Sephora UK and Face Equality International Deepen Partnership for International Face Equality Week 2025

Sephora UK is proud to announce the continuation and expansion of its partnership with Face Equality International (FEI) in support of International Face Equality Week (IFEW), taking place from May 12–19, 2025. The campaign, "My Face is a Masterpiece" aims to celebrate the uniqueness of every individual and promote inclusivity and respect for those with facial differences.

FEI states: “The stories of the facial and visible difference community are often portrayed with pity and prejudice. When this is a vibrant and diverse community that should be seen, heard, and celebrated. Especially in art form.  

We’re calling upon anyone and everyone to get involved in Face Equality Week, whether you have a facial difference or not. Come and celebrate what makes you unique and get creative about self-expression, all whilst helping us to champion a world of equity and inclusion.”

Sephora UK’s collaboration with Face Equality International is rooted in a shared commitment to champion inclusivity, foster a culture of acceptance and empower those who have been marginalised. Together, Sephora UK and FEI strive to create safe and inclusive spaces both on and offline, challenge outdated beauty norms, and promote visibility for people with facial differences. Future plans also include specialist training for Sephora UK’s BAs to better support individuals with facial differences, recognising that many beauty professionals are not currently equipped to meet their unique needs. Through education and awareness staff will learn how to provide respectful, inclusive and specialised services ensuring everyone feels valued and understood when they walk into a Sephora store. The partnership also seeks to raise vital awareness and funds for FEI's advocacy and support work, helping to build a more equitable future in beauty and beyond.

In-Store Events to Hero Sephora’s Commitment to Inclusivity

To support IFEW 2025, Sephora and FEI is hosting two exclusive in-store events:

  • Thursday, May 8 2025 – Sephora West, Westfield White City London: A panel discussion and makeup demo featuring Nikki Lilly, digital creator and advocate, Multi Makeup Artist and DE&I Champion, Jack Oliver, alongside Sephora representatives.

  • Sunday, May 11 2025 – Sephora East, Westfield Stratford London: A panel event with Laura Mathias, visible difference activist, in partnership with Face Equality International.

Nikki Lilly, Digital Creator & FEI Ambassador says: “I grew up watching makeup tutorials as a form of escape and self-acceptance, and Sephora was always at the heart of that. I still remember walking into Sephora for the first time when I was nine, in America for medical treatment, with nothing to look forward to. I spent hours swatching, exploring, and for the first time in a while, feeling seen. The team made me feel welcome at a time I felt lost and invisible. Every time I returned for treatment, Sephora became something I clung to. It gave me solace, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

That’s why this moment means so much. Working with Sephora and FEI is about more than beauty; it’s about representation, inclusion, and making sure the facial difference community is not only seen but valued. This partnership is a powerful statement that everyone deserves to find joy, creativity, and confidence in spaces like these.

This is only the beginning of our work together, and I’m hopeful for a future where the industry continues to grow more inclusive, welcoming, and reflective of everyone. Together with FEI, we’re creating more space for the facial difference community to be seen, heard, and celebrated - in beauty and beyond. I’m so thankful for brands like Sephora that genuinely want to help make a difference”.

Jack Oliver, Multi Makeup Artist and DE&I Champion says “My work with Sephora and Face Equality International holds deep meaning for me—it's about creating comfort, inclusion, and joy in the beauty space for everyone. With over a decade of experience in makeup, both in and out of retail, I’ve seen how powerful beauty can be when it’s truly inclusive. Sephora has consistently stood out as one of the most forward-thinking and welcoming spaces for all beauty lovers. It’s an honour to support Face Equality and their inspiring partnership with Sephora, as we work together to celebrate the beauty in every face and spread love through the art of makeup”. 

Each event will include a skincare and makeup tutorial tailored to various visible differences and interactive Q&A sessions to engage directly with attendees’ questions and lived experiences. 

Sephora UK and FEI have a longstanding partnership focused on promoting inclusivity within the beauty industry. Notably:

  • #FearNoFace Campaign: Launched in October 2024, this initiative addressed the harmful stereotypes often associated with facial differences during Halloween. The campaign challenged the portrayal of facial differences as "scary" or "monstrous" in costumes and media, advocating for respectful and inclusive celebrations. 

  • My Face is a Masterpiece: Introduced during IFEW 2024, this campaign encouraged individuals to embrace their unique appearances and challenged societal beauty standards. 

  • MySephora Charity Partner Program: Through Sephora UK's loyalty program, customers can choose to donate their rewards to support FEI's mission, with Sephora contributing £5 for each donation. 

For more information on International Face Equality Week and how to participate, visit faceequalityinternational.org. 

Natalia Kulak