Colour cosmetics

Scrubbing up online: beauty brand Lush polishes digital techniques

06-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Lush, well-known for the heady scents and visual identity of its high street outlets, is now attempting to translate its very physical retail offering onto the web.

Brands investing in MENA region as it gears up for growth

06-May-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Unilever is investing robustly in the Middle East and North Africa region, a move which follows recent industry expert predictions for strong growth in the region for beauty and personal care.

EU committee considering formaldehyde in nail hardeners

30-Apr-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Formaldehyde is set to be listed as a category 1B carcinogen, banning its use in European cosmetics; despite this, the European Commission is seeking opinions on whether to allow an exception on the continued use in nail hardeners.

Certified palm oil is our shared responsibility, says RSPO

29-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) will gather industry and NGOs from across the UK and Europe to launch new dialogue on shared responsibility and the supply chain.

'Scientists must be in the vision, not just the formulation,' says Oriflame VP

29-Apr-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetics Design was invited to Oriflame’s facility in Dublin where Senior Vice President of research and development revealed the importance of laboratories being involved in the end vision of a product.

Over-reliance on discounting in premium has backfired, says expert

10-Apr-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The latest research from Imogen Matthews Associates, in association with YouGov, reports more consumers than ever are waiting for discounts before they buy cosmetics. A strategy which may have backfired for some premium brands.  

In-cosmetics awards: The winners are…

04-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the doors close on another in-cosmetics event in Hamburg this week, ingredient suppliers Gattefossé and Alban Muller were among the companies to celebrate having scooped gold at the innovation awards.

Exclusive Insight

Estée Lauder on the look-out: Ready to acquire… if the deal is right?

03-Apr-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The rumour mill is in full swing but it is not too ridiculous to suggest that Estée Lauder could be ripe to join the acquisition trail given its history and the current state of the market. It is not exactly out of character for the big players either…

House of Tara cosmetics spreading out in Africa as region records strong growth

28-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Nigerian beauty brand House of Tara (HOT), which is set to launch 20 new studios nationwide in the near future, has announced it is now also gearing up to establish 100 new stores across sub-Saharan Africa.

RSPO: communication improvement supports sustainable palm oil development

27-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

An improvement in communication channels will help to deliver the message and importance of sustainable palm oil to customers and consumers; and industry is beginning to work towards this, according to the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

in-cosmetics 2014 ready to launch next week

26-Mar-2014

Key European trade show, in-cosmetics, is set to return for its 2014 edition in one week, when it will open its doors to the industry in Hamburg.

Sustainable palm oil is the only answer for cosmetics industry

25-Mar-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As we look to tackle deforestation and the consumer increasingly demands a more sustainable industry, Chris Sayner explains that the answer lies in sustainable palm oil.

New Data: it’s all about the untapped ‘white space’, reveals Euromonitor

21-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Here, Euromonitor analysts speak exclusively to Cosmetics Design about their latest beauty research, ahead of the official launch on Monday.

Mica and child labour in focus due to Lush’s latest stand

14-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

The recent commitment by British cosmetics brand Lush to replace the mica in its products with a synthetic alternative has thrown a spotlight onto the sourcing of the popular iridescent ingredient.

EU Parliament adopts new ABS biodiversity rules in ‘landmark vote’

13-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

The European Parliament has announced that it intends to fall into line with the rising global commitment to responsible sourcing of biological materials for research and development.

Unilever reports only 1 in 10 women evaluate beauty fairly

12-Mar-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to the latest research carried out by Unilever in Europe, Asia and the US, 90% of women still don't see themselves as being attractive.

UEBT set to launch 6th annual ‘Biodiversity Barometer’

12-Mar-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

The Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) has announced it will launch this year’s Biodiversity Barometer in April, promising insights on the growing consumer demand for beauty brands to show evidence of biodiversity responsibility.  

Maternity beauty segment ripe for innovative brands

06-Mar-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Opportunities are ripe for cosmetic brands to cater to mother and baby as specific changes pre and post pregnancy sees demand rise for more specialised or natural based formulas.

Cheap French beauty: low cost specialists driving sales

27-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Low cost cosmetics are set to emerge as a growing sector in France despite the five year forecast predicting stagnant sales for overall beauty, according to market researcher Euromonitor.

L’Oréal amongst experts to deliver workshops at in-cosmetics

21-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Technical and scientific experts from the likes of L’Oréal and Johnson & Johnson will discuss the most up-to-date issues the personal care industry is facing at in-cosmetics’ workshops in Hamburg this April.

UAE continues to make comeback

21-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

In the UAE, investment and new product developments is driving the sector, particularly in the skin care and colour cosmetics segments.

Lush wins High Court trademark case against Amazon

13-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

Lush’s trademark infringement claim against Amazon’s misuse of its brand has been upheld by the High Court of England and Wales.

L’Oréal steps up its biotech business with Evolva collaboration

11-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

French cosmetics maker L’Oréal has upped its biotechnology efforts by announcing it has signed a collaboration agreement with Evolva Holding for the co-development of novel biosynthetic production routes for an undisclosed ingredient with broad applications...

Voice of the Industry

'Copy and tweaking isn’t innovation,' says expert with 20,000 consumer database

11-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

That expert is Jo Fairley, co-founder of the biggest consumer beauty survey, the basis of the first ever successful ‘Beauty Bible’ with the feedback of 20,000 women on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to cosmetics.

German consumers spend most on cosmetics in Europe

04-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to data collated by Space NK, German consumers spend more on colour cosmetics than any other Europeans.

Understanding of natural nanoscale device may be useful for cosmetics

30-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Scientists at Harvard University and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) hope a new understanding of a natural nanoscale photonic device that enables a small marine animal to change its colors will also inspire cosmetic applications.

EU pigment saturated segment to return to growth path

30-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Market researcher Ceresana expects global revenues generated with pigments to increase to $34 (€24.9) billion in 2020.

Benefit invests in 'one stop' experience for EU consumers

28-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

As more consumers opt for shopping online, cosmetic players like Estee Lauder and L’Oréal have recognised the importance of investing in the in-store experience, and Benefit is the latest to step up its game with a ‘one stop’ element..

L’Oréal reiterates sustainability importance with ‘zero deforestation’ commitment

15-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

L’Oréal has reiterated its commitment to sustainability by announcing that it has put a ‘zero deforestation’ rule in place when sourcing raw materials.

Scientists develop alternative toxicity test for mascara

07-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Researchers are developing an irritant test for mascara using the organism protozoa which could be used as an effective replacement for animal testing across the world.

Coty moves to strengthen its Middle Eastern presence

03-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The global cosmetic giant has joined forces with UAE luxury goods distributors to strengthen its presence in the Emirates.

Wise men: Gifting the first cosmetics formulation?

19-Dec-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Well, probably not. But in this festive period, Cosmetics Design thought it would be good to take a look at gold, frankincense and myrrh, and see how each is used in the cosmetics industry.

Cosmetics Europe warns manufacturers to eliminate MIT

18-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

Beauty industry trade body Cosmetics Europe has recommended that manufacturers eliminate the preservative MIT from all leave-on skin products.

UAE authority launches public health campaign against ‘dangerous’ cosmetics salons

17-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

The public health department of Al Ain has launched an awareness campaign after a spate of illegal and dangerous cosmetics have been discovered on sale in salons.

Formulation funding set to deliver huge boost to the cosmetics sector

13-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The UK’s Technology Strategy Board has awarded over £9.2 (€10.9) million to industries including the cosmetics sector to advance their capabilities in formulation and R&D areas.

ASA crackdowns: the brands that found themselves on the naughty list this year

12-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetics companies are still getting caught out for misleading claims in the UK and some of the top players were the biggest offenders this year. Let’s take a look at where they went wrong...

Euromonitor highlights how cosmetics companies can reach middle class outside of BRIC

27-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

A report by market research firm Euromonitor reveals the methods and strategies which companies can adopt in order to reach the growing middle class in emerging markets.

Suffer from skin redness? Merck develops latest filler for skin correction

26-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Skin redness may be due to dermal reasons like rosacea, acne or just a very strong blood circulation in some areas of the face but is one that is undesired by many people; now ingredients supplier Merck has developed its latest filler to combat this effect.

Guest Blog

Future Beauty Trends: Finding the right target

25-Nov-2013 By Imogen Matthews

The recent Beauty Futures Forum conducted by trends forecasting agency 'The Future Laboratory' identified what we can expect next in terms of original concepts and different ways of targeting beauty consumers post-recession. Here, our expert...

L’Oreal to target ‘sixth continent’ with new travel retail division

22-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

L’Oreal has announced the creation of an expanded group Travel Retail Division to target the ‘sixth continent’ of worldwide travelers.

Toxicity modelling could replace 'trial and error' animal testing

21-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

A team of researchers from a Liverpool university has developed a new computational model which could potentially predict the toxicity of cosmetics ingredients better than "trial-and-error" animal testing.

Estee reportedly “in talks” to purchase Butter London

19-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

Beauty giant Estee Lauder is reportedly “in early talks” to purchase beauty brand Butter London, according to a report by Women’s Wear Daily, in a move which could significantly boost Estee’s expertise in colour cosmetics.  

First event of its kind rewards cosmetic brands digital efforts

15-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

An event dedicated to recognising beauty brands efforts on the digital platform has seen Lancôme and Dove take home top prizes and big players like Coty and L'Oreal reveal how they are best connecting with the online consumer.

Method developed to counter act allergenic compounds in perfume

31-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

A doctoral thesis from the University of Gothenburg has revealed a new method of dealing with the problem of allergenic compounds in perfumes and fragrances.

Diagonal Reports shines spotlight on future beauty market

31-Oct-2013 By Katie Nichol

New research from market intelligence firm Diagonal Reports highlights that small yet significant consumer groups are influencing the beauty agenda worldwide, and ingredients and formulations are subject to increased scrutiny.

Experts note 'reviving tradition' as key for luxury consumers

30-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

French communication agency Carlin International has revealed a shift in consumer expectations and culture with 'Generation Y’ when it comes to the world of luxury, which is initiating new strategic creative paths for brands.  

UPDATE: L’Oreal's CEO reveals brand is looking at all scenarios

30-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The future of Nestle’s 29% stake in L’Oreal has been a hot topic of late, with various industry analysts weighing in on potential scenarios. Now CEO Jean-Paul Agon speaks out on the matter, revealing that whilst Nestle is in ‘control’, the cosmetics company...

L’Oreal enters the mobile age with new CRM solution

23-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

L’Oreal Active Cosmetics has increased its strategic flexibility by investing in a new CRM system which will allow it to improve relations with customers.

New remote-control eyeshadow turns women into superheroes

23-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

A Brazilian Phd student has turned women into 'superheroes' by creating re-purposed beauty products which can also be used to control digital devices.

Are we approaching sustainability in the wrong way?

22-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Call it a buzzword, call it a trend, call it a responsibility. Sustainability has long been at the forefront of consumer goods markets; but now a number of cosmetics industry professionals are questioning whether it is being approached from the right...