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Does lipstick still have economic staying power?

Aug 19, 2024
Historically, when the economy gets rough, sales of lipstick go up. But for luxury beauty brands, that may not still be the case.
Luxury skincare and makeup was doing well a couple years ago. But now, with the price of everything up, consumers are reassessing what counts as a "little luxury" purchase.
Larry French/Getty Images for NYX Professional Makeup

A TikTok ban would be bad news for the beauty brands that advertise on it

Apr 2, 2024
A lot of brands don't seem to have a backup plan, says Jordan Holman of The New York Times. The platform is where "they need to be."
These days, TikTok is "the most formidable way that people are selling products," says Jordyn Holman of The New York Times.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Addressing dismal working conditions in a glamorous industry

Feb 13, 2024
Proposed legislation in New York state would increase labor protections for models, content creators and other behind-the-scenes fashion pros.  
Fashion is glamorous, but it’s also work, and workers often have few protections.
Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images

Do legacy brands still have the upper hand in the beauty industry?

Feb 6, 2024
Cosmetics and fragrance are an evolving business — influenced heavily by the ethos of Gen Z.
Legacy cosmetics brands have always had to keep redefining themselves to stay relevant for consumers, noted the Kearney Consumer Institute's Katie Thomas.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

No matter the economy, beauty sells

Mar 15, 2023
Consumers can’t get enough of makeup, skincare and hair products even as inflation persists and a potential recession looms.
Stubborn inflation and the threat of a recession may lead some shoppers to cut back on nonessential items, but that doesn’t apply to their favorite mascara or face mask.
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Sephora

Bed, Bath, Beyond, bankruptcy? A look at the retailer's bid to avoid Chapter 11

Feb 1, 2023
The troubled retailer has been struggling for a decade now. But is there still hope?
Experts think bankruptcy is likely for BB&B but not necessarily liquidation. Though Seth Basham, a retail analyst at Wedbush Securities, said the company needs to become a unique brand and create value that goes beyond those blue 20% off coupons.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Two years into the pandemic, this microbusiness owner is still on "a roller coaster"

Jan 19, 2022
"My brain is tired from adapting so much," says Ashlie Ordonez, owner of The Bare Bar in Denver, Colorado.

For public good, not for profit.

Why are there so many celebrity beauty brands?

Jan 17, 2022
Beauty reporter Cheryl Wischhover says social media and industry profits are behind the abundance of celebrity makeup and skincare lines.
A display of Fenty Beauty products, a brand launched by Rihanna, is seen in the United Kingdom.
Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

The beauty market is getting a makeover as recovery continues

May 26, 2021
It's rebounding after sales in the U.S. prestige beauty market declined almost 20% last year, according to the NPD Group.
People are splurging on some beauty products as reopenings continue and mask mandates are loosened.
Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images

Ulta Beauty will open mini-shops within Target stores

Nov 10, 2020
Since the pandemic has changed behavior of cosmetics customers, analysts expect both Ulta Beauty and Target to benefit from their partnership.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images