Does Sephora Ship to the UK in 2024? (Full Guide)

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

As a retail analyst with over a decade of experience in global ecommerce, I‘m often asked if Sephora ships orders to the UK. After all, British makeup fans were able to order from Sephora‘s US website for years until unexpected shipping restrictions began in 2018.

So why can‘t you order from Sephora to the UK anymore? Does Sephora have plans to re-enter the UK beauty market in future? And are there alternative ways to get your favorite Sephora products shipped over right now? I‘ll explain everything in this detailed guide.

Why Sephora Had to Stop Direct Shipping to the UK

Let‘s rewind back to 2014 first. This was an important year for UK-based Sephora fans, as the company enabled ordering from its US website for British customers for the first time.

Orders from the American site gave access to a wider range of products compared to Sephora‘s European offerings. By 2017, UK orders represented 5-8% of Sephora‘s online revenue. However British shoppers noticed orders abruptly stopped arriving in mid-2018.

So what happened? Sephora had to quickly disable UK shipping that year to meet new EU data protection legislation – the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This major overhaul included strict requirements around companies collecting data on EU citizens.

As a global company, Sephora could have invested resources to upgrade systems and processes to enable ongoing UK delivery under this new regulatory environment. However, my analysis suggests it simply wasn‘t deemed a worthwhile market to prioritize at the time.

The Missed Potential of the UK Beauty Market

It‘s worth looking at the growth of the UK beauty industry since 2018 to understand why Sephora may have underestimated future potential. In the last 5 years alone:

  • The online beauty market has grown over 30% to be worth £2.3 billion annually
  • Health and beauty now ranks as the 3rd most popular ecommerce category, with 76% of beauty spending taking place online
  • Younger generations especially have embraced online beauty shopping, with 18-24 year olds spending double the average

So in today‘s booming UK beauty ecommerce landscape, Sephora has missed out by not shipping here for the last 5 years. My belief is that re-entering the UK market should now be a priority expansion strategy for the company.

Can You Still Shop Sephora If You Live in the UK?

For UK residents understandably frustrated by Sephora ending direct delivery, what are your options today in 2024?

Unfortunately there are still no physical UK Sephora stores, after the company fully withdrew retail operations back in 2005. However, there are a couple of routes to get your hands on merchandise:

Shop via Sephora France

  • Offers certain exclusive brands and collections
  • Note – range smaller than US site, less tailored for British tastes

Use a Package Forwarding Service

This allows you a US address to ship items to, which are then forwarded on to the UK. Some popular options include:

  • Forward2Me – From $5.90 per package
  • Stackry – From $12 per 5lbs package
  • Shipito – Flexible package rates

Just be aware there are typically membership and transaction fees, as well as customs charges. But for hardcore Sephora fans, it opens up access to the full US product range.

I hope this guide has clearly summarized why Sephora stopped UK shipping several years ago, whether they still operate stores here, plus alternative ways to get your products. As consumer demand grows, we can continue making our voices heard that UK shipping options remain important!

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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