January’s top stories: 3D bioprinter to print skin and Claude André Hébert’s new fragrances

Spanish scientists unveiled prototype for 3D bioprinter to print human skin

Scientists from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in Spain, the Center for Energy, the Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT), and Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón joined with BioDan Group to develop a prototype for a 3D bioprinter to print human skin.

UC3M's department of bioengineering and aerospace engineering professor José Luis Jorcano said: “This skin can be transplanted to patients or used in business settings to test chemical products, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products in quantities and with timetables and prices that are compatible with these uses.”

Created using bioprinting, this product replicates the natural structure of human skin, consisting of an epidermal layer with a stratum corneum that protects against the external environment. It also includes a layer of fibroblasts, which produce collagen protein for elasticity and mechanical strength.

Perfumer Claude André Hébert created five new fragrances

Perfumer Claude André Hébert created five new fragrances to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the city of Montreal, Canada.

Drawing inspiration from different parts of the city, the fragrances included natural ingredients imported from Grasse, France.

À l’ombre des clochers, Notre-Dame, Ville-Marie, Métropole, and Mont-Royal are currently available for purchase at the perfumer's store, reported Theweathernetwork.com.

W. Lab files counter lawsuit against artist Yoshimoto Nara regarding copyright infringement claims

South Korea-based cosmetic company W. Lab filed a counter lawsuit against Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara to a claim of copyright infringement.

Nara claimed he notified W. Lab in a letter in December 2016 that the company's makeup product W-Honey Beam Cushion featured a drawing that resembled his own work, reported Artasiapacific.com.

The letter urged the company to recall and destroy any existing products, as well as modify its future product packaging. In addition, Nara requested compensation.

Grooming brand Braun introduced new electric shavers line

Procter and Gamble's grooming brand Braun introduced line New Braun Series 9. Claimed to provide a precise and stylish shave, the new line of electric shavers included a titanium coated trimmer. The razor's surface features a golden strip in the centre, which is designed with optimal shave technology.

The HyperLift and Cut trimmer is coated with Titanium Nitride (TiN) and was claimed to minimise friction over the skin, protecting from corrosion and wear, as well as boosting durability.

Braun's grooming expert Sascha Breuer said: “Over the last few years, we have witnessed a dramatic shift on the importance men place on looking their best before walking out of the door.

Kopari Beauty received investment from LCatterton

US-based Kopari Beauty received capital investment from private equity firm LCatterton. Hollywood celebrities such as Karlie Kloss, Shay Mitchell, Hilary Duff, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher also joined in this investment round.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The capital is expected to boost growth of the company in the US and emerge as a global brand, while supporting its research and development and product innovation.

It will also be used to promote investments in marketing and inventory in order to support the company’s retail partnership with Sephora.

Allergan introduced Juvéderm Volite treatment to enhance skin quality

Allergan introduced its Juvéderm Volite injectable treatment to improve skin quality.

Based on Allergan’s patented Vycross technology, this is Allergan’s first injectable product designed to improve skin quality and lasts up to nine months with one treatment session.

The new hyaluronic acid treatment helps to reduce fine lines while delivering hydration and elasticity.

Kat Von D launched new lipstick programme on Sephora.com

Makeup brand Kat Von D Beauty launched new lipstick programme Everlasting Flash on Sephora.com.

This year-long programme will provide customers early access to new shades in the Everlasting franchise prior to official launch.

Beginning the first Wednesday of every month this year, the early access products will only be available for 48 hours.

Dubai to conduct Halal tests on cosmetics

Dubai Municipality’s Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) started a service that enables testing of Halal cosmetics.

DCL will conduct the tests using advanced technologies, while meeting international practices, reported news agency WAM.

Among the cosmetics and personal care products to be tested include lipsticks, creams and soaps. Tests will done to detect presence of ingredients or production methods not permitted in Islam.

Anastasia Beverly Hills introduced Lip Palette

Global cosmetics brand Anastasia Beverly Hills introduced new product range Lip Palette.

The new range consists of 18 long-wear shades, which impart an intense pigment payoff and a matte finish look. Users can customise by mixing and layering from the available colour selections, which range from five pure primary hues to neutral, bold, and bright shades.

Anastasia Beverly Hills' president Claudia Soare said: "Our Lip Palette is unique in that it achieves a pigmented matte lipstick formula in a pen.

“The primary colors provide users with tons of color choices outside the 13 ready-to-wear shades."

Oriflame and Smartbox.in helped boost customer experience in India

Beauty products firm Oriflame partnered with India-based parcel delivery network provider Smartbox.in to enhance customer experience by delivering orders via automated delivery terminals.

The automated parcel delivery terminals were installed at strategic locations in Delhi, India, to enable product delivery 24 hours a day.

Oriflame is the first firm to adapt Smartbox.in services to deliver its products in India.