NEWS

NATIONAL

Samantha Kochharr appointed Skill Competition Manager for WorldSkills International

WorldSkills has appointed the famous hair designer, Samantha Kochharr, as the new Skill Competition Manager at the WorldSkills International. This makes her the first-ever Asian to hold this prestigious position. With this, Kochhar has broken all barriers and has set a whole new benchmark for the vibrant Indian hairdressing industry.

Since 2014, Kochharr has been the Chief Expert – Hairdressing at IndiaSkills. Furthermore, she has also held the chair of Deputy Chief Expert at WorldSkills since 2016. With her appointment as the Skill Competition Manager, she has marked a historic milestone, solidifying India’s presence at a global stage of excellence in the hairdressing industry.

Sharing her enthusiasm about her new role, she said, “I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the Skill Competition Manager for WorldSkills International. This role represents an opportunity to contribute to the global standards of the hairdressing industry.”

Max Factor introduces an affiliate programme for Indian professionals

With a vision to uplift and empower the Indian beauty industry professionals, Max Factor has introduced an ‘India Affiliate Programme’. The programme is specifically designed for Indian makeup artists, salons, academies, and freelancers with the aim of creating a supportive industry.

The India Affiliate Programme aims to empower professionals in the Indian beauty space. It will bring them all together with a vision of transformation and a sense of community. Under the programme, a network of artists and professionals will be representing the brand through their work. They will come together to form a community through knowledge and skill sharing. For the same, the brand encourages the affiliate professionals to elevate their creativity as well as enhance their artistry. All so, while working together to raise brand awareness.

The affiliate programme participants will be able to earn financial rewards through commissions. Additionally, they will gain exclusive access to Max Factor’s premium range of products. The professionals will also be able to avail exclusive discounts for their clients and customers.

Lemon Salon par tners with Sunny Leone’s Star Struck Cosmetics

Lemon Salons, led by Co-founders Qurat Syed Deshmukh and Faisal Deshmukh, has announced a strategic partnership with actress and entrepreneur Sunny Leone’s cosmetics brand, Star Struck. This collaboration combines Lemon Salons’ services with the luxurious offerings of Star Struck cosmetics.

Known for its premium services, Lemon Salons has consistently raised the bar in the beauty sector and it aims to elevate the beauty experience for customers. With the addition of Star Struck, Lemon Salons now introduces a dedicated focus on cosmetics, providing customers with a holistic beauty experience.

Currently operating 10 outlets in Mumbai, Lemon Salons is gearing up for significant growth. The founders have announced plans to open five additional outlets by the end of 2025, potentially expanding to new cities. Beyond retail expansion, Lemon Salons also intends to enter the academy business, offering professionally certified beauty and makeup courses to aspiring students.

The partnership between Lemon Salons and Star Struck combines expertise in salon services with high-quality cosmetics to redefine the customer experience.

Ashok Paliwal appointed President of HBO, Rajasthan

The Hair and Beauty Organisation (HBO), Rajasthan, has announced the appointment of its new president: beauty industry leader Ashok Paliwal. The Organisation made the announcement at a meeting of HBO committee members at the India International Beauty and Wellness Fair, held at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur.

The Hair and Beauty Organisation works to foster education, innovation, and unity in the state’s hair and beauty sector. The organisation has chosen Paliwal unanimously for the role as he has been a pioneering figure in the industry and also the founder of HBO. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in elevating Rajasthan’s beauty talent to the national stage.

In addition to his contributions to the beauty industry and the Hair and Beauty Organisation, Paliwal has served as the founder and general secretary of the All India Hair and Beauty Association, a national-level organisation. This organisation works for the development and progress of the beauty industry at the government and administrative levels. His extensive experience and vision have established him as a key figure in the Indian beauty industry.

The committee has entrusted Paliwal with the responsibility of preparing a comprehensive executive team and a strategic vision to further pave the way for the organisation’s unprecedented growth.

Ananya Birla announces new beauty and cosmetics venture

Ananya Birla, daughter of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, has announced her entry into the fastgrowing beauty and cosmetics market. She is all set to launch a new venture that will roll out pan-India in 2025.

Birla’s new venture promises authenticity, innovation, and world-class quality. “With greater exposure to global products and knowledge, Indian consumers now demand more from home-grown brands. This venture aims to meet those expectations with authenticity and innovation and bring world-class products to the Indian marketplace,” she said. The venture will cater to diverse segments, including makeup and fragrances, launching in phases. It promises international-quality products with distinctive packaging. It will also have a strong focus on celebrating individuality. A global expansion is also in the pipeline eventually.

While the name and investment details remain undisclosed, Birla’s business acumen is well-established. Her microlending firm, Svatantra Microfin, is India’s second-largest NBFC-MFI. It’s impacting over 5 crore lives across 20 states and attracting significant private equity investment. Beyond business, she recently launched a beta version of a homegrown AI platform.

Toni&Guy expands its presence in key Indian cities

Toni&Guy, the globally celebrated British salon brand, is making waves in India with its latest expansion! With new salons opening in key cities, the brand aims to redefine luxury hair and beauty experiences for an even wider audience.

Adding to its growing presence, Toni&Guy recently unveiled its newest salon in Ahmedabad. The move marks a major milestone in its India journey. But that’s just the beginning! By 2025 end, the brand plans to open doors in Haldwani, Srinagar, Mohali, Lucknow, Patna, Bareilly and Noida. With this, the brand will be taking its total count in India to 10 and more thereafter!

Each new location reflects Toni&Guy’s signature blend of sophistication and innovation. From haircuts and expert styling to cutting-edge hair treatments, makeup, and beauty services, these salons will offer a world-class experience, all delivered by highly trained professionals. As part of this expansion, Toni&Guy is also bringing its exclusive Label.M haircare range to these cities.

Innisfree launches first brand film with Wamiqa Gabbi

Innisfree has unveiled its first-ever brand film featuring Bollywood star Wamiqa Gabbi, its first-ever brand ambassador. The brand’s awe-inspiring film, crafted by Social Whistles Studio, brings together elements of fact and fantasy. It invites viewers on an enchanting journey to Innisfree’s Island — the birthplace of the brand’s natural ingredients.

The narrative follows Wamiqa as she is magically transported to the lush, verdant landscapes of Innisfree’s Island. With breathtaking visuals, she explores the serene beauty of the island. She uncovers the origins of Innisfree’s pure and potent natural ingredients. The film subtly reveals the brand’s philosophy, blending storytelling with immersive visuals. It transports the audience into a world of skincare inspired by nature.

Adding to the charm is a whimsical rabbit that accompanies Wamiqa throughout her journey. It serves as a poignant symbol of Innisfree’s commitment to cruelty-free and animal-friendly beauty. Packed with rich visuals and meaningful symbols, the brand film stands for Innisfree’s dedication to sustainable, ethical skincare and its roots in the natural wonders of its iconic island.

INTERNATIONAL

Charlotte Tilbury launches world-first skin spa in London

The legendary Charlotte Tilbury, a global icon in makeup, skincare and fragrance, has unveiled her world-first Skin Spa in the brand’s new flagship Beauty Wonderland in Covent Garden, London. This immersive space is now the largest Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wonderland globally, promising an unparalleled experience for beauty and skincare enthusiasts.

The Skin Spa introduces a premium menu of benefitdriven facials designed to deliver immediate results using cutting-edge tools. Developed in collaboration with leading experts, these treatments are per formed by Charlotte’s team of highly trained skincare specialists. The exclusive facials include: The Glass-Gleam Skin Facial (30 minutes), The Brighten + Smooth Oxy-Revival Facial (30 minutes), The Lift, Firm + Snatch Facial (45 minutes), and The Ultimate Magic Facial (70 minutes). After a rejuvenating facial, visitors can have their favourite Charlotte Tilbury foundation and concealer applied.

Located in Covent Garden, the new flagship store is triple the size of the original James Street location, which opened in 2015. This expansive space offers even more room to explore Charlotte’s beauty universe.

L’Oréal and IBM partner to transform cosmetic formulation

L’Oréal and IBM have partnered to create an innovative generative AI (GenAI) foundation model aimed at transforming cosmetic formulation. This collaboration combines L’Oréal’s cosmetic science expertise with IBM’s advanced AI technology. L’Oréal Groupe is leading AIdriven transformation. Since acquiring Canadian AI beauty company ModiFace in 2018, the company has integrated AI across its brands.

L’Oréal has now partnered with IBM to further its AI capabilities. Together, they aim to create a groundbreaking custom AI foundation model. This model will analyse cosmetic formulation data and promote sustainable raw material use, reducing energy and material waste. Combining beauty, chemistry, and technology, it marks a first for the beauty industry.

This partnership supports the brand’s ‘L’Oréal for the Future’ pledge, under which the brand aims to ensure that most of the product formulas come from sustainable materials by 2030. The AI model will support L’Oréal’s 4,000 researchers globally, enhancing product formulation, reformulation, and large-scale production. This will help them achieve greater inclusivity and personalisation.

JACQUEMUS is all set to enter the beauty industry

After years of waiting, JACQUEMUS is all set to enter the beauty industry. L’Oréal Group has made a minority investment in the French brand as it prepares to start its ‘beauty chapter.’ The long-term, exclusive beauty partnership intends to support the French brand’s independent development and being a part of the L’Oréal Luxe, the group’s luxury beauty division.

The eponymous founder, president and creative director of JACQUEMUS, Simon Porte, said that per fume and beauty had been a part of his vision since the Paris-based brand’s founding 15 years ago. He said, “Today, I am proud to continue shaping this dream with the leading beauty group, L’Oréal. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”

Estée Lauder names Michael Bowes as first chief people officer

The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Michael Bowes as executive vice president and chief people officer, making him the first to hold this newly created role. Effective April 1, Bowes will lead global human resources, overseeing talent management, career development, and organisational design. He succeeds Michael O’Hare, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, who is retiring.

Since joining Estée Lauder in 2015, Bowes has played a key role in global talent acquisition and management, spearheading executive talent development, enterprise learning, and leadership programs. His contributions include launching an internal talent marketplace, employee listening surveys, and initiatives fostering leadership growth. He is also known for advancing diversity and inclusion efforts within the company.

Bowes brings extensive experience from senior HR and talent management positions at major retail brands, including Coach, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Cole Haan, and Saks Fifth Avenue. He also served as managing director of executive search at Karen Harvey Consulting. His expertise in talent strategy and leadership development will shape Estée Lauder’s workforce for the future.

Sephora’s first global film celebrates beauty and belonging

Sephora, the global beauty retailer, has launched its firstever global documentary, Beauty & Belonging. Directed by renowned filmmaker Anastasia Mikova, Sephora’s first global film explores the purpose of beauty, embracing diversity and authenticity. The film goes beyond the sur face to explore meaningful questions. What does beauty mean when applying makeup for the first time? How can we embrace authenticity in a society driven by external validation? These stories highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.

The 37-minute documentary captures stories from across the globe, featuring conversations with over 75 Sephora employees and renowned beauty brand founders. The film delves into how individuals define beauty for themselves and celebrates unique experiences from various cultures. The film was shot over six months. It was filmed in eight countries: Brazil, Canada, China, France, Poland, Thailand, the UK, and the US.

Sephora’s purpose shines through the film: “Championing a world of inspiration and inclusion where everyone can celebrate their beauty.” The film reaffirms Sephora’s commitment to uplifting diverse voices and fostering a sense of belonging in its global community.

Avery Dennison launches a premium range of labels

Avery Dennison South Asia, a globally known name in materials science and packaging solutions, has introduced its premium range of labels. It’s a portfolio of textured substrates designed to enhance consumer experiences with unique sur face textures and patterns. The new range also caters to luxury beauty sectors, aiming to redefine premium packaging as a key element of brand identity.

In today’s competitive marketplace, labels are more than functional as they symbolise craftsmanship and quality. The premium range is tailored to meet the growing aspirations of Gen Z and millennial consumers, providing brands with tools to enhance shelf appeal, drive differentiation, and deliver personalised experiences.

Key Features of the Premium Labels Range include enhanced shelf appeal with textured and patterned designs, sustainability as the range is developed with a focus on reducing environmental impact and aspirational packaging which is designed for middle-class consumers seeking unique, premium experiences.

CIPI

Global tube packaging market poised for significant growth

The tube packaging market is witnessing significant growth, particularly in the beauty and cosmetics industry. The global market is valued at US$3.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$4.6 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 5.95 per cent between this time span. With rising disposable income, evolving beauty trends, and increasing consumer demand for convenient and sustainable packaging, brands are turning to tube packaging for its versatility and user-friendly features. The lightweight, durable and easily squeezable design makes it a preferred choice for skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products.

Technological advancements in printing and customisation allow beauty brands to enhance their packaging aesthetics and create engaging unboxing experiences, leading to stronger consumer connections. Additionally, the shift toward eco-friendly materials, such as recyclable and biodegradable tubes, is driving innovation in sustainable packaging.

The market’s expansion is fuelled by the growing preference for premium, travelfriendly, and hygienic packaging solutions that ensure product integrity. As beauty brands continue to prioritise both functionality and visual appeal, tube packaging is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of beauty product presentation and consumer engagement.

Cosmetic antioxidants market projected to reach US$ 178 million by 2028

The global cosmetic antioxidants market, valued at US$132 million in 2023, is expected to reach US$178 million by 2028, growing at a 6.2 per cent CAGR. Cosmetic antioxidants are essential in skincare and haircare, offering anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle, antiinflammatory, UV protection and moisturising benefits. They prevent oxidation and free radical damage, ensuring product longevity and shielding skin from environmental stressors.

The rising demand for premium beauty products, fuelled by increased disposable income and evolving lifestyle trends, is a major growth driver. Consumers, especially the younger generation, prioritise highper formance skincare enriched with natural and effective ingredients. The influence of social media and the desire for instant results further boost the market. However, the increasing presence of counter feit cosmetics in online markets poses a significant challenge. Fake products containing toxic substances like lead and mercury threaten consumer health, making regulatory oversight and brand transparency more crucial than ever.

Monodose packs market to rise at 14.9% CAGR by 2029

The demand for monodose packs is rising across industries, including beauty and cosmetics, due to their convenience, precision, and hygiene benefits. These single-use packs offer pre-measured doses, reducing product waste and ensuring controlled application, making them ideal for skincare, haircare, and luxury beauty formulations. Leading cosmetic brands are also increasingly adopting monodose packaging to enhance user experience while minimising contamination risks from frequent handling of a product from a bigger container.

With a growing global population and rising disposable income, the beauty industry is witnessing increased demand for travel-friendly, single-use skincare and makeup products. Additionally, the surge in personalised skincare and high-per formance formulations has fuelled the shift toward precise, single-dose applications.

The monodose packaging market is projected to expand rapidly, with rigid packaging formats like ampoules and vials expected to grow at a 14.9 per cent CAGR, while flexible options such as sachets and blister packs are set to develop at an 8.2 per cent CAGR by 2029.