July’s top stories: L’Oréal R&I centre in South Africa, P&G sells TAG brand

L'Oréal opens research and innovation centre in South Africa

L'Oréal inaugurated its new research and innovation (R&I) centre in South Africa.

L'Oréal’s seventh global R&I centre worldwide, the new facility will study African hair and skin specificities, as well as sub-Saharan consumers’ beauty routines.

L'Oréal research and innovation executive vice-president Laurent Attal said: “By opening this new research and innovation centre, we are spearheading L'Oréal Research for the African continent.

“We are showing our determination to go further in innovations for the African beauty market. Our consumer surveys conducted since 2010 and our in-depth studies of skin and hair since early 2000, represent the knowledge base for the development of tailored products for African consumers.
 

P&G sells TAG deodorants and body spray brand to My Imports USA

US-based consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G) sold its TAG brand of deodorants and body spray to My Imports USA for an undisclosed sum.

Following the acquisition, My Imports USA will continue to market TAG deodorants and add new deodorants, antiperspirants, body sprays, body washes, hair washes, and other men’s grooming products to expand the brand.

My Imports USA plans to ship new TAG products by early next year.

My Imports USA chief executive officer Fahim Ibrahimi said: “We are excited to have TAG as a part of our family of brands and our go-forward strategy to own and market well-known brands.”

Formed in 2005 by TAG Fragrance Company, the TAG brand was later acquired by P&G’s The Gillette Company.
 

Simply Nontoxic Cosmetics introduces specialty line of 25 luxury skincare products

US-based Simply Nontoxic Cosmetics formally launched its specialty line of more than 25 luxury skincare products via a nationwide online sampling programme.

The programme attracted more than 10,000 orders in less than 24 hours.

The move completes five years of development, concentrating on a full line of cosmetics and skincare products with toxin-free, natural and organic ingredients.

Commenting on the products’ launch, Simply Nontoxic Cosmetics founder and CEO Kathleen Blaney said: “In part and ironically, we believe a programming problem may have helped our online messaging get wide attention.

"This confirmed that consumers really do want non-toxic, cruelty-free, quality skincare cosmetics that are produced differently than most other brands, and are better for consumers' health, their skin and the environment."
 

Huda Kattan to launch Liquid Matte Lipstick on National Lipstick Day

Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan launched her new Liquid Matte lipstick on National Lipstick Day on 29 July.

The formula is composed of antioxidants and an exclusive complex to keep the lips hydrated.

Users can apply a thin coat of colour, which intensifies into a matte, transfer-free finish and stays for a longer duration while ensuring comfort of the lips.

The Liquid Matte product will be offered in a range of colours, including nude, feminine pink, deep red, and brown.

The variety of 16 colours of the lip product can be used individually or combined to create different colours.
 

Start-up firm Lian imports Asian skincare masks to UK market

Start-up company Lian established by University of Nottingham graduate Lili Zhu has imported new Asian skincare treatment, Lian Masks, to the UK cosmetics market.

The company was established to source and supply serum masks from Asia to the British market.

The new Lian Masks are thin bamboo extract serum sheets that can be used on their own or can be combined with other normal skincare regimens. It can be pressed onto the skin and can be peeled off after using.
 

US Kenneth Cole launches new Black Bold fragrance

US-based Kenneth Cole Productions launched a new fragrance, Black Bold, which is designed to add a new dimension to the brand’s perfume collection.

In order to develop Black Bold, Kenneth Cole collaborated with Firmenich’s perfume expert Harry Fremont.

The newly launched fragrance features citrus and herbal tones, rounded out with a blend of ground nutmeg and a touch of lotus flower.

It also has a wood and leathery musks finish and is packed in a sleek, leather-like wrapped bottle.
 

US FDA to investigate Chaz Dean’s WEN cleansing conditioner products

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports related to hair loss, breakage, itching, and rashes allegedly caused by WEN cleansing conditioner product by hair salon Chaz Dean in Los Angeles, California.

It is suggested that the consumers who experience a reaction after using WEN products should immediately stop using it and consult a dermatologist or other healthcare provider.

The FDA also asked the customers to report to the agency about any reactions they might have experienced while using the cleansing conditioner products.
 

New fragrance finishing spray launched to make perfumes last longer

A new fragrance finishing spray FragranceLock was launched by US-based company Beauty Boost.

FragranceLock helps slow a fragrance’s natural evaporation cycle, adding longer-lasting staying power to it.

The new finishing spray leaves behind a breathable mesh on the skin and allows the scent of a perfume to last longer.

When tested, FragranceLock demonstrated that the spray can enable a perfume to last for up to 12 hours or even longer.

After a perfume applied on the body is allowed to dry, FragranceLock is sprayed over it for a lasting effect.

Beauty Boost CEO Francine Gingras said: “FragranceLock is the ultimate finishing layer created to ensure that perfume lasts longer."
 

Digital makeover app Perfect365 unveils new Explorer community

Digital makeup and beauty app Perfect365 unveiled its new Explorer community section, which will allow users to try the makeup looks of their favourite YouTube and Instagram artists in real-time.

The section features more than 40 new looks and will provide the user with daily updates on fresh designs, tips, products and others.

A tap on the compass icon at the bottom of the Perfect365 home screen will lead users to the Explorer community, which is initially being made available exclusively for iOS users. 

The Android version of the application is slated for release in August.
 

Bain Capital and Goldman Sachs to buy Korean cosmetics firm Carver

US-based Bain Capital Private Equity and investment bank Goldman Sachs agreed to buy a majority stake in Korean cosmetics company Carver Korea from existing shareholders. 

Following completion of the deal, Carver founder and chairman Lee Sang-rok will continue to hold a minority stake in the company and take part in the daily management activities.

The investment is aimed at boosting further domestic growth and drive overseas expansion.

Bain Capital Private Equity managing director Jonathan Zhu said: “Korea is a very attractive market with many innovative and globally competitive companies."