We’re looking for five visionaries to help rewrite the beauty playbook.

Plus win a £3,000 grant, learn from industry leaders, and be in with the chance to secure a game-changing paid Sephora UK internship.
Apply now
Keep scrolling to learn more.

What is the UNiDAYS Student Shadow Board?

The UNiDAYS Student Shadow Board brings together five stand-out students from different areas of study to collaborate with leading industry voices. It’s your chance to bring your unique perspective and make your mark on what beauty could look like next.

Big ideas, real impact.

What’s in it for you?

If you’re one of the lucky five selected, here’s what’s waiting:
£3,000 grant
‍Win a £3k grant to fuel your vision and support your next step.
Workshop experiences
‍Join collaborative Shadow Board workshops with UNiDAYS, the British Beauty Council & Sephora UK and build ideas together and leave with something tangible to help propel your career.
Industry insight
‍Go behind the scenes with Sephora UK in this incredible opportunity to learn how the industry works up close.
Potential paid internship
‍Show up, share your ideas and stand out. If you impress, you could be in with a chance of bagging a 12-month paid internship with Sephora UK.
Full access
‍Free tickets to British Beauty Week 2026.

How to enter

Simply submit an entry video up to 3 minutes long or a written entry (500 words max) answering:

‍Beauty impacts our economy, culture and society every day–but what's its next big move? Highlight one current success in the industry and give us your blueprint for taking it to the next level.

‍Remember to confirm your area of study when submitting your form!
Apply now

Meet the 2025 Shadow Board

See what last year’s Shadow Board members got up to—and where it’s taken them.

Here’s what they each highlighted from the experience.

Ojoachenyo Onuh

Studying: Pharmaceutical Sciences

It was incredible to be the student voice representing those passionate about beauty and to contribute ideas on how to create more opportunities in the industry early on. 

To the next group: don’t be shy about sharing your ideas! Your insights can create real change in the beauty industry, and this is the perfect platform to make your voice heard.

Bethany Cookson

Studying: Marketing

Getting to work with so many amazing and talented people, passionate about the beauty industry. Each session was so insightful and I came away feeling so inspired. 

My advice to future students applying is to not be afraid to be yourself. Your authenticity is what makes you stand out so make sure to show your personality and passion for beauty.

Rachel Igwe

STUDYING: MSc COSMETIC SCIENCE

If my 16-year-old self could see me now, she would be elated! This opportunity is deeply personal to me—a chance to champion meaningful beauty inclusivity where it's most visible: in stores. Every customer should find their perfect match displayed with pride, backed by formulations that deliver. True representation isn't just aspirational; it's how we build trust in beauty.

Penelope Helbest

Studying: Media & Communication

The connections I've made on the board are invaluable–everyone has been really helpful, and I can already see how it'll positively impact me beyond the board. 

Whatever skill makes you different? Incorporate it into your entry. We always imagine the odds are stacked against us, but there are ways to even those odds. Play to your strengths!

Tyrese Walters

Studying: Digital Marketing in Fashion

I was gassed to be part of the Shadow Board! It’s mad to think my experience and point of view were recognised like this. I’m keen to bring authenticity into the beauty space, especially around topics like eczema, mixed hair textures, and the lack of clear guidance available. It’s an honour to help make things feel more relatable for students like me.

Ready to make an impact?

This is your moment to step into the industry and build something real. If you’ve got something to say—now’s your time. Apply before [date] to be in with a chance.
Apply now

Get inspired with Sephora

We belong to something beautiful: what it’s like to work in the beauty industry, with Sephora

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