Making beauty industry headlines this morning, the CEW 2025 Beauty Awards winners have been announced. Over 1,000 industry insiders attended the CEW annual awards luncheon yesterday, hosted by Lynne Koplitz. Leading beauty experts and social creators took turns to announce the 35+ winning products. “It can be hard to gauge which brands are truly breaking through in a crowded, look-alike beauty market — but some definitely manage to rise above the rest with standout concepts and true innovation,” writes CEW’s Andrea Nagel, in our special report. “That’s where the CEW Beauty Awards come in. They’re the only awards chosen by beauty insiders themselves: the 7,000+ CEW members who work across the global beauty industry.”
In breaking executive news, Boots has appointed Charlotte Lock, former John Lewis Partnership Customer Director, as its new Senior Vice President For Customer And Marketing. At John Lewis, Lock led customer strategy for the retail partnership until mid-2025.
Speaking of female leadership, Elizabeth Arden has announced the introduction of the Elizabeth Arden Dermatologist Collective. Celebrating 115 years of the beauty brand, the all-female, international collective includes Dr. Mary Sommerlad (UK), Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (US), and Dr. Claire Zhang (China). Meanwhile, here at CEW, we sit down with Michelle LeBlanc, Vice President of Merchandising for Beauty, Personal Care, and Hispanic Strategy Team at CVS Health, to discuss her vision for delivering approachable, accessible beauty. “This year, CVS Beauty and Personal Care is driving unit growth across the market — in drug, convenience, online, mass, and grocery,” LeBlanc told CEW. “Units are a barometer of customer connection, and that tells us our strategy is working.”
In fragrance news, the Champion sportswear brand is making its first foray into fragrance, in partnership with Revlon. “Champion’s strong heritage and cultural relevance make it a powerful partner for Revlon,” commented Michelle Peluso, chief executive officer of Revlon. “As we focus on appealing to the next generation, we’re thrilled to bring Champion’s energy into the world of fragrance, another step forward in Revlon’s resurgence.”
To read more about these news stories, click on the links below.
CEW 2025 Beauty Awards Winners Announced. “Winners within the Indie Category were presented by Raymond James, the winner within the Sustainability Category was presented by dsm-firmenich, the winner of the Supplier’s Award: Ingredients & Formulation was presented by NYSCC, and the Customer Obsession Award was presented by Amazon,” reports CEW’s Andrea Nagel. (CEW)
Boots Taps Former John Lewis Executive As New SVP For Customer And Marketing. “Charlotte Lock’s appointment signals Boots’ continued focus on enhancing customer engagement and loyalty as it advances its digital and retail transformation strategy under its evolving executive team,” reports Global Cosmetics News. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)
Elizabeth Arden Debuts Dermatologist Collective. “The global initiative rooted in science-backed skincare and consumer education unites three board-certified dermatologists from around the globe,” reports Happi. (HAPPI)
Champion Partners With Revlon For First Scent. “As we expand our footprint in fashion and lifestyle, fragrance is the next frontier,” remarked Jerrod Weber, global president of sports and lifestyle at Authentic Brands Group, Champion’s parent company. (WWD)
Michelle LeBlanc On Her Vision For Beauty At CVS Health. “Wellness and beauty as an extension of one another isn’t new — but it’s accelerating,” says LeBlanc. “Shoppers are prioritizing longevity, and we’re evolving with them.” (CEW)
