Colour cosmetics

University of Karachi sets up dedicated Halal product testing lab

11-Mar-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The University of Karachi’s (UoK) International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), has turned its attention to dedicated testing of Halal cosmetics and other Halal products by setting up a special laboratory at its Industrial Analytical...

Bad news burns advertising dollars - Proactive sustainability programs are key

11-Mar-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Sustainability is not a new topic to our industry, but it has seen a big development from a consumer perspective over the last few years and while this concerns cosmetics manufacturers and brands, ingredient suppliers also need to pay attention and align...

LVMH highlights the importance of the Supply Chain

10-Mar-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

In a large company that is involved in many sectors like LVMH, from luxury skin care and make-up to high-end fashion such as Louis Vuitton leather, the Supply Chain is of increased importance and is the centre of all operations.

SEPPIC subsidiary claims a world’s first with new technology of macroalgal cell culture

06-Mar-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

French ingredient supplier SEPPIC claims to have developed the world’s first technology to cultivate macroalgal cells in the laboratory in order to propose active ingredients for cosmetics, in the form its Celebrity biotechnology.

Cosmetics Europe launches animal testing alternatives research consortium

04-Mar-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Personal Care trade association is looking to further develop Alternatives to Animal Testing (AAT) by setting up a Research Consortium aimed at looking at different approaches and encouraging the industry to get involved.

Estée Lauder hails strong growth and opportunity in UK

27-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

After announcing that it had endured a tough second quarter earlier this month, there is a lot to look forward to for Estée Lauder, particularly in the UK which is going from strength to strength, and is setting the example for other markets.

Natural look trend presents beauty industry with an opportunity not a problem

26-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The ‘natural look’ trend and campaigns such as the #nomakeupselfie can present an interesting opportunity to cosmetics companies rather than be a threat, providing the industry figures out how to enhance the ‘imperfect’ beauty of the individual.

Clarins nominated for two #beauty20 awards for digital efforts

25-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Organisers for the digital #beauty20 Awards have announced the final list of companies that did some significant work on apps and social media in 2014.

Operation #rollerlash - Benefit ups its digital game

24-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Just when you think this brand has done it all, Benefit’s ‘digital darlings’ have come up with an app that connects its customers with UK based pop-up parlours, as part of a campaign for its new Roller Lash mascara. 

Cosmetic brands facing more pressure on multifunctional credentials

20-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

As today’s modern consumer seeks to simplify their beauty routines, the general perception is that this simplicity comes at the cost of efficacy, placing more pressure on brands to boost and better communicate product credentials.

When women are most fertile they seek variety, so brand marketers take note

19-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

When women are at their most fertile they often seek more options in men, and this also leads to them seeking greater variety in consumer products such as what make-up and which brand to choose; so marketers take note, says a new study.

Scientists discover low cost method of shaping wax

18-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Wax used in lipstick and as a cosmetics base can be moulded into non-spherical shapes in a low cost, scalable way, according to new research which has been done in collaboration with consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble.

European Commission calls for scientists to help with EU policies

17-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

The Joint Research Centre is looking for scientists that will support EU policies with their research in areas like nanotechnology and marine sciences.

Perfume and make-up help French Prestige market stand its ground

11-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Despite posting a slight decline in 2014, the Prestige Beauty market in France is holding strong at a tough economic time thanks to second half boosts in prestige perfume and make-up.

Guerlain's new skin care focused facility reconfirms French roots

10-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Guerlain has invested in skin care and colour cosmetics technologies for it's new Chartres based 'La Ruche' facility.

Special Report

Growth in UK premium beauty is fueled by make-up – Part Two

10-Feb-2015

In this second of a two-part series, Imogen Matthews takes a look at the UK premium beauty market and assesses what is driving the current growth.

BASF obtains GMP certification for cosmetics ingredients site

06-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

BASF has announced another step towards complete safety acknowledgement for its cosmetics ingredients after its largest global personal care site in Dusseldorf-Holthausen obtained another Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification for cosmetic ingredients.

Scientists develop holographic characterization to improve quality and consistency of cosmetics

06-Feb-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A team of physicists say they have created new opportunities to improve the quality and consistency of a wide range of industrial and consumer products, such as cosmetics, by developing a method to monitor the properties of microscopic particles as they...

Ten stand trial for 'exploiting' L'Oreal heiress

06-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Ten people have been accused of exploiting 92-year-old L’Oreal tycoon, Liliane Bettencourt out of ‘hundreds of millions’ in a saga that's even seen former president Nicolas Sarkozy investigated for 'manipulating campaign pledges'.

Special Report

Growth in UK premium beauty is fueled by make-up – Part One

05-Feb-2015 By Imogen Matthews

Consumer confidence in the UK bounced back in 2014, bringing more people back onto the high street and spending in-store. 

Multifunctional colour cosmetics - are you up to date?

04-Feb-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

While the 'alphabet cream craze' undoubtedly epitomizes multi-functionality; BB, CC, and DD creams are just the tip of the iceberg. Therefore, Cosmetics Design has dedicated a forum to keep the industry up to date with the latest challenges...

Albéa rigid packaging facility opens near Milan

30-Jan-2015 By Deanna Utroske

Dubbed the 'European Mascara Centre of Excellence', the new site consolidates two former regional plants that the company has operated for over 30 years.

Study links early menopause to everyday exposure – but NOT cosmetics!

30-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A new study has linked high levels of chemicals that we come across every day in the environment, plastics, and other household items, with women experiencing menopause 2-4 years earlier – however none of the concerning ingredients studied are used in...

ECHA implements compliance check strategy to tighten practice on dossier updates

29-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has implemented a new strategy for checking compliance in the hope of increasing efficiency and transparency in dossier evaluation which it hopes will reduce processing time of these documents and ensure safety.

Clariant and Beraca team up to produce sustainable cosmetics ingredients

27-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Swiss ingredients supplier Clariant is to join forces with Brazilian firm Beraca in a strategic alliance that will aim to produce sustainable ingredients for personal care.

EU shrinking revenues sees L’Oréal turn to Ghana and Rwanda

23-Jan-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetics giant L’Oréal is eyeing up fast-growing economies such as Rwanda and Ghana as the European markets are reported to be experiencing shrinking revenues.

Dior in the spotlight over 'propyl gallate' in lip gloss formulation

22-Jan-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Luxury cosmetics maker, Christian Dior found itself under the media's spotlight this week due to a preservative newly added to its Addict Lip Gloss formulations...

UK brands are 'not effectively targeting consumers online'

21-Jan-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

L2’s study from the holiday period, yet to be officially released, suggests UK brands are not effectively targeting consumers who like to buy gifts online.

Strawberries in cream – specialty oils developed for cosmetics

19-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The sweet fruit, often a dessert favorite, could also be the answer in anti-aging, hair care, and make-up products after Natural Sourcing announced it will develop its line of specialty oils.

Naturex invests in Chile operations to increase production of quillaia

16-Jan-2015 By Simon Pitman

France-based natural ingredients player Naturex has invested in the expansion of its production facility in Chile in an effort to increase the processing of quillaia extract.

Digital is helping brands achieve 'lifetime value of their products'

16-Jan-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

A study carried out by Forrester Consulting revealed that consumer packaged goods companies like cosmetics, can achieve cross-channel growth by digitally collaborating with retailers and distributors.

BASF’s color trends influences new effect pigment collection

14-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

BASF has identified the up-and-coming color trends and have developed its new effect pigment collection to help customers to create beauty care solutions to match this information.

Exclusive Debate

Organic Standards – just how relevant are they?

13-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

There has been much debate recently over the use of organic standards and what effect this has on the cosmetics and personal care industry, with some for and some against. Here we ask two experts to provide their view…

Bold lip color trend boosts US Prestige make-up sales

07-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Lip color is in the spotlight at present after holiday sales boomed for products in the US that helped women make bold make-up statements.

Chanel among luxury players to withdraw appeal of German court fines

07-Jan-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Nine major luxury cosmetics players have withdrawn their appeals against the German Federal Cartel Office (“BKartA”) who fined them for exchanging commercially sensitive information back in 2008.

Millennial generation engage more and they want to prevent ageing

06-Jan-2015 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The growing influence from the millennial generation means that beauty care players need to ensure they are engaging people to deliver a unique experience. With this in mind, CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com spoke with Verna Talcott at Dow Corning to discuss...

Editor’s Pick: the top articles of 2014

24-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

There is no doubt that 2014 was another exciting year in the cosmetics industry with much happening, and here we select our top stories of the last 12 months, touching on some of the hottest topics in EMEA.

'Tis the season of opportunity for beauty brands with Advent calenders!

23-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

This Holiday season we noted the return of the beauty Advent calendar. The version for grown-ups has created new opportunities for cosmetic brands of late, particularly in 2014 with the rise of the festive ‘self-gifting’ trend.

LICARA guidelines to help industry weigh up use of nanomaterials

17-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

As European legislation remains a challenge for the cosmetics industry, LICARA guidelines are geared towards helping to weigh up the pros and cons and assess the risks of using nanomaterials in products. 

Evonik exec says 2015 will be the year of sustainability for the US cosmetics industry

15-Dec-2014 By Simon Pitman

a Sustainability is likely to be the defining element for the cosmetics industry in North America, according to Evonik’s North America personal care vice president, Paul Washlock, who believes that the industry is responding to the demands of a better...

Online shopping on the up in South Africa

12-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Internet retailing continues to see growth across South Africa due to an expansion of digital devices such as tablets and smart phones, as well as increased competition within the online retailing segment.

L2 awards Yves Rocher with Russia digital 'genius' status

04-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to L2’s Russia Luxury Digital IQ Index, few Western prestige brands are making the right digital investments and insulating themselves from market uncertainty. However, cosmetics company Yves Rocher has been awarded the top ‘Genius’ title for...

Russia publishes cosmetics ingredients textbook

04-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Russia has published a new edition of the 'Encyclopedia of ingredients for cosmetics and perfumery'.

New opportunities for cosmetic brands with advent calendars

03-Dec-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The business of Advent calendars has always been a lucrative market. However, a version for grown-ups has created new opportunities for cosmetic brands, particularly this year with the rise of the festive ‘self-gifting’ trend.

UK shoppers are set to take advantage of Black Friday

28-Nov-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Almost half of UK shoppers are set to take advantage of Black Friday deals as the event reaches an all-time high in the country, market analyst Verdict reports.

Clariant achieves Cosmetics GMP for all dedicated sites

26-Nov-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Swiss supplier Clariant has completed global ISO22716 and EFfci Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification for all 22 of its dedicated cosmetics ingredients sites, including core-toll manufacturers. 

EU addresses WTO with concern over China’s cosmetics regulations

13-Nov-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The European Union has expressed its' concerns over China’s regulations on cosmetics and medical devices at the World Trade Organisation’s technical standards committee. 

L'Oréal attributes European market for slump in sales

11-Nov-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to cosmetic giant L'Oréal, the mass market hit an 'air pocket' in western Europe during the third quarter, hitting its' consumer products division, which accounts for almost half of group revenues.

IFSCC Coverage

The latest science has to offer - from green chemistry to skin care vaccines

31-Oct-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

At the recent IFSCC cosmetology event, more than 450 scientific posters opened a window into what cosmetic scientists have been working on, from green chemistry to skin care vaccines.

Google Barometer to help support cosmetic company strategies

30-Oct-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Google has launched a new free tool, ‘Consumer Barometer 2014,' to provide planners across a variety of industries including cosmetics with the latest consumer insights that will support their strategies.