Who knew that little Italy actually produces 55% of the world’s makeup products? Italian craftsmanship is renowned for combining age old traditions with a modern twist and at a recent event in New York hosted by the Italian Trade Agency this expertise was in the spotlight. Is it any wonder then that Beauty Made in Italy is in demand?

Just in time for retailers to make adjustments to Fall and Holiday assortments, trend-tracker Spate shares insight on what’s driving the market. While travel friendly formats and foodie scents are still all the rage, the good news is that indie brands are getting their share of the spotlight.

Italian Glassmaker for cosmetics and fragrance Luigi Bormioli has partnered with LionGlass on a new eco-friendly alternative to soda lime silicate glass. Not only is this new option more planet-friendly but it’s also more crack-resistant.

As the US continues to revise its regulations on cosmetics safety several new standards need to be respected, one of which relates to fragrance allergen labelling. This article provides a brief overview of some of the changes that brands need to address if products are sold in this market.

Luxury and personalization meet in a new AI-driven tool which will allow customers to get involved in the creation process. The Perfume Movement will be trialed in the Middle East, a region where fragrance and individual olfactory expression are de rigueur.

From unexpected gourmands to punk moodiness, from new florals to boozy notes, the Fall fragrance launches offer something intriguing for everyone. Brand founders including Dmitri Weber of Goldfield & Banks and Michelle Feeney of Floral Street share their thoughts on the Fall scent trends coming to a counter near you.

What makes a consumer loyal to a luxury brand? Exceptional product, the finest craftsmanship and excellent quality are de rigueur, so what else should a brand do? It goes back to making every interaction extraordinary and authentic. Relationship building, creating memorable experiences, connecting honestly, and so much more. Great reading for any brand.

As the luxury sector continues to struggle, it’s probably inevitable that Net-a-Porter is deciding to shift its beauty business. Sadly, like FarFetch before them, these multi-brand sites just don’t seem to understand how to make the most of beauty. By switching to an affiliate model they will be the bridge driving consumers to their partner’s e-commerce channels to complete the purchase.

As the Chinese consumer dips a toe into fragrance, the market is increasingly more polarized between pricey foreign brands and entry-level local ones who focus on cultural heritage elements. And with economic conditions shifting consumer behavior away from luxury spending towards being cost-conscious, now is the time for brands to rethink their strategies in the region.

Beauty and skincare brands will be interested in this report which shares data on the regional preferences of consumers around the world. Serums or sunscreen? Eco-friendly or high tech? Here is terrific source of information to consider when developing new product and when studying new market entry.