Sycamore Said to Near Deal to Sell Boots
The private equity firm is nearing a deal, valued at $9 billion, to sell the UK health and beauty retail business to the Canadian branch of the billionaire Weston family, a source told Bloomberg.
Beauty
Analysis and advice on the fast-evolving beauty business.
Kylie’s Comeback; Kenvue’s Woes
This week is all about two very different American beauty stories: one looking at its past, the other confronting its future.
How Do You Bounce Back After Backlash? Boy Smells Offers an Answer
The queer-founded fragrance label is opening its first-ever store, months after weathering negative chatter around its creative overhaul. Now, it’s ready to win core customers back — and reach new ones.
Grimes’ Co-Creative Director Launches Sci-Fi-Inspired Beauty Brand
Cosmetics line Hyrular Beauty, which debuts on Wednesday, is targeting the fashionable gamer set with a futuristic campaign.
Kenvue’s Options Limited by Trump Tylenol Claims, Considers Beauty Unit Sell-Off
According to sources familiar with the company, the American giant is considering divesting assets as it struggles with weakened customer demand and unproven claims from the US president that Tylenol could be linked to autism.
How Beauty Can Navigate a Testing Confidence Crisis
As Australian regulators investigate a lab associated with sunscreens shown to have inconsistent SPF ratings, brands must grapple with questioned trust in beauty’s third-party product testing system.
Ulta Beauty Launches Marketplace
As Amazon gains beauty market share, the American speciality retailer is the latest to unveil a marketplace aimed at increasing its e-commerce penetration.
Estée Lauder Companies’ CEO Says Fragrance Is Key to its Turnaround
While the US beauty conglomerate unveils its first fragrance-focussed innovation centre in Paris, executives including CEO Stéphane de La Faverie outlined new opportunities for its luxury and prestige perfume portfolio, which spans brands like Tom Ford and Le Labo.
How Safe Is a Gel Manicure?
Nail bars now outnumber banks on many high streets. But as another ingredient in gel polish is about to be banned, is there really a risk-free way of getting your nails done?
How Layering Transformed the Fragrance Market
From Chanel to Kayali, beauty brands at every price point are eschewing ‘signature scent’ marketing in favour of creating a wardrobe of perfume options.
Make America Smell Like Cowboys Again?
The Western trend has crossed categories, triggering boom times for leathery fragrance launches.
Live from Paris! LV Beauty, The World of Officine Buly and Kris Jenner
This week, I’m in the French capital, talking to beauty insiders about the high bar for luxury beauty and the 11-year-old brand masquerading as centuries old. Also, my thoughts on beauty’s new ultimate influencer.
Would You Put Fossil Fuels on Your Face? You Probably Already Are.
In an excerpt from her forthcoming book, Arabelle Sicardi outlines the required resources, water wastes, deforestation and pollution that are “all part of the story of every product in your makeup bag.”
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Dyson’s $499 AI Toothbrush Sees Rocky Debut
The UK firm blamed a production error resulting in ‘water seepage’ for the disappearance of its newly launched camera-equipped toothbrush from stores.
Sephora to Launch at Marks & Spencer
‘Sephora at M&S’ will roll out in M&S stores and online starting next spring, with plans to expand to 100 locations by the end of 2028.
Novo Buys Rights to Early Obesity Pill For $2.6 Billion
The Wegovy maker has signed a deal to license an experimental obesity pill from China’s Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals as it seeks to regain share of the global GLP-1 market.
Oura Delays US IPO
The smart ring maker said on Tuesday it has delayed its US initial public offering, citing market uncertainty.
Scarlett Johansson’s Skincare Brand The Outset Closes
As of Monday, the premium brand’s website has been updated with a message announcing its closure.
Vyrao Acquired by Brand Platform Tresalis
The niche perfume brand has been purchased by the new beauty operator created and backed by German investment firm Athos.
L’Oréal Joins Forces With Nykaa to Invest in Indian Beauty Brands
BOLD, the French conglomerate’s venture capital fund, will collaborate with retailer Nykaa to invest in the next generation of Indian beauty brands.