Tarte sends influencers to Dubai, there’s some drama over mascara that has effing Jeffree Star and James Charles involved, and contour and highlighter has some kind of renaissance. Is it 2016?!?! Have the last years been a dream? I’m confused. Let’s clear that up in the beauty news in January.
Beauty News in January
Morphe filed for bankruptcy. I feel for the employees. But I can’t help thinking that we’re better off without a brand that will be remembered for one thing only: finding the vilest influencers and making them famous. (Bloomberg)
A private equity firm funds Makeup By Mario to expand the business. (Cosmeticsbusiness)
John Legend launches a beauty brand that feels like it isn’t just a cash grab. Well done, sir. (Cosmeticsbusiness)
Sephora no longer sells Addison Rae’s and Hyram’s beauty brands. (Businessinsider)
ColourPop offers now free eyeshadow refills for their palettes.
Do you need a primer of Mikayla’s mascaragate? (All things considered: when I see JF and JC on one side and a person who tinkered a TikTok about mascara on the other… I know on which side I am. Btw, the winner? That’s L’Oreal, who got loads, and loads, and loads of prime advertising on this. Their PR department must be over the moon.) (Businessinsider)
Clionadh is now available in Europe via Monolith Shop, while Allies of Skin/ PSA is available in AUS/ NZ via Mecca.
Beauty Stories
The Tarte influencer trip to Dubai wasn’t the best decision: undoubtedly, it generated a lot of clicks and publicity for the brand, but at the same time it was called tone-deaf and worse. Still, publicity doesn’t mean that people will now go out and buy Tarte products when the brand so blatantly throws money around. (Vogue Business)
Iran: a young model and her singer grandmother from Iran reflect on fame, politics, religion and looks. A very interesting read. (Allure)
The decline of influencer brands? Wouldn’t that be nice. (Glamour)
Gwen Stefani’s unraveling in the recent Allure interview, in which she claimed she’s ‘actually Japanese’. Yikes. (The interviewer handled the whole thing very well, and, additionally, I’ve to say that having no longer a print issue seems to suit Allure – their reporting has been very good the last weeks!)
‘White women aren’t ‘banned’ from using black beauty products’. The whole Mielle hoopla, explained: as always, it comes down to accessibility. Also, dear white people, don’t be assholes. (The Guardian).
Life, Love and Everything Else
Talk about being a trailblazer – read this long article about the last Roman Empress Galla Placida. (Smithsonian)
Small steps to improve your mental health in the new year (NYT).
Will TikTok’s obsession with steamy romance novels change the way we think about sex? Hm. (Allure)
The Year of the Rabbit in the Lunar calendar ‘signifies hope, resilience and a sense of cautious optimism’. (CNBC)
On the Blog
‘Tis the season: My makeup and skincare favorites of 2022. In addition, an update of my Lisa Eldridge lip gloss struggles and my fave winter body moisturizers (can be used anytime). Also, fragrance classics you might not know (but should!). Reviews: The Inkey List’s Glycolic Acid Scalp Treatment and Allies of Skin’s 20% Vitamin C serum. On top of that, I also revived an oldie but goodie: monthly favorites!
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
