In Review, July 2025: Headline highlights from Space NK, L’Oréal, Boots and more...
July was a standout month for the beauty industry, marked by a flurry of activity - from executive shake-ups and high-profile acquisitions to new innovations, product launches, and retail expansions that continue to redefine the market landscape.
Here's a round-up featuring July's big beauty headlines from businesses including Space NK, Boots, Phlur, and more, as well as the top features content from TheIndustry.beauty.
US giant Ulta Beauty acquires Space NK
In major news this month, Ulta Beauty acquired Space NK from its owner, Manzanita Capital. It came after the company launched a formal sale process for the British beauty chain in May. One source indicated the deal was likely to have exceeded £300 million.
Boots to launch 'first-of-its-kind' fragrance boutique concept as market competition intensifies
Boots revealed plans to open a "first-of-its-kind" fragrance-only boutique in London this autumn, as it continues to develop and launch new store concepts amid growing competition in the UK beauty retail landscape. It will showcase a collection of over 400 luxury and niche scents, including UK exclusives and over 20 brands new to Boots.
L’Oréal snaps up cult hair brand Color Wow
L’Oréal acquired Color Wow, the prestige brand that’s been making serious waves both in salons and on social media. The deal marked a major expansion of L’Oréal’s professional portfolio, adding one of the fastest-growing brands in the category to its arsenal.
Ariana Grande’s R.e.m. Beauty names former MAC Cosmetics GM as CEO
Ariana Grande's R.e.m. Beauty appointed André Branch as its new CEO, as it continues to scale within the celebrity-led beauty space. Branch joins from The Estée Lauder Companies, where he served as General Manager of MAC Cosmetics North America.
Phlur acquired by TSG Consumer Partners amid rising demand for indie fragrances
Phlur, the fragrance brand founded by influencer and blogger Chriselle Lim, was acquired by private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners. Lim will continue as Creative Director and retain a stake alongside The Center, a beauty accelerator that partnered with Phlur in 2021.
Which? calls for urgent action as counterfeit beauty products flood online marketplaces
Which? urged the Government to "urgently prioritise" reform of the UK’s consumer enforcement system, after new research revealed that over 65% of beauty products sold on popular online marketplaces are likely to be counterfeit. In the investigation, Which? purchased 34 cosmetic products from third party sellers that have collectively racked up thousands of sales of these items on Amazon, eBay, Tiktok Shop and Vinted.
'There’s not just demand, but real momentum and brand love here': Bubble Skincare lands at ASOS in major UK expansion
Bubble expanded its presence in the UK, launching on ASOS amid rising demand for high-performance, wallet-friendly skincare solutions. The brand's launch on ASOS marked another major milestone in its continued expansion, as it selected the online-only retailer as a key partner in the UK. Founder and CEO Shai Eisenman told us about her plans.
Natale Ingham, Samantha Grocutt and Ros Simmons
Beauty brand builders unite to launch their own line, Curated Beauty London
Three industry experts have pooled their decades of beauty brand building expertise to create their own line, which promises to "cut through the clutter and bring some clarity (and calm) back to your bathroom shelf". Founded by Samantha Grocutt, Natalie Ingham and Ros Simmons, Curated Beauty London will cover skincare, haircare and wellness.
Elemis UK General Manager exits
Susan Harvey, General Manager for the UK at Elemis, confirmed her departure from the British skincare brand after nearly 14 years. Harvey first joined Elemis in October 2011 as Head of Commercial Finance, later being promoted to Commercial Finance Director in March 2015. She was appointed as General Manager UK in May 2022.
L'Oréal posts first-half growth as it heads for 'another year of strong sales'
L'Oréal reported a 1.6% increase in sales, reaching €22.47 billion (£19.3 billion) in the first half of 2025, with fragrances and haircare remaining the fastest-growing categories. The company remains "confident" in its ability to outperform the global beauty market and expects to deliver another year of "strong" sales growth and improved profitability.
Victoria Beckham Beauty makes strategic high street entry with Space NK in ambitious expansion drive
Victoria Beckham Beauty entered a new retail partnership with Space NK, marking the brand’s high street debut as it brings its luxury beauty offerings to a wider audience. The British cosmetics brand launched online and in 20 Space NK stores across the UK.
Sephora boosts sales amid weakened luxury demand for LVMH
Luxury conglomerate LVMH reported a 15% decline in profits for the first half of 2025 to €9.01 billion (£7.8 billion), despite continued revenue growth at global beauty giant Sephora. The perfumes and cosmetics division also remained "stable" in the first half of 2025, continuing its robust innovation strategy and highly selective retail approach.
British Beauty Council names Josh Wood as Vice-Chair
The British Beauty Council announced the appointment of British hair colourist and brand founder, Josh Wood, as its new Vice-Chair. His appointment reinforces the organisation's mission to champion the "value of beauty", which is underscored by an annual report highlighting the industry’s significant economic impact.
indu boosts brand awareness and promotes safe skincare through impactful London flash mob
Teen skincare brand indu brought together dance students from The Brit School in central London for a high-energy flash mob, celebrating its latest campaign. The activation was also part of the brand's ongoing partnership with The Brit School, featuring 40 Year 12 dance students who performed to a Lady Gaga medley near Oxford Circus station.
Superdrug unveils new 'beauty playground' concept at Manchester Trafford Centre
Superdrug unveiled its new 'beauty playground' concept at the Manchester Trafford Centre, forming part of a 30-store nationwide rollout. The initiative aims to deliver "industry-leading" beauty experiences, allowing customers to explore must-have brands, access beauty services, receive expert advice, and create content while they shop.
New data reveals how Boots Advantage Card members are saving and spending their points
Boots unveiled new insights into how its Advantage Card members use their points, revealing a diverse range of spending habits - from savvy savers to serial redeemers. It comes as almost a quarter of the UK population (24%) and 48% of adult women now hold an Advantage Card with millions of points accrued on shopping baskets each day.
Elemis accelerates Aston Martin partnership with new multi-year deal
Elemis entered a multi-year international partnership with Aston Martin, uniting two renowned UK brands with a shared legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and high performance. It marked a new chapter for both brands as they expand their global presence.
The Body Shop appoints new CEO to lead next phase of growth
The Body Shop named Mike Jatania as CEO, succeeding Charles Denton, who took on the role last year following the brand’s acquisition by Auréa. The change comes after The Body Shop's year of "stabilisation and renewal", during which the British beauty brand "regained its footing and focused on laying the foundations for long-term success".
The Fragrance Shop appoints Chief Brand Officer for new brand retail concept
The Fragrance Shop named Vesa Kalho as Chief Brand Officer of Fraegra, its upcoming niche fragrance concept launching later this year. Kalho brings over two decades of senior leadership experience in the premium and luxury fragrance sector, having held roles at Harrods and Fenwick.
Interviews, features & trends
- TheIndustry.beauty Awards Winners' Interview: Legendary hairstylist Sam McKnight.
- Fan power or market potential? Pleasing’s sexual wellness launch sells out 'in minutes'.
- The Interview: Lorna Luxe on community power and her new 'cool-girl coded' beauty brand.
- Why Korean sun care is the latest beauty trend to hit the UK.
- The Interview: MCoBeauty's marketing director on bringing the cult worthy brand to the UK.
- In History: Space NK, a timeline of a beauty retail trailblazer.
- Can Marks & Spencer's reputation recover long-term after major cyber attack?
- The Interview: screenwriter turned beauty entrepreneur Sahara Lotti on how she built Lashify.
- The Interview: Fable & Mane founder Akash Mehta on reimagining ancient Ayurvedic hair rituals for today’s consumers.
- Four beauty trends that are dominating social media right now.
- The Interview: Emilee, Amy and Tammy Hembrow on 'flipping the script' and launching Selfish Supps in UK.
