From LVMH’s organic sales dip in FY25 to a trade agreement between Indian and the EU, this was last week in beauty and luxury.
LVMH ORGANIC SALES DECREASED 1% IN FY25 WITH BEAUTY DIVISION STEADY
LVMH’s 2025 revenue at constant exchange rate declined 1% to €80.8bn for FY25. The Perfumes & Cosmetics division organic sales stayed steady at €8.2 billion with an 8% profit increase, while Sephora drove the 4% organic growth of the Selective Retailing division thanks to successful new brands launches and retail expansion.
UE & INDIA TO ELIMINATE MOST TARIFFS ON COSMETICS
The European Union and India have signed a historic free trade agreement that will eliminate most of the current 22% tariff on cosmetics imports into India within several years. Major beauty companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder are heavily investing in India, anticipating this deal will boost exports and help offset growing trade tensions with other markets like the U.S.
INTERPARFUMS ACQUIRES DAVID BECKHAM & NAUTICA LICENSES
Interparfums Inc. has acquired the fragrance licenses for David Beckham and Nautica from Authentic Brands Group, taking over from current holder Coty Inc. The licenses will transfer upon their expirations in 2028 and 2030, respectively, deepening the existing partnership between Interparfums and Authentic Brands.
AMAZON, LVMH AND CHANEL JOIN SAKS BANKRUPTCY COMMITTEE
Amazon, LVMH, Chanel and other major creditors have been appointed to the official committee overseeing Saks Global’s bankruptcy. This group will influence the retailer’s restructuring as it seeks to stabilise vendor relationships and secure new financing.
PAT MCGRATH LABS’ FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY
Pat McGrath Labs has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, stating it will continue normal business operations while restructuring its balance sheet. Consequently, a scheduled auction of the brand’s assets by its secured lender has been indefinitely postponed, following earlier reports that the company was being marketed for sale.
LIVE TINTED SECURES NEW FUNDING FROM L’ORÉAL AT DOUBLED VALUATION
Makeup brand Live Tinted has secured new investment from Curate Capital and L’Oréal’s BOLD venture fund at a valuation more than double its 2023 level. The brand will use the funding to scale its hero complexion and SPF products while refocusing marketing on its community-driven origins.
TARGET UNVEILS ITS LARGEST BEAUTY PRODUCT LAUNCH FOR SPRING 2026
Target is launching over 3,000 new beauty products for spring, with 90% priced under $20, in its largest-ever assortment refresh to attract value-conscious shoppers. The retailer is strategically reflowing store layouts and emphasizing in-store experiences to solidify beauty as a key traffic driver, focusing on accessible trends across skincare, haircare, and fragrance.
BOOTS LAUNCHES NEW DEDICATED WELLNESS SPACES
Boots has launched dedicated in-store Wellness Zones and trained over 500 Health & Wellness Specialists to help customers navigate products for gut health, sleep, and beauty-from-within. This expansion addresses growing consumer demand, particularly from younger shoppers, who view wellness as an essential part of their daily beauty and health routines.
ESTÉE LAUDER LAUNCHES BUMBLE & BUMBLE IN US SALONCENTRIC STORES
Estée Lauder Companies has expanded the distribution of its Bumble and Bumble hair care brand to all 850+ SalonCentric stores across the United States. This move is a strategic part of ELC’s ‘Beauty Reimagined’ turnaround plan, aimed at strengthening the brand’s long-term performance by significantly increasing its reach among professional hairstylists.
DEBUT UNVEILS AI-DEVELOPED INGREDIENT FOR SKIN TIGHTENING
Biotech firm Debut has launched DermCeutical EDL, a topical bioactive ingredient developed using AI and biotechnology to clinically improve skin tightness and firmness by targeting cellular pathways. The ingredient, which has shown significant results in reducing fine lines and sagging, is now being formulated with multiple beauty brands for upcoming product launches.
CLARINS DEBUTS AI-POWERED SKIN DIAGNOSIS TOOL IN STORES
Clarins has introduced an AI Skin Observer, an in-store tool that uses sensors and imaging to analyze up to 22 skin parameters, aiding beauty advisors during consultations. This device, now in 20 global stores, is part of the brand’s strategy to enhance diagnostic precision with technology while maintaining an advisor-led customer experience.
CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Clinique La Prairie has launched a new week-long mental health program called Life Reset at its centers in Switzerland and China. The program aims to help individuals reduce stress and build emotional resilience through a holistic approach that includes coaching, meditation, and technology-assisted therapies.
FLORAL STREET LAUNCHES BRIDGERTON FRAGRANCE WITH NETFLIX
Floral Street has partnered with Netflix and Shondaland to launch “Enchanted Masquerade,” a floral gourmand fragrance inspired by the fourth season of Bridgerton. The scent will debut with exclusive retail rollouts at Boots in the UK and Bloomingdale’s in the US, timed to the show’s premiere.
PARFUMS DE MARLY LAUNCHES NEW WOMEN’S FRAGRANCE ‘ATHÉNAÏS’
Parfums de Marly is launching a new women’s fragrance called Athénaïs to diversify its successful portfolio beyond hits like Delina. The scent, inspired by a muse of Louis XIV, debuts in the U.S. as part of the brand’s strategy to attract new clients and expand its olfactory territory.
GORGEOUS NOTHINGS DEBUTS WITH ZERO-WASTE FRAGRANCE
Australian start-up Gorgeous Nothings has launched its first fragrance, Edition 1, developed with perfumer Pierre Negrin using close to 100 percent upcycled ingredients. The brand, founded by Avigon Belle Paphitis, focuses on sustainable luxury through a permanent refill system to reduce packaging waste.
ROSEMIN BEAUTY DEBUTS WITH MAKEUP FOR WARM & OLIVE SKINTONES
Rosemin Beauty is a new prestige cosmetics brand specifically engineered for women with warm, olive, and deep complexions. Founded by industry veteran Rosemin Opgenhaffen, the brand aims to fill a gap in the market for luxury beauty products tailored to these underserved skin tones.
