Weekly Musings:

• Kim Kardashian announces she is creating makeup again - this time called SKKN By Kim Makeup - after ending KKW Beauty nearly 3 years ago: Kim K’s back with a new makeup line. The decision to introduce SKKN by Kim Makeup instead of reviving KKW Beauty presents a new direction in her brand strategy. Should she have brought back KKW Beauty, or will SKKN by Kim Makeup hit the mark? I’m scratching my head here, but hey, a nude lip is a nude lip.
• It’s time to transform your skincare routine with the help of Mrs Bieber: Hailey Bieber's skincare brand, Rhode, is launching a pineapple cleanser. I like that they’re moving away from the buzz of colour cosmetics, back to basics. And the shoot? Super cute. SpongeBob vibes, but make it chic. Trust Mrs Bieber to tell a brand story that’s both delicious and stylish.
• Alaïa Presents Its Winter 2024 Collection Via Model Selfies: I think I first saw Balenciaga do this last year. Sometimes, when I’m looking for something on the Zara app, I see it too. Selfie lookbooks. Pieter Mulier, creative director of Alaïa, follows suit with their 2024 winter collection. Coach too. Overall, I'm a fan of this trend. Phones on the runway lookbooks bring a new experience to luxury fashion, one that's more grounded and personal. It's exciting to see brands experimenting with this concept, and I'm curious to see who else might follow suit.

• The Business of Beauty is doubling down on their commitment to rigorous coverage of the global beauty and wellness space, with more content and events: If you own a beauty brand of any sort—skincare, makeup, hair, wellness, etc.—you need to sign up to hear from The Business of Beauty. What are you waiting for?
• What the rise of babygirl men means for fashion: Very interesting read. I had never heard of ‘babygirl men’ (I don’t usually care about men or their influence on culture), so had to look further into this rising trend. Barry Keoghan is one. Pedro Pascal is definitely one. Kendall Roy from succession is apparently one??? Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and others… What I am picking up about this trend is that it's not just about looks; it's about being interesting and universally loved. Also, most babygirl men often break gender norms with their fashion choices. Thoughts?
• Lip Gloss Is Beauty’s Secret to Sales and Sex: Rachel Strugatz says, “it’s skincare brands, not makeup brands, launching the most successful lip gloss products right now.” And she’s not lying.
• Abigail Disney says it was 'wrong' to fly alone on family's private Boeing 737: Well, duh.

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