passion for makeup and skincare. Everywhere you turned, there were engaging activities – from makeup masterclasses by pro artists to skincare consultations, the utility and execution of these booths were endless and diverse.
The photo booths were another hit, allowing attendees to snap pictures with friends, photograph with mascots or engage with the beautifully designed sets, and leave with a fun memento of the day. These activities made the event feel more than just a convention; it was an experience that encouraged creativity, connection, and pure fun.
The Swag Bags: A Beauty Lover’s Dream Come True
One of the most talked-about aspects of Sephoria was the generous swag bags! This year, there were two types: the makeup swag bags and the skincare swag bags, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
**Makeup Swag Bags**: These bags were filled with full-sized and mini products from some of the most popular brands. From stunning eyeshadow palettes to long-lasting lipsticks and blushes that make you glow, the makeup swag bags had it all. Fans of makeup had the opportunity to try out new shades and products that they might not have purchased otherwise. Standout items included an exclusive palette, a high-shine lip gloss, and even a full-size setting spray.
**Skincare Swag Bags**: For those who lean more towards the skincare side of beauty, these bags were a treat! They contained hydrating serums, luxurious face masks, rich moisturizers, and even a few tools like jade rollers or gua sha stones. It was the perfect mix of high-end and cult-favorite brands, ensuring that every attendee left with a glow!
However, if there was one tiny bit of feedback, it would be that the event leaned a bit heavily towards skincare this year. More makeup, please!
Sephoria VIP vs. General Admission: Is the $400+ Upgrade Worth It?
Sephoria is the ultimate beauty experience, and it’s easy to see why beauty lovers count down the days until this highly anticipated event. However, if you’re planning to attend next year, you might be wondering: is it worth splurging on the $400+ VIP ticket, or should you stick with the $135 general admission? Let’s dive deep into the differences between these two ticket options, focusing on the swag bags, masterclass benefits, and overall experience to help you decide which one suits you best!
Swag Bag Showdown: VIP vs. General Admission
One of the biggest perks of attending Sephoria is the swag bag, and the difference between the VIP and General Admission swag bags is significant.
VIP Swag Bag: A Luxury Experience Worth Over $400+
The VIP swag bag is the ultimate treat, packed with full-sized and deluxe products that far exceed the price of your ticket. Here’s what makes the VIP swag bag so special:
– **High-End Products:** Expect luxury brands and top-tier makeup and skincare products that you’ve been eyeing for ages. This year, VIP attendees received items from premium brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Drunk Elephant, and Pat McGrath Labs. These weren’t just mini samples – we’re talking full-sized products that you’d normally have to splurge on!
– **Exclusive Items:** Many of the products in the VIP swag bag are exclusive to Sephoria, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else. This includes limited-edition palettes, custom shades, and newly launched products that give you a chance to try the latest trends before anyone else.
– **Higher Value:** The total value of the VIP swag bag can easily reach over $1,000, making it an incredible deal for those who love discovering new beauty products. You’re not just getting a tote full of freebies; you’re getting a curated selection of some of the best items the beauty world has to offer. A bonus in this bag was the Danessa Myricks “I AM” palette that offered a galaxy-inspired array of shadows, shimmers, duo-chrome swatches and so many innovative shades inspired by the creativity of diversity, inclusion, and pride flair that reflected not only in Danessa’s brand, but the theme of Sephoria, metamorphosis.
-Early Access: VIP holders are granted the benefit of entering the venue an hour early and enjoy the booths even more by beating the crowd, and meet the some of brand owners of your favorite beauty products!
General Admission Swag Bag: A Great Taste of Beauty Worth $135
The general admission swag bag is perfect for those who want a taste of Sephoria without breaking the bank. Here’s what to expect:
– **Well-Known Brands:** While the products in the general admission bag may not be as high-end or full-sized as the VIP selection, they’re still from reputable brands that you’ll love trying. You’ll likely receive a mix of mini versions and a couple of full-sized products from popular brands like Urban Decay, Tarte, and Laneige.
– **Variety of Products:** The general admission swag bag offers a good mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty tools, giving you a little bit of everything to sample. From fragrances of Replica to full sizes of the Sephora collection, and even a mini size of Glow Recipe–which sidebar, they went allllll the way out with providing so many sizes and a selection of their products to offer a taste of what they have to offer after all that’s what the purpose of these events are for right?
– **Great Value:** While the value doesn’t reach the heights of the VIP bag, it still offers plenty of bang for your buck, often worth more than double the ticket price. It’s a great way to build your collection without spending a fortune.
Masterclass Benefits: VIP Access vs. General Admission
Sephoria is not just about the swag; it’s also about the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Here’s how the experience differs between the two ticket tiers:
VIP Masterclasses: Up-Close and Personal
– **Priority Seating:** As a VIP attendee, you’ll get access to the masterclasses, ensuring that you have the best view of the demonstrations and can truly immerse yourself in the experience.
– **Exclusive Masterclasses:** VIPs have access to exclusive sessions led by top makeup artists and skincare experts who work with celebrity clients and major beauty brands. These classes are often more intimate, allowing for Q&A opportunities and one-on-one interactions with the beauty gurus.
– **Hands-On Workshops:** In some VIP masterclasses, you may even get the chance to try the techniques yourself using premium products provided by the brand hosting the session. This hands-on approach offers an in-depth learning experience that goes beyond simply watching a demonstration.
I had a masterclass with Jackie Aina for her brand Forever Mood but thanks to Hurricane Helene Keller, my session was cancelled. Unbeknownst to me, she stilled showed up to take pictures in the evening but alas I missed my opportunity. The wound is still healing so let’s move on shall we? Nevertheless, the Reddit reviews of the other Masterclasses that remained on schedule (Makeup by Mario, Danessa Myricks, etc) were a huge success and the brand owners gave out even more of their most coveted products to participants of the event!
Overall Experience: Is the VIP Treatment Worth It?
The VIP experience at Sephoria goes beyond just swag bags and masterclasses. Here’s what else you get as a VIP:
– **Early Access:** VIPs enjoy early entry into Sephoria, allowing them to explore the event, shop exclusive deals, and check out brand booths without the crowds. This is a huge perk if you want to beat the lines and get a head start on your beauty haul.
– **Exclusive Lounge Access:** Many VIP attendees enjoy access to a private lounge where they can relax, sip on complimentary drinks, and recharge before diving back into the excitement.
– **Meet & Greets:** As a VIP, you’ll often have the chance to meet influencers, brand founders, and celebrity makeup artists in an exclusive setting. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap a photo, ask a few questions, and make connections with industry insiders.
In contrast, general admission ticket holders still have a fantastic experience but will miss out on the VIP perks like early access, private lounges, and exclusive meet & greets. However, they still get to enjoy brand booths, sample products, and participate in most of the activities Sephoria has to offer.
Which Ticket Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your budget and how much you want to immerse yourself in the Sephoria experience.
– **Go for VIP if…**
– You’re a die-hard beauty enthusiast who wants the most luxurious experience possible.
– You love full-sized, high-end products and want to leave with a swag bag that’s worth more than the ticket itself.
– You’re interested in hands-on masterclasses and exclusive access to industry professionals.
– **Stick with General Admission if…**
– You’re on a budget but still want to enjoy a fantastic beauty event.
– You don’t mind a mix of sample-sized products and a few full-sized items.
– You’re more interested in exploring the event, shopping, and not too fixated on attending masterclasses of the VIP frills.
Also, if you know how to navigate affirm or any other bougie lay away app, you can create a digital card to use so you can pay for the tickets over time rather than forking out $400+ on a ticket, or for some of the impulsive buyers (my people), tickets!
What We’re Hoping for in 2025
Now that Sephoria 2024 has wrapped up, it’s time to look forward to Sephoria 2025. Here are a few recommendations that could take the event to the next level:
1. More Makeup Products: While the skincare offerings were top-notch, it would be amazing to see even more makeup brands present next year. A stronger focus on makeup products would excite those of us who live for bold lip colors, glittery eyeshadows, and flawless foundation.
2. More Brand Presence: Besides the fantastic lineup of brands this year, adding heavy hitters like Patrick Ta, One/Size, Haus Labs, Nimya, Fenty Beauty, and Dior would be a dream come true. Their unique products and perspectives would enhance the diversity of choices for attendees.
3. Interactive Makeup Stations: How about a few more hands-on experiences where attendees can try their hand at creating their own beauty products, experimenting with shades, or even learning how to contour from the pros?
4. **Location, Location, Location**: For Sephoria 2025, it would be fantastic to see the event hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center or someplace where natural disasters are more unlikely to occur! This spacious venue would offer ample room for more booths, more brands, and more attendees, making it easier to navigate and enjoy all the event has to offer without feeling too crowded.
Why You Should Mark Your Calendar for Sephoria 2025
If you’re someone who loves beauty – whether it’s makeup, skincare, or both – Sephoria is an event that you won’t want to miss. It’s an incredible opportunity to discover new products, interact with your favorite brands, learn from the pros, and, of course, snag some amazing swag! The beauty community is vibrant, welcoming, and always evolving, and Sephoria captures all of that excitement in one unforgettable experience.
Sephoria is a beauty lover’s paradise that continues to set the bar for interactive beauty events. Whether you’re obsessed with makeup, passionate about skincare, or just love being surrounded by people who share your beauty obsession, it’s the place to be. With a bit more focus on makeup products and even more beloved brands in 2025, we can’t wait to see how Sephoria continues to grow and dazzle us all!
Whether you choose VIP or General Admission, Sephoria is an unforgettable experience that offers incredible value, exciting beauty products, and the chance to learn from the best in the business. If you have the means to splurge, the VIP ticket is a beauty lover’s dream come true, offering access to exclusive products, intimate masterclasses, and a truly luxurious experience. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the general admission ticket still provides fantastic access to everything Sephoria has to offer.
No matter which ticket you choose, one thing is for sure: you’ll leave Sephoria feeling inspired, pampered, and ready to take your beauty game to the next level! So, start saving the date and crossing your fingers that your favorite brands will make an appearance. If Sephoria 2024 was any indication, 2025 is going to be bigger, bolder, and even more beautiful!
