You probably haven’t missed the news that Victoria Beckham is bringing out a beauty collection later in the year. I’m looking forward to this and I think I’m expecting it to be elegant. Also, look out for Kora, Miranda Kerr’s organic skin care line, launching in the UK in the not too distant future (already at Net). Natural, clean and organic are making big gains in beauty so this will grab a share of the pie quite quickly. Make up artist, Gucci Westman’s Atelier range has launched in the US but not here yet – it’s on its way, as is Hada Labo!
Interesting to note that Biersdorf (Nivea) are reporting a 10% drop in share price and blaming independent brands as stiff competition. Meanwhile, over in Singapore and The Philippines their ‘Advanced Whitening’ Extra White Serum Deodorants are keeping self-consciousness and body negativity alive and well.
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Boots are planning a giant restructure which will lead to the loss of 350 jobs, reports Global Cosmetic News. One of their key strategies is to reduce decision making time and that’s something that M&S needs to take a look at. Giant companies like Boots just aren’t able to act quickly and be agile in the beauty market because of persistent blocking by chains of command – everything has changed on the ground while up at the top, nothing has.
Anyone who was an early adopter of Korean skin care will be surprised to know that Skinfood has gone into administration and is up for sale via auction. Skinfood was one of my very first experiences of Korean cosmetics. In the same vein, Missha (my first introduction to BB cream) has launched a skin care edit at FeelUnique.
It really is a question of watching the runners and riders in retail. Recent casualties in the UK are LK Bennett and Hardy Amies (again) but globally, e.l.f. has announced store closures and Kiko closed half its stores last year.
The founder of Made.com has announced a new skin care line – Typology. It’s bang on for the conscious consumer, will only be sold on-line (interesting that there are no plans for stores) and kicks off in France before branching out to other countries. It’s a small edit to start with, fully vegan of course.
Glossier has launched a sub-brand, Glossier Play, that is purely make-up. Much as I liked Glossier at first launch, I felt it got old very quickly (not helped by every single other new beauty start ups copying it in some way). It’s as though the Glossier trend was the filling between other trends – now emerging in the form of brands like Typology, Honest Co. and Girl Undiscovered.
A plea for old mascara wands to be washed in soap and water and sent to a wildlife sanctuary. They’re apparently very useful for gently cleaning oil, larvae, mites and mud from tiny creatures. Please send to The New Arc, Nether Auquhadie, Auchnagatt, Ellon, Aberdeenshire AB41 8UW or if you’re a brand with overstock, they’d love to put them to good use.
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11 comments
Kora is already in SpaceNK, I spotted it the other day.
Not sure is it just another supermodel backed by her billionaire husband thing?
Well, it’s organic so if you’re looking to cleaner skin care I think it sounds good. I’ve got samples on the way so I’ll do a full review as and when.
I love a mooch around Kiko. Great value, huge range of products and their long lasting eyeliner pencils are my favourites by a mile. I hope they retain some stores close to me. I’m afraid the prospect of a VB makeup range leaves me stone cold. Her EL collections were a bit overpriced
Boots does feel a bit staid at present and I hope they can revamp their stores. They have a plethora of brands which feel overlooked / almost hidden in their aisles! M&S beauty could be fabulous but is underwhelming! A few tweaks are definitely required.
Lovely post Jane, have a great weekend xxx
Thanks Chrissie – I believe that Boots are on the brink of a big revamp.
I don’t think Boots need a revamp they just need to put stock on their shelves. For the past 18 months or so I have not had time to go into a big Boots store and have relied on the smaller out of town stores. Fine for pharmacy and essentials but dire for make up and extras. Every small Boots that I go into has a No7 display that is empty of products. If they are not going to stock it why bother with the display.
I read Lisa Armstrong’s column about No 7s new foundation and concealer (Hydrate) – bought it and it’s fantastic. Better than the new Clarins, and I love that, and the concealer is miles upon miles better than the new Charlotte Tilbury – good coverage – not too dry and not too oily, with no sinking into fine lines and wrinkles. It looks and feels as good after ten hours or so. No touching up needed, not heavy but great coverage that still looks like skin.
I know you like BM Complexion Rescue (I can never find a shade that looks good on my pale skin and find it feels very heavy after several hours) but I think this is even lighter and better. Not a huge range of colours but it’s said to be increasing. Wonderful stuff – i hope they never stop making it!
That’s useful to know – thank you!
Interesting as always Jane, thank you. I saw Boots will be stocking a bunch of new brands from next month – SoaperDuper, Tan Luxe, Skyn, Bybi, Korres, Balance Me… quite a few in there that M&S currently stock
I am not surprised about Kiko to be honest. They stores are pretty unwelcoming and their online store is even worse. It takes ages to have something delivered. And then there are the actual products…I tried over 100 products in the past 2 years and none of them impressed me. On the other hand, I am sorry to see the news about Skin Food. I love their products and they are the only ones who produced a moisturiser that worked wonders on my oily skin. However, again not surprised as somehow the brand is not as well known as other K beauty ones.
I am looking forward to seeing the new changes in retail and see how they manage to keep afloat in the upcoming years given all the changes in the space and consumer behaviour.
Shiseido is exiting the Australian market by mid year, I was told by my local SA. I’m shocked and kinda panicking because now I can’t buy my favourite Shiseido foundation Future LX Solution Foundation unless I order it overseas online. Shiseido isn’t as popular, but very popular with Asian customers down here so I’m shocked they are leaving.
That’s interesting.. I think they’re focussing on China, like everyone else. It’s where the money is.