Last week in beauty, Estée Lauder’s turnaround is bearing its fruit with a return to growth in FY26 while Coty reported a decline for FY26.
ESTÉE LAUDER RETURNS TO GROWTH IN FY26 WITH ORGANIC SALES RISING 3%
Estée Lauder Companies returned to growth in fiscal 2026 with reported sales of $15.0 billion, up 3% organic (5% reported), as adjusted operating margin improved 320 basis points to 11.2% and adjusted EPS rose 66% to $2.51, driven by the fourth consecutive quarter of organic growth. Fragrance led with 10% organic growth to $2.8bn, while skincare grew 4% to $7.3bn and China rose 9%, as the company forecasts FY27 organic sales growth of 3-5% and raised its adjusted operating margin outlook to 12.7-13.5%.
COTY FY26 LFL SALES DECLINED 5% BUT Q4 SHOWED IMPROVEMENT
Coty reported FY26 net revenue of $5.8 billion, down 2% reported and 5% like-for-like, with adjusted EBITDA falling 22% to $846.9 million, though Q4 returned to reported growth of 1% (-1% LFL) as Prestige cosmetics grew at a double-digit rate while Consumer Beauty declined 7% for the year. The company expects Q1 FY27 like-for-like revenue to decline by a low-to-mid-single-digit percentage, with no full-year guidance yet as the strategic review continues through calendar 2026.
TARGET RAISES 2026 OUTLOOK AS Q2 SALES RISE DRIVEN BY BEAUTY
Target reported second-quarter net sales of $26.5 billion, up 5.3%, with comparable sales increasing 3.8%, prompting the retailer to raise its full-year sales and earnings outlook. Beauty was the second fastest growing category at +7.2%, while operating income doubled to $994 million, partially boosted by tariff refunds.
PROYA PARTNERS WITH ULTA TO ENTER US PRESTIGE SKINCARE MARKET
Chinese beauty brand PROYA will launch in the US through a partnership with Ulta Beauty in November 2026, debuting its Advanced Firming and Original Repair collections as part of parent company Proya Cosmetics’ international expansion strategy. The brand is positioning its US entry around science-led, high-efficacy skincare with a focus on barrier health, reflecting the growing ambitions of Chinese cosmetics companies to compete on R&D and proprietary technologies in global markets.
US COURT REJECTS CHALLENGE TO DE MINIMIS TARIFF SUSPENSION
The US Court of International Trade has rejected a challenge to President Trump’s suspension of the de minimis tariff exemption, allowing duties to continue on low-value imports worth $800 or less. The decision has implications for beauty brands and retailers using direct-to-consumer cross-border shipping, potentially increasing landed costs and prompting reassessment of pricing, fulfillment and US distribution strategies.
WIPRO CONSUMER CARE ACQUIRES 60% STAKE IN DERMATOUCH FOR $44M
Wipro Consumer Care has agreed to acquire a 60% stake in Dermatouch for ₹3.88 billion (US$44 million), marking its entry into India’s fast-growing digital-first premium skincare segment. The deal combines Dermatouch’s science-focused DTC positioning and skincare expertise with Wipro’s broader consumer goods capabilities, providing a platform for further beauty growth.
CVC CAPITAL INVESTS IN K-BEAUTY DISTRIBUTOR SILICON2
CVC Capital Partners has invested KRW300 billion (€186 million) in K-beauty distributor Silicon2, acquiring a 9.23% stake to support the expansion of the company’s international distribution and logistics infrastructure. Silicon2, which generated first-half revenue of KRW749.2 billion (€464.5 million) with strong growth in the EU and US, plans to use the investment to strengthen its capabilities across Europe, the US, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.
ALIX EARLE INVESTS IN BEAUTY-FROM-WITHIN BRAND CYMBIOTIKA
Creator Alix Earle has secured an investment in science-backed wellness brand Cymbiotika, becoming both an investor and brand partner with her 14 million followers to support marketing and consumer education, with potential for future co-branded products. The investment follows Cymbiotika’s rapid expansion, including a rollout into more than 1,000 Ulta Beauty stores and backing from existing investors Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner.
DOLCE GLOW SECURES $11M SERIES A LED BY CAVU CONSUMER PARTNERS
Self-tanning brand Dolce Glow has raised an $11 million Series A round led by CAVU Consumer Partners, with participation from celebrities and influencers including Miley Cyrus, Sofia Richie Grainge and Olivia Culpo. The brand, which became Sephora’s No. 1 self-tanning brand within six months of launch, plans to use the funding for inventory, retail expansion, innovation and team building as it aims to become a $100 million-plus brand.
AMOREPACIFIC EXPANDS IN INDIA WITH MAMONDE LAUNCH
Amorepacific has launched skincare brand Mamonde in India through an exclusive partnership with Nykaa, joining the group’s existing portfolio including Laneige, Innisfree and Sulwhasoo in the market. The brand, which positions itself around floral-based skincare science and proprietary Hyper Flora technology, aims to target younger, ingredient-conscious consumers as Amorepacific continues to invest in India’s growing K-beauty market.
IT COSMETICS EXITS CHINA WITH TMALL GLOBAL CLOSURE
L’Oréal-owned IT Cosmetics is effectively exiting China’s official online market as its Tmall Global flagship store ceases operations on September 2, 2026, following a prolonged reduction in local brand activity since early 2025. The withdrawal highlights the challenges international prestige beauty brands face in translating strong Western market positions into sustained growth in China’s increasingly competitive beauty landscape.
KAYALI ENTERS BODY CARE WITH YUM LIP & BODY COLLECTION
Kayali is launching a four-piece Yum Lip & Body Collection on August 31, featuring lip balms and body creams in its bestselling Yum Boujee Marshmallow and Yum Pistachio Gelato scents, priced at $24 and $48 respectively. The expansion into body care comes as the brand, now Sephora’s number-one fragrance in the US, responds to long-standing community demand, with CEO Mona Kattan emphasizing sustainable, intentional growth as the brand continues to build its fragrance empire.
NESTLÉ TARGETS GLP-1 USERS WITH BEAUTY-FROM-WITHIN PRODUCTS
Nestlé is developing products specifically for consumers using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, combining AI-driven research with collagen protein under its Vital Proteins brand to address skin, hair and nail concerns associated with rapid weight loss. The strategy turns the growth of drugs like Ozempic into a new commercial opportunity, with existing launches including Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake and Milo PRO High Protein, as the company looks to capture emerging demand for ingestible beauty products alongside weight-management treatments.
FENTY BEAUTY LAUNCHES PRO FILT’R FLUID FLEX FOUNDATION
Fenty Beauty has introduced the Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Natural Matte Longwear Foundation, its first new foundation since discontinuing the original Pro Filt’r Soft Matte formula, developed over three years and engineered in Japan. Available in 50 shades with a medium, buildable finish that resists oxidation, transfer and humidity, the $48 foundation launches September 4 with new virtual shade-matching tools.
ESTÉE LAUDER PARTNERS WITH LEEDS UNIVERSITY ON SHADE MATCHING
Estée Lauder Companies has partnered with the University of Leeds to advance shade matching research for foundation and complexion products, led by color science expert Dr. Kaida Xiao using advanced color measurement and consumer perception studies. The research aims to establish more precise scientific methods for determining perceptible shade differences, supporting improved shade accuracy across ELC’s luxury and prestige complexion portfolio.
L’ORÉAL PARIS NAMES ACTRESS KRISTEN BELL GLOBAL AMBASSADOR
L’Oréal Paris has appointed actress Kristen Bell as its newest Global Ambassador, with the star set to front the upcoming Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream campaign rolling out in the US. Bell, who joins a roster that includes Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, will work with the brand to evolve its contemporary vision of femininity, embodying the iconic “I’m Worth It” tagline.
RAPPER ICE SPICE LAUNCHES DEBUT FRAGRANCE WITH REVLON
Rapper Ice Spice has entered the beauty category with her first fragrance, In Ha Mood, a floral fruity amber eau de parfum created in partnership with Revlon and launching exclusively at Ulta Beauty. The two-year-in-the-making scent, named after her 2023 hit single, aims to capture the artist’s confident and magnetic energy.
MAX MARA LAUNCHES FIRST FRAGRANCE WITH SHISEIDO
Max Mara has launched its first fragrance, Le Parfum, developed under its 2024 licensing agreement with Shiseido, with actress Florence Pugh as the face of the scent inspired by the brand’s iconic 101801 coat. The fragrance, priced from $110 to $180, launches simultaneously in the US and Europe, with Ulta offering exclusivity in the US and Douglas in Europe, followed by a broader rollout across more than 50 countries.
