It’s been a busy couple of months, filled with much anticipation, as the world of retail starts to reopen. One of the most dramatic changes that’s evolved during the pandemic is, of course, the meteoric rise in online sales, where sites are always open, and a whole new group of customers has converted to clicking and swiping for home delivery of cosmetics.

It will be interesting to watch how the balance of brick-and-mortar and digital sales shakes out going forward. To get a glimpse, Beauty Packaging’s recent webinar looked at Prestige Beauty and how brands can deliver as far as product and packaging. Larissa Jensen, Vice President, Industry Advisor, Beauty, The NPD Group—and a member of Beauty Packaging’s Board of Advisors—gave a fascinating overview and reported new June research which showed a drop in all categories but Hair Care. On the positive side, Jensen pointed to cosmetic products that show promise, as well as an outlook on generational and sustainable trends—and more.

Joining Larissa on the panel for a lively discussion with me, were internationally acclaimed packaging designer—and seven-time FiFi award winner Marc Rosen (also a member of BP’s Board); and beauty and fragrance expert Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, who spent 12 years at the Estée Lauder Companies, as Global President for Aramis and Designers Fragrances. Lots of great insight and ideas for the year ahead!

If you missed the webinar, watch it on-demand at BeautyPackaging.com.

Recent M&A deals also back up a feeling of industry optimism. In early June, Puig announced that they had reached a deal to acquire a majority stake in the prestige Charlotte Tilbury brand; BDT Capital Partners will hold a minority stake. Tilbury will remain active as chairman, president and chief creative officer of the brand. Exact percentages of ownership and sale prices were not disclosed, but the brand was reportedly valued at $1.2 billion. Also in June, L’Oréal accessed Thayers for its CPD Division. The doctor brand showed sales of $44 million in 2019.

It’s been a strange beauty world without industry shows and events—but Beauty Packaging’s publisher Jay Gorga and I are hoping to see everyone later in the year. In the meantime, please check out our New Product Videobites and other launches from both brands and suppliers at BeautyPackaging.com—where you’ll find a curated balance of staff-written features, news, experts’ opinions—and in this month’s Special Issue—Beauty Packaging’s incomparable 2020-2021 International Buyers’ Guide, updated constantly online, with detailed sourcing info on hundreds of beauty industry suppliers—and the products and services they offer.

Stay well!

Jamie Matusow