Sephora Wants to Help 50 Women Open Their Own Beauty Business

Future beauty entrepreneurs, listen up. Sephora might just become your new business BFF. The mega beauty retailer recently announced they’re launching Sephora Accelerate, a program designed to help 10 female run companies get an innovative, beauty-related business off the ground.

The program will begin with a one-week boot camp at their SF headquarters in April where founders will be assigned a one-on-one mentorship with a beauty expert. While there, they’ll also work with various entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary skills to create a successful business (like building a business model, growth plan, funding strategy, etc.). From there, trained designers from IDEO will work with founders to make their business look beautiful.

Participants will return to SF for a demo day in August where they’ll receive a $2,500 grant and have a chance to pitch their product (and/or technology) directly to senior leaders from Sephora’s Merchandising and Innovation teams. $2,500 may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, but the value of this program definitely comes with the industry connections you’ll be making. It should also be noted that both trips to San Francisco will be fully paid for by Sephora.

Before you whip out your resume, the application process for the inaugural program is by invitation only through Sephora’s partner OpenIDEO. However, for future reference, here are a few requirements the selected brands must meet: The business must be founded by a woman 18 years or older and headquartered in the United States, Canada, Mexico or Brazil. Sephora is also looking for more than a good idea. You’ll need a working prototype that has been iterated on at least once. Finally, the business needs to include some sort of social impact concept.

Even though you might not be able to participate this time around don’t lose, hope. In a press release about the new initiative, Sephora pledged to help 50 women-led beauty businesses get off the ground by 2020.

Do you have a budding beauty business? We want to know about it! Share with us on Twitter @britandco.

(Photos via Kimberly White/Getty)

December always has a way of sneaking up on us with a frenzy of cute holiday decorating, festive gatherings, and dreaming up the best gifts for our besties. If this month has you feeling more frazzled than festive, don’t worry—we’ve got you (and them) covered.

Charles Chocolates

Charles Chocolates Winter Fleur de Sel Collection

We partnered with Charles Chocolates, the award-winning artisanal chocolate brand, to create a gift guide filled with unique and just-a-little-bit bougie finds, because everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while, holiday season or not! From a plushy robe and scented candles to a box of the most creative handmade chocolates, including a chocolate box you can actually eat, these picks are perfect for everyone on your list — and maybe even a little treat for yourself.

Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!

The Coffee Lover

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Winter Collection Edible Chocolate Box

These coffee-lover gifts, including a colorful French Press and adorbs mug, are sure to perk up your day — and theirs! Pair your morning cup with a delicious piece of handmade chocolate for the ultimate sensory experience. You can literally eat the box in this Winter Collection from Charles Chocolates filled with Fleur de Sel Caramels, Peanut Butterflies and Milk Chocolate Caramels. SO good!

Featured:

The Cozy Homebody

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection

For the pal who loves to stay in and get cozy, here’s a cute kettle for steeping her favorite tea, some cozy wears, and Charles Chocolates Holiday Collection with flavors like Pecan Fleur de Sel Caramel, Cinnamon Spice Truffle, Orange Zest Truffle, and Maple Truffle. Charles Chocolates are all natural so it’s real chocolate vs. a sugary (read: cheap) substitute. The flavors are so unique and fun to taste-test. It’s the perfect gift for when you’re feeling indoorsy!

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Your Holiday Crush

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark

Sneak a fancy chocolate bar, like Charles Chocolates Peppermint Bark Bar, made with homemade peppermint candy, in your S.O.’s stocking, plus some essentials for the camper, music lover, and beanie wearer!

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The Sweet Tooth

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa

Sweet tooth be gone with Charles Chocolates Bittersweet Chocolate Santa Clause. This thing is not small, weighing in at 3 lbs. of deliciously rich chocolate. Adults will actually enjoy this vintage-style Santa as much as kids! Pair with a bottle of wine dressed in an adorable bow, a cake stand candle (so cute!), darling dessert plates, and/or a baking lover’s cookbook! Toss some mint chocolate almonds in stockings too!

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Your Jewish Bestie

Brit + Co

Charles Chocolates Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box

There’s a lot of talk about Christmas this time of year, but not all of our friends celebrate. And this year, Hanukkah starts on Christmas day so we can celebrate together! Gift your bestie who celebrates the Festival of Lights with this Hanukkah Collection Edible Chocolate Box filled with flavors like Fleur de Sel Caramel, Passion Fruit Heart, Espresso Caramel, and Meyer Lemon Yankee. They might also enjoy a new cookbook celebrating their heritage, cozy slippers, jewelry, and an artful wine decanter for the holidays. Candle-lighting matches are a perfect stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift too!

Featured:

Score a FREE Charles Chocolates Bar when you spend $25 or more!

Where would I be without my blush? It’s undeniably the best part of my makeup routine. Without a glowy, natural flush on my cheeks, my looks would lack a lotta life. And while I appreciate a good makeup find from the aisles of Sephora and Ulta, a lot of their offerings are simply not in my budget. Why shell out $30 for a single blush tin when there are plenty of amazing drugstore blushes out there?

This list of the 10 best drugstore blushes of 2024 includes several of my faves I use on a regular basis, plus more affordable picks that are beloved by the beauty community.

Get your glow on with the best drugstore blushes below!

Amazon

Undone Beauty Lip To Cheek Palette

I can't say enough good things about this cream blush. It gives a natural, glowy finish, plus a little bit goes a long way on the cheeks. As opposed to powder blushes that require a brush, this pick is so easy to apply – I just use my fingers and tap, tap, tap away until it's all blended in.

Meredith Holser

The Undone Beauty Lip To Cheek Palette is only $12, too, which makes the value per wear uber-impressive. I've found it works just as wonderfully on bare skin as it does on top of foundation and powder. I can't recommend it enough!

Amazon

e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi Stick

Surprise, surprise: yet another cream blush on my list of the best drugstore blushes. Though it's tiny in size, this blush stick packs a powerful punch in terms of color. The "non-greasy, lightweight, and nourishing" formula is painfully easy to blend out, and I love that it leaves a subtle shimmer on the cheeks. Extra bonus points for this pick since it's also compatible as an eyeshadow and lipstick!

Amazon

NYX Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tint

One of my best friends, Em, swears by this liquid blush from NYX: they say it's pigmented, very blendable, and that a little goes a long way. When it's on their cheeks, it looks airbrushed as ever. "I have big cheeks and it highlights them and I think that’s precious," they shared with me.

Amazon

NYX Buttermelt Powder Blush

This powder blush has a super buttery feel to it, making it one of the most unique blushes of this year. The formula is infused with mango, almond, and shea butters for a very seamless blend, no matter the shade. The available shades range from punchy corals to vibrant purples, so you're sure to find something that works perfectly for your beautiful cheeks!

Per an Amazon reviewer that left a 5-star rating: "NYX has really stepped up their game! The quality and packaging are amazing for ten dollars. This blush will last me for years. All you need is one dash with the brush. Seriously. And the case is solid and cute as heck."

Amazon

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush

It's no secret that this blush stick went TikTok-viral in 2024. Beauty fans fell in love with how easy it is to apply and the gorgeous glow a single swipe leaves behind.

"As someone who has always struggled with blush due to redness combined with fair skin, this blush is perfect for me. Finally!" one Amazon reviewer writes. "It goes on beautifully, leaves a pretty sheen and a perfect shade of light pink."

Amazon

e.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush

If a dewy finish is what you're in the market for, look no further than this liquid blush from e.l.f. It promises rich pigment and a long-lasting effect that's worthy of everyday wear. Fans of the blush say a little drop can go a very long way, so it's best to start the application with a little bit of product and build it up. Pretty impressive for a $7 blush!

A promising review: "The blush is creamy and easy to apply. There is no steakiness as with powder blush. Color control is great because you can use one layer or more if needed for your skin tone. A small dot of this does go a long way on my medium fair skin. I love the peachy tone which gives my skin a real pick up. No bad smell or sticky texture. Powder can easily be applied overtop in about 30-60 seconds after it has set into the skin. Love this product. There is a shade for everyone !!! Great price as well. Just buy it!!!!"

Amazon

Milani Baked Blush

"I’m no makeup expert, but I LOVE my Milani blush in shade Romantic Rose," one Redditor stated about this drugstore pick. The buildable formula is available in both matte and shimmer shades to suit your own makeup preferences. I used the shimmery shade Luminoso religiously in high school, and can certify that it truly delivers a supernatural glow.

Amazon

MCoBeauty Cheek And Lip Tint

Glossier Cloud Paint dupe, anyone? This liquid-y blush formula is highly blendable and can take you from a natural sheer hint to an intense pop of color within a few layers.

"This lip and cheek is a great multitasking product with a long-lasting formula," one Amazon reviewer said. "Just a little dab applied to my cheeks, gave me an instant glowing blush. A little bit really does go along way, so be sure just to apply a very small amount and build up from there."

Amazon

ColourPop Blush Stix

This blush stick boasts a "skin-like" formula that's easy to apply with your fingers, a sponge, or a brush. It's also easy to bring with you on the go for reapplication! The only downside is the shade range is considerably limited.

Amazon

Physicians Formula Murumuru Strawberry Jam Blush

Not only is this one of the best drugstore blushes, it's also one of the cutest drugstore blushes. Just look at those lil' berries! It even smells like strawberries. The formula contains murumuru, cupuaçu, and tucuma butters, all of which are helpful in moisturizing the skin.

One Amazon reviewer notes that: "It's a pretty color and gives a nice glow," but "The scent is nice but some might find it overwhelming."

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

For those friends who hit 'buy now' a little too often, holiday shopping can feel like a total guessing game. That's why we went on a mission to uncover some of Amazon's most unique and practical gifts — ones they probably haven't already snagged. From cutting-edge skincare to fun little gadgets, this list is your secret weapon to show off your thoughtfulness and creativity. Every pick is backed by glowing reviews, so you can shop with confidence and keep scrolling for more inspiration. For that "impossible to shop for" friend, you just might find their next perfect surprise.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

These Mini Wash Off Face Masks That Are Inspired by Ice Cream

Amazon

We don't recommend tasting these face masks (seriously, please don't), but everything about them — from their rich texture to their indulgent scent — brings to mind a scoop of creamy ice cream. The difference? These pamper your skin, leaving it glowing, firm, and refreshed. They're the perfect little sample sizes of the full-sized favorites, making them an ideal treat for a gal who loves a luxe skincare moment.

See it on Amazon

These Mindfulness Exercises Are Travel-Friendly

Amazon

Have a friend who could use a gentle nudge toward finding their Zen? Grab them these mindfulness exercises that are detailed and easy to follow. Compact and portable, they make it easy to bring calm and clarity wherever the day takes them.

See it on Amazon

This Furry Bag Makes a Statement

Amazon

We love this sherpa-style crossbody bag, and your giftee will, too. This bag is fun and something totally different than anything else in her wardrobe. It has plenty of storage space and no shortage of style.

See it on Amazon

This Himalayan Salt Lamp With a More Soothing Design

Amazon

Skipping the rough look of traditional models, this Himalayan salt lamp opts for a smooth design of elegant balls in a bowl. The wood base has a dimming switch to adjust the relaxing, warm light.

See it on Amazon

A Headache Relief Cap to Keep Her Feeling Her Best

Amazon

If your giftee suffers from chronic headaches, this headache relief cap makes a thoughtful gift. It's a game-changer for easing pain or depuffing in the morning.

See it on Amazon

Gift Her a Flawless Complexion With This Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer

Amazon

A sunscreen and tinted moisturizer in one? Count us in. This Tinted Moisturizer will leave your giftee's skin looking dewy, bright, and clean at the same time with its lightweight formula.

See it on Amazon

These Healing Crystals Tailored to Their Zodiac Sign

Amazon

If they’re all about astrology, these healing crystals will feel like they were written in the stars. Tailored to their zodiac sign, each set includes six crystal gemstones thoughtfully selected to clear out negative energy and invite in all the good vibes.

See it on Amazon

This Window Bird Feeder With a Removable Food Tray

Amazon

This window bird feeder makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family living in apartments or cities. It suctions securely to the window, attracting birds and bringing a touch of nature to urban settings. The best part? The food tray is removable, making cleaning and refilling a breeze.

See it on Amazon

This Plush Blanket That Stays on Their Arms

Amazon

Unlike the blanket hoodies, this wearable blanket doesn't go over the head. It has two pocket sleeves along the edge that the arms slide into, keeping it wrapped around the body without committing to a full-body drape. It's perfect for the cozy girl who's not looking for any commitment.

See it on Amazon

This Insulated Cup Sleeve With Gentle Elastic

Amazon

Drinks hot or cold won't bother their hands with this handy cup sleeve made from an insulating neoprene. It has an elastic panel on the back to adjust to a variety of cup sizes and comes in countless trendy designs.

See it on Amazon

This Cupping Massager for At-Home Relief

Amazon

We can personally attest to the impressive strength and effectiveness of this cupping massager with red light therapy and heat. Its easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to use solo, providing much-needed relief for a variety of aches and pains.

See it on Amazon

The Viral Bracelets That Are the Must-Have Dupes of the Season

Amazon

If you're not familiar with Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, just know that their luxury pieces often come with a $5,000 price tag. Luckily, these much more affordable bracelets capture the same elegance and charm without breaking the bank.

See it on Amazon

This Water Painting Set to Help Them Relax

Amazon

At less than 5 inches wide, this water painting set can be set right on their bedside, helping them unwind with painting without any of the mess. As the water evaporates, they can watch the canvas gradually return to a clean slate.

See it on Amazon

This Picnic Set That Comes with Everything They Need

Amazon

We were shocked at how much this picnic set actually includes, from the blanket, ceramic plates, and silverware to a charcuterie board and wine glasses. The insulated bag keeps everything cold inside, and you can choose kits for two or four people.

See it on Amazon

Whimsical Bookmarks That Look Like Mini Mushrooms

Amazon

How cute are these mushroom bookmarks? They come in a set of four in two sizes and two colors, giving them another perfect reason to join the book-reading trend.

See it on Amazon

A Versatile 3-in-1Hand Blender

Amazon

This hand blender has a powerful motor that ensures smooth and efficient blending, handling everything from soups to sauces with ease. Plus, the milk frother attachment is perfect for your seasonal hot drinks, while the whisk is perfect for your seasonal bakes.

See it on Amazon

This Essential Oil Roller That Helps With Energy

Amazon

We're all familiar with scents that help us unwind, but this essential oil is here to help with the opposite. A deep breath gives the mind a gentle boost with 100% natural scents like clove, lemon, and grapefruit.

See it on Amazon

This Stainless Steel Bracelet With an Endearing Message

Amazon

With countless messages to choose from, you can personalize this bracelet to match your relationship. The durable metal easily adjusts around the wrist and has a high-quality engraving that's tarnish- and fade-resistant.

See it on Amazon

These Finger Chopsticks That Glow in the Dark

Amazon

If you missed these viral finger chopsticks on Shark Tank or social media, they're as genius as they sound. Originally designed for gamers, they've become a must-have for anyone who wants to snack and scroll without getting their fingers messy.

See it on Amazon

These Cozy Slippers With Upgraded Arch Support

Amazon

One of the biggest issues with slippers is their quality, especially if you want to wear them all day, but these are here to fix that. They're not only adorable and trendy, but they also have improved arch support, a thick memory foam sole, and a water-resistant bottom.

See it on Amazon

This Travel Cup Holder for Their Suitcase

Amazon

There are never enough hands when traveling, making this travel cup holder a thoughtful gift for frequent flyers. It velcros snugly into place and has a third pocket on the backside that holds flatter things like phones and tablets.

See it on Amazon

These Blooming Flower Tea Bags Are Mesmerizing

Amazon

These blooming tea bags are exactly what they sound like: as the tea infuses, a real, edible flower blooms right before your eyes. This 12-pack has glowing reviews, not just for the beautiful floral display but for its light, fruity flavor.

See it on Amazon

These Hypoallergenic Earrings That Look Like Little Frogs

Amazon

Another adorable find they probably haven't seen before: these frog earrings. With two little amphibian friends jumping through the earlobe and one more playfully hanging on as an upper ear cuff, they're a quirky and simple way to add a touch of personality.

See it on Amazon

This Foot and Calf Massager They Can Control With Their Phone

Amazon

The top of this massager folds flat, and it doubles as a stool, making it easy to keep on hand. The heated massage offers two modes, and you can control the intensity either with the buttons on the side or through the app on your phone.

See it on Amazon

This Pink Tool Set That Comes With a Drill

Amazon

Independent women will always love getting their own tool set, but (we beg of you), please make it this one with an actual drill. The kit comes with 108 pieces to tackle any small job around the house, all neatly packed in a hard case.

See it on Amazon

This 2-Tier Serving Bowl for Elite Snacking

Amazon

From chips and dip to popcorn and chocolate, this serving bowl keeps things nice and tidy. The bowls are microwave- and dishwasher-safe and neatly nest for compact storage.

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This Adjustable Tablet Stand With Room for a Charger

Amazon

This tablet stand is a standout with over 62,000 5-star reviews. You can easily adjust the angle and lock it firmly in place, and it even has a space for your charging cord built into the ledge. Plus, rubber cushions at the contact points help protect your device while keeping it steady.

See it on Amazon

These Rolling Shelves for Tight Spaces

Amazon

Most popular in the bathroom, these rolling shelves are a great pick for friends with limited space. Sized to fit full-sized products, the shelves have ventilated bottoms to prevent moisture buildup, and the 360-degree wheels make them easy to move around.

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These Ceramic Vases With a Minimalist Vibe

Amazon

These ceramic vases are new to the market and have already gone viral on TikTok for their sleek, simple design that's easy to style. The matte, smooth finish looks stunning on its own, and the waterproof inner coating makes it a functional vase as well.

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Sleek Syrup Dispensers for Their Coffee Bar

Amazon

No matter how hard the store-bought containers try, they'll never look as good as these glass dispensers that pump all kinds of syrup. The set comes with 14 labels of common flavors and is available in gold, silver, and black finishes.

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This Electric Wine Aerator That Sits on the Bottle

Amazon

Ease hangovers, boost flavor, and clean up pouring with this wine aerator that pumps straight from the bottle. It will dispense more than 30 bottles on a full charge.

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These Wooden Brain Teasers That Complement Decor

Amazon

The host in your life will love these wooden brain teasers that can be left out as decor. They come with three puzzles, intricately designed to draw attention and challenge users without being so difficult that they lose interest.

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This Item Tracker That Connects to Their Phone

Amazon

If you have a forgetful friend, grab a few of these item trackers to help keep them organized. Not only can they track items from a distance (like if they've been stolen), but the tracker also lets out a loud ring to help locate misplaced keys, phones, or other essentials.

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This Phone Sanitizer With Proven Results

Amazon

Phones are quite possibly the grosses thing any of us own, but this phone sanitizer is here to change that. It uses UV-C light to thoroughly disinfect the entire phone or whatever else you can fit inside.

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This Cordless Bed Vacuum With Impressive Strength

Amazon

Dust, dust mites, dead skin cells, dirt, pet hair—should we keep going? It's all in your mattress, and it's all something this bed vacuum can pull out. Using light therapy alongside powerful suction, it removes over 99% of particles, helping keep mattresses fresh and friends happy.

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This Bottle Opener Catches the Caps

Amazon

This bottle opener has a strong magnetic base that securely attaches to metal surfaces, and it includes screws if they prefer to install it elsewhere. Our favorite part? The powerful magnet catches the bottle caps so they won't fall to the ground.

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This Swinging Duck Is Sure to Bring a Smile

Amazon

This little swinging duck hangs from the rearview mirror and is less than $10 right now. It comes in many different styles, with our favorite being this girl's girl, of course.

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This Gorgeous Sun Catcher That Reflects a Rainbow

Amazon

This is the #1 Best Seller in garden suncatchers right now, with glowing reviews for its mesmerizing display of rainbow magic. The solar-powered device rotates like a disco ball to not only look great but also minimize fire risk.

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The Original Neck Stretcher That Works in Just 10 Minutes

Amazon

Stretch, decompress, and oxygenate are all wonderful words to hear when talking about bringing relief to a tight neck, and this neck stretcher is proven to provide all three. It can be used virtually anywhere, bringing relief to the neck and shoulders in as little as ten minutes.

See it on Amazon