Gabriella TerminePersonalized beauty, a new comms hire, and alternative funding models are helping companies find creative ways to strengthen customer relationships and drive long-term growth.
LANEIGE is bringing its popular Bespoke Lip Sleeping Mask experience to U.S. consumers for the first time through an exclusive launch on Amazon. Previously only available at the brand’s flagship store in Seoul, the digital experience allows shoppers to personalize their overnight lip treatment by combining two of five scent options, creating one of 10 unique blends. Each mask features the brand’s signature hydrating formula designed to nourish and soften lips overnight. The launch reflects LANEIGE’s continued focus on personalized beauty, making an immersive in-store concept accessible online. The brand also plans to expand the Bespoke collection with additional scent options later this year, further building on its customization strategy. (PR Newswire)
Style Capital is making its first move into beauty. The Italian private equity fund has invested in Essential Parfums, the Parisian niche fragrance house that Géraldine and Stanislas Archambault established in 2018. Although financial details of the deal were not disclosed, it is understood the fund has taken a minority stake in the brand, with the founders retaining majority ownership and continuing to lead the company. (WWD)
The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Madeleine Boyd as Senior Vice President, Global Brand Communications, effective July 20, 2026, as the prestige beauty company continues to strengthen its brand-building capabilities following its recent decision to retain several brands that had been the subject of divestiture speculation. In her newly created role, Boyd will establish and lead a centralized global brand communications organization responsible for aligning communications across Estée Lauder’s brands while developing a cohesive enterprise-wide strategy. The function will focus on driving earned media, increasing cultural relevance and expanding creator engagement as prestige beauty brands compete for consumer attention across social media and digital platforms. (Global Cosmetics News)
Additionally, in new product launches, Chanel is adding a new perfume, Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu, to celebrate 25 years of its popular Coco Mademoiselle line. Instead of creating a completely new fragrance, the brand chose to refresh an already successful collection, a strategy that helps attract both loyal and new customers. The scent keeps the familiar floral notes while adding fresh fruity touches and richer ingredients for a stronger, longer-lasting fragrance. The bottle also has a bolder appearance while maintaining its recognizable shape. Chanel has connected the perfume with its Coco Crush jewelry collection by using the same name and choosing singer Gracie Abrams as the ambassador for both, creating a more unified brand image. (Premium Beauty News)
Following Chanel’s fragrance expansion, NYX Professional Makeup is also strengthening its brand by bringing back Paris Hilton as its new “Gloss Boss” for the second edition of the If You NYX, You Know campaign. The campaign celebrates the brand’s beauty community through social media, interactive pop-up events, and a retro diner theme featuring its popular lip products. Hilton returns alongside several creators and celebrities to help connect with makeup fans worldwide. The campaign focuses on confidence, self-expression, and affordable beauty, encouraging customers to have fun with makeup. By partnering with recognizable personalities and creating engaging experiences, NYX continues to build excitement around its products while reinforcing its image as an accessible and trend-driven brand. (Cosmetics Business)
Building on strategic brand growth, wellness company IM8 has secured up to $1 billion in financing to support its expansion and attract more customers. Rather than using a traditional investment model, the funding is tied to the company’s marketing performance, allowing IM8 to grow its audience while keeping more resources available for product development and scientific research. Since launching in 2024, the brand has experienced rapid growth, leading to higher revenue expectations for 2026. This investment reflects growing confidence in the wellness industry and shows how companies are exploring new ways to finance expansion without giving up as much ownership or incurring heavy financial pressure. (Global Cosmetics News)
AS Watson is investing in data-driven innovation by launching a new brand lab designed to help beauty brands grow more effectively. Instead of only selling products, the firm is using customer insights, shopping patterns, and its global network of stores to identify promising ideas and bring them to market faster. With millions of loyalty members and both online and in-store platforms, AS Watson can test products across different regions and respond quickly to changing consumer preferences. This approach reflects a broader shift in the beauty industry, where retailers are becoming active partners in brand development, proving that consumer data has become just as valuable as the products themselves. (Beauty Matter)
To read more about these stories, click the headlines below.
LANEIGE Brings Bespoke Lip Sleeping Mask Experience To U.S. Exclusively On Amazon
Style Capital Makes First Investment in Beauty With Essential Parfums
Amid Portfolio Reset, ELC Names Communications Leader to Boost Brand Desirability
Chanel Extends The Coco Mademoiselle Franchise With Crush Absolu
Paris Hilton Returns To NYX Professional Makeup As The Gloss Boss
IM8 Secures US$1 Billion Growth Financing From General Catalyst
Beauty’s Biggest Advantage Isn’t Product; It’s Data
MEMBERS ONLY: Members can click here to be considered for our bi-monthly Member Spotlight, where we highlight standout work, achievements, and contributions across the community.
