Editors' Top Reads: News from Wonderskin, Debenhams, Kérastase and more...

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

Debenhams launches virtual try-ons to boost customer engagement

As the UK beauty market continues to grow, more and more businesses are welcoming artificial intelligence and augmented reality-powered platforms to entice consumers and stand-out amongst the competition. The introduction of this technology to the beauty industry has modernised the capabilities of beauty businesses and the experiences they can provide a consumer.

The latest retailer to enhance its digital offerings with these experiences is Debenhams, which is rolling out virtual try-on technology, starting with beauty products and soon expanding into fashion. This initiative aims to elevate the online shopping experience by providing personalised, interactive features that help customers make more confident purchasing decisions.

So, how does it work? Customers browsing beauty products on Debenhams' platform can use the virtual try-on tool to see how makeup will look on them in real-time. The next phase will expand this feature to the digital department store's wide range of fashion and clothing brands, allowing shoppers to virtually try on garments using animated, lifelike avatars.

In today’s competitive beauty retail landscape, offering immersive experiences is more crucial than ever -especially for businesses like Debenhams that no longer have physical stores. Replicating the in-store shopping experience online is key to boosting engagement, driving sales, and fostering long-term customer loyalty. I look forward to trying this out!

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Wonderskin set to become "next iconic beauty brand" after securing $50m investment

London founded Wonderskin has had a big week. It has just signed a UK retail deal with Boots and landed a cool $50 million in investment to take it to the next level. The brand is best known for its blue Lip Stain Masque, which goes on blue and is wiped off 60 seconds later to reveal a pigment that lasts up to 10 hours.

Not only does it work but it's a dream for social media and posts on it have gone on to rack up more than one billion views. The pandemic also played into the brand's hands as many people bored at home were entertained by endless videos of the lip reveal.

It has gone on to add a raft of products to its line-up, which it will be showcasing at a pop-up at Boots Battersea next week. We can expect a whole load more after this injection of cash. In fact, investor Insight Partners, which backs US fashion brand Quince and e-commerce platform Shopify, thinks it has the potential to be the "next iconic beauty brand". Can't wait to find out if that becomes reality.

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

Kérastase brings its signature shine to Soho with new pop-up

Kérastase is one of those brands that has been around for donkey's years - since 1964, to be exact - and it's one I can always count on. It's mainstream yet under the radar, so when it launched its Soho pop-up, I knew it was something to shout about.

The haircare brand is turning up the shine in Soho with House of Gloss - an immersive pop-up experience designed to celebrate the brand’s biggest haircare launch of the year: Gloss Absolu. Opening its doors from 10-18 May at 59 Greek Street, the free-to-enter House of Gloss invites visitors to enter its interactive space dedicated to hair transformation and education, while spotlighting the brand's new gloss-enhancing innovation.

The experience spans multiple touchpoints. On the Gloss Absolu discovery floor, visitors can explore the full product range, enjoy playful opportunities to win prizes, and immerse themselves in visually captivating displays. A professional scalp diagnosis area offers personalised insights, while the masterclass lounge plays host to a curated line-up of expert-led sessions. This seems like a tactile way for the storied brand to attract Gen Zers.

I'm yet to try the new range, but if it's anything like its Elixir Hair Oil or Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner, I'm sure it'll be a multigenerational hit.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

What can we learn from the demise of REN? Experts have their say...

Long before "clean beauty" became a buzzword, REN Clean Skincare was already setting the standard - formulating products with bioactives derived from natural origins and backed by real, skin-friendly results. But in May 2025, a decade after acquiring the brand, Unilever announced it would be shutting REN down for good.

A combination of internal challenges and external market pressures has left the brand struggling to maintain long-term success in recent years. To better understand the factors behind its decline, I spoke with several industry experts - including Millie Kendall, Tracey Woodward, Wizz Selvey, and Ateh Jewel - to gather their insights on what led to the skincare brand’s downfall.

An insightful and thought-provoking read, for sure.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.