Editors' Top Reads: News from Liberty, The Light Salon, Breakout Beauty UK and more...

Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.

Liberty unveils 'avant-garde' Beauty Studio for next generation beauty innovators

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a retailer like Liberty, a name synonymous with heritage and artistry, push into the future of beauty with The Beauty Studio. This isn’t just another retail refit, it feels more like Liberty reasserting its position as a tastemaker in the beauty and wellness category.

What’s clever here is the balance between innovation and intimacy. Rather than chasing mass appeal, Liberty has chosen to champion a trio of thoughtful, boundary-pushing brands - Violette_FR, Grown Alchemist, and Vyrao. Each one taps into a different facet of modern beauty, and together they form a cohesive story about how beauty is evolving. Plus, the inclusion of in-store experiences like Grown Alchemist’s IV therapy or Violette_FR’s immersive concept space shows a clear shift toward experiential retail.

Natalie Guselli, Head of Beauty at Liberty, said: "The Beauty Studio is where artistry meets science, and where beauty becomes a tool for transformation - of mood, energy, and self-expression. It’s about giving our customers access to the most forward-thinking names in beauty and wellness, presented through the Liberty lens."

It’s also perfectly timed. Liberty’s 150th-anniversary celebrations are already well underway, and for a retailer known for its artistic roots and expansive beauty offering, it's a full-circle moment.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

12 finalists revealed for UK accelerator supporting emerging beauty entrepreneurs

Breakout Beauty UK, an accelerator dedicated to helping emerging beauty entrepreneurs build globally recognised brands, has revealed the 12 finalists for this year’s six-week mentorship and business development scheme.

The programme attracted applications from over 200 founders, and this year’s cohort reflects the sector’s diversity: 80% of participants identify as women, with strong representation from BAME entrepreneurs.

Over six weeks, finalists will receive tailored mentorship, investment guidance, retail opportunities, and comprehensive business development support through Growth Studio. At the conclusion of the programme, two participants will then secure a guaranteed listing in 10 Boots stores, alongside prizes valued at over £350,000 from Boots and TikTok Shop.

Backed by leading companies and successful founders, Breakout Beauty UK is playing a pivotal role in uplifting the beauty industry, providing valuable opportunities for emerging talent in this dynamic market.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer. 

ASOS to launch ‘premium’ pop-up on London’s Carnaby Street

Intriguing to see that online fashion and beauty destination ASOS is heading to 10 Carnaby Street from 7–16 November with a rare pop-up shop showcasing over 200 pieces from its more premium offer.

However short-lived it may be, it’s sure to create quite a stir at a key trading time and no doubt boost online sales too, as all 200+ pieces will also feature in a dedicated website shop as well - for those ASOS fans who can’t make it to London.

Having a physical space where customers can actually try on pieces they like the look of ‘in the flesh’, so to speak, should also cut a fair amount of returns too (though in the grand scheme of things, it won’t make much of a dent in the volume of returns ASOS has to deal with on a daily basis!).

Spanning partywear, statement cold-weather pieces, beauty ‘heroes’ and gifting options, customers will also be able to try on outfits from the newly launched premium menswear line, ASOS Collective, the elevated ARRANGE collection, and the latest edits from Topshop and Topman.

Not only that, there will also be a handpicked selection from leading partner brands such as Good American, Carhartt WIP and AllSaints, as well as the second drop of the exclusive Adidas x ASOS collaboration.

On the beauty front, the space will spotlight Face + Body favourites from brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Medicube, Ouai and Bubble, with Face + Body goody bags handed out to one in every ten customers. Quite how that will work out, I’m not sure – but I guess a system will be in place. Good luck to the one in ten!

Tom Bottomley, Contributing Editor.

The Light Salon launches 'world’s first' LED Face & Hair Bar at Selfridges

The Light Salon unveiled what it calls the world’s first dedicated LED Face & Hair Bar this week, now open in Selfridges London’s beauty hall. The launch represents a new chapter in the brand’s mission to make light-based skincare and haircare more accessible than ever.

The concept is part of The Light Salon’s “Complete LED System” and features two distinct zones: the LED Face & Hair Bar and the Treatment Room. According to the brand, it’s the first retail space to combine facial and scalp LED therapy under one roof, promising a unique experience for beauty enthusiasts.

With the LED beauty market continuing its rapid growth, this new destination makes it easier for customers to explore, experience, and invest in light-powered beauty. I’m certainly tempted to try it myself! Read more about the experience here.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.