Jenni Baden HowardThe announcement that Elana Drell Szyfer has been named President of CEW, succeeding Carlotta Jacobson, is making beauty industry headlines. Jacobson will take on the Executive Chair position when Drell Szyfer takes over at the helm, in January 2026. A beauty industry veteran and former CEW Achiever Award Honoree, Drell Szyfer will be the second President in CEW’s 71-year history. “As President, she will oversee all areas of the organization, focusing on CEW’s market position and growth,” reports CEW’s Andrea Nagel. “Her strategic acumen and deep understanding of the beauty industry will be instrumental in propelling the organization into the future.” Drell Szyfer most recently served as CEO of RéVive Skincare.
In other breaking news, cult make up brand Violette_Fr, founded by Paris-born make up artist Violette Serrat, has made its brick-and-mortar debut at Liberty London. Part of the store’s newly expanded Beauty Studio, shoppers will be able to shop the range at an immersive counter, featuring “Violette’s Cabinet of Curiosities”, and beauty tutorials will be led by a team of make up artists.
The CEW Product Watch October 2025 is here. Reporter Polly Blitzer showcases the month’s most noteworthy new arrivals, across all beauty categories—from scalp care to skin regeneration, and with a shift to the sensorially indulgent as the holidays approach. Speaking of new launches, CEW spotlights Nocturnal Skincare, the Japandi beauty brand founded by Daniel Kiyoi and Katey Hassan, which has debuted on Nordstrom’s digital marketplace. Also at CEW, don’t miss our special report on the Maesa Magic Incubator 2025 Winners: Amoureux Beauty, Rizo Radiance, and TONAL Cosmetics.
In financial news, Douglas Group has reported a 3.2% year-over-year sales increase in Q3 2024/25 to €1.0 billion, reaffirming its full-year guidance after seeing a return to growth after a Q2 decline.
In skin care updates, IFF has partnered with skincare chemists Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu, co-founders of Chemist Confessions, to promote the benefits of betaine in skincare formulas. Happi interviewed the former L’Oréal cosmetic chemists, along with Bi Fen Lee, digital marketing manager, personal care, IFF.
In brand ambassador news, UConn basketball star Sarah Strong and her mother, Allison Feaster, have been tapped by hair color brand Madison Reed as Ambassadors. “When we [teamed with UConn] last year, we thought all we were going to get was exposure to a Gen Z audience,” explained Amy Errett, founder of Madison Reed. “What blew our minds was that awareness soared with both Gen Z and their mothers; Gen Z wanted to use ColorWonder because they look up to these players, but also their moms cared, too, because those are their kids.”
Read more about these and other news stories by clicking on the links below.
Elana Drell Szyfer Named President of CEW. “Elana’s leadership, empathy, and vision give me enormous hope for what lies ahead,” said Carolotta Jacobson, who transitions to the role of Executive Chair. “I admire her forward-thinking abilities, and I am honored to work closely with her to continue advancing our organization.” (CEW)
Violette_Fr,Debuts At Liberty. Shoppers will be able to “explore our formulas within Liberty’s newly expanded Beauty Studio—an immersive counter designed to inspire the artist and muse in you,” the brand revealed via Instagram. (VIOLETTE_FR)
Nocturnal Skincare Launches On Nordstrom’s Digital Marketplace. “Selecting the right retail partner was about finding alignment in values and customer service philosophy,” writes CEW reporter, Amber Katz. “Hassan emphasized that Nordstrom digital marketplace represents a strategic fit due to the retailer’s expertise in serving luxury consumers and cultivating enduring relationships.” (CEW)
Who Are Maesa’s Magic Incubator 2025 Winners? The initiative is now in its third year, bridging the entrepreneurial access gap by empowering early-stage beauty and wellness founders from underrepresented communities. (CEW)
CEW Product Watch October 2025 Drops. Newcomers of note include the new Merit Solo Shadow Sheen, a sheer, pearlescent expansion to the brand’s eye makeup category. (CEW)
Douglas Group Reports 3.2% Sales Rise In Q3 2024/25. “Douglas continues to expand its omnichannel network, opening 22 new stores and refurbishing 39 in Q3 under its “Let it Bloom” strategy,” reports Global Cosmetics News. (GLOBAL COSMETICS NEWS)
IFF Partners With Chemist Confessions Founders. “This is the first time IFF has collaborated with influencers within our active and functional ingredients part of the business. ,” said Bi Fen Lee, digital marketing manager, personal care, IFF. (HAPPI)
Madison Reed Taps UConn Basketball Star Sarah Strong And Mom. “It’s indescribable on so many levels to see the visibility women’s sports is now getting,” said Strong’s mother, Allison Feaster. “All the work that those who came before me have put in, I got to benefit from, and now to see my daughter on this world stage, culminating in beautiful partnerships like this one with Madison Reed and so many other organizations who invest in women.” (WWD)
