Editors' Top Reads: News from Margaret Dabbs, Olay, Sol de Janeiro and more...

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

The Interview: Sol de Janeiro’s new Global Chief Marketing & Digital Officer on shaping its next chapter 

Renowned for its body creams and mists, Sol de Janeiro has made its mark in the beauty industry, inspired by Brazil’s culture and natural ingredients.

The beauty brand first established a reputation with its Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, enriched with ingredients like cupuaçu butter and açai oil, and has since expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of products across bodycare, haircare and fragrance.

Through social media and product visibility, Sol de Janeiro has reached consumers worldwide, and the recent appointment of Jordan Saxemard as Global Chief Marketing & Digital Officer marks the next step in the brand’s ongoing global growth strategy.

In this interview with TheIndustry.beauty, Saxemard shares what about the brand’s story and potential excites him most, as well as lessons from his previous roles that he believes will help shape his strategy. He also discusses his top priorities for the first few months in the role, how he sees the brand’s digital experience developing under his leadership, and which shifts in consumer behaviour he is watching most closely, and how they might influence his strategy.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Less is more: Why UK women are ditching multi-step skincare

Some days, my skincare routine feels like a part-time job. Serums, essences, eye creams, moisturisers... and that’s before SPF. So it’s no surprise that Olay’s new research struck a chord with me. It turns out I’m far from alone: 43% of UK women over 35 say their routine is more complicated than it was 10 or even 20 years ago. I believe it.

There’s something comforting about the nostalgia of the 90s - not just the nude lips and little black dresses, but the simplicity. Back then, almost half of women used one product (or none at all!). Fast forward to today, and many of us are juggling four-plus products daily, clocking up almost five full days a year on skincare. No wonder 62% admit to skipping steps out of sheer exhaustion.

I really am championing the shift toward skin minimalism. It’s not about giving up on results; it’s about cutting through the noise. Nearly 80% of women say they’d happily ditch multiple steps if one product could do the job. Preach.

As Dr Zoya Diwan put it, women are busier than ever - skincare shouldn’t feel like homework. Whether you’re a five-step loyalist or a cleanser-and-go type, I think we can all agree: easier, smarter routines are always in style.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

UK shoppers set to spend £10.2 billion on Black Friday with Gen Z leading the way

Black Friday shoppers are expected to spend an average of £430 each, up £91 on last year, adding up to more than £10.2 billion in total sales.

These findings come from Barclays Consumer Spend research conducted by Opinium between 24-28 October 2025. The data shows that interest in the sales continues to grow, with 43% of respondents planning to take part (up from 37% in 2024), climbing to 76% among Gen Z.

Despite this, 44% of respondents say they do not look forward to the events as much as they once did, and scepticism about the value of the deals is widespread, with 68% doubting the genuine savings offered during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and 65% believing that these promotions encourage unnecessary spending. Read the full insights here.

TheIndustry.beauty Awards Winners' Interview: Margaret Dabbs OBE, founder, Margaret Dabbs London

Margaret Dabbs OBE is a standout star of our industry and was one of the winners at TheIndustry.beauty Innovators Awards this year. A true entrepreneur, she has forged a globally renowned name for herself with her results-driven approach to foot and hand care.

Driven by her experience of suffering ill-fitting shoes during her childhood, she is obsessed with foot health and now has 12 clinics throughout the world. Her footcare range is the best out there. A pleasure to use, as many are, but Margaret's products deliver too.

She took the time to answer some questions for us, explaining her unique approach and her continued, tireless pursuit of innovation. It's well worth a read. 

And by the way, our Awards are back for 2026. Entries are now open with a Super Early Bird discount for those entering before December 2026. Check out the details here.

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.