Latest news with #L'Oreal
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
These Drugstore Beauty Items Are Better Than Luxe Ones
As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening it from Amazon for $8.98+ (available in three sizes and 18 colors/versions). A magical loose powder with an old school formula This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades). A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six shades). A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skin care products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 12 shades). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how Nyx's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills (currently out of stock), a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. A creamy and pigmented gel eyeliner that doesn't move I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this gel-cream eyeliner by indie beauty brand af94. Available in six shades (I have the black and navy blue), it applies with the ease and control of a traditional pencil eyeliner but with greater opacity than you would expect and no skipping or dragging on the skin. It actually feels more like a cream than anything else and is similar to other gel-based pencils of luxury origins like Bobby Brown's Perfectly Defined gel eyeliner. I like that I'm able to smoke it out a bit into a wing with a fine eyeliner brush to get that soft cat eye look and because it's a gel formula, it really doesn't budge once it dries down. I've even worn it to dance classes and it doesn't move. You also don't need a sharpener because it's a twist-up pencil that automatically sharpens with each if you're curious about what my favorite eyeliner brush is, it's also a drugstore find that comes in this five-piece brush set by it from Ulta for $5.60 (originally $8). Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beauty Blender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a 5-pack from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in five color sets). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs about $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $18.30. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22+ (available in two sizes).
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
27 Holy Grail Beauty Items That Stand Out From The Rest
A tinted moisturizer with SPF 46 — this lightweight and sheer formula will give you the glow you've been waiting for. And since it's a universal tint, you won't have to worry about shopping for the perfect color to match your skin. So, if you have darker skin and the beauty aisle rarely has your shade in stock, this moisturizer is for you! Or a L'Oreal glow-enhancing lotion infused with hydrating glycerin and shea butter for an illuminating tint and a sun-kissed glow that lasts all day long. Go get your shine on! A vegan under-eye brightener to help balance out bluish tones and dark circles. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea butter to nourish and hydrate skin. You'll look like you've had days of if the truth is you haven't slept in days (gosh darn, those true crime documentaries!). And a skin-smoothing polar bear hydrating eye stick that could help reduce under-eye circles and puffiness. Its formula is enriched with glacial waters to help improve your skin's elasticity. Get ready to feel refreshed! A revitalizing hair protein treatment for conditioning and repairing dry, damaged, and over-processed hair. TBH I'm already obsessed with your hair evolution! A skin-repairing body oil chock-full of natural oils to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its skin-renewal formula should help fade acne scars, surgery scars, and so much more! A pack of 30 aluminum-free deodorant wipes if the summer heat is causing you to sweat and smell while you're out socializing. These will remove odors and leave behind a coconut-y scent. Keep these handy wipes in your purse so you can freshen up anywhere! A moisturizing and vitamin E-infused makeup-correcting stick because having to completely remove your makeup to correct a mistake wastes time you simply do not have. A pore-control Anua heartleaf extract cleansing oil for gently and effectively ridding your face of dirt, makeup, and blackheads. This hypoallergenic formula has soothing ingredients that won't cause clogged pores. A long-lasting mascara formulated to give you bold and intense lashes even *you* will think are falsies. Salon quality at a fraction of the cost? Yes, please! An anti-acne sulfur soap that'll help cleanse skin of dirt and oil buildup, potentially soothe psoriasis, and reduce breakouts. If you tend to have flare-ups in the summer, this soap might just be what your skincare arsenal has been missing. A pack of teeth-whitening pens so you can get shiny white teeth for far less money than you might've thought. This pen's soft-bristle brush is perfect for anyone with sensitive teeth. It even makes application as easy as saying CHEESE! An eight-second L'Oréal lamellar rinse-out treatment for shinier, silkier hair in, well, eight seconds. A delightfully scented foaming mousse formulated with coconut and shea oils to hydrate hair, define curls, and combat frizz. It's also a great mousse to use atop natural protective styles like knotless braids. Some reviewers even use this on curly/wavy wigs! A vegan and cruelty-free skin-tightening Sol de Janeiro body cream made with coconut and açai oil. Its caffeine-rich formula stimulates circulation to help you get smoother-looking skin. A winged eyeliner stamp if you don't wanna have to trial and error your way to the perfect cat-eye. This smudge-proof and waterproof formula will keep you looking fierce all day long. An exfoliating glove that'll help you bring the spa experience home. Easily lift away dead skin to reveal soft and glowy skin. A fragrance-free vitamin C moisturizer for helping reduce the appearance of sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Packed with organic ingredients, this moisturizer hydrates, brightens, and blocks pollution and free radicals. A vegan and paraben-free self-tanner if you simply don't have the time to lie in the sun to get the glow you deserve. Get the tan of your dreams in just an hour! A hydrating gel-based E.l.f primer getting famous on TikTok because it grips makeup while also providing your skin with plumping and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. This goes on translucent and takes about 30 seconds to set. A collagen-rich all-over balm that you can use, literally, all over. I mean, you can use it as a lip balm, eye cream, neck cream, and/or primer! This long-lasting K-beauty moisturizer can also help lift skin and lessen the appearance of lines. Hydrocolloid acne patches if you need help preventing yourself from picking/popping your pimples, which could lead to scarring. These ultra-thin, translucent patches will help reveal calmer-looking skin (yay). And some 6-hour hydrocolloid nose patches designed to target pimples, pores, and oil so you can have clearer-looking skin. Plus, it'll be weirdly satisfying to peel this off and see all the gunk that was hiding in your pores. A mattifying dry shampoo powder whose benzene-free formula is designed to absorb excess sweat, oil, and dirt without leaving behind a white cast. If constantly washing your oily hair has left it feeling dry, refresh your hair with this volumizing powder! A skin spatula with four modes that'll offer a deep clean that can help remove blackheads, oil, and other dirt chilling beneath your skin. It even comes with scrubber attachments so you can experience a spa-like massage at home. A nonsticky Nyx lip gloss because it goes on smooth and packs a lustrous punch! A cute lil' octopus-shaped blackhead remover to gently scrub away excess sebum and exfoliate your pores. It'll help remove blackheads, whiteheads, and whatever else is trapped in your clogged pores.
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
‘We want to build China's L'Oreal': Founder of Judydoll and Joocyee on S'pore expansion
A Joocyee store in Shenzhen. The C-beauty favourite is opening its first international boutique in Singapore in Wisma Atria on July 21. SINGAPORE – When former consumer investor Allan Liu started his beauty company Joy Group in 2016, he had only one thing on his mind: to be the L'Oreal of China. The China-born 37-year-old seems to be on track. After all, he has got the staggering sales revenue and global expansion down pat.
Buzz Feed
16-07-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
I'm A Beauty Reporter. I Swear These Drugstore Products Are Even Better Than Luxury Ones.
As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified the potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening it from Amazon for $8.24+ (available in nine shades). A magical loose powder with an old school formula This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades). A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six colors). A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skincare products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 12 colors). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how NYX's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beautyblender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a five-piece set from Amazon for $5.38+ (available in five color combos). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $18.30. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Beauty & cosmetics major L'Oreal India gets new chief in top deck rejig
New Delhi | Mumbai: Yet another market leader is headed for a leadership shake-up. Beauty and cosmetics major L'Oreal has appointed Jacques Lebel as its India country manager, replacing Aseem Kaushik who will be the company's chairman. Both appointments will be effective October 1, 2025. Lebel previously served as general manager of the consumer products division (CPD) for L'Oreal in Mexico, where he significantly accelerated business growth. Earlier, Lebel held senior marketing and general management roles at companies including P&G and AB InBev across Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa. The Indian subsidiary of French multinational L'Oreal SA said Kaushik's new role underscores its commitment to India's dynamic market landscape with a mandate to focus on corporate reputation, managing public affairs, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and driving corporate social responsibility initiatives. "The leadership transition is to do with catalysing growth in a high-potential market like India," said an executive who requested anonymity. "Competition from the naturals segment, digital-only, and regional beauty brands, many of which sell at lower prices or through subscription-based models, has intensified very aggressively in recent years," the person noted. "Incumbents can no longer take their share for granted." This comes days after FMCG leader Hindustan Unilever on July 10 announced that its CEO and managing director of two years, Rohit Jawa, was stepping down. He will be succeeded by another Unilever veteran, Priya Nair, effective August 1. For L'Oreal, which has a legacy portfolio of brands including L'Oreal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York and NYX Professional Makeup, India is a core strategic market. Its global chief Nicolas Hieronimus had told reporters last month that it intends to "more than double its production in India in the next couple of years from the current production of half-a-billion units." In the hair and beauty salons segment, L'Oreal's portfolio includes L'Oreal Professionnel, Matrix and Kerastase. It also distributes premium labels Kiehl's, Lancome and Yves Saint Laurent in India. L'Oreal India's sales grew 14% to ₹5,685 crore during FY25 while its net profit was flat at ₹488 crore. The performance was significantly lower than previous two fiscals when its revenues grew over 30%, indicating surging competition, especially from new-age direct-to-consumer rivals that are targeting younger consumer cohorts. Kaushik joined L'Oreal in 1995 with the consumer products division and was part of the L'Oreal startup operations in India in the East and North and launched L'Oreal consumer brands like Garnier, Maybelline and L'Oreal Paris across the country. He was elevated as the country head in January 2023 after a brief stint as head of professional products in Singapore and Hong Kong. The French cosmetics firm has about 8% share of India's face-care market dominated by Hindustan Unilever with more than 40% share. L'Oreal is the market leader in the hair colour segment and has, over the past decade, trained about 3.3 million hairdressers. The company entered India three decades ago by selling affordable packs and sachets, including its largest selling product Garnier hair colour. Its reach is however only limited to only about 230 million people who have a purchasing power parity of over $20 a day. India currently accounts for just over 1% of L'Oreal's annual sales of over ₹41 billion, making it the 15th biggest market worldwide. The company expects the country to rank among its top 10 markets within the next few years with an annual revenue of ₹1 billion. India's beauty and personal care market is estimated to touch sales of $34 billion by 2028, up from $20 billion presently, a Nykaa-Redseer Strategy Consultants Beauty Trends report said. It cited "aspirational spending, reach and discoverability through e-commerce and quick commerce , and social media influences" as growth drivers.
