I’ve never really looked into the business end of Too Faced – it was started by Jerrod and Johnson Blandino in 1998 and at the time was the closest competitor to Urban Decay (snapped up by L’Oreal).
Too Faced took on investment in 2012 with Weston Presidio who also are investors in the US Jane cosmetics brand, but now a majority stake in the brand has been acquired by private investment firm, General Atlantic, investors also in Tory Burch.
If you look at the Stila model, where it started as an independent brand conceived by makeup artist, Jennine Lobell, and ended up changing investment hands several times, losing a little bit of its history every single time (like, where did the Stila girl go?) then Too Faced is certainly one to watch. Investors like to make money, simple as.
Meanwhile, over in Can’t-Believe-It-Land, law suits are flying over a fake bid for Avon from Bulgaria. Apparently, it’s to do with stock (as in stocks and shares) manipulation, with a view to (allegedly) some investors looking to sell at artificially inflated prices. Blimey.
Coty is apparently bidding on some of the P&G brands up for sale – it can only be make-up, fragrance or hair, surely? Some of the P&G brands are Max Factor, Covergirl, Dolce & Gabanna, Hugo Boss and Aussie. I know they’re trying to shift their hair care (Wella, for example), but who knows.. watch this space!
And, while the brand will retain its name, Charles Worthington himself will no longer have anything to do with the actual brand. His contract with PZ Cussons is up (he sold the business to them in 2004) and he’s out.
Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
13 comments
Good morning Jane,
I really like your posts on the business end of makeup ! Quite fascinating to see what goes on. More please !
Best
AM x
Have you read Tamara Mellon’s autobiography? If not, I’d recommend it, it tells you a lot about the business side of fashion (and investors), considering beauty is not a million miles away from fashion. It is a good read, too
I certainly have.. it’s a great recommendation!
Snap up as many of your favourites as possible before they change all the formulations!
Two Faced gets loads of love on the US forums. We have a stand in my local Debenhams but I never really look(its beside Helen E who are a pain in the ass),and you can’t really look properly because of the Helen E staff. No, I do not want a makeover with your brand.
Very good read, I love these articles Jane! I was heartbroken when Chanel sold Bourjois to Coty, Bourjois had very similar products to Chanel, it was Chanel on a budget, and not tested on animals. Now with Coty as the new owner, we are yet to see what formulas and products they will come up with, one thing’s for sure, i will have to find a new bunny friendly yellow toned high street foundation 🙁
@Alice – no way! Bourjois got sold? :(((((((( their products are one of the best on the highstreet and that’s because they are like chanel but cheaper. Their foundations are the best!
@winterinadream they got sold off a few months back, so pissed off about it. Their foundations is all that I use 🙁
Alice – Chanel are most certainly not cruelty free. As they sell in China, they’re mandated to test their products on animals, in line with Chinese regulations. Previous statements issued by Chanel, on animal testing, have also stated that raw ingredients may be tested by the suppliers and manufactuers. They are also a fashion house who use leather and other textiles of animal origin (I’m aware they have used faux fur, though not sure if its used exclusively).
Well, I got conned then 🙁 about Chanel. Yes, you’re right, they do sell in China, so obviously they have to follow the local regulations. I’m glad that Bourjois was cruelty free ( when it owned by Chanel, or was I duped again?) I find it hard to keep up with who is owned by who, where they sell and are they cruelty free, info offered is sometimes very misleading and feels like a full time job just to keep up with.
Enjoying the business posts.
Always like to hear about these types of things! Makes me feel like an informed consumer LOL. Thanks Jane! <3
Yes more of these posts please Jane they are a fascinating read. I get excited when I see the title in my Bloglovin list!