In Review, February 2026: Headline highlights from Sephora, L'Oreal, Selfridges and more...

Sophie Smith

02 March 2026

From product innovation and ambitious store transformations to high-impact deals and major leadership shake-ups, February was a month of significant momentum for the beauty industry.

We’ve rounded up the biggest beauty stories from the month, spotlighting major updates from industry heavyweights like Sephora, Selfridges, Beauty Bay and Pat McGrath Labs. Plus, we revisit some of the standout features from TheIndustry.beauty that you may have missed.

Inside Sephora UK’s new boutique concept as it prepares for London launch

News of Sephora UK’s new boutique-style concept captured industry attention, after confirmation that the beauty giant will open a new store on Carnaby Street later this year, with a second location at Old Spitalfields Market to follow. The smaller, more intimate format represents what the brand describes as the "next chapter" in its UK growth strategy.

Selfridges

Selfridges reopens historic fragrance hall following renovation

Selfridges completed the final phase of its London beauty hall transformation this month, with the reopening of its historic fragrance hall. Located within the retailer's Oxford Street flagship, the revamped beauty hall forms part of the department store’s original 1909 layout.

Beauty Bay seeks rescue as website shuts down

Online cosmetics retailer Beauty Bay filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. The filing provided the Manchester-based business with a temporary 10-day legal protection period, preventing creditors from taking action while rescue options are explored.

Barry M bought out of administration by Warpaint

High street beauty brand Barry M was bought out of administration by cosmetics firm Warpaint for £1.4 million. The acquisition includes the brand and intellectual property, but not Barry M’s factory and staff. London-listed Warpaint, which owns make-up brands W7 and Technic, said it expects the move to help it grow into key retail channels in the UK.

Elemis believed to be weighing potential sale following co-founder’s exit

British skincare brand Elemis is understood to be weighing a potential sale, coming shortly after co-founder Oriele Frank’s exit. A well-placed source told TheIndustry.beauty that the process is expected to begin in March. Elemis is currently owned by L’Occitane Group, which acquired the premium brand in 2019 from Steiner Leisure for $900 million.

Beauty tech soars 400% on TikTok Shop amid red light therapy boom

Red light therapy masks are seeing significant growth on TikTok Shop, with the platform reporting a 400% increase in sales within its ‘Facial Beauty Device’ category. The surge reflects broader momentum around at-home beauty technology, as more UK consumers explore device-led skincare solutions alongside topical products.

Pat McGrath Labs secures investment after bankruptcy filing

US-based financial firm GDA Luma announced a $30 million investment in Pat McGrath Labs, weeks after the beauty brand filed for bankruptcy, marking the start of what the companies describe as a new phase of stewardship and long-term growth. A bankruptcy court in Miami approved the transaction, which provides $10 million in new debtor-in-possession financing and commits an additional $20 million in post-emergence working capital.

Superdrug to open 30 UK stores with around 600 new jobs

Health and beauty chain Superdrug revealed plans to open 30 new stores this year, reinforcing its commitment to the UK retail sector. The retailer said the expansion of its store footprint will create around 600 jobs across the UK. The Croydon-based business, which was founded in 1964, currently runs more than 780 shops across the UK and Ireland.

L'Oreal sales rise as transformation unlocks 'new growth opportunities'

L’Oréal reported full-year sales of €44.05 billion (£38.3 billion), driven by growth across all divisions and regions, with performance accelerating in the second half of the year. Sales increased by 4% on a like-for-like basis and 1.3% as reported, with e-commerce maintaining double-digit growth and accounting for more than 30% of total revenue.

Matiere Premiere

French fragrance giant Matiere Premiere opens debut UK store

French luxury fragrance house Matiere Premiere opened its first UK store at 31 King Street in Covent Garden, marking a "significant milestone" in its international retail expansion. The 708 sq ft space is the company’s first dedicated store in the UK and presents its complete fragrance collection.

CurrentBody is collaborating with Trinny London

Two British beauty powerhouses, Trinny London and CurrentBody, joined forces in a collaboration where high-performance formulas and cutting -edge device technology work in synergy rather than in competition. The collaboration is designed to elevate at-home routines, pairing expertly formulated products with innovative devices to deliver "visible, clinically inspired results".

Coty unveils new growth strategy under interim CEO following 'disappointing' trading

Coty reported a 1% increase in revenue for the second quarter ended 31 December 2025 and announced a new strategic framework aimed at driving future growth and long-term business success. Second-quarter performance was broadly in line with expectations, with net revenue of $1.67 billion. On a like-for-like basis, however, net revenue declined 3%.

Monpure appoints new CEO to lead next phase of growth

British scalp and haircare brand Monpure London appointed Carly Osborne as CEO, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the premium haircare market. Osborne joined Monpure from Color Wow, where she served as General Manager since September 2019. Prior to this, she was Marketing Director at Hourglass Cosmetics, contributing to the company’s international expansion.

Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works strengthens UK expansion with first East Midlands store

Bath & Body Works is set to open its first store in the East Midlands at Derbion shopping centre in Derby later this year. The US-based brand signed a 10-year lease for a 1,425 sq ft unit, bringing its range of fragrance, skincare and home products to the centre as part of its ongoing UK expansion.

Wella Company names Lululemon boss as new CEO

Wella Company appointed Calvin McDonald as Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 April, as it enters its next phase of growth. McDonald brings experience across the consumer sector. He had served as CEO of Canadian athleisure brand Lululemon since August 2018.

LYMA launches AI-powered skin analysis app to personalise anti-ageing routines

British brand LYMA introduced a new digital platform designed to help users monitor and manage their at-home anti-ageing treatments using artificial intelligence and personalised guidance. The new LYMA app incorporates AI-powered face-scanning technology trained on more than three million skin images, according to the company.

The Inkey List turns community feedback into first co-created skincare launch

The Inkey List unveiled the third product from its INKEY Lab platform - the Nourishing Rice Milk Toner, marking the brand’s first co-created product developed alongside its community. Launched last year, INKEY Lab was developed as a "test and learn" platform focused on accelerating product development, exploring emerging ingredient trends and involving consumers more directly in the innovation process.

AKT London

AKT London lands at Space NK in major retail expansion

Personal care brand AKT London expanded its UK retail footprint with a nationwide launch at premium beauty retailer Space NK. The British brand is now stocked in 30 Space NK stores across the UK, as well as online. The assortment includes AKT’s Deodorant Balm alongside its Body Scrub, Body Balm, Body Wash Concentrate and Everyday Body Oil.

Everyday’s a ‘battle’ for sales, says 142-year-old firm betting on TikTok Shop

The maker of Imperial Leather and Sanctuary Spa said reaching shoppers on platforms like TikTok Shop was as important as Tesco, as the 142-year-old business vies to compete with a rising cohort of social media-savvy brands. PZ Cussons – the consumer goods giant that was founded in 1884 and is behind a swathe of beauty, hygiene and baby products – said it had been investing more into innovation and building its brands.

LVMH appoints Dior fragrance boss as new beauty chief

LVMH appointed Véronique Courtois as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its beauty division, effective immediately. In this role, Courtois oversees all beauty Maisons while continuing as CEO of Parfums Christian Dior, a move intended to ensure managerial and strategic continuity.

Estée Lauder raises outlook as skincare and fragrance boost golden quarter sales

The Estée Lauder Companies reported a 4% increase in organic net sales to $4.2 billion (£3 billion) for the second quarter ended 31 December 2025, with growth in skincare and fragrance offsetting declines in makeup. The company achieved gains in the prestige beauty segment across key markets, including Mainland China, Japan, the US, and Western Europe, with notable improvements in fragrance sales in France, Spain, and the UK.

made by mitchell

Made by Mitchell lands at Ulta Beauty in major retail expansion

UK-born makeup brand Made by Mitchell launched at Ulta Beauty, marking a "major milestone" in its international expansion. The launch represented a strategic entry into the "world’s largest beauty market" and underscores the brand’s growing global ambitions.

Clinique joins with Crayola to relaunch Chubby line with colourful campaign

Clinique partnered with Crayola to relaunch its Chubby franchise, using Crayola’s expertise in colour and creativity for a new multi-channel campaign. The collaboration aims to position colour cosmetics as a tool for self-expression, aligning with broader trends in the beauty industry where storytelling, cultural relevance and experiential marketing are increasingly central to consumer engagement.

My Skin Feels poised for growth as it secures double investment on Dragons’ Den

Brighton-based brand My Skin Feels secured investment on last night’s episode of BBC’s Dragons’ Den, winning over Dragons Deborah Meaden and Gary Neville. Founder Danielle Close walked away with a £50,000 joint investment in exchange for 20% equity, marking a "significant milestone" for the sustainable skincare brand.

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In Review, February 2026: Headline highlights from Sephora, L'Oreal, Selfridges and more...

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