Sephora and Kohl's Hosted Campus Beauty Pop-ups
The brands offered fragrance testing and beauty touch-ups to university students during August 2026.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Beauty
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In August 2026, Sephora and Kohl's hosted a series of Beauty Bodega pop-up events across three U.S. university campuses. The activations provided students with product discovery experiences, including fragrance testing and professional hair and makeup appointments.
Why it matters
These events aimed to support students navigating sorority recruitment processes by offering confidence-boosting beauty services. The initiative also introduced local campus communities to the convenience of nearby Sephora at Kohl's retail locations.
The activation occurred at three universities in August 2026 following a 2025 pilot program. Participation was facilitated by physical pop-up stations within 5 miles of existing retail stores, where students received a 15%-off discount coupon.
The players
Sephora
A multinational beauty retailer known for offering a wide range of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products.
Kohl's
An American department store chain that partners with specialty retailers to offer curated beauty sections.
The details
The Beauty Bodega pop-ups utilized experiential marketing tactics, including fragrance fridges and dedicated product discovery moments. On-site hair and makeup teams provided professional touch-up treatments by appointment to assist students. Additionally, the activation featured a physical postcard station to engage attendees with the brands' offerings.
Timeline
The initial Beauty Corner activation occurred in 2025.
Beauty Bodega events took place during August 2026.
The brands plan to expand the campaign in the fall of 2027.
Health Landscape
The Beauty Bodega pop-ups represent a shift in beauty retail towards hyper-local, experience-based marketing on college campuses. This strategy builds on the existing RushTok beauty marketing trend by integrating in-person beauty services directly into the student social environment.
Students should ensure that any shared makeup or hair styling tools provided in communal pop-up settings meet hygiene standards, such as the use of disposable applicators. If you have sensitive skin or specific product allergies, consult with your dermatologist before trying new cosmetics.
The takeaway
Retailers are increasingly utilizing campus-based pop-ups to engage directly with student populations through experiential services. When participating in these events, always prioritize personal hygiene and verify product ingredients to avoid potential skin irritation.
What happens next
The brands have announced plans to expand the RushTok campaign, with further activation events scheduled for the fall of 2027.
Further reading
For more on evolving retail beauty trends, see our coverage of Beauty.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Event Marketer.
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