Welcome to the inaugural issue of 2024! As we eagerly step into this new chapter, it’s with great excitement that I share some truly momentous news with all of you. This edition isn’t just a landmark as our 75th issue; it also celebrates 20 years of Retail Beauty‘s presence in the industry.

For those who’ve been with us from the start, you’ll fondly recall that very first issue of esprit, a dream brought to life by the visionary founder, Andrea Ferrari. What began as a monthly print publication in the UK has blossomed into an essential quarterly industry bible in Australia. Today, Retail Beauty has expanded its horizons even further, embracing the digital age with our website, newsletter, active social media channels, and, let me whisper a little secret… we’re gearing up for an exciting awards event.

Gracing our cover this month is the fabulous Sonia Kruger, renowned for co-hosting the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars and her iconic role as Tina Sparkle in the 1992 classic film Strictly Ballroom. Sonia has recently embraced the role of brand ambassador for FreezeFrame. Turn to page 10 for more.

The world of skincare is buzzing, especially around tweens using products that may be too advanced for their young skin. As a mother of two, with one daughter on the cusp of her tween years, this topic strikes a chord with me. On page 16, our Beauty Breakthrough feature gathers wisdom from leading Beauty Advisors, offering essential guidance for young, curious minds exploring the skincare world.

Elle Macpherson, aka The Body, recently graced our shores to shine a light on her latest business endeavour, WelleCo. And I must say, seeing her in person, she’s every bit the knockout beauty we’ve admired in magazines. I had the pleasure of sitting down with WelleCo’s CEO, Leighton Richards, to pick his brains about all things business, and what it’s like having a supermodel as a boss. Our conversation dives into his corporate journey and how the brand continue to fuel a wellness revolution. See page 39.

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, we take a moment to spotlight the skincare brands that are making waves on TikTok. Check out our curated list on page 46 to see who’s topping the charts. Additionally, Tony Keusgen of SnapChat unravels how beauty brands are embracing AI to connect with consumers in novel ways. His insights on page 54 are a peek into the future of digital beauty marketing.

Our lineup of extraordinary contributors are back to inform and educate you with their expertise. Jo-Anne Hui-Miller explores the burgeoning trend of DIY manicures and the transformation of nail care by beauty brands on page 32. Meanwhile, Nikita Papas delves into the world of skin-loving, tinted serums on page 42, a trend that’s redefining the intersection of skincare and makeup.

Customer engagement is the heart of any business, and Ricky Allen sheds light on the delicate balance between retaining loyal customers and attracting new ones on page 66. For the makeup enthusiasts, Michael Brown‘s exploration of metallic makeup on page 70 is an absolute treat, while Icy Ling‘s piece on tailoring retail experiences for Chinese consumers in Australia on page 72 offers valuable insights into cultural nuances in beauty retail.

This issue is brimming with more enthralling content, and I can’t wait to catch up with our pharmacy friends at the APP2024 on the Gold Coast. For those who can’t make it, we’ve got you covered with an extensive overview on page 20.

Thank you for being an integral part of Retail Beauty’s story – your support, engagement, and passion have been the driving force behind our success.

Here’s to celebrating our past, embracing the present, and looking forward to a future filled with beauty, innovation, and continued success. Cheers to 20 years of Retail Beauty and to many more to come!

Michelle Ruzzene, Editor

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