As of September 28, 2026, the global beauty industry experienced a transformative week driven by luxury brand innovation and the accelerated global expansion of K-Beauty. From Prada Beauty's new lip care launch to Shinsegae's push into the US market, major brands are making strategic moves that are reshaping the industry landscape.
Prada Beauty Launches 'Lip Jelly,' a New Luxury Lip Care Product
Prada Beauty is bringing a fresh breeze to the luxury beauty market with the introduction of its new lip care item, the ‘NEW Prada Lip Jelly.’ According to Vogue Korea (2026.09.28), this new product, featuring brand ambassador Byeon Woo-seok (변우석), goes beyond simple moisturizing, focusing on elevating lip care into a 'luxury gesture.' It aims for transparent makeup that naturally enhances the lips' inherent beauty, showcasing Prada Beauty's sensibility where less adornment leads to more clarity.
https://www.vogue.co.kr/2026/09/28/%ed%94%84%eb%9d%b4%eb%8b%a4-%eb%b7%b0%ed%8b%b0%ea%b0%80-%eb%a6%bd-%ec%bc%80%ec%96%b4%eb%a5%bc-%eb%94%94%ec%9e%90%ec%9d%b8%ed%95%98%eb%8a%94-%eb%b0%a9%eb%b2%95/Shinsegae Intensifies Push into US K-Beauty Market
Korean department store group Shinsegae (신세계) is expanding its international K-Beauty strategy and officially entering the US market. According to Global Cosmetics News (2026.09.28), Shinsegae has opened a three-month K-Beauty pop-up store called 'Hyper Ground' at Hudson Yards in New York. This 2,000-square-foot space features over 30 K-Beauty brands that have not yet secured US distribution, showcasing a wide range of products including skincare, makeup, fragrances, body and hair care, and beauty devices.
https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/shinsegae-targets-us-beauty-market-with-k-beauty-retail-platform/Armani Explores Future Strategy Through Stake Sale
Italian luxury group Armani is preparing for official discussions with L'Oréal, LVMH, and EssilorLuxottica regarding the sale of a minority stake to develop a post-founder strategy. Global Cosmetics News (2026.09.28) reports that Giorgio Armani (조르지오 아르마니) instructed his heirs in his will to sell an initial 15% stake within 18 months of his death. This suggests the potential for strategic alliances among major players in the luxury beauty and fashion industries.
Manucurist Secures Investment to Accelerate International Expansion
European private equity firm Inflexion has agreed to invest in French nail care brand Manucurist (마누큐리스트) to support its international expansion. According to Global Cosmetics News (2026.09.28), Manucurist specializes in plant-based, vegan nail formulations and at-home LED gel manicures. Founded in Paris in 2016, the brand is currently sold in over 40 countries. The US market, in particular, is targeted as a key growth driver.
https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/inflexion-invests-in-manucurist-to-accelerate-international-expansion/신세계 팝업 스토어 규모 (제곱피트) 2,000
![약업신문] '2025 K-뷰티 엑스포 코리아' 역대 최대 규모로 개막 - KBEAUTY EXPO KOREA](https://kagit-media.atreez.cc/editorial/scout/cmukvj2h8hvq0qv1j6q9uiha1/5353f92cac1e.jpg)
신세계 팝업 입점 K-뷰티 브랜드 수 30+
마누큐리스트 진출 국가 수 40+
Analyzing Key Trends in the Global Beauty Market
This week's beauty industry news can be summarized by two major trends. First, luxury brands are pursuing the 'luxurification of experience,' moving beyond just products. Prada Beauty's 'Lip Jelly' elevates everyday care into a special gesture, while Armani's discussions about a stake sale demonstrate strategic shifts for sustainable brand growth within a changing market environment. Second, the global expansion of Asian beauty brands, led by K-Beauty, has become a necessity, not an option. Shinsegae's 'Hyper Ground' pop-up in New York serves as a bridgehead, introducing promising K-Beauty brands to the US market. Meanwhile, successful international investments in clean beauty brands like Manucurist attest to the global increase in demand for vegan and sustainable beauty. Additionally, according to Allure Korea (2026.09.28), The History of Whoo's (더후) 'Bicheop NAD Power Ampoule' (비첩 NAD 파워 앰플) (INCI: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) won a 2026 <Allure Best of Beauty> Award, highlighting the continued attention on innovative ingredient approaches in luxury Hanbang (한방, traditional Korean herbal medicine) beauty.
As such, the global beauty market is continuously evolving, driven by the restructuring of luxury brands, the aggressive overseas expansion of K-Beauty, and the spread of clean beauty trends. Innovation and strategic partnerships that align with consumers' changing needs will be key drivers for the market moving forward.
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