Editors' Top Reads: News from Space NK, Benefit, UKLASH and more...
Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.
Faith in Nature celebrates 50 years with new product evolution
As it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Faith In Nature is taking its eco-friendly approach to another level with a number of new sustainable product innovations, from packaging to formulations. As part of this, the brand is transitioning to infinitely recyclable aluminium packaging, enhancing each product with more active natural ingredients, and sourcing materials that benefit the environment.
The new advancements are said to be a direct response to Nature's role in the business, reflecting a unique initiative introduced in 2022 that saw the brand appoint a new director to represent Nature on its board. "Turning 50 is not about looking back but looking forward. It’s about planting the seeds that will grow our faith for the next 50 years," revealed Rivka Rose, who founded Faith In Nature back in 1974.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
The Interview: Sarah Harbon, Benefit’s GM on rebuilding the business and how the brand champions women…
I recently became reacquainted with Benefit after trying out its new porecare – not skincare – line. But my love for Benefit and its brow products stems back decades. I'm sure I wasn't the only teenager who'd beg for their mum to take them to their local Benefit for a makeover on the weekend, especially in the early 2010s.
In a full circle moment, I was recently lucky enough to interview the inspirational General Manager of Benefit UK & Ireland, Sarah Harbon. We explored her 14-year career at the LVMH-owned colour cosmetics brand and how she moved up the ranks from Regional Sales Manager in 2007 to becoming General Manager in 2018. The interview also touches upon how Harbon spearheaded building the business back up after losing retailer Debenhams post-COVID.
Finally, I couldn't help but ask the woman herself if the rumours about Benetint's humble beginnings were true. Read the interview here to find out.
Chloe Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.
UKLASH sees sales rocket 55% and sets sights on expansion
Apparently a UKLASH product is sold every 10 seconds around the world. I can understand why as these products truly work. Recently I got out of the habit of using mine and I can see the (negative) difference, so I'm back on it.
Apart from the fact that these products work, what is so great about the UKLASH success story is that it represents what makes our industry so exciting for entrepreneurs with good ideas. Founded in the UK by entrepreneur Nima Pourian, this brand was inspired by Pourian's sisters, who had been seeking a product to help improve the appearance of their brows and lashes.
He launched the first lash product in 2019 and has been instrumental in growing a new category for beauty, and has since gone on to add more products for brows, hair, skin and (soon) lips.
The brand now has its sights set on further expansion, supported by its retail partners. I, for one, will be cheering it on.
Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.
Space NK sells US wholesale business
News emerged this week that Space NK has offloaded its US wholesale division to global distribution platform PCA Companies. Although the platform will be renamed in the US, PCA said that it does not plan to touch the existing brand matrix or retail partnerships, including its distribution in Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.
With the retailer's US and UK divisions becoming more and more differentiated, Space NK CEO Andy Lightfoot described the move as a "natural division" as he and his team focus on the UK. Interestingly, the news comes after Space NK owner Manzanita Capital appointed bankers to handle a sale of the British beauty retailer, which is expected to fetch more than £300 million. By offloading its US wholesale division, it seems Space NK is streamlining its business ahead of the potential sale.
Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.
