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Olivia's avatar

Wow all this news! I have been away for awhile and the downturn in all the beauty makes me realize that the simplicity of it from back in the 80's isn't working for the Lauders for the 21st century.

My take is that beauty can't just live on beauty alone. Any brand now has to join a conglomerate like many of the K-beauty brands in order to thrive.

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British Beauty Blogger's avatar

But even the biggies aren’t thriving right now.

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Kerry Carson's avatar

I love this insight into the companies and their lawsuits and discontinuation of products. To a novice like me who is easily influenced by advertising, your posts and these types of articles pull me back to earth.

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Ben P'ng's avatar

Me too - 100% !

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British Beauty Blogger's avatar

Thank you Kerry :-)

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Jess's avatar

This is a great summary of all that has been happening in the beauty world. As a beauty junk and a brand afficionado, I always love to know about the BTS of brands. Good politics help me want to invest as well, each product at a time. Still digesting the REN news to be honest... what a great brand that was!

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British Beauty Blogger's avatar

Thanks Jess - yes the more informed you are, the more choices you have :-)

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Alison Jenkins's avatar

Thank you Jane.

Interesting about Estée Lauder. I wonder if the acquisition of Frédéric Malle isn’t turning out as it hoped. Due to the latest release, reformulations, price hikes & name changes previously loyal perfumistae customers have turned their backs on FM. If you alienate the core clients of a brand in favour of trend led buyers it doesn’t bode well.

Also, rumours in fragrance forums that EL plan to discontinue their time served classics, including Youth Dew, then launch a high end pseudo-niche range like Bottega Veneta, Fendi & Celine did with varying degrees of success. If EL do so surely they are chopping off a limb? Their classic fragrances have been looked after so well in general & prices kept affordable. They are the go to for many women & men because they smell great & are distinctive, not trend led. Losing the fragrance division wholesale in favour of Ouds, Pink Fruities & Angel clones costing around £200 for 50mls would be a massive self inflicted wound surely?

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Sharon Sinclair-Williams's avatar

Interesting read, Jane.

Boy Smells is one of my go to favourite candle brands to buy for gay friends and family. It will be interesting to see how that plays out.

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