Nail Nation

App launches to aid ingredient transparency of cosmetic products

European personal care association, Cosmetics Europe, has launched the COSMILE Europe app to drive transparency and improve consumers’ knowledge of cosmetics ingredients. The app provides free, practical information related to almost 30,000 cosmetics. Users can scan an ingredients list on a product or perform a manual ingredient search to track and avoid ingredients they are allergic to. Available in eight languages, the app provides a convenient entry point to the COSMILE Europe database, launched in February 2023 with the support of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), a UK trade association for companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products. The database helps consumers to understand why certain ingredients are used in their cosmetics and personal care products, which properties they have and more.

The ‘Insights’ section of COSMILE Europe’s app also answers frequently asked ingredients questions and shares how UK and EU legislation ensures products are safe.

The app reflects the cosmetics industry’s commitment to “providing information on the ingredients in cosmetic products in a simple and easily accessible way,” notes John Chave, director general of Cosmetics Europe. “With the COSMILE Europe app, and its new ways of searching and tracking ingredients, accessing this information has never been easier. We hope this tool will contribute to helping European citizens choose their cosmetic products.”

The COSMILE Europe mobile app is available for free via Google Play and App Store.

Autumn Budget: 5 points to note for nail & beauty pros

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, presented the Autumn Budget Statement to parliament on 22 November, declaring Britain’s economy as ‘back on track’. With goals to reward hard work, here are the measures worth noting for employees and self-employed workers:

1. National Insurance contributions cut by 2%

National Insurance will be cut from this month, benefitting 27 million workers. Workers that currently earn up to £50,200 previously paid 12% in National Insurance, and will now pay 10%.

2. Rise in the National Living Wage

The minimum wage will rise from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour from April for those aged 21 and above. The minimum wage for those aged 18 to 20 will rise by £1.11 to £8.60 per hour.

3. State pension to rise by 8.5%

From April, the state pension will rise by 8.5%: from £203.85 per week to £221.20 per week (£11,502.40 per year).

4. Tax break for business investment

The chancellor has extended the temporary tax break that allows businesses to offset any investments. Worth £11bn a year, this break allows firms to pay less corporation tax and was set to expire in 2026, but will now be in place permanently.

5. Business rates relief extended

Mr. Hunt extended a 75% discount on business rates for qualifying small businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, that have struggled to bounce back after the pandemic. To determine whether your business is eligible for this relief, contact your local council. For self-employed workers, the chancellor has abolished class 2 National Insurance contributions and reduced the class 4 NI contributions from 9% to 8%.

Caroline Larissey

Commenting on the Autumn Statement, Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) says: “We’re delighted that the Chancellor has responded to our calls for a continuation of the 75% retail business rates discount. Along with cuts to National Insurance, this will give welcome relief to businesses struggling to cover overheads. Sector recovery has been slow and steady since last spring, and many businesses are still battling to clear Covid debts. “With £50m allocated to apprenticeships in key growth sectors, we look forward to hearing more about how the hair and beauty sector will be supported. Employer incentives to support education and training, particularly apprenticeships, are desperately needed to ensure the future talent pipeline to our vibrant, creative and innovative sector. Given rising wage costs in the spring, sector employers, mostly small and micro businesses, won’t be rushing to take on new staff without additional support.” www.gov.uk

TREATWELL APPOINTS CEO TO STREAMLINE SALON & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE VIA TECHNOLOGY

Digital marketplace expert, Claire Davenport, has been appointed as CEO of Treatwell, a platform that supports beauty and wellness treatment bookings across Europe.

Claire Davenport

Davenport, who has served as CEO of small-business marketplace, Not On The High Street, and on the board of global consumer reviews website, Trustpilot plc, hopes to ‘lead Treatwell into a new era of growth and innovation’.

The Cambridge University graduate is managing a group of over 800 employees across more than 13 countries to lead Treatwell’s digital transformation. The strategy is to invest in and enhance Treatwell’s product and technology in order to fuel growth, and renew the company’s commitment to its online platform, where 60,000 salons meet the beauty needs of users. Davenport comments: “I am thrilled to be joining Treatwell at this pivotal moment. The opportunity to make beauty services more accessible and convenient for people, and support salons’ prosperity, aligns with my drive to simplify and streamline everyday life – for both consumers and businesses – through the power of technology.”

www.treatwell.com

Salon System delivers brow masterclass via College Kits Direct collaboration

Beauty product & training supplier, Salon System, collaborated with College Kits Direct, which provides kits to 150 colleges and academies in the UK&I, to present a brow masterclass session to students. Salon System educators, Lisa Stone and Ruth Atkins, hosted ´the one-hour virtual session, which focused on RefectoCil Custom Colour brow tint.

Attended by over 60 guests, Lisa and Ruth shared how to create a RefectoCil Custom Colour brow tint for clients. Lisa highlighted the importance of a thorough consultation, evaluating skin tone and hair colour to create a harmonious brow tint. Ruth followed with a demo on how to bleach brows, and the pair showcased the RefectoCil Intense Brow(n)s range.

“Working with College Kits Direct is an ideal opportunity to reach students early in their career, so they can receive first-hand education about our products and how best to use and market the treatments,” comments Kathy Holroyd, marketing director at Salon System. “This session focused on RefectoCil, which was very well received. We’ve also hosted masterclasses on our Gellux and Just Wax Expert ranges and will be continuing this collaboration in 2024.”

To attend a free College Kits Direct student masterclass, visit www.collegekitsdirect.com
www.salonsystem.com

Glitterbels nail brand expands distribution to US market 

Glitterbels, the professional nail brand co-founded by Newcastle-under-Lyme nail artist, Annabel Maginnis, and husband, Elliott Maginnis, in 2018, has launched a distribution headquarters in the USA.

The brand has opened a pink-coloured warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia, packed with products from the Glitterbels portfolio – including its Hema-free Builder-bel Gels, coloured acrylic powders, tools, accessories and Unbelievabel Gel. The aim is to support professional nail techs in the US with faster shipping of products with no import tax, and speedy customer service response times.

“Product innovation, trend-led colours and creating beauty must-haves is our driving force,” Annabel comments. “Colour is our passion: from the catwalk to street style, nature and lifestyles, we want to inspire positivity and confidence.”

The US launch was celebrated with an intimate mini masterclass for professionals at HQ with Annabel.

Attendees enjoyed Champagne and a glimpse at the brand’s product offerings.

www.glitterbels.com

UK hair & beauty industry revenue projected to reach £4.6bn by 2029

Salon and spa software provider, Vagaro, has analysed data from IBISWorld, a global industry-market research database, which projects that revenue in the hair and beauty sector will reach £4.6 billion over the next five years. This growth is expected despite the rising cost of living, and after industry revenue saw a period of decline during the pandemic.

Vagaro surveyed UK hair and beauty professionals to understand how inflation has impacted their businesses, and 85% of respondents said they have raised their prices due to inflation. Almost half (49%) of respondents said their wholesale costs have increased by more than 10%, and 39% have accessed their savings to ensure growth and protect the high level of experience they provide to customers.

Haircuts, colour and highlights remained the most popular services for consumers over the past year, accounting for 55% of annual industry revenue, while nailcare services come in next at 16.4%, followed by product sales at 14.9%. Vagaro brand partner & globally-renowned beauty expert, Val Garland, comments: “Consumers are more likely to spend money on a beauty experience in the current economic climate, because they want to be made to feel special. They want the real-life experience of luxury and pampering that one can only really get in a physical beauty environment.” 

The survey also revealed that while some respondents have cut back on products and inventory, they have implemented promotional communication methods via social media, text and email marketing, and by offering deals and discounts to keep their customers engaged.

www.vagaro.com

WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN TO STILETTO & BEYOND COMPETITION

Nail competition organisation, Nailympia, introduced the To Stiletto & Beyond category to its London contest at the end of November 2023, recognising nine winners across three divisions. “After noting that the Invent a Nail Shape competition was proving challenging for judges and creating confusion for competitors, it was necessary to relook at this competition and revitalise it,” reveals Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions. “It was clear that very few entries across the globe have been actual shape and structure nail inventions since introducing this competition, however we saw stunning nails crafted for this category.”

Opting for a solution-oriented approach, it was decided to take all the entries that had been submitted, scored and awarded for Invent A Nail Shape at Nailympia London 2023, and move them into a new competition. The criteria was reformed, the four judges from the original competition were invited to re-score the entries and a fifth judge was added, giving the competition 13 criteria points. Meet the winners:

Division 1 – 1st place: Nozi Brandel, Israel.

DIVISION 1

1st – Nozi Brandel – Israel

2nd – Mei Kwan Leung – Australia

3rd – Tatiana Solovyeva – Russian Federation

Division 2 – 1st place: Mariana Costirco, UK.

DIVISION 2

1st – Mariana Costirco – UK

2nd – Natalia Cibizova – Italy

3rd – Lyubov Tudakova – Russian Federation

Division 3 – 1st place: Mino Vo, UK.

DIVISION 3

1st – Mino Vo – UK

2nd – Tatyana Texter – Germany

3rd – Charisse Cassie – UK

For more information about Nailympia Competitions worldwide, visit www.nailympia.com

Nail pros recognised in NHBF Top 100 Influencers Index 2023

Esteemed names from the hair and beauty industry gathered at St. John’s Church, Hyde Park, London, for the National Hair & Beauty Federation’s Top 100 Influencers Index event.

The NHBF Index recognises industry professionals who use social media to influence, educate and innovate, and saw hundreds of nominations for 2023, which were analysed based on independent data metrics. Nail pros in the 2023 Index are:

• Jennifer Rose of @siren_beauty_x in 98th place.

• Grace Yardley of @nailsbygracey in 89th place.

• Salon System expert, Jaz Moger of @paintbyjaz, in 84th place.

• Protein Formula brand ambassador, Robbie Tomkins of @robbietomkins, in 61st place.

• Head of education for Lecenté, Theresa Foddering of @thenaildresser, in 47th place.

• Magpie Beauty educator, Amanda Byrne of @amanda_byrne_nailartist, in 22nd place.

• Session nail stylist, Michelle Humphrey ´ of @nailsbymh, in 18th place.

• Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year finalist 2023, Charlotte Cliff of @charsgelnails_, in 16th place.

• The GelBottle Inc global brand ambassador, Harriet Westmoreland of @harrietwestmoreland, in 11th place.

• Scratch Stars Social Media Star of the Year 2023,

Kirsty Meakin of @kirstymeakin, in 5th place. NHBF president, Amanda Lodge-Stewart, presented the top spot to hair stylist & haircare expert, Chlöe Swift of @chloeswiftstylist.

84th place in the Index: Jaz Moger.

“The NHBF Top 100 Influencer Index represents a celebration of innovation, talent and dedication within the hair and beauty sector,” comments Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF. “These influencers not only champion professionalism; they have transformed trends and significantly contributed to raising the profile and advancement of our sector, inspiring others to push boundaries and strive for greatness.”

www.nhbf.co.uk

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES 

The global beauty oils market was valued at US $5.74 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach US $10.28 billion by the end of 2033, according to a study by Fact.MR.

In celebration of its new management, Aesthetique Clinics in North London, which uses Cetuem skincare products, hosted a party featuring cake and a ribbon cutting. In attendance was Miss London 2023 & the face of Cetuem cosmetics, Natasha Beresford. www.aesthetic.co.uk / www.cetuem.com

Be Creative has expanded its product offering, unveiling one stroke paints in 10 vibrant hues, developed in collaboration with Scratch Stars Ultimate One Stroke Artist, Rebecca Isaac. To accompany the launch, the brand has also introduced The Pink Brush, a size 2 slanted brush made from 100% Kolinsky sable hair. www.becreativenails.com

Alice Chang, founder & CEO of beauty tech firm, Perfect Corp, has been named as Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswoman of 2023. Alice is among 20 female business leaders across a host of sectors noted in the list. www.forbes.com

Nail Camp 2023 invited 45 nail technicians and 30 guests to a four-day educational event at sea, with stops including Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas in the Mexican Riviera. The cruise featured a range of nail-related activities and a trip on a private boat near Puerto Vallarta. www.nailcamp.org

Piercing provider, Studex, raised over £5,500 for the MND (MotorNeuroneDisease) Associationthrough trade show event piercing in 2023. The annual Studex Golf Day, held at Greetham Valley Golf Course, Rutland, raised over £20,000 for the WeareAllMakingaDifferencecharity, and the company supported piercing partner, KG Salon in Barton Le Clay, with an event to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. www.studexuk.com

PANTONE UNVEILS PEACH FUZZ AS COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024

Global colour authority, Pantone, has revealed Peach Fuzz as its Color of the Year 2024: a ‘compassionate and nurturing soft peach shade, conveying a heartfelt kindness’.

A shade has been chosen annually since 1999 to support colour decisions for brands and manufacturers, and the hue supports trends across fashion, beauty and product design. It also helps express the moods and attitudes of consumers. 

Of the colour, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director for Pantone Color Institute, comments: “A cosy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging and inspires recalibration and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm.” For beauty, this year’s Pantone may influence eyeshadow, blush, lipstick and nail shades – as well as the packaging of these products. Of the shade, Samantha Sweet, CCO of Sweet Squared, comments: “Peach Fuzz caters to various skin tones, and its versatility makes it a beauty essential.” Salon System expert, Jaz Moger of Paint By Jaz, adds: “Peach Fuzz is a beautiful, subtle colour that offers a feeling of sweetness and romance. Apply solo to nails, or blend with earthy tones as desired.”

Scan here to view Scratch’s pick of nail products and designs in this year’s Pantone www.pantone.com

Research reveals the royal women with the most talked-about beauty routines

Beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, has analysed the number of online articles that mention the beauty routines of female members of the royal family. These articles have been combined and ranked by the MuckRuck platform to discover which royal women had the most talked-about beauty routines online over the last 12 months.

The late Queen had 63,693 article mentions regarding her beauty routine, including references to her make-up, skincare and haircare. Renowned for her bright lipstick and nude nail polish, articles referencing the late Queen’s make-up reached 9,522: the highest of any of the royal family.

Ranking second is Meghan Markle, with 58,377 beauty-related articles. In third place is Princess Diana, followed by Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla. Sarah Ferguson and The Queen Mother had the least amount of articles related to their beauty routines, with 5,950 and 5,827 articles respectively.

A spokesperson for Fresha comments: “It’s common for people to be interested in the beauty routines of public figures like the royals, as they often set trends and influence beauty standards across the globe. What may be surprising, however, is that the late Queen Elizabeth II takes the top spot, beating the likes of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.

“Despite being crowded by the hectic duties of a monarch for 70 years, the late Queen was known as a style and beauty inspiration to many.” www.fresha.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

7 January 2024

Nail Order’s Sunday Service Event

Product provider, Nail Order, is hosting a networking event in Birmingham. It will feature talks from industry experts, workshops and interactive experiences, followed by a party in the evening and performance by Ru Paul’s Drag Race’s Black Peppa.

Tickets are available via www.nailorder.co.uk

1 February-10 March 2024

Scratch Stars Awards: Entry open

Showcase your excellence and enter up to two categories in the 12th Scratch Stars Awards, which recognises nail talent in the UK&I. There are 18 categories to choose from, and the first stage requires submission of an online form.

Head to www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars to find out more.

22-24 March 2024 

Nailympia Germany

Keen to compete? Register for the seven Nailympia Germany online categories by 1 February, and 11 arena categories by 29 February. The arena competitions and results announcement will be held at the BEAUTY Düsseldorf trade exhibition in Germany.

Register via www.nailympia.de

Izabelle Hammon marks gel product milestones

Professional nail product supplier & training company, Izabelle Hammon, is commemorating 12 years of Pro Base & Build: a builder and sculpting gel available in jar or bottle-and-brush options. The clear product adds strength, builds shape and can be used to extend nails. It cures in 10 seconds and is designed to prolong the longevity of colour gel systems, while offering user-friendly application. No base coat or primer is required, and those already qualified in sculpting gel techniques do not need further training. It offers a wear time of up to six weeks and can be infilled: simply remove existing gel or gel polish colour, rebalance the Pro Base & Build and apply fresh colour on top.

Originally called iZ Gel, this builder gel in a bottle was rebranded to Pro Base & Build when Izabelle Hammon Ltd launched Pro Colour, a one-step gel system. The colour portfolio is complemented by Gel & Go, a Hema-free gel polish available in over 100 shades, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

www.izabellehammon.com