Sephora opened new beauty studio in Boston, US

Beauty retailer Sephora opened its first small-format concept store Sephora Studio at Newbury Street in Boston, US.

The 2,000ft² studio features an optimised store design and an intimate format to ensure a customised and personal experience for customers.

Sephora Americas president and CEO Calvin McDonald said: “In today’s retail environment where very little is constant and clients’ expectations are ever-evolving, one thing has remained true for Sephora: there is no better way to create meaningful connections with clients than through personalised experiences and a customised approach to beauty.

“The Studio merges the best of an inclusive neighbourhood retail environment with best-in-class digital tools that enable our expert beauty advisors to customise recommendations on an individual basis.”

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Oliveda forayed into Chinese cosmetics market

German natural cosmetics maker Oliveda International expanded its presence in the Chinese beauty market.

The firm intends to debut its web presence in the country in August, with sales revenue expected to be realised in the second half of the fiscal year 2017.

Oliveda expects that the preference of Chinese consumers for niche-cosmetics over foreign mass-produced products will significantly contribute to its sales. According to the firm’s estimate, the country’s market for beauty products and cosmetics is set to exceed €40bn, with women spending 10% or more of their income on cosmetic products such as face creams, lipstick, and mascara.

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Univar extended distribution agreement with Hallstar

Chemical and ingredients distributor Univar extended its distribution agreement in Italy with speciality chemistry solutions provider Hallstar to cover additional countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, and Benelux.

The extended agreement is expected to support Hallstar’s broader portfolio of solutions for beauty and personal care formulations.

Across southern Europe, Univar now offers Hallstar’s Biochemica natural exotic oils, antioxidants, natural butters, Hallbrite photostabilisers, solubilisers, and mineral ultraviolet (UV) filter systems, as well as Solastay photostabilisers, Eurol antioxidants, active ingredients, and Polycrylene photostabilisers.

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US researchers developed new method to produce natural colours for cosmetics

Researchers of US-based Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) developed a new approach to use four strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to convert sugar into an economical natural pigment for cosmetics and food sector applications.

The approach involves a biosynthesis method to produce the natural red anthocyanin pigment commonly found in strawberries. Anthocyanins are plant pigments with the ability to generate a wide range of colours.

RPI’s chemical and biological engineering professor Mattheos Koffas said: “For the first time, we are able to completely synthesise anthocyanins in a biological system.

“We feed the bacteria glucose and they do the rest. This demonstrates that an inexpensive technology can produce these valuable compounds.”

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Douglas expands with acquisition of 103 stores from Perfumerias If

German beauty retailer Douglas supported its position in the European market with the acquisition of 103 stores and an e-commerce platform from Spanish retail group Eroski’s perfumery and cosmetics chain Perfumerias If.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

The move strengthens Douglas’ recent purchase of Spanish perfumeries chain Grupo Bodybell from HIG Bayside Capital.

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Binghamton researchers developed new DNA sunscreen

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a DNA-based coating to protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) light.

This hydrating sunscreen is said to become more effective the longer it is exposed to the sun.

A research team led by Binghamton University biomedical engineering assistant professor Guy German was developing thin and optically transparent crystalline DNA films.

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Pevonia introduced new therapeutic body care offerings

Pevonia Natural Skincare introduced new aroma-therapeutic collection BodyRenew Bathing Pleasures.

Claimed to be infused with restorative and de-ageing elements, the new collection features bath salts, a bubble bath, and a body moisturiser in three different scents.

The Jasmine & Lavender line is designed to combine the claimed moisturising, soothing, and smoothening properties of jasmine extract with the calming, healing, and decongestion effects of lavender extract.

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UK’s ASA banned Femfresh’s advertisement

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned an advertisement for Femfresh Intimate shaving range for objectifying women.

The shaving collection, which included bikini line shaving products, is owned by Church & Dwight. Seen on ITV Player and 4oD in March and April this year, the advert is reported to feature multiple women wearing briefs and swimwear.

The regulatory authority has reported to have received 17 complaints stating that the advert was offensive and socially irresponsible.

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Allergan’s skincare system to incorporate Histogen’s technology

Allergan selected regenerative medicine firm Histogen’s growth factor technology for its Regenica Advanced Rejuvenation System.

Regenica features a multipotent resignalling complex (MRCx), which is made of soluble cell-signalling proteins and growth factors that are said to support epidermal stem cells of the body involved in skin rejuvenation.

The cell conditioned media is intended to stimulate cells to become multipotent and naturally produce the proteins required for renewal of the skin.

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Lime Crime expands Unicorn hair dye range

US-based makeup company Lime Crime expanded its semi-permanent hair dye range Unicorn Hair with a launch of eight new shades in two different formulas.

The new shades have a high pigment load and colour saturation. Available colours include Bubblegum Rose, Valentine and Aesthetic.

The launch also comprises tint shades, with high sheer. These are available in Tweet, Mint Ice, Cloud, Kawaii, and Moonchild.