Dynamic beauty duo and industry veterans Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, co-founders of Too Faced — the iconic brand acquired by The Estée Lauder Cos. in 2016 for an estimated $1.45 billion — are making headlines with their new company, Toy Box Brands. At CEW today, Blandino and Johnson tell Didi Gluck the story behind the company’s fall launch of Polite Society — a clean makeup range that’s already gone viral on TikTok with its B.I.G. Mouth Lip Oil Plumping Gloss and egg-shaped foundation —as well as Diamond Drunk, a formaldehyde-free jewelry polish. “I developed Too Faced in 1998, and I needed to let that side of me go,” Blandino told CEW. “But if you see something similar [in Polite Society], I love it. It’s a nod to my past, to who I am.”

In executive news, it’s been announced that Prama Bhatt has departed Ulta Beauty since joining the company 10 years ago. “Prama’s leadership and vision has helped grow our e-commerce business and shaped the experience we offer across our digital channels — we have the deepest respect and gratitude for all her contributions,” an Ulta spokesperson commented. Meanwhile, Véronique Gautier is leaving her role as Global President of Armani Beauty at L’Oréal. Gautier said that she is “ready to give back, mentor and invest in this industry that I treasure,” after 13 years at Armani Beauty and 40 years working in the beauty world, starting at Chanel.

A new season of Lancome’s #HowDoYouSayBeautyInFrench episodes will drop on YouTube and social media today, starring brand ambassador Emma Chamberlain. The first season was released last year. Also in celebrity news, Garnier Nutrisse ambassador Drew Barrymore will be the face of its new shade 70, Dark Natural Blond, appearing on the box and in social media videos with the “Nourished Hair. Famous Color” tagline.

In business news, the L’Occitane Group reports that soaring sales of Sol De Janeiro have overtaken it’s flagship L’Occitane brand, following a record-breaking holiday season for the Brazilian skin care company. “We will continue to build on the accelerating growth of Sol de Janeiro as we steadily expand its product and category range, and the scale and reach of its distribution,” André Hoffmann, Vice Chairman and CEO of L’Occitane, commented.

Catch up on these and other stories at the links below. 

From Too Faced To Polite Society. Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson talk exclusively to CEW about the story behind the launch of their new venture, Toy Box Brands, their new, viral makeup range, Polite Society, and Diamond Drunk jewelry polish. (CEW)

Prama Bhatt Leaves Ulta Beauty. The company’s chief digital officer first joined Ulta from Kenneth Cole and Toys R Us in 2014. (WWD) 

Véronique Gautier Leaves Armani Beauty. After 13 years at Armani Beauty, where she was global president, industry veteran Gautier said she is “ready to give back, mentor and invest in this industry that I treasure.” (CHAILEEDO)

Lancome’s Latest Emma Chamberlain Campaign Drops. The second season of its  #HowDoYouSayBeautyInFrench video series will be released on YouTube and social media today. (@LANCOMEOFFICIAL)

Drew Barrymore Unveils New Nutrisse Color. The actress and brand ambassador will be the “face” of Garnier Nutrisse 70, Dark Natural Blond. (BEAUTY PACKAGING)

Sol De Janeiro Sales Beat L’Occitane’s. Record sales of the Brazilian skin care products have outpaced those of the L’Occitane Group’s flagship brand. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)

Calling Beauty’s Back Story. Founder Sabah Yaqoob shares how and why she founded the new face mist brand for city girls. (BEAUTY INDEPENDENT)

Saie Hosts Masterclasses. Clean makeup brand Saie held three masterclasses in Los Angeles last weekend, the first of a series scheduled to take the company to New York, London and Toronto during 2024. (GLOSSY)