Editors' Top Reads: News from Skin Rocks, So.Shell, Face the Future and more...

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

Ex-Dermalogica exec joins Skin Rocks Pro as Head of Business Development

Skin Rocks, founded by Caroline Hirons, has appointed Michelle Hindmarch as Head of Business Development for its professional arm, Skin Rocks Pro. With nearly 30 years of experience, including senior roles at Elemis, Clarins, and most recently Dermalogica UK, Hindmarch will drive growth across salons, spas and clinics in the UK and Ireland.

What’s particularly interesting is how both Dermalogica and Skin Rocks are doubling down on their professional channels at a time when many brands are prioritising retail and ecommerce. Just last week, Dermalogica unveiled its new PRO Community hub - a digital space created by skin therapists, for skin therapists - which is set to become one of the UK’s largest professional skincare networks.

Against this backdrop, Hindmarch’s appointment signals Skin Rocks’ intent to step into the same competitive ring. With this move, the question becomes: Is Skin Rocks Pro ready to go head-to-head with the most established names in the professional skincare arena? With Hindmarch at the helm, it very well might be.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

So.Shell grows London footprint with new Covent Garden salon

Covent Garden's position as the capital's centre of beauty gains strength with the news this week that So.Shell is set to open its sixth nail and beauty salon in the area.

So.Shell specialises in Ukrainian techniques and I must confess I'm not sure what those are but I intend to find out, and soon.

TheIndustry.beauty too is based in the heart of Covent Garden too and it's been a joy to watch so much activity in beauty swell up around us. It's also great to see this particularly business grow to six outlets in such a short space of time. Whatever they are, those Ukrainian techniques must be very good indeed.

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

TheIndustry.beauty Awards Winners' Interview: Laura Simpson, Managing Director, LBTY

In this series, TheIndustry.beauty continues to celebrate the achievements of the winning brands from TheIndustry.beauty Awards 2025 through a collection of dedicated interviews.

With the Awards dedicated to 'The Innovators' of the industry, we set out to uncover the forward-thinking strategies behind their success. From our winners, we discover everything from the importance of innovation and the trends influencing the next wave of beauty to the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the sector today.

Building on the success of its 2023 launch - praised for its innovative approach to fragrance - LBTY has continued to expand its fragrance collection, drawing inspiration from Liberty’s iconic textile prints.

Each scent is a carefully composed blend of evocative essential oils and botanicals, crafted by renowned perfumers to stir memories and transport the wearer to a richly imagined world. Notably, the brand's Vine Thief Eau de Parfum was recognised for New Product: Personal Fragrance (Prestige & Luxe) at TheIndustry.beauty Awards.

In an exclusive interview with TheIndustry.beauty, Laura Simpson, Managing Director of LBTY, discusses the award-winning fragrance, the key priorities behind ensuring high performance, captivating scent, and an exceptional user experience. She also shares insights into how LBTY continues to strengthen its position within the competitive fragrance industry - and what’s next for the brand.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Face the Future acquires Luxurious Look to strengthen position in luxury haircare market

Some consolidation in the online retail market to flag this week. Online pioneer Face The Future has announced the strategic acquisition of luxury haircare specialist Luxurious Look for an undisclosed sum.

Face The Future is hoping to replicate the success it has achieved in skincare in the haircare space and Luxurious Look certainly has some covetable brands, such as Davines, AVEDA and Aesop.

The move follows on from Face The Future's first entry into the professional haircare market with the launch of its first salon last year, located at 141 Newmarket Lane in Stanley, Wakefield - its home town.

Great to see a British retailer (and one based outside of London) making strides and innovating. This is one to watch.

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