L’Oréal signed MoU with Suez to improve environmental performance

Beauty firm L’Oréal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Suez to improve environmental performance and optimise resource management at all of its industrial, administrative, and research centres.

Signed for an initial term of three years, the agreement involves development of new solutions for sustainable production, address changes associated with climate, protection of oceans and water resources, and preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

The firms will also work towards promoting the circular economy and recovery of material at all L’Oréal sites to support reuse and recycling.

---

New bill amends FDA’s Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve cosmetics safety

US Senators Dianne Feinstein and Susan Collins introduced the Personal Care Products Safety Act to amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve safety.

Proposed to create uniform safety rules and regulate the ingredients used in personal care products, the new bill aims to update federal safety rules made in 1938.

The bill proposes the FDA assess the safety and appropriate use of at least five ingredients per year. It also provides clear guidance regarding the amount and the use of ingredients.

---

Bar-Ilan University developed new anti-wrinkle technologystrong>

Researchers at Israel-based Bar-Ilan University developed a new anti-wrinkle technology designed to alter the size of hyaluronic acid polymer molecules.

Led by professors Rachel Lubart and Aharon Gedanken, the team has been working on micronising and characterising hyaluronic acid for the past few years. Aimed to address wrinkles and sagging skin, the new technology allowed researchers to generate hyaluronic acid particles of various sizes, reported Jewish Business News.

Cosmetician Hava Zingboim licenced the technology and developed a formula to enable penetration of hyaluronic acid into skin layers using cream application instead of injection.

---

Shiseido commenced domestic operations of Laura Mercier in Canada

Shiseido's Canadian division launched the sales, marketing, public relations, and logistical operations of French cosmetics brand Laura Mercier and skincare brand RéVive.

Shiseido's subsidiary Shiseido Americas acquired both brands last year.

Laura Mercier's portfolio includes colour cosmetics, makeup, body and bath creams, skincare, and fragrance products.

---

Electric Mirror introduced new mirror that can be modified to different light environments

Electric Mirror introduced new lighted mirror Ava to help improve makeup application.

The new mirror employs SmartLook technology, which allows users to modify its light levels and colour tones to match the environment they are about to encounter. This feature enables women to apply makeup precisely.

Electric Mirror's executive vice-president and partner Aaron Mischel said: "Ava gives women the confidence to look their best in any environment.

---

Givaudan invested in new fragrance centre in Singapore

Givaudan announced construction has started on the new fragrance encapsulation centre in Singapore.

Set to begin production next year, the new facility is expected to support the firm’s production capabilities, increase its footprint in encapsulation technology, and help strengthen partnerships with customers in the region.

The 500m2, four-level centre will feature a development lab, advanced manufacturing technology, offices, and a warehouse.

---

Meitu launched new virtual makeup designs by Bretman Rock on MakeupPlus app

China-based technology firm Meitu launched three new virtual makeup styles created by celebrity Bretman Rock on its MakeupPlus app.

MakeupPlus is an augmented reality app, which uses facial recognition to map the facial features of each user, resulting in accurate and natural virtual makeup application.

The app's users can virtually try on new looks Boujee, Whatevah, and Mary Jane through their smartphones.

---

ModiFace and SoundHound to develop voice-enabled smart mirror software

Augmented technology provider ModiFace partnered with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies developer SoundHound to develop a new smart mirror software.

The firms intend to utilise SoundHound's voice-enabled AI platform Houndify in ModiFace's augmented reality (AR) mirror software to enable brands and customers to interact with the mirror through voice activation and live video.

Beauty brands can use the voice-enabled smart mirror software in-store and in ModiFace's smartphone AR applications.

---

Unilever to form JV with EAC in Myanmar

UK-based consumer goods firm Unilever is set to form a joint venture (JV) with Myanmar-based Europe & Asia Commercial Company (EAC) to support ongoing operations.

The Personal Care and Home Care businesses of Unilever Myanmar will be combined with the respective businesses of EAC to form a new joint entity, Unilever EAC Myanmar.

With annual sales in excess of €100m, the new company will manufacture, market, and distribute personal and home care products in the country.

---

Fragrance Du Bois to expand into UK with new in-store boutique

Luxury perfume house Fragrance Du Bois is set to expand its footprint in the UK with the opening of its first in-store boutique in London.

Set to open next month, the ‘Embassy of rare perfumes’ at 21 Conduit street in Mayfair will feature the firm’s portfolio of products.

The move follows Fragrance Du Bois' successful partnership with the House of Jovoy in Paris.