Jenni Baden HowardMia Young has been appointed SVP of Cosmetics at Ulta Beauty. Young, who most recently served as chief commercial officer at Tatcha, will start in her new position on January 5. Lauren Brindley, Ulta Beauty’s chief merchandising and digital officer, told WWD: “I’ve already got an incredible merchandising and digital team, and I’ve been thoughtfully considering this role, because I want to make sure it unlocks our next chapter of growth, and we were adding new capabilities to the organization to really add that rocket fuel.”
In other breaking news, Sephora is bringing back SEPHORiA in Los Angeles in 2026, featuring a new “beauty multiverse” format that “expands the event into a multi-day, multi-brand experiential platform built around education, product discovery and consumer engagement,” according to Global Cosmetics News. “The updated format includes expanded programming such as live master classes, fireside chats, brand-led demonstrations, early product announcements, meet-and-greets and access to exclusive merchandise and limited products only available on-site.”
In other Sephora updates, Gisou’s holiday pop-up will take place at at Astor Place Plaza in New York City, on 12 and 13 December.
Here at CEW, we asked Glowbar founder and third-generation esthetician Rachel Liverman to share the five major skin and wellness trends she believes will shape 2026. “Her vantage point as both a brand founder and cultural observer gives her a uniquely informed perspective on the trends shaping the next era of skin care and wellness,” writes CEW reporter, Didi Gluck.
In fragrance headlines, Chanel has tapped Jungkook, lead vocalist of South Korean boy band BTS, as its new global ambassador for Fragrances and Beauty. Meanwhile, indie scent brand Cayla Gray has now launched on Ulta.com, as part of the retailer’s new, invite-only UB Marketplace.
On the beauty tech front, Swedish tech company Foreo has unveiled a more affordable sub-brand, targeting Gen A and Gen Z consumers. Foreo For EveryOne will offer products ranging from $12.99 to $39 in price.
Read more about these news stories by clicking on the links below.
Mia Young Appointed SVP At Ulta Beauty. “Mia Young is an exceptional leader. She’s got 20 years in beauty, so she’s a beauty expert, and she has a track record in brand development, trend leadership and category building,” Ulta Beauty’s chief merchandising and digital officer Lauren Brindley told WWD. (WWD)
SEPHORIA Making Comeback In Los Angeles. According to Global Cosmetics News, “SEPHORiA as part of Sephora’s broader experiential strategy, using the LA edition as a platform to test new community-building formats and deepen brand-consumer engagement. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)
Sephora To Host Gisou NYC Holiday Pop-Up. The spotlight will be on the brand’s new Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)
Glowbar’s Rachel Liverman On The Trends Shaping Beauty For 2026. Among her insights is that consumers are becoming ingredients experts. “The consumer’s not asking us about organic or vegan anymore,” Liverman told CEW. (CEW)
Chanel Taps Jungkook As Global Ambassador. ”Chanel is pleased to announce Jung Kook as the global ambassador for Fragrances and Beauty,” said the brand in a statement.”(ECONOMIC TIMES INDIA)
Cayla Gray Launches On Ulta.com. “This marks Cayla Gray’s fourth and largest, retail expansion this year and, notably, the brand’s first year pursuing third-party retail distribution,” reports Happi. (HAPPI)
Foreo Debuts Sub-Brand Targeting Gen A And Gen Z. “The sub-brand has rolled out to more than 7,000 retail doors in North America, including CVS, Ulta Beauty, Shoppers Drug Mart, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, and online at Nordstrom’s marketplace and Well.ca.,” reports Beauty Independent. (BEAUTY INDEPENDENT)
