According to The NPD Group, the fragrance category increased by a whopping 15 percent in 2021 and was even called “the star of the U.S. prestige beauty industry” for the year by the market research agency. Bee Shapiro, founder of niche NY-based fragrance house, Ellis Brooklyn, talks post-COVID fragrance gains and growth can be attributed to a marked shift in how consumers are wearing—and experiencing—fragrance.

Men’s wellness and grooming brand Scotch Porter announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the hire of Christian Chopra as President of the brand.

If the beauty industry was awarding annual superlatives for 2022, it’s no doubt that fragrance would take home the Best All Around award.

Beginning May 19, brands sold at Ulta Beauty will be able to connect with their communities of beauty enthusiasts via UB Media, a new retail media network created by the retailer. UB Media will offer brands better access to their loyal consumers based on Ulta’s rich data from their Ultamate Rewards Members, allowing them to personalize consumer engagement, drive growth, and fuel measurable returns. Ultamate Rewards is a free program offered by Ulta that rewards loyal shoppers with exclusive deals.

The Estée Lauder Companies promotes Gibu Thomas to the role of Executive Vice President of ELC Online, effective April 1. ELC Online is a top beauty company on Tmall, the world’s largest online luxury mall, and is a critical component of Estée Lauder Companies’ strategy to win share with the Asia/Pacific consumer.

Ulta Beauty is launching their inaugural Muse Accelerator Program, a course dedicated to supporting early-stage BIPOC beauty brands. Launching in September, the 10-week program will provide time, resources, and mentorship to prepare eight BIPOC-owned brands for retail readiness and the opportunity to learn from industry leaders.

Sexual wellness brand Maude is entering luxury retailer Selfridges this month with more than 20 items, including devices, lubricants, and bath and body products. Maude will be available in-store and online this month at Selfridge’s London location within the retailer’s Sex and Sleep pop-up.

Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest beauty retailer, has launched a digital innovation fund that looks to invest up to $20 million in emerging technology startups. Called Prisma Ventures, the fund will target companies built to disrupt online and in-store experiences with new technology to fuel discovery, personalization, and convenience.

The world of retail is constantly shifting, often too fast to keep track of. Beauty News reached out to three clean beauty retailers; Shen Beauty, The Detox Market, and Credo Beauty to find out what type of products are performing well in sales, merchandising plans, and so much more.

Fragrance and candle brand Boy Smells announced the debut of their launch into Sephora, as well as the release of Woodphoria, a Sephora-exclusive Genderful fine fragrance.