Andrea NagelBeauty brands are finding new ways to connect with customers by turning everyday trends into fun and memorable experiences.
Dolly Parton’s beauty legacy was never just about big hair, bold makeup, or sparkling clothes. She created a style that was completely her own and never apologized for being different. What makes her especially inspiring is that she was open about cosmetic procedures and changing her appearance while still encouraging people to feel comfortable with who they are. Her glamorous image became part of her identity, but her kindness, humor, and confidence made her beauty stand out even more. Dolly showed that women do not have to follow beauty trends or tone themselves down as they get older. Instead, they can embrace what makes them unique and express themselves without shame. For Dolly, true beauty meant being unapologetically yourself. (Beauty Independent)
The “leisure-enhancing” suncare brand Vacation has appointed beauty and CPG veteran Nelson Miranda as its new Chief Executive Officer. Miranda brings more than three decades of experience including two decades at Procter & Gamble, senior leadership roles at Revlon and, most recently, serving as CEO of Not Your Mother’s parent company, DeMert Brands. Under his leadership, Not Your Mother’s grew 40% in 2025, became the fastest-growing hair care brand on TikTok, and expanded to more than 40,000 retail locations before its acquisition by Henkel in 2026. At Vacation, Miranda will work alongside Co-Founders Dakota Green, Lach Hall and Marty Bell, who remain involved as the brand’s creative architects. (Happi)
Cottonball is launching with dermatologist-led model at a prestige price. The DTC line uses a board-certified dermatologist to write individual plans that is custom-compounded with prescription-strength actives, retailing for beteeen $198–$234 for a two-month supply. Dr. Mona Gohara (Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Yale) is dermatology adviser; formulations were developed with chemist Ron Robinson. The pitch is the consumer who already buys both Rx skin care and prestige — the clearest U.S. attempt yet to price compounded derm as luxury rather than telehealth. (Global Cosmetics News)
Kelly Rowland is teaming up with OLAY as the brand’s newest ambassador to promote its Super Collection, a skin care line created for people with busy, nonstop lifestyles. Between performing, traveling, rehearsing, and working, Rowland says she prefers products that are simple but still make her skin look fresh and glowing. She especially likes the OLAY Super Serum because it fits easily into her daily routine. Building on this partnership, OLAY is also giving fans a chance to win Rowland’s favorite products along with a signed photo. The collection includes face and body products designed to hydrate, smooth, and brighten the appearance of skin. Overall, the campaign focuses on making skin care easy while helping people feel confident during their busiest days. (PR Newswire)
Gourmand perfumes are taking an exciting turn as Asian fragrance brands introduce ingredients and memories that go beyond the usual vanilla and sugary scents. Instead of simply focusing on sweetness, these perfumes often connect food with culture, family, and childhood experiences. For example, London-based Gabar draws from Myanmar heritage, using ingredients such as mango, sesame, condensed milk, and spices to create scents inspired by Southeast Asian traditions. At the same time, Indian fragrance brands like Rahasya and Ruhveda are bringing familiar foods, rituals, and seasonal memories into their perfumes. Even established brands such as Byredo have explored Indian influences. As more Asian perfumers share their personal experiences, gourmand fragrance is becoming more diverse, meaningful, and culturally connected. (The Industry Beauty)
Macy’s has brought back Maya Dukes to the company as its new Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director, as of August 31, 2026. In her new role, she will lead the retailer’s creative direction and help shape how Macy’s presents itself to customers across stores, marketing, and digital platforms. Dukes previously worked at Macy’s from 2001 to 2007 and most recently held a global brand leadership position at Delta Air Lines. With her return, Macy’s is adding an experienced creative executive as the department store continues working to refresh its image and connect with shoppers in new ways. Her background across major consumer companies is expected to support Macy’s efforts to strengthen its brand and create a more modern customer experience. (Global Cosmetics News)
E.l.f. Brands is bringing a playful pickle theme to the Minnesota State Fair with a colorful pop-up inspired by its beauty products. The activation, called “e.l.f.’s eyes.lips.fairgrounds,” includes a huge ten-foot pickle jar, branded Skyride gondolas, and chances for visitors to win beauty products through QR codes. The experience connects to the brand’s pickle-inspired Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm collection, which features fun flavors and names. Adding to the excitement, e.l.f. plans to bring a similar event to Texas later this year. The campaign also reflects a larger pickle trend in beauty, with several brands finding creative ways to turn the popular food into makeup and skincare ideas. E.l.f. is using humor, pop culture, and in-person experiences to connect with shoppers memorably. (Cosmetics Business)
To read more about these stories, click the headlines below.
“A Country Girl’s Idea Of Glam”: Dolly Parton’s Real (And Fake) Beauty Legacy
Cottonball Targets Prestige Beauty with Premium Prescription Skincare Model
Vacation Taps New CEO Nelson Miranda
How Asian Perfume Brands Are Expanding The Gourmand Palette
Macy’s Appoints Maya Dukes Senior Vice President, Creative And Production
E.l.f. Brands Strikes ‘Dill’ To Bring Pickle-Themed Pop-Up To Minnesota State Fair
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