Editors' Top Reads: News from Ruby Hammer, The Perfume Shop and more...

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

Beyond the signature scent: The Perfume Shop on the rise of fragrance layering

Scent layering is undeniably becoming one of the bigger fragrance trends this year. From Valentino to Marks & Spencer's new STUDIO perfume range, building a 'scent library' and mixing not only fragrances to create a more unique blend, but also matching fragrances with body mists or body lotions, is becoming more popular, and brands and retailers are responding with new products. According to The Perfume Shop, the practice of layering scents is giving customers more ways to wear the fragrances they already own and adapt them for different moods and occasions.

"We're seeing people become more creative with the way they wear perfume," says Karla Woolley, Head of Buying at The Perfume Shop. "A signature scent doesn't have to mean just one bottle anymore; it can be about having different combinations that suit different moments."

I think this is such an interesting opportunity for brands and retailers to encourage consumers to not only explore new scents, but also to shop different product formats. I have seen more mini fragrance sets being sold, and I have myself really enjoyed a mini Diptyque scent set that I was gifted for Christmas. While consumer confidence is still somewhat subdued, I think offering more mini products and curating scent libraries is quite an exciting new way of engaging consumers.

Camilla Rydzek, Senior News & Features Writer. 

TheIndustry.beauty Awards Winners' Interview: indu co-founder Aaron Chatterley on building a community-first brand

TheIndustry.beauty Innovators Awards 2026 celebrated the people, products and businesses driving the beauty industry forward, recognising not only groundbreaking innovation, but also the diverse range of expertise, disciplines and leadership required to achieve true market distinction.

Presented by Revieve, TheIndustry.beauty named indu the winner of the Engagement Award. Founded in 2022, indu creates skincare products formulated to nourish teenage skin while supporting a healthy skin microbiome, with each product reviewed and approved by indu’s teen advisory board. Through its indu101 blog and social media channels, the brand also provides accessible content, from simple skincare routines to guidance on safe ingredients.

In this interview, co-founder Aaron Chatterley discusses how indu has built such a strong connection with its customers, how the brand encourages consumers to feel like part of the indu community rather than simply buyers, what’s next for the brand, and more.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer. 

Firms face pressure from shifting demand after weight-loss pills approved

As more than a third of Britons would consider using new weight-loss pills over jabs (according to new research), firms are coming under pressure to adapt to rapidly changing consumer demand.

A new weight-loss pill from Mounjaro-maker Eli Lilly was approved last week for use in the UK, and experts are forecasting that the pills will be much cheaper than GLP-1 jabs. A survey commissioned by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK noted that 34% of people it asked would consider taking the pill, which would very likely prompt a major shift in buying behaviour.

“GLP-1s have the potential to become a catalyst for a much broader shift in consumer behaviour,” said Jacqui Baker, Head of Consumer Markets at RSM UK. “Some categories will undoubtedly face pressure, while others could benefit, for example, across the vitamins, supplements and wider health and wellness market."

We have already seen this, as demand for collagen, hair loss and skin-firming products has surged as the use of weight-loss drugs continues to rise across the UK, according to recent data from Lookfantastic.

It's interesting how the rise of supplements is coinciding with the increasing access to weight-loss drugs. I am really interested to see what other behaviours we will be seeing as more people take up the weight-loss pill.

Camilla Rydzek, Senior News & Features Writer. 

The Interview: Ruby Hammer on being an accidental trailblazer in beauty

Ruby Hammer is one of British beauty’s most celebrated and influential personalities. Raised in Nigeria by Bangladeshi parents, she moved to the UK at 12, where her passion for beauty led her to a role at Harrods and, eventually, a successful career as a make-up artist.

In the late 1990s, Hammer and Millie Kendall, now CEO of the British Beauty Council, launched Ruby & Millie with Boots, bringing inclusive, affordable beauty to the mainstream with innovative multi-use products and instantly recognisable clear packaging.

Fast-forward to 2019, Hammer launched Ruby Hammer Beauty, continuing her commitment to thoughtful, inclusive beauty. Awarded an MBE in 2007 for her services to the industry, she remains a respected and influential figure in British beauty.

Hammer tells us about her early influences, the evolution of her career, and the lessons she has learned along the way, as well as sharing her advice for the next generation of female founders.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.