Editors' Top Reads: News from L’Oréal, Sacheu, Cellis and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
'A win-win for both companies and consumers': Experts react to L’Oréal’s €4 billion Kering deal
The industry is abuzz following Kering’s announcement to sell its beauty division to L’Oréal for €4 billion (£3.5 billion), signaling a significant partnership between two French luxury powerhouses. This deal not only strengthens L’Oréal’s position in the global beauty market but also integrates the prestigious House of Creed fragrance brand into its Luxe division.
As part of the agreement, L’Oréal will also secure a 50-year licence to develop beauty and fragrance products for Kering’s iconic brands Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga. This long-term collaboration reflects a strategic alignment that allows L’Oréal to leverage its innovation and expertise while maintaining the luxury heritage and allure of Kering’s brands in the beauty sector.
Beyond the beauty realm, the two companies will also launch a 50/50 joint venture focused on the intersection of luxury, wellness, and longevity. By combining L’Oréal’s scientific and beauty innovation with Kering’s luxury expertise, they aim to pioneer new services and experiences in the expanding wellness market, setting the stage for future growth in this emerging segment.
Read what the industry thinks here.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
The Interview: Sacheu's Sarah Cheung on creating problem-solving beauty and her viral lip stains
In my recent conversation with Sacheu founder Sarah Cheung, I got to peek behind the curtain at how a content creator’s curiosity turned into one of beauty’s most talked-about brands. Best known for its viral lip stain, Sacheu has built a cult following by solving real beauty problems rather than chasing fleeting trends, and Cheung’s story is as compelling as the products themselves.
From filming tutorials on her bedroom floor to developing STAY-N Technology, the science behind the brand’s transfer-proof lip stain, Cheung combines social media fluency with technical credibility. She shares how TikTok has amplified Sacheu’s reach, attracting fans from Kim Kardashian to Doja Cat, while keeping the brand grounded in performance-driven products.
Cheung also opens up about her journey as an Asian immigrant founder, her focus on community-led innovation, and the intentional growth strategy behind Sacheu’s first major UK retail launch with Boots. "We’re not here to sell dreams. We’re here to create solutions that last," she said.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
Festive favourites: Beauty gift sets for the 2025 Golden Quarter
While advent calendars often steal the spotlight during the festive season, gift sets remain a powerful driver of engagement, sales, and seasonal excitement.
This year, the category is back - bigger, bolder, and more curated than ever. Brands and retailers are doubling down on hero products, exclusive edits, and unbeatable value to stand out in a highly competitive landscape.
In this evolving round-up, TheIndustry.beauty highlights the standout gifting moments set to capture consumer attention during the all-important Golden Quarter. There are some good’ns!
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
Skin expert Debbie Thomas on building her new brand Cellis around 'intelligent simplicity'
After decades perfecting complex skin concerns in her South Kensington clinic, Debbie Thomas is challenging beauty’s obsession with more-is-more through her debut brand, Cellis. Built around her philosophy of "intelligent simplicity," the range strips back the noise of overcomplicated routines, focusing instead on products that do less, but do it better. This is right up my alley.
In the interview, Thomas explains how her "Longevity Trifecta" - protecting the skin barrier and microbiome, supporting cellular DNA, and reducing inflammation - underpins every formula. It’s a science-led take on longevity and skin health.
With Cellis, Thomas captures a wider shift in beauty: a move away from 10-step rituals and instant results toward mindful routines and genuine expertise. It’s an insightful, timely read that gets to the heart of why simplicity really is the next frontier in skincare.
Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
