Coty is confident that it can build Kylie Cosmetics into a global powerhouse. However, some analysts have misgivings about the firm’s heavy investment in a celebrity brand, questioning whether its success could be a fad and noting Coty’s “poor track record” with acquisitions overall.

Leadership assured analysts on 6 November that Coty's Professional Beauty and Brazilian businesses are strong performers of high interest to potential acquirers, unlike Younique. Coty recently sold its majority stake in the social selling company back to its founders at a price that raised eyebrows.

Canadian extraction specialist Neptune, which has transitioned from marine-based oils for the nutrition market to focus on cannabis opportunities, says its budding Forest Remedies line could expand to more than 100 hemp-derived cosmetic, dietary supplement and home-care products under a recently announced collaboration with International Flavors & Fragrances.

P&G approach to advertising for SK-II skin care drove double-digit sales growth in new users and prompted a 27% increase in searches for the line. P&G has saved $1bn from cost-cutting in ad agencies and advertising implemented over past five years, says chief brand officer Marc Pritchard.

Africa represents a new frontier for health and beauty firms. With significant economic growth and a population explosion forecast for the continent, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the Africa opportunity, market expert Ben Longman told the recent Ceuta International Conference.

Amazon will offer savings of 25% on own-brand Solimo purchases starting the weekend of Cyber Monday, among other promotions planned across its dietary supplement and personal-care categories. Meanwhile, Vitamin Shoppe and GNC will be discounting products up to 40% during the typically busy five-day stretch for nutrition and wellness shopping.

On the bright side in North America, the Revlon brand has reclaimed its lead in the US mass lip segment, and both Revlon and Almay are off to strong starts in the fourth quarter, company leadership says. The firm continues to build the international and digital sides of its business in search of sustainable growth outside of Elizabeth Arden.

Analysts believe Henkel is a top contender to acquire Coty’s professional hair-care business, which ranks second in the world after L’Oreal’s, with Henkel’s a distant third. According to Kline’s Carrie Mellage, the DevaCurl deal shows the German firm’s enduring appetite for M&A following a series of similarly small, US-focused purchases in recent years that could be leading to something much larger.

The German firm’s sales increased 6% over the first nine months of fiscal 2019, led by La Prairie luxury, but its mass-market business remains a strategic priority. Bigger digital investments, natural skin-care launches and a sharpened focus on Nivea development in China should help spur growth in the segment.