Retail Recap: The big beauty launches of August 2023

This month saw a variety of new beauty launches across the UK, from new brand launches and retail expansions, to tech and product innovation.

Here's a round-up featuring August's highlights from businesses including Lookfantastic, Shark Beauty and LYMA Skincare, as well as this month's feature content from TheIndustry.beauty.

Launches at UK retailers

LYMA Skincare names Harrods as exclusive retail partner for UK

Following the success of its direct-to-consumer launch, LYMA Skincare announced its first global retail partners. As part of an exclusive agreement for the UK, LYMA Skincare is now available at Harrods.

New brands

Prada expands beauty with new makeup and skincare lines

Prada strengthened its beauty offer with the launch of new makeup and skincare lines. From refillable packaging to intentional colour composites and skin-fusing formulas, the range creates a beauty experience symbolic of the codes that are undeniably Prada: "luxury and functionality".

Tech and innovation

Glow Hub champions accessibility with new website and social media developments

Gen Z beauty brand Glow Hub updated its website and social media platforms to be more representative and inclusive of its community. The brand's website and social channels have been developed to ensure those with disabilities can use and enjoy them more easily.

Haus Labs introduces online ingredient database to boost consumer confidence 

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga championed product transparency with a new online ingredient database. The brand partnered with beauty transparency platform ClearForMe to offer customers access to an Ingredient Glossary via its direct-to-consumer website.

BTL Aesthetics unveils latest innovation with new multifunctional device for face, body and intimate health

BTL Aesthetics launched a new 4-in-1 device to address face, body, and intimate health concerns with "unprecedented results". The EXION allows medical professionals to address multiple body areas and aesthetic concerns of their patients, all with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Lookfantastic launches online shade matching tool to "revolutionise search for perfect foundation"

Lookfantastic launched a new data-driven ecommerce beauty tool designed to match customers with their perfect foundation shade. The Foundation Finder combines cutting-edge technology with scientific precision to bring the in-store, personalised shade matching experience online.

Marks & Spencer launches 'Sparks Super Saturday' to reward 5,000 customers

5,000 Marks & Spencer customers in the UK and ROI won their shopping for free on 19 August, as part of the retailer's new ‘Sparks Super Saturday’ scheme. This required customers to use their Sparks card when shopping in-store or online at M&S to be in with a chance of winning their shopping for free.

Shark Beauty unveils new haircare innovations

Shark Beauty named celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton as global ambassador as it unveiled two new haircare innovations - SpeedStyle and SmoothStyle. The tools are set to join the brand's existing haircare range designed to "ensure everyone has access to salon quality hair at home".

John Lewis accelerates technology transformation with £100m Google Cloud deal

The John Lewis Partnership launched a £100 million partnership with Google Cloud to provide customers with more personalised experiences. The move marked the next step in the partnership’s digital transformation, hoping to take its retail experience to the "next level" both in-store and via digital platforms.

Features

• Beauty’s skills shortage is ongoing. Here’s how to reinvigorate the sector.
• The Interview: How a vegan diet inspired Roshanne Dorsett to launch The Glowcery.
• The Interview: Co-founder Alec Mills on how DAME is helping to transform the period industry.
• Profile: How Skin + Me made expert-led skincare accessible for all.
• Profile: How Abi Cleeve democratised sun and skincare with Ultrasun and SkinSense.
• Profile: How pioneering spa brand Cowshed is marking its 25th anniversary.
• The Interview: Dr.PAWPAW's Pauline Paterson on bringing Australian skin-healing superfoods to British skincare.
• Profile: How Ayanda Soares created hair extension leader House of Hair.
• In Depth: Everything you need to know about Prada's new makeup and skincare lines.
• The Interview: The Co-founders of Discothèque on infusing their candles with a dash of disco.