Africa is revolutionising the beauty sector with tech innovations

African startups are leveraging technology to take the beauty industry by storm. From virtual trying to AI diagnostics, the startups aim to provide convenient access and a personalised experience to consumers. The industry is projected to be worth USD 77.81 billion by 2028. Both brands as well as homegrown startups are leveraging and capitalising on this growth using tech.

Kenya’s Uncover Skincare offers a tailored online skincare quiz, teleconsultations, and digital community platform to their customers. Similarly, Egypt’s Glamera now offers digital bookings for all their beauty services in the MENA region. Nigeria’s Wala has enabled on-demand beauty services, eliminating the need for physical salons. Another Kenyan startup, Vutia has democratized cosmetics by linking manufacturers to informal resellers, cutting out the middle man. South Africa’s Avon ON app automates functions for beauty representatives by leveraging digital networks.

The professionals are growing beyond the confined spaces and limitations of location and capital. Platforms that simplify services, engage consumers and empower providers are the future of the beauty industry. Africa’s tech-savvy, young population is all set to make it happen!

Prada to launch skincare and make-up products soon

Italian luxury brand Prada, famously known for their perfumes is now venturing into the beauty sector with skincare and make-up products. The brand is set to reimagine the existing definitions with an avant-garde vision of beauty. The brand aims to incorporate beauty, tech and creativity to achieve this goal.

Prada has announced it will launch its makeup and skincare line in partnership with L’Oreal. The collection includes 26 shades of hyper matte and soft matte ‘Monochrome’ lipsticks, a lip balm, six eyeshadow quads ‘Dimension’, 33 shades of ‘Reveal’ foundation, three skincare products called ‘Augmented Skin’ and a set of ten brushes and tools. The eyeshadow range is inspired by the iconic Prada prints. The entire collection is a combination of Miuccia Prada’s vibrant colour palette and technologydriven textures. The blend reflects the synchronous relationship between the fashion house’s artistry and innovation. The serum and cream from the skincare range feature ‘Adopto.gn Smart Technology. It is created using a unique blend of 15 rare plants that can withstand extreme conditions. It will assist the skin in adapting to the environment and provide benefits accordingly.

Amy Roe is an MBA student and a beauty brand owner stocked in Sephora  

Amy Roe is a 26-year-old MBA student at Columbia Business School with a flair for the beauty business. She is often found concocting ideas for her beauty brand and doing market research with fellow students. She conducted over 300 product surveys to adjust test samples and check popularity to get optimum results.

In 2019, Roe finished her MBA and started her beauty brand Byroe. It was soon stocked in Sephora, bringing $10 million a year. The revenues have doubled yearon-year and the company is now a house to team of 12. Soon, Roe plans to expand her market into Europe, but it does not come without challenges. Ingredients allowance and regulations differ in both markets. Reformulating, relabeling and registering has been a time-consuming process.

To expand her market, Roe is taking her own advice and changing brand strategy as required. Byron’s team is working hard to woo the result-driven and sustainability-focused consumer base of Europe. The brand has currently pivoted its focus on clinical trials and real-life reviews to ensure quality.

Eve Taylor London celebrates 6 decades in the beauty industry 

Iconic aromatherapy and skincare brand, Even Taylor London is celebrating 60 years in the beauty business. The brand initiated its operation in July 1963 and is thriving even after six decades. The brand stood the test of time through changing beauty standards, trends, and generations.

The brand was awarded the OBE in 2008. The founder of the brand Miss Taylor says she is very proud of the innovations created through her learning. In an interview with Professional Beauty, she also mentioned that there is always a scope for extending skills and knowledge.

The brand looks forward to serving for unforeseeable future by sticking to strong values and learned innovation. The future of the industry lies in education, something Even Taylor as a person and brand stood for the entire career.

PBHJ