Sparxell Secures €1.9 Million European Innovation Grant for Plant-Based Colourants

Sparxell, a leading innovator in plant-based colourants, has been awarded a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC). This funding will support the company’s expansion of product development. Advancing Sustainable Colour Technology Based in Cambridge, Sparxell focuses on revolutionizing the colourants industry by offering sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes used in fashion and cosmetics. The new financial backing will help the company tackle key technical challenges in scaling its natural colourants, which are biodegradable and free from fossil-based chemicals. The EIC grant is part of the Council’s mission to support transformative innovations that address pressing global issues. Sparxell aims to capture a substantial share of the global $48 billion colourant market with its groundbreaking technology. Growing Commercial Validation Since its spin-off from the University of Cambridge in 2023, Sparxell has rapidly established itself in the market. It has successfully completed over 25 fully-funded pilot projects with prominent global brands across various industries, receiving strong commercial validation. Scaling Up Production With its first million in sales on the horizon, Sparxell is poised for significant growth. The EIC funding will enable the company to increase its production capacity to tonne-level output in 2025, setting the stage for its first commercial launches […]

Ulta Beauty Increases Annual Profit Forecast Amid Strong Quarterly Results

Ulta Beauty has raised its annual profit projection after exceeding expectations for its quarterly performance, driven by a combination of lower inventory losses and new product launches, including Milk Makeup and K-Beauty skincare brands. These efforts have bolstered consumer demand at their stores. Following the announcement, Ulta Beauty’s stock saw an uptick of approximately 8% in after-hours trading. The cosmetics retailer reported an increase in sales, particularly from younger shoppers drawn to trendy and affordable brands like Elf Beauty. To further engage customers, Ulta has enhanced foot traffic by introducing celebrity-backed brands, such as Fenty Beauty from Rihanna, while also making strategic investments in marketing and digital platforms. As a result, the company now expects annual profits to fall between $22.65 and $23.20 per share, up from its previous forecast of $22.50 to $22.90 per share. For the quarter, Ulta Beauty posted sales of $2.85 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates of $2.79 billion, according to data from LSEG. The company’s comparable sales grew by 2.9% compared to the same period last year, driven by a 2.3% increase in average transaction value and a 0.6% rise in the number of transactions. Ulta Beauty’s adjusted quarterly profit came in at $6.70 per share, exceeding […]

Study Reveals Consumer Appeal of Refillable Cosmetics Despite Existing Challenges

On World Refill Day, June 16, 2025, the French beauty industry association FEBEA released a study exploring French women’s perceptions of refillable cosmetic products. The research aimed to gain insight into consumer expectations and the hurdles that limit the broader adoption of refillable formats, which are gradually gaining popularity. Growing Interest in Refillable Beauty Products The study surveyed 2,251 women through focus groups and discovered a rising enthusiasm for refillable personal care items. Notably, 59% of participants reported purchasing at least one refill within the past year. The typical consumer profile identified was a woman aged between 19 and 44, with a higher income, living in households of three or more members, and frequently buying cosmetics. Key Motivations Behind Purchasing Refills Environmental Impact: 70% of respondents cited reducing ecological footprints as their main reason for choosing refills. Cost Savings: 64% were motivated by financial benefits. Convenience: 39% valued the ease of use. Regarding packaging preferences, 44% favored small, capped refills designed to be poured into reusable containers, whereas 38% preferred refills that fit directly into the original product container. Barriers to Wider Adoption Despite interest, several challenges hinder more extensive use of refillable cosmetics. The primary issue, for 44% of respondents, […]

Adriana Lima Becomes the New Face of Helena Rubinstein

Helena Rubinstein, the renowned skincare brand, announced on Wednesday that supermodel Adriana Lima has been appointed as the latest face of the luxury beauty label. This new collaboration marks an exciting milestone for the brand, emphasizing its avant-garde approach while aligning with Lima’s incredible journey to inspire and empower women. Lima, a Brazilian model with over 20 years of experience, has appeared on countless magazine covers and catwalks. She is widely recognized for her long-standing role as one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels. At 44, she continues to dominate the fashion world, and her partnership with Helena Rubinstein is set to redefine beauty standards. The Vision Behind the Partnership In a statement, the L’Oréal-owned brand revealed that this partnership will not only celebrate Lima’s unique path but will also serve as a platform to empower women worldwide. Lima herself echoed the brand’s values, referring to Helena Rubinstein’s famous quote: ‘There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.’ Lima explained that achieving greatness requires discipline, preparation, and self-care—values she shares with the brand. A Legacy of Innovation Founded in 1902 by Helena Rubinstein, the beauty brand has a legacy of creating scientifically advanced and highly effective skincare products. Some of its […]

Cerveira, Portugal Revives 6th-Century Bead as Wearable Heritage

A bead from the 6th century, the Conta de Cerveira, which is tied to the Germanic tribes that established kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula between the 5th and 8th centuries, is being reintroduced as a piece of wearable heritage. The northern Portuguese town of Vila Nova de Cerveira, where the bead was uncovered during an archaeological excavation in 1985, is launching a collection of gold and silver earrings inspired by the original artifact. These exclusive replicas, which are also available in gold-plated versions, are being offered through local jewelers and can already be pre-ordered. The Bead’s Historical Significance The Suevo-Visigothic Conta de Cerveira bead, dating back to the 6th century, is a testament to the Germanic tribes that ruled the Iberian Peninsula during the early medieval period. It is now part of the town’s heritage collection, having been securely stored in municipal archives for many years. Vila Nova de Cerveira, known as the “Village of the Arts” due to its international biennale and vibrant creative community, is breathing new life into this 1,500-year-old symbol. Under the guidance of Mayor Rui Teixeira, the town is preserving this historic relic while adapting it to a contemporary context. Reviving Heritage Through Design The earrings, […]

UK Shoppers Are Eager to Spend, but with More Caution and Focus, According to Cardlytics Report

Recent studies show that UK shoppers are returning to a spending mindset, as confirmed by a new report. However, they are more discerning and will only spend if the price is right, focusing on making thoughtful purchase decisions. The Evolving Spending Behavior Cardlytics, an advertising platform that analyzes spending data from over 24 million UK bank accounts, states that consumers are now more cautious after a period of post-pandemic adjustment. The platform’s latest findings reveal that spending growth is primarily happening in sectors such as fashion and beauty, driven by a preference for quality, convenience, and affordable indulgence. Shoppers Are More Value-Driven The State of Spend: Retail Report suggests that consumers remain active, but they are applying more scrutiny to their spending choices. The study examined consumer behavior across three key categories: retail, grocery, and household items. The findings highlight a shift towards value-driven shopping in fashion and beauty, as well as more cautious grocery purchases and selective spending on household essentials. This shift presents challenges for brands, which must adjust to changing consumer priorities. Fashion and Beauty: The Bright Spots When it comes to fashion and beauty, the report points out that high street fashion and beauty categories continue to […]

Zara McDermott’s Rise Brand Expands to In-Store Sales After Online Success

Zara McDermott, the TV personality behind the Rise brand, has launched a new collection of athleisure and summer fashion, marking its in-store debut at New Look after gaining popularity online. The collection, available both in-store and online, builds on the brand’s best-selling athleisure essentials, featuring versatile leggings and tops designed for active, on-the-go lifestyles. New Collection Features Vibrant Styles The latest drop adds a vibrant, feminine touch to the Rise brand’s aesthetic, with a color palette that includes the season’s trending butter yellow, complemented by shades of sage green and pops of soft pink. These colors bring a fresh, lively energy to the brand’s signature look. Stripes play a key role in this collection, featured in items like oversized boxy shirts and matching short co-ords, along with coordinating scrunchies. The collection is available in sizes 8-22 in stores and sizes 8-18 online, with prices ranging from £22 to £45. Commentary from Zara McDermott McDermott, known for her appearance on Love Island, expressed her excitement, saying, “This is our third drop, and it’s definitely the most vibrant one yet. We’ve brought back our super-soft scuba fabric in new styles, elevated our activewear with fresh cuts, and introduced striped shirt and short sets […]

Europe’s Luxury Sector: Economic Powerhouse in Need of Support, Says ECCIA Report

A recent study on Europe’s luxury and high-end sector reveals its vital role as a €986 billion economic engine, driving job creation, tourism, and craftsmanship. The report, commissioned by the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), highlights that the luxury sector accounts for 5% of the EU’s GDP and continues to stimulate economic growth, safeguard cultural heritage, and promote excellence globally. Carried out by Bain & Company for ECCIA, the report also emphasizes Europe’s leading role in the global market, holding a 70% share in the global luxury sector and 80% in personal goods. However, the outlook is clouded by challenges such as tariffs and trade uncertainty. Despite these external pressures, the sector sustains approximately 2 million jobs across Europe, with concerns raised about the future workforce, particularly the difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled artisans. Claudia D’Arpizio from Bain & Company commented, “European luxury goods remain dominant in global markets, with impressive performance over the past five years and a strong growth trajectory. This success is rooted in the sector’s resilience and its ability to seize emerging opportunities.” She added that luxury and high-end goods constitute 11.5% of Europe’s total exports, but their importance transcends mere economic value. Luxury: […]

Jonathan Anderson Transforms JW Anderson into a Lifestyle Brand

There has been much speculation surrounding the future of Jonathan Anderson’s renowned JW Anderson label, especially after his appointment as the creative lead for both women’s and men’s collections at Dior. Recent developments indicate that the brand is undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on lifestyle retail. In recent months, Anderson has become the first Dior creative director in history to oversee both the women’s (including couture) and men’s collections, a task that holds immense weight. While his tenure at Loewe allowed him to manage JW Anderson as a full-fledged fashion brand, the scale and prominence of Dior made it unlikely that JW Anderson would remain unchanged. The label’s Instagram now hints at a

Everything You Should Know About bdy., the New Body-Care Line That Simplifies Self-Care

For those who cherish self-care rituals, there’s hardly anything better than indulging in a full at-home spa experience. I’m referring to an elaborate routine with over ten steps, covering everything from body care to hair and nails. While this is absolutely rewarding, during busy weekdays I prefer keeping it simple, reserving the longer pampering sessions for weekends when I can truly dedicate time to myself. Unwinding with bdy.’s New Body-Care Collection Last Wednesday was particularly hectic, packed with work commitments and events across New York City—positive yet nonstop. After a long day of mental and physical demands, I finally sat down on my couch and recalled the recent arrival of the bdy. body-care collection. Though I intended to save it for a relaxed weekend, the midweek exhaustion made me eager to try it right away. I placed the pastel-hued bdy. products in my bathroom and began exploring them. The lineup featured the Glow Body Buff, Foaming Oil Body Wash, Body Serum Mist, Overnight Body Serum, and Weightless Body Lotion. All products are gentle, vegan, free of parabens, lightly scented, and formulated specifically for sensitive skin. What makes them stand out is their potent skincare ingredients that deliver visible, transformative effects. Each […]