How Big Can an ‘Indie’ Brand Get?
In Full Coverage, Priya Rao reports on two of the industry’s favourite young brands: Starface and Fara Homidi.
The Business of Beauty
In-depth analysis, news and advice for beauty and wellness professionals around the world.
Highlights
The Business of Beauty Global Awards Are Back – Apply Now for 2026
BoF will honour six entrepreneurs shaping the future of the beauty and wellness industry at The Business of Beauty Global Forum in June. Apply now for your chance to pitch your brand to industry leaders from Sephora, Rare Beauty, Amouage and more. The early bird application deadline is February 27, 2026.
A New Challenger Is Taking on Sephora in Its Biggest Market
Canadian chain Sukoshi is expanding into the US quickly, having opened six stores since the start of 2025 vending a variety of beauty products from Korea, Japan and China. It enters a crowded market, but wants to set itself apart as both a specialist and a generalist.
Case Studies & Reports
Latest News & Analysis
Estée Lauder’s Surprise Acquisition, Explained
The American cosmetic giant’s buyout of Ayurvedic beauty line Forest Essentials came as a surprise. By picking an under-the-radar brand it knows well, the company can show that it’s still in the M&A game without needing to outbid rivals.
Estée Lauder’s Surprise Acquisition, Explained
The American cosmetic giant’s buyout of Ayurvedic beauty line Forest Essentials came as a surprise. By picking an under-the-radar brand it knows well, the company can show that it’s still in the M&A game without needing to outbid rivals.
The Estée Lauder Companies Acquires Forest Essentials
The luxury Ayurvedic skincare line will be the first deal by the conglomerate under the leadership of Stéphane de La Faverie.
The Estée Lauder Companies Acquires Forest Essentials
The luxury Ayurvedic skincare line will be the first deal by the conglomerate under the leadership of Stéphane de La Faverie.
Charlotte Tilbury on Remaking a Hero Product
By introducing a new version of her Magic Cream, Tilbury joins a number of other brands, from Armani and Olaplex, wading into the tricky waters of reformulation.
Charlotte Tilbury on Remaking a Hero Product
By introducing a new version of her Magic Cream, Tilbury joins a number of other brands, from Armani and Olaplex, wading into the tricky waters of reformulation.
Inside Teoxane’s Integrated Approach to Aesthetic Medicine
As the aesthetics industry shifts towards longevity, Swiss company Teoxane is leveraging a unified scientific platform to bridge the gap between injectables and skincare. BoF sits down with chief operating officer Can Ongen to learn more.
Inside Teoxane’s Integrated Approach to Aesthetic Medicine
As the aesthetics industry shifts towards longevity, Swiss company Teoxane is leveraging a unified scientific platform to bridge the gap between injectables and skincare. BoF sits down with chief operating officer Can Ongen to learn more.
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America’s Obsession With Chinese Medicine Is Taking Over TikTok
The trend of ‘Chinamaxxing,’ or embracing principles of traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining steam among Gen Z as trust in the US healthcare system plummets.
America’s Obsession With Chinese Medicine Is Taking Over TikTok
The trend of ‘Chinamaxxing,’ or embracing principles of traditional Chinese medicine, is gaining steam among Gen Z as trust in the US healthcare system plummets.
Exclusive: Inside Dover Street Parfums Market’s First Pop-Up Spa
The cult-cool retailer has expanded its beauty selection in recent years, and now debuts its first-ever skincare pop-up in Paris in partnership with the US brand Monastery.
Exclusive: Inside Dover Street Parfums Market’s First Pop-Up Spa
The cult-cool retailer has expanded its beauty selection in recent years, and now debuts its first-ever skincare pop-up in Paris in partnership with the US brand Monastery.
The Beauty Brands ChatGPT Tells People to Buy
Keywords are just one part of the equation when it comes to showing up in consumers’ highly detailed requests for beauty advice on ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
The Beauty Brands ChatGPT Tells People to Buy
Keywords are just one part of the equation when it comes to showing up in consumers’ highly detailed requests for beauty advice on ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
Summer Fridays Struck Gold With Lip Balm. Can It Do the Same With Fragrance?
With its Lip Butter Balm still a top hero product, Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland’s Summer Fridays expands as it evolves into a multi-category beauty brand.
Summer Fridays Struck Gold With Lip Balm. Can It Do the Same With Fragrance?
With its Lip Butter Balm still a top hero product, Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland’s Summer Fridays expands as it evolves into a multi-category beauty brand.
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Opinion: K-Beauty Needs More Than Salmon Sperm, Snail Mucin to Win the US
The US is now the biggest overseas buyer of South Korean skincare and cosmetics, but incoming brands need to focus on retail presence and diverse consumers, writes Bloomberg’s Julianna Liu.
Opinion: K-Beauty Needs More Than Salmon Sperm, Snail Mucin to Win the US
The US is now the biggest overseas buyer of South Korean skincare and cosmetics, but incoming brands need to focus on retail presence and diverse consumers, writes Bloomberg’s Julianna Liu.
The Social Media Trap
Unexpected new features and algorithmic changes at Instagram and TikTok are a reminder that brands and creators can’t become overly reliant on any one platform to drive their business.
The Social Media Trap
Unexpected new features and algorithmic changes at Instagram and TikTok are a reminder that brands and creators can’t become overly reliant on any one platform to drive their business.
Can Nars Keep Winning Complexion?
With its biggest launch in years, Nars is hoping to consolidate its reputation as a category leader in foundations and concealers. But the fight to stay on top has never been harder.
Can Nars Keep Winning Complexion?
With its biggest launch in years, Nars is hoping to consolidate its reputation as a category leader in foundations and concealers. But the fight to stay on top has never been harder.
How Big Can an ‘Indie’ Brand Get?
In Full Coverage, Priya Rao reports on two of the industry’s favourite young brands: Starface and Fara Homidi.
How Big Can an ‘Indie’ Brand Get?
In Full Coverage, Priya Rao reports on two of the industry’s favourite young brands: Starface and Fara Homidi.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Oasis Pressures Kao in Latest Japan Activist Investor Push
Activist fund Oasis Management Co. is calling on the Japanese personal care company to convene an extraordinary general meeting, seeking a probe into its supply-chain risk management and internal control.
Makeup by Mario Appoints Global President
Melissa Sperau, formerly of Shiseido, will join the US prestige cosmetics maker effective March 6.
Bath & Body Works Forecasts Annual Sales Decline on Muted Spending
The US fragrance giant forecast a steeper decline in annual sales than anticipated by Wall Street, as budget-conscious shoppers pull back on buying scented candles and fragrances.
Whoop to Expand Staff by 75% to Spur Growth Ahead of Likely IPO
The US wearable tech company intends to add more than 600 new roles across various departments, founder and chief executive Will Ahmed told Bloomberg.
Target’s New CEO Outlines Overhaul Plans, Announces Beauty Studios
Target’s new chief executive is setting big expectations for Wall Street and pledging a return to growth powered by in-store beauty services, trendy new food products and other changes.
Molly Sims’ Yse Beauty Appoints New CEO
Doreen Arbel, a veteran of L’Oréal and Charlotte Tilbury, becomes the label’s first chief executive as it prepares to launch in all Sephora US doors.
Beiersdorf Forecasts Lower 2026 Net Sales and Margin, Announces Share Buyback
The German owner of Nivea and La Prairie expects it sales growth to slow and its operating margin to shrink slightly in 2026 and it navigates disruptions in the US and China.
Estée Lauder Companies Executive Kendal Ascher Has Died
Ascher worked at the American cosmetics firm for 25 years.