“The data shows that inclusivity is good for business. Period,” said Asha Shivaji, Co-Founder and CEO of SeeMe Index, on the unveiling of its new 2025 Inclusivity Index. “If you want to grow faster than your competitors, it’s time to lean in.” At CEW today, we report on the index, which ranks 100+ beauty brands and data, making it the most expansive inclusivity analysis that has ever been carried out for the industry.

Also at CEW, we share the findings of a new report, highlighted by The London Standard, which spotlights the double standards women CEOs are subjected to when it comes to media coverage. The report, Time to Tell a Different Story, was published by the US headhunting firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), who analyzed more than 20,000 news stories covering the U.S., U.K. and Europe. “It concluded that women CEOs are simultaneously described as having ‘too much and not enough’ of key leadership traits,” writes The London Standard’s Business Editor, Jonathan Prynn.

Alexis Androulakis and Dr. Christina Basias Androulakis, AKA the Lipstick Lesbians on social media, are on a mission to educate and empower up and coming beauty entrepreneurs. CEW reports on the launch of their new online platform and beauty product development course, LLAB [Let’s Learn About Beauty]. 

Also at CEW, we go behind the scenes at the L’Oréal Groupe’s new North America Research & Innovation (R&I) Center in Clark, New Jersey. CEW’s Andrea Nagel attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the $160 million, state-of-the-art scientific research center, which includes a 26,000-square-foot modular laboratory, a consumer center for product testing and co-creation and an on-site mini factory. “In addition to utilizing the intelligence of its 600-plus scientific workforce, the center will continue to stay true to L’Oréal key pillars — beyond creating innovative products — including actively partnering with leading academics, biotech companies, and startups,” reports Nagel. In other L’Oréal USA news, the company has sold textured hair care brand Carol’s Daughter to its founder, and new President, Lisa Price.

In female leadership news, financederivative.com outlines How to Have Financial Clarity in Business as a Female Founder. Entrepreneur, investor, and business mentor Rebecca Sutherland shares strategies such as thinking like an investor, getting tech on your side and building a financial support system.

Cos is making its fragrance debut. Four scents, created in Grasse, France, by perfumers Sophie Labbé, Ilias Ermenidis, and Nathalie Lorson, will be available beginning April 16, in Cos stores worldwide and online. And in market updates, Puig has reported record results in 2024. It achieved a record net revenue of €4,790 million, representing 11.3% reported growth and 10.9% like-for-like in comparison to 2023. Meanwhile, Brand Agency London Limited, which owns Ciaté and Lottie London, has entered administration, appointing an insolvency practitioner to manage the company and finances.

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8 and Women’s History Month, Bobbi Brown and her beauty company, Jones Road, have launched a new YouTube interview series supported JP Morgan, called I Am Me.

Read more about these news stories by clicking on the links below. 

SeeMe Index Unveils 2025 Inclusivity Index. “The data shows that inclusivity is good for business. Period,” said Asha Shivaji, Co-Founder and CEO of SeeMe Index, on its findings. (CEW)

Time to Tell a Different Story About Women CEOs. The London Standard flags a new report, by American headhunting firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), highlighting the high levels of personal scrutiny that women CEOs are subjected to by the media, in comparison with their male peers. (CEW)

LLAB [Let’s Learn About Beauty] Online Platform And Beauty Product Development Course Launches. Alexis Androulakis And Dr. Christina Basias Androulakis, AKA the Lipstick Lesbians on social media, are co-founders of the initiative. (CEW)

L’Oréal Groupe Opens North America Research & Innovation (R&I) Center In Clark, New Jersey. CEW’s Andrea Nagel goes behind the scenes at the $160 million, state-of-the-art scientific research center. (CEW)

L’Oréal USA Sells Carol’s Daughter. The company has sold the textured hair care brand to its founder and new President, Lisa Price. (L’ORÉAL) 

Finding Financial Clarity As A Female Founder. An article in financederivative.com offers key strategies. (FINANCE DERIVATIVE)

Cos Debuts Scents. Four fragrances, created in Grasse, will launch worldwide next month. (WWD)

Puig Announces Record Results For 2024. In 2024, PUIG achieved a record net revenue of approximately $5 billion at current conversion rates, representing 11.3% reported growth and 10.9% like-for-like in comparison to 2023. (BEAUTY PACKAGING)

Brand Agency London Limited Folds. The owner of Ciaté and Lottie Londo has hired an insolvency expert to help manage debt. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)

Bobbi Brown And Jones Road Launch I Am Me You Tube Series. Supported by JP Morgan financial services, the series of interviews marks Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. (COSMETICS BUSINESS)