NATIONAL

B&WSSC marks 10 years of transformative skill development

The Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a grand Convocation Ceremony on June 25, 2024. The event was attended by dignitaries including Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It highlighted B&WSSC’s contributions to skill development and empowerment in the beauty and wellness sector. Over a decade, B&WSSC has trained over 13 lakh individuals, promoting women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

A notable highlight of the event was the certification of candidates from the LGBTQIA+ community.

IHB Education hosts a ceremony for underprivileged girls

IHB Education organised the ‘Next Generation’ Graduation Ceremony and a Wedding Hair Show at Sheraton Grand Palace, Indore, on July 5, 2024. The event aimed to empower underprivileged and deaf girls with skills and certifications in the beauty industry. Sixteen deaf girls and over 40 underprivileged girls received international certificates, and 16 secured jobs during the event.

Chief Guest Shankar Lalwani, MP, and special guest Laxmi Narayan Tripathi graced the event. The Wedding Hair Show featured celebrity hairstylist Joakim Roos, Nayana Karunaratne, Founder, IHB Education; and Seema V Jerajani, Founder, SVJ Academy. International fashion designer Charu Parashar also presented her Khadi wedding collection at the event to promote the traditional fabric.

HBF urges GST reduction for salons

The Hair and Beauty Federation India (HBF) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to reduce the 18 per cent GST on salon services ahead of the Union Budget presentation. Despite the salon industry’s rapid growth due to rising beauty consciousness and disposable incomes, high GST rates adversely impact profitability and customer affordability.

Ashok Paliwal, President of HBF, highlighted that the tax burden adversely impacts small salon owners, leading to increased service costs and reduced clientele. This high GST also hampers investment in quality products, staff training and equipment. The Federation’s appeal seeks to lower the GST, making salon services more affordable, stimulating industry growth, and supporting employment, thus ensuring a sustainable future for the beauty and wellness sector.

New hopes for beauty training in Indore

Indore, known for its educational institutions, is set to make a significant leap in wellness and beauty training as a new academy is under process. The project aims to provide threeyear degree courses to professionals in the beauty and wellness industry. The Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) has accepted the proposal to set up this academy. This initiative aims to provide extensive training in cosmetology and other wellness-related fields. The government has granted land spreading across 10 acres for the university along with a grant of Rs 25 crore in phase one of the development.

Wamiqa Gabbi appointed as Innisfree’s first Indian ambassador

Korean brand, Innisfree has announced its first brand ambassador for India, Wamiqa Gabbi. This partnership signifies a new chapter in Innisfree’s journey, further enhancing its presence and connecting with a broader audience. It additionally aims to inspire a new generation of beauty enthusiasts to embrace nature-powered skincare.

Wamiqa Gabbi boasts a career spanning multiple languages and film industries. Her dedication to her craft and authentic approach to beauty resonates with Innisfree’s commitment to natural and sustainable skincare. Her advocacy for ecofriendliness as well as veganism also aligns with PETA-certified Innisfree.

This collaboration is set to amplify the brand’s presence in India.

Estée Lauder unveils third edition of BEAUTY&YOU Awards

The Estée Lauder Companies has announced the third edition of BEAUTY&YOU India. The awards are created by ELC’s New Incubation Ventures (NIV) and launched in partnership with NYKAA. The programme supports India-focused companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, as well as creators. The award winners will be announced on November 16, 2024, at a live event in Goa.

An exciting addition to this year’s program is the BEAUTY&YOU India Bootcamp. Winners will have access to one-on-one mentorship sessions with industry leaders Falguni Nayar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, NYKAA; Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Founder, Sabyasachi; and Rohan Vaziralli, General Manager, ELCA Cosmetics. This unique opportunity aims to provide winners with invaluable insights and mentorship from these experts.

Experience the future with Colorbar’s new AI-powered website

Colorbar Cosmetics has launched its revamped website offering an immersive online shopping experience powered by AI and AR technology. The new platform’s highlight, Virtual Makeup TryOn, offers users realistic augmented reality trials in seven categories, including lips, foundation, blush, mascara, eyelashes, eyeliner and eyeshadow.

Furthermore, the innovative FIR (Find It Right) System brings an immersive foundation-matching experience. Additionally, the Skin Analysis technology, initially available in exclusive stores, is now accessible online. This AI-powered feature provides personalised insights into skin conditions, including skin age and acne analysis, by digitally scanning the face.

In celebration of the launch, Colorbar introduces the ‘#YourPer fectMatch’ campaign, designed to highlight the advanced features of the new platform. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the cutting-edge technology that eliminates guesswork.

Max Factor, Coty’s beauty brand makes its debut in India

Max Factor debuts in the Indian market, in partnership with House of Beauty. Featuring global ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Max Factor will launch its global bestsellers, including foundation, mascara, and lipsticks. These products will be available on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Myntra, Boddess and Tata Cliq as well as at Shoppers Stop. The brand aims to be present at all key beauty retailers by 2025. House of Beauty is facilitating this launch.

PBHJ