Sephora Penang’s Launch Party

With the opening of Sephora in Penang, Penangites and those living up north are just as spoilt for choice as us KL-ites when it comes to beauty products. I wish I could have joined in the fun last night when Sephora Penang held its launch party and what a party it was as you will see from the images courtesy of Juniper’s Northern correspondent. 

The Sephora beauty evolution revolution which started in 2011 in Malaysia with the opening of its flagship store at Starhill Gallery finally reached our northern shores a few days ago with the opening of Sephora Penang at Gurney Paragon Mall on the 23^rd of July, 2013. The Penang store is Sephora’s very first store outside the Klang Valley. In conjunction with the opening of the Gurney Paragon Mall, Sephora Penang opened its doors to the public on the 23^rd of July, 2013.

Finally, northern beauty aficionados will be able to breathe a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to travel all the way down to KL (or overseas!) to get their supplies, just drop by at Sephora Penang and you will be spoilt for choice! Besides the usual department store staple brand names like Estee Lauder Clinique, Lancome, Biotherm, Dior, Aramis (and the list goes on!), Penangites can now also get their hands on products from cult brands names like Urban Decay, Make-Up For Ever, Stila, Smashbox, Bare Minerals, Too Faced, Benefit, Soap & Glory, First Aid Beauty, Boscia, besides Sephora’s own Private Label make-up products and tools, and all in an openly accessible and interactive concept.

If once upon a time one could only read about and dream of certain cult  make-up brands, either from the magazines or via the internet, with the opening of Sephora Penang, the dream has become reality. The actual products are now readily  available and they all can be found on the shelves of Sephora. Even nail devotees will be thrilled with the easy availability of brands like OPI, Ciate, Butter London,  and all in a very wide range of colours. Sephora also carries a wide range of makeup brushes and tools and even the iconic Clarisonic range of electric face cleansing brushes is available.

On Friday, the 26^th of July, 2013, the celebrations continued with Sephora’s Launch Party at 7.30p.m. Yours truly was fortunate enough to secure an invitation to attend even if it was via a last minute arrangement. On my arrival at 7.30p.m., the store ware packed with customers, invited guests and members of the media. With throbbing music playing in background, the atmosphere was electric. In attendance was  Sephora’s General Manager for Singapore and Malaysia, Afif Haddar, who is based in Singapore. The Launch Party started off with him giving with a short welcoming speech. Finger food and drinks was served, and entertainment was provided by the electronic music duo, The Empress from KL. Later on,  there was a make-up show by Jo Disaya T. which showcased models with avant garde haute couture makeup, a type of which is rarely seen here in Penang, unless of course one is a regular at London or Paris fashion week!

The opening of Sephora in Penang has raised the bar and has definitely upped the ante in the beauty stakes here in the northern region. The powers that be ought to be commended for the wise decision made by them to set up a store here in Penang. No longer will Penangites be left behind when it comes to hair, beauty, skincare and makeup choices. From what I have heard, it was a success from day one of the opening of Sephora Penang and let’s hope it continues that way. To Sephora, a very warm welcome to Penang!

The Blue Flamingo

Many thanks to The Blue Flamingo for the write-up and images.