In 2025, global beauty retailer Sephora came under investigation by the office of a state attorney general amid allegations that it marketed anti-aging skincare products to children. The inquiry has raised concerns over ethical marketing practices, age-appropriate product placement, and the broader responsibilities of beauty retailers in protecting young consumers. Allegations and Investigation There is an ongoing investigation regarding Sephora’s in-store displays, social media promotions, and online promotions, which critics claim promote the sale of products such as retinoids, acids, and other ingredients designed for adult skin to pre-teens. The attorney general has received complaints. The complaints allege that many…
Author: MariamS243
In 2025, skincare brand Glow Recipe filed a lawsuit against cosmetics company Makeup By Mario over what it claims is trademark infringement involving the phrase “Watermelon Glow.” The legal dispute has drawn attention across the beauty industry, as both brands are well-known in the premium cosmetics space and have strong followings among consumers and influencers. The lawsuit centers on Glow Recipe’s argument that the phrase “Watermelon Glow,” which has become closely associated with its product line, is a protected trademark that cannot be used by competing brands in ways that could create confusion among customers. A Signature Product Line Several…
In October 2025, a public dispute emerged between a professional model and pop star-turned-entrepreneur Selena Gomez following remarks made during a recent industry event connected to Rare Beauty. The controversy began after the model accused Gomez of making comments that were “degrading” toward traditional fashion models while discussing inclusivity and brand representation. The exchange has since ignited widespread debate across social media, raising questions about evolving beauty standards, representation in marketing, and tensions between celebrity-founded brands and established modeling professionals. The Speech That Sparked the Debate At a recent public event in early October, Gomez spoke out about Rare Beauty’s…
In December 2025, a high-profile influencer trip organized by Tarte Cosmetics became the center of online controversy after one invited creator was accused of displaying “out-of-touch” behavior throughout the luxury getaway. The backlash quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram, and X, reigniting debate about influencer culture, brand-sponsored travel, and economic sensitivity in marketing. The Luxury Trip That Sparked Debate Tarte is known for putting together extravagant influencer getaways to showcase new products and build relationships with digital creators. In December 2025, Tarte held a retreat at a high-end international property where participants were able to stay in luxury private villas, enjoy…
In January 2025, clean beauty brand Kosas was served with a formal notice of intent to sue over allegations that one of its mascaras contained trace levels of chemicals classified as potential carcinogens under California law. The notice, filed under the state’s Proposition 65 framework, accuses the company of failing to provide adequate warnings to consumers about exposure to certain substances detected in product testing. The development has triggered renewed scrutiny of ingredient transparency in the beauty industry — particularly among brands that market themselves as “clean,” “non-toxic,” or health-conscious. The Allegations Independent lab tests allegedly found trace quantities of…
In 2025, skincare brand Rhode settled its long-running trademark dispute with fashion label Rhode-NYC, bringing an end to a legal battle that had followed the beauty company since its launch. The case, which centered on the shared use of the name “Rhode,” had raised complex questions about branding, intellectual property rights, and the challenges of launching celebrity-backed businesses in crowded markets. The Origins of the Dispute Founded by Hailey Bieber, Rhode launched with a minimalist approach to skincare focused on simplifying your routine and using products/processes that would help support your skin’s barrier. Not long after its debut, however, an…
In January 2026, skincare brand Drunk Elephant unveiled a new marketing campaign explicitly aimed at adult consumers, signaling a strategic shift away from what many in the beauty industry have dubbed the “Sephora Kids” phenomenon. The move comes after months of online debate linking the brand to pre-teen shoppers frequenting stores operated by Sephora. The Rise of “Sephora Kids” In recent months, there have been many videos on social networks of tweens—young girls—buying high-end facial products at places like Sephora or Ulta stores. The trend, called “Sephora Kids,” led to concerns from many dermatologists and parents as to whether or…
Celebrity Review Ignites Ongoing Brand Rivalry A simmering dispute between lash brands Lashify and Pro Lash intensified in March 2025 after a viral product review by reality TV personality Bethenny Frankel thrust the companies back into the spotlight. What began as a side-by-side comparison video quickly evolved into renewed legal tensions, public statements, and heated debate within the beauty community. The Viral Review Bethenny Frankel, known for her unfiltered product critiques, posted a video reviewing at-home lash extension systems from both brands. In the clip, she praised certain aspects of one brand’s design and pricing while criticizing what she described…
Luxury Beauty Brand Resolves Class Action Lawsuit Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Ltd. (CTB), a luxury cosmetics company, reached a $2.9 million settlement in February 2025 to resolve claims that its virtual try-on feature violated biometric privacy laws. The settlement is the result of negotiated terms between all parties to the proposed class action lawsuit, and if a consumer’s face was recorded in this manner, the company’s practice would violate both the requirement of proper notice before recording data and acquiring adequate consent before recording data. Although CTB denies any violations of law, it chose to settle as opposed to incur additional…
In August 2025, UK-based cosmetics brand Made By Mitchell faced mounting criticism after its founder, Mitchell Halliday, was publicly accused of ghosting and exploiting a competition winner. The allegations, which surfaced on social media, quickly gained traction within the beauty community, prompting widespread debate about influencer-led brands and accountability. The Competition That Sparked the Controversy Earlier this year, Made By Mitchell announced an online competition with big prize packages. According to the promotional materials for the competition, the lucky winner would receive money to help them get started, a chance to work with a mentor, and be featured with the…