Andrew Stanleick

Interesting article by Erica La Sala at Beauty Independent related to the increasing emergence of Amazon in prestige beauty. With more prestige beauty brands joining its ranks in recent months, Amazon has been leveling up in beauty in a big way and challenging established retail leaders Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Target and Walmart for customers’ dollars. According to performance marketing agency Tinuiti, 37% of shoppers in the United States started their beauty product searches on Amazon in February last year. While most beauty brands have concluded selling on Amazon is a necessary step, at the very least as a strategy to repel unauthorized sellers, retailers are fighting back from weaker positions. According to Cristina Nuñez, "while there is no stopping the Amazon wave, beauty retailers can still find ways to win by leaning into their beauty specialty superpower. From brand curation to product discovery to premium and indie brand offerings, beauty retailers can leverage their omnichannel strategies as most beauty purchases still happen in store." True Beauty Ventures #beautyinvesting

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maude is proud to be named one of 2024's Future50 by BeautyMatter, "a list of brands, retailers, and service concepts to know and watch as they define the global beauty and wellness landscape. These are businesses led by people fostering new ideas and pushing forward innovation." On the future we're creating / want to see: Please share your insight on the future of the beauty industry. "The future of the beauty industry is one that has been furthered by blurring the lines between categories, creating an umbrella of beauty, health, and wellness that is holistic and thoughtful and based on the psychographic needs of the consumer vs just demographics. With access, personalization, and education proliferating beauty and beauty education across platforms, the future of beauty is being written in real time by real people." If you could change one thing in the beauty industry what would it be? "I'd like for the beauty industry to recognize that sexual wellness is a category within the sphere of body care, and it is not synonymous with feminine care. Sexual health affects all people and should be for all people."

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Just wrapped up hosting the workshop “Value of Beauty Today and Beyond 2025” at the 12th Annual Global Beauty Trends & Innovations Conference in London. It was a fantastic event filled with insightful conversations, joyful reunions with old friends and new meaningful connections. The beauty landscape has never been more fascinating. Industry players gathered to explore the transformative shifts shaping beauty through AI, health & wellbeing, and digital consumer engagement. My key takeaway? Adaptability and authenticity will define the winners. But one crucial element was barely discussed: Beauty as a force for good. Beauty will transcend the surface of looks and scents when we collectively embrace it as a reflection of our values, actions, and the legacy we leave behind. Sadly, despite incredible technological advancements, we seem to be moving backward in securing a nurturing, peaceful, and sustainable world. Is there still hope? #BeautyWithPurpose #EmergingTrends #Innovation #Purpose #Peace

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I love this article! Building traction with Indie retailers is a solid strategy. Starting with independent stores before venturing into big chains is cost-effective. The Return on Assets (ROA) that Minori is experiencing is truly amazing!

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Hair care claims around growth are getting bolder. In this article - “PowerCycle promotes the hair follicle’s antigen phase, which means they are waking up,” said Dr. Polen Koçak, the brand’s cofounder. “That causes both new hair growth and hair density to increase.” I'm wondering how the US FDA feels about this... SickScience Tackles Hair Growth With Second Product. #beautyindustrynews #haircare #cosmeticscience #cosmeticchemist #cosmeticregulations #CosmeticOrDrug?

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The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. continues its underperformance In contrast to the positive results of its archrival L'Oréal, EL disappointed the market with its stock price plummeting ~20% since the results announcement, standing now at negative 50% YTD & ~80% since its 2021 peak Many used to say over the last months that the only way for EL was up. Well, maybe not that fast Last week's crash is abyssal & is a reflection of: (i) an ever-ending succession of unmet commitments (missed top-line again, cut dividend & withdrawn 2025 guidance) (ii) the multiple challenges EL faces across its key markets, categories & brands (iv) a management/ board incapable of establishing a clear diagnostic & acting decisively for now 30 months EL veteran Stephane de La Faverie, the newly appointed CEO, who will start in Jan 2025, will have much to do to restore confidence. Nothing impossible though considering EL rich history/ legacy, markets footprint & brand portfolio Full details below Estee Lauder Q1 FY25 results summary: - NR: $3.4Bn - OSG :-5% - GM%: 72.4%; +280 Bps vs Q1 FY24 - Adj. OI%: 4.3%; -120 Bps vs Q1 FY24 - Reduction of dividend by ~50% (from $0.66 to $0.35) Results by geography: - Americas: NR: $1.2Bn, OSG: -1% - Europe, Middle East & Africa: NR: $1.2Bn, OSG: -4% - Asia/ Pacific: NR: $0.9Bn, OSG: -11% Results by segments: - Skin Care: NR: $1.5Bn, OSG: -8% - Makeup: NR: $1.0Bn, OSG: -2% - Fragrance: NR: $0.6Bn, OSG: -1% - Hair Care: NR: $0.1Bn, OSG: -6% - Other: NR: $0.05Bn, OSG: -22% Analyst Consensus: Revenue: Miss & EPS: Beat FY25 Guidance: Withdrawing 2025 Outlook amid incremental uncertainty on Timing of Stabilization in China & Asia Travel Retail 𝗧𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀 & 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗠𝗖𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗢 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: https://lnkd.in/ea4gy65y 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝘀: FF&A solves the most complex strategic problems of the world's largest FMCG companies across Corporate Strategy, Organic Growth, Digital RTM (#eCommerce, DTC, EB2B), and M&A. 14 out of the world's 20 largest FMCG companies are repeat Clients (more on FF&A website: https://lnkd.in/dc6jY4Qp) #fmcg #cpg

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Inside E.L.F. BEAUTY's $Billion Comeback What went wrong in 2018?​ -Elf Cosmetics had just crossed $270 million in 2017 & was growing 18% year on year, with DTC as the biggest driver: 28 million visitors in a year. -In sharp contrast, 2018 sales declined drastically impacting DTC & colour cosmetics Elf's 5-Step Brand Strategy Framework for Turnaround​ 1. Core Issue-Strategy​ Core Issue: Took focus away from the vision of offering game-changing, prestige products at affordable prices and a digital-first brand Strategy: Who-Women of all ages, who seek minimalist and prestigious beauty without killing their wallets How-Further improve the quality & margin of prestige hero products to expand demand & to offer higher value, increase revenue/profitability/loyal consumer. 2. Source of Power​ a. Plugged the leaks for investment in strategic imperatives​ b. Cost advantage for stronger competitive position with higher perceived value 3. Key Strategic Opportunity a. Strategic Imperative 1: Expand Market Demand b. Strategic Imperative 2: Loyalty c. Strategic Imperative 3: Improve Brand Funnel: Higher Consumer Trials, Loyalty-Revenue & Profits/Consumer with Higher Perceived Value 4. Success Signal-Fast Forwards a. Four quarters of increased sales & profitability, far better than competitors b. With the personalization strategy, Elf converted higher % of site visitors c. The loyalty program delivered 70 % of D.T.C. sales 5. Ultimate Desired Outcome​ Fast forward to 2023, ELF Cosmetics has grown YOY from $270M in 2017 to targeted $950M+ by 2024 end. WHOA! READ the full article below: ……….. Jump Accelerator: Reimagine roadmap to your end game-Profit goal, Cash fuel Profitable growth on the path to $20M-$50M+ for women-led beauty brands with a “fit & fully executable solution using first principles” Let’s together create “A Woman’s World.” ……….. #marketing #startups #business #beauty https://lnkd.in/ggbMsnkV

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Drunk Elephant’s recent recall reminds us how complex preservation in beauty can be, especially as clean beauty trends evolve. As brands push boundaries and innovate, what new preservation approaches do you think will shape the future of clean beauty? #CleanBeauty #PreservationTrends #DrunkElephant #beautybrand #beautybusiness https://lnkd.in/epxqm-9f

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Circana reported that while US beauty sales slowed overall, the prestige beauty market grew by 9% in Q1 of 2024. Spending as a whole has slowed. Inflation prices have people restructuring their financial priorities, cutting out unnecessary expenses. Prestige's resilience is partly due to financial capacity - affluent people buying premium products. But, it's something else too. It's natural to want to indulge, even when money is tight. With beauty, that indulgence is a bit more accessible. One purchase will pay off for weeks or even months, depending on the product. Consumers' perception is that they can trust these investments, thanks to the quality and reputation of the prestige brand. They're often returning to a product they've been loyal to for years. Prestige brands can build on that perception for sustained success. The tricky part is differentiation. Competition is hot. Prestige brands need to make sure that they're offering an experience like no other. That goes for all aspects, from product development to branding. #Beauty #PrestigeBeauty #MarketTrends #Sales

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🔥 Tired of sky-high CAC in digital ads? 🔥 Connect with affluent beauty consumers IRL. Beauty founders, are you ready to ditch the digital noise and experience the power of authentic, in-person engagement? Get exclusive access to curated events that connect your brand with affluent consumers through: - Luxury Sampling: Get your products into the hands of high-value customers who are ready to buy. - Interactive Experiences: Create memorable moments that foster genuine brand love and drive social sharing. - Targeted Data Capture: Build your email list with qualified leads who are genuinely interested in your brand. Imagine: - Increased brand awareness among your ideal customer. - Boosted social media following with engaged users. - A database overflowing with potential loyalists. Limited spots available! This opportunity is only available until October 9th. ➡️ DM me "CONNECT" to learn more and secure your spot. ⬅️ #beautyfounders #luxurybeauty #consumerengagement #experientialmarketing #brandactivation #affluentconsumers #marketing #socialmediamarketing #emailmarketing #growyourbusiness #limitedtimeoffer

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Thank you to everyone that came out to the panel I was on where we discussed collaboration. If you’d like to know more about my thoughts on this subject please read my Fast Company article, Making magic happen: How to create psychological safety in your company. It goes into detail as to more ways you can build more collaboration in your own organization. Here is the link ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gt-fiHUi

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According to a recent study by Mintel, 52% of U.S. men now report using skincare products, a significant jump from just 31% two years ago! There's a growing awareness and investment in personal care, especially among younger generations who are keen on clean ingredients and quality products. Skincare has long been adopted largely by women but it's clear that men are catching up thanks to endorsements by the industry itself and celebrities! From a marketing standpoint, it's crucial to understand the unique skincare needs- both physiological and emotional- of men, rather than just slapping a male pronoun on existing strategies. Whether it's dry skin or breakouts, men's concerns should be addressed directly, rather than only focusing on prevention. I believe this shift isn't just about products, it's a cultural change! Source: AdWeek, https://lnkd.in/d3_bPG6C #Skincare #MenCare #BeautyTrends #SelfCare

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RE'DAIL Takes Center Stage in the US Beauty Market with MoCRA Compliance   We're thrilled to announce that the United States' recent implementation of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) has opened up exciting opportunities for K-beauty brands like ours. While this new regulation may seem daunting, we've taken proactive steps to ensure compliance, positioning us for success in the lucrative US market.   As a leading provider of powdered cosmetics, we're particularly excited about the growing demand for our innovative products among American consumers. Our lightweight, easy-to-use formulas are perfect for busy lifestyles and offer a range of benefits, including:   Gentle yet effective cleansing Long-lasting hydration A natural, radiant complexion We're confident that our powdered cosmetics will resonate with American consumers seeking high-quality, convenient, and effective skincare solutions.   Partner with RE’DAIL for Success   If you're a buyer or distributor looking for cutting-edge powdered cosmetics, we invite you to contact us today. We're committed to providing our partners with the products, support, and resources they need to succeed in the ever-evolving beauty market.   Together, let's revolutionize the way people experience beauty! https://lnkd.in/gmTx3jZ5   #KBeauty #PowderedCosmetics #MoCRA #USMarket #Innovation

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Unveiling the Rise of Powder Cosmetics in Global Markets   Embrace the dynamic evolution of powder cosmetics!   Recent insights from Beauty Economy highlight shifts in the global market, particularly in K-beauty's skincare sector. Despite a slight decline in basic cosmetics exports to China compared to last year, exports to the U.S. surged, exceeding 1 trillion KRW monthly in May.   The U.S. market has shown consistent growth, surpassing 118 billion KRW in April and maintaining momentum with 114.1 billion KRW in May. While these figures signify robust expansion year-over-year, slight month-to-month fluctuations underscore the need for strategic export planning moving forward.   Analysis from May's customs data reveals impressive growth in skincare categories: basic cosmetics up by 100%, makeup by 57%, eyeshadow by 60%, and face powder by a striking 125%. Meanwhile, shampoo, mask packs, and baby cosmetics also saw significant increases, demonstrating a broadening appeal across product lines.   As K-beauty skincare continues its streak with consecutive months of 1 trillion KRW exports, RE“DAIL stands ready with innovative powder cosmetics designed for today's discerning consumers.   Our products blend advanced formulations with eco-friendly practices, delivering gentle yet effective skincare solutions. Join us in reshaping the beauty landscape and expanding into new international markets.   Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities and discover how we can meet your skincare needs!   https://lnkd.in/gtq8rhiZ #PowderCosmetics #KBeauty #SkincareTrends

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Prestige vs. Mass Beauty: Key Takeaways from Circana’s Q3 Report The Q3 Circana data reveals dynamic shifts across the beauty industry, with clear distinctions in category trends between prestige and mass markets. According to Circana data from January through September, prestige beauty’s growth is still beating out the mass market. The markets increased 7% and 2%, respectively. * Makeup was the only category to drop in mass, falling 3%; however in the prestige market it increased 5%. Lip cosmetics was the brightest segment in the category across both mass and prestige. * Skin care grew 3% in prestige and 2% in the mass market as consumers are meeting in the middle of the overall beauty market, with higher-priced items in mass and lower-priced products in prestige capturing the most market share. * Fragrance was the brightest spot across the board, increasing 14% in prestige and 2% in mass. Fragrance continued to shine in both markets, driven by consumer emotional connections. “After several years of fragrance being about luxury, this year was where the lower-priced side of prestige fragrance took off. We saw it starting in 2023, but it became a strong driver in 2024,” said Larissa Jensen. “It’s now about products that have a lower price point, whether it’s a mini or a body spray, but we’re seeing both sides of the coin grow.” * Prestige hair increased 9%, while only growing 2% in mass channels, supported by innovations in both mass and prestige. * Brick-and-mortar remains the most important channel in each, though e-commerce grew faster than physical retail on the mass side of the business, likely driven by Amazon. The data underscores how consumer behavior continues to evolve amid economic pressures, pushing both mass and prestige brands to adapt their strategies for success. Read the full article on WWD below. Cristina Nuñez True Beauty Ventures https://lnkd.in/ehghBAgr

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LUXURY BRANDS FACE SALES SLUMP AMID PRICE INCREASES What happens when brands price above what consumers are willing to pay? They lose credibility and consumer trust. This WSJ article (link in the comments), made me reflect about how important it is to price as premium as possible BUT within the confines of what consumers are willing to pay for the perceived value of a brand. Here are some thoughts. 1. INCREASED PRICES, DECREASED SALES Luxury goods have seen significant price hikes, with average prices rising by 60% since 2019. Despite this, many luxury brands are experiencing declining sales, with an average drop of 4% in Q3 2024. 2. EROSION OF PERCEIVED VALUE Consumers are increasingly questioning the value of luxury items as the perceived value diminishes. This shift has led to a rise in negative sentiments online, with over 60% of social media discussions about luxury prices reflecting feelings of anger and disappointment. When perceived value erodes, shoppers become more critical of high prices. 3. STRATEGIC PRICING FOR BRAND SUCCESS Luxury brands must price their products at levels consumers are willing to pay—not too high and not too low. While expanding their market to include middle-class consumers has driven growth, this strategy has also made brands reliant on less affluent shoppers. Price increases risk alienating this segment, potentially harming overall sales and brand loyalty. How do you know what is the limit of what your consumers are willing to pay? #marketing #branding #management #mentoring

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In a rapidly evolving beauty landscape, the focus on longevity, sustainability, and climate adaptation is shaping the industry's future. This insightful article from Beauty Independent highlights Mintel's trends for 2025, providing a roadmap for brands navigating consumer expectations. Key takeaways: Longevity over Youth: Consumers are shifting from traditional anti-aging narratives to embracing beauty that supports long-term skin health and vitality. Brands are responding with products and messaging focused on enhancing resilience rather than reversing age. Climate Adaptation: With climate change top of mind, the beauty industry is pivoting toward products and ingredients designed to withstand environmental stressors. This approach goes beyond sustainability to deliver solutions that help consumers adapt to a changing climate. Sustainable & Transparent Practices: Transparency around sourcing, formulation, and packaging is more important than ever. Consumers are demanding brands that align with their values, and those that do are seeing a stronger connection with their audience. The future of beauty is indeed rooted in thoughtful, responsible, and resilient approaches. True Beauty Ventures Cristina Nuñez #beautyinvesting https://lnkd.in/eV-HGrGy

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Is diversifying into other scent categories sound advice for small brands? As ADORAtherapy continues to grow, one key area of focus is expanding our product offerings to extend the reach of our scents into new categories, such as lotions, soaps, and other self-care products. Fragrance is not just about perfume; it's about the full sensory experience, and we see an opportunity to deepen that connection across various touchpoints in our customers' lives. Interestingly, when I first started Adoratherapy, I was advised to focus on just one product. It's a common refrain for small brands: don’t spread yourself too thin. Yet, as we see luxury fragrance brands releasing smaller scent libraries and gradually expanding each year, it’s clear that the majority of their revenue comes from a few key scents. So, is diversifying into other categories sound advice? It depends on your brand’s core identity and consumer demand. For us, it’s about thoughtful expansion, ensuring that our signature scents resonate no matter the medium. We’ve always led with our best-selling roll-ons, and they remain a cornerstone of our business. However, we’ve been testing our scents in lotions, bath soaks, and body oils. It’s a niche space, but the results have been intriguing, opening up new ways for our customers to experience the healing power of aromatherapy. Just the other day a client asked for our lotion which sold out and we were discontinuing until we figure out our approach. We had some left, Bonus! But extending into a range of lotions with conviction, that might take a while. The journey of expanding a scent-driven business is filled with both challenges and rewards. Small brands should proceed with caution, but don't be afraid to test the waters and find new ways to connect with your customers. Learning to bring products to market faster, with the right margins, in small quantities to test is not for everyone, but we continue to find a way. #ProductDevelopment #Fragrance #SmallBusinessGrowth #Aromatherapy #beautybrand #RandD #productinnovation #DTC #CPG #Categorykillers #rollonperfume

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