Korea Town plans to have 50 branches across the GCC before 2028

Source: Boutiqaat Group for Perfumes and Cosmetics. The Korea Town expansion is in collaboration with Boutiqaat.

Korea Town, the prime destination for Korean beauty in Kuwait and the wider Gulf, will be expanding regionally. The company aims to open 50 branches across the GCC by end-2027. The announcement comes as Korea Town officially joins forces with Boutiqaat Group for Perfumes and Cosmetics, a regional specialist in e-commerce and digital retail.

Operating under the Powered by Boutiqaat model, Korea Town is set to accelerate its growth by leveraging Boutiqaat's advanced infrastructure, logistics, and digital capabilities. The expansion amplifies Korea Town's long-term vision of becoming a cornerstone of the Gulf's beauty retail landscape — setting new benchmarks for growth, innovation, and consumer engagement.

The expansion aligns with the reveal of Korea Town's newly-redesigned branch at The Gate Mall in Kuwait, offering shoppers an elevated retail experience that blends innovation with authentic Korean beauty culture.

With a portfolio of over 250 Korean beauty brands, Korea Town continues to strengthen its position as the Gulf's go-to hub for K-beauty. Its extensive selection spans skincare, haircare,  cosmetics, accessories, and cutting-edge lifestyle trends.

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Send partnership enquiries to kt.distribution@boutiqaat.com

Global debut for three Malaysian Muslim-friendly lifestyle brands

Three Malaysian Muslim-friendly brands — NARA, CAMELLIA, and MZH — have made their global debut. 

Source: MZH Commerce. Three Muslim-friendly lifestyle brands, NARA, CAMELLIA and MZH, made their global debut in Malaysia at the Global Premiere Ceremony 2025: A New Era of Modest Elegance. From left: YM Raja Haniza, Founder of CAMELLIA; YM Tengku Khairul Adena, Founder of NARA; and Sophia, Founder of MZH.

Daniel Choong, CEO, MZH Commerce said: "These brands are a true celebration of entrepreneurship, creativity, and cultural pride. I am honoured to bring my business experience into cultivating meaningful brands, made even more special by the trust and support of their Highnesses. Together, we hope to place Malaysia on the global stage as a leader in modest lifestyle and fashion."

All three brands reflect the spirit of modest elegance:

NARA, founded by Yang Mulia (YM)* Tengku Khairul Adena, embodies timeless luxury and sophistication. With a focus on handbags and cosmetics, NARA blends heritage and modernity to create statement pieces. Inspired by YM Tengku Khairul Adena's vision to empower women with confidence and individuality, the brand celebrates elegance that is classic and contemporary.

CAMELLIA, founded by Yang Mulia Raja Haniza binti Raja Dato' Hanipuddin, was born from her lifelong fascination with beauty. As a teenager, she immersed herself in skincare and cosmetics, inspired by her family's premium beauty and health products. Today, CAMELLIA creates refined essentials for women seeking purity, confidence, and elegance.

MZH, the flagship brand, delivers products that combine quality, beauty, and design, reflecting a global expression of modest elegance. MZH brings together founder Sophia's passion for aesthetics and fashion, transforming heritage inspiration into lifestyle offerings. Sophia, a Hui ethnic Chinese Muslim and accomplished straw artwork artist, created an MZH portfolio that includes skincare, makeup, and fragrances. 

Sophia, Founder and Executive Director of MZH shared: "Meeting the princesses was a turning point — their grace, purity, and kindness deeply moved me and inspired the creation of these brands. My vision is to infuse faith and beauty into every detail, so that Muslims everywhere can enjoy the finest quality, the most beautiful designs, and the highest level of lifestyle experiences."

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Products from NARA, CAMELLIA, and MZH will be available through TikTok Shop in Malaysia. There are plans to expand internationally.

*The YM title is an honorific for members of the royal family. 

Growth expected in halal cosmetics and personal care market

Technavio says the halal cosmetics and personal care market is poised to grow by US$28.34 billion from 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 7% during the forecast period. Year-over-year growth for 2020 is estimated at 6.7%.

Source: Technavio. The Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care Market 2020-2024 report forecasts 6.7% growth globally for 2020.

According to its halal cosmetics and personal care market report:

- Demand for halal personal care and grooming products for men are major trends driving the growth of the market.

- The Asia Pacific region will contribute 44% of the market share.

- The company advises market vendors to focus more on the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments.

Vendors mentioned in the Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care Market 2020-2024 report include:

• Amara Halal Cosmetics
• Clara International Beauty Group
• Ivy Beauty
• PROLAB COSMETICS
• Martina Berto
• Paragon Technology and Innovation 
• Saaf Skincare 
• Talent Cosmetics Company
• Total Beauty Network
• Wipro Enterprises

However, Technavio said the market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period.

Technavio is a global technology research and advisory company focusing on emerging market trends and actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimise their market positions. Technavio’s report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries.

Details:

Buy the report

APAC to drive global halal cosmetics and personal care market through to 2022

Source: Technavio, via Businesswire. Infographic on the global halal cosmetics and personal care market 2018-2022.

Technavio forecasts that the global halal cosmetics and personal care market to grow at a CAGR of 13.55% from 2018 to 2022. To calculate market size, the company considered the revenue generated from the sales of halal cosmetics and personal care through online and offline channels.

A key factor driving growth is the rising Muslim population worldwide. Technavio said an increase in demand from the growing Muslim population and rising awareness of halal cosmetics and personal care products are pushing demand up.  Improved standardisation and certifications are another market driver.

As the Asia Pacific region (APAC) is home to more than 55% of the Muslim population, the region is experiencing a relatively higher demand for halal cosmetics and personal care products. EMEA led the market in 2017 with a global halal cosmetics and personal care market share of close to 52%. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth, while the other two regions will witness a decline in their market shares.

Brands listed in the report include: 

• Amara Halal Cosmetics
• Ivy Beauty Corporation
• Martha Tilaar Group
• PT Paragon Technology and Innovation, the parent company for Wardah
• Total Beauty Network, parent company of Inika
• WiproEL

Vendors in the market are trying to capitalise on the demand for halal personal care and grooming products for men. Although many vendors manufacture halal cosmetics and personal care products for women, not many cater to men. Segment categories include skincare products, haircare products, and fragrances. Celebrity endorsements are also encouraging men to use personal care and grooming products.

“Presently, Millennial Muslim consumers are becoming conscious of their looks and appearance, propelling an interest in personal grooming among young men. This expands the consumer base of the market. Therefore, the interest in personal grooming is expected to spike the volume sales of halal cosmetics and personal care products during the forecast period,” says a senior analyst at Technavio.

As halal cosmetics and personal care become more popular, the counterfeiters will also have a field day, Technavio warns.

Details:

Buy the report

Halal Product Certification Bill in Indonesia expected to transform markets

Source: Wardah website. How to wear red lipstick.

Close to 90% of the population in Indonesia is Muslim and thus interested in halal certified products, notes Euromonitor in a blog post.

Halal beauty products was a relatively niche area until the end of the review period, said Euromonitor, naming Paragon Technology and Innovation as the most prominent player in this area at the end of 2015. Its Wardah brand in cosmetics and skincare has allowed the company to capitalise on the growing popularity of halal beauty products in 2015, with its value share reaching 2% that year.

Things are expected to change as Indonesia passed the Halal Product Certification Bill in September 2014 that stipulates all products, including beauty brands, must be halal-certified by 2019. This requirement covers product ingredients, production machinery and equipment, as well as the entire value-chain process, with international manufacturers consequently starting to work towards halal certification, Euromonitor notes.

Some early adopters include L’Oréal Indonesia, which built a manufacturing plant in Indonesia at the end of the review period and now has around 145 of its ingredients halal-certified so as to meet the needs of Indonesian consumers. Colgate-Palmolive is another early adopter, with the company launching a halal toothpaste featuring miswak (Editor's note: miswak [مسواك] refers to twigs from a particular tree that were traditionally used for cleaning the teeth).

Unilever Indonesia also joined this trend in 2015 with the launch of Sunsilk Clean & Fresh, which is targeted at women who wear hijabs daily. The company partnered with New York based Francesca Fusco, a leading scalp treatment specialist, to launch this new variant. Incorporating citrus vitamin complex, Sunsilk Clean & Fresh nourishes hair strands while offering a clean and fresh sensation for the scalp which helps hijab-wearers feel more comfortable.

According to Euromonitor, halal beauty products are expected to gain further prominence over the forecast period as a result of the implementation of the Halal Product Certification Bill. Manufacturers will have to move quickly to ensure their existing ingredients and products are compliant in the short-term. This is especially crucial for international giants, which dominate sales in multiple beauty and personal care categories. While coping with securing halal-certification for existing ingredients, international manufacturers will place a greater emphasis on steering ongoing product innovation efforts towards halal offerings.

The blog concludes that there is a window of opportunity for local brands such as Wardah to take advantage of the gap before international manufacturers obtain halal certification and start to capture the interest of local consumers. "This will have to be done through heavy marketing campaigns, including sampling, in order to create awareness among local consumers, given that sales of local halal beauty brands remained limited over the review period," states the blog post.

Hashtag: #halaldariawal ("completely halal")

Cosmax Indonesia receives halal certification from the the world's third-largest halal certification authority

• Cosmetics original design manufacturer (ODM) industry's first preproduction process certification
• Will make complete production process halal
• Indonesia to be Cosmax's ASEAN exports outpost

Cosmax Indonesia, a cosmetics research, development and manufacturing (ODM) company, a subsidiary of Korean company Cosmax, has received halal certification from the world's third largest certification authority, Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) for its domestic preproduction processes. The certification will accelerate the company's outreach to an estimated 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide.

MUI's halal certification is recognised in 40 countries. It is one of three major world halal certification agencies, which also include the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

Cosmax notes that the conditions for recognition are very strict. Halal cosmetics must be made of ingredients which are not harmful to humans and cleanliness must be maintained during the manufacturing process.

Lee Kun-il, head of PT Cosmax Indonesia, said that the international-recognised certification for Cosmax Indonesia will enable allow the Indonesian subsidiary to be a base for halal cosmetics exports in Southeast Asia as well as meet halal demand globally, including in the Middle East.

The halal cosmetics market is estimated to be worth 100 trillion won (about US$87 billion). Although halal cosmetics are more expensive, Cosmax notes that more consumers are looking for products that conform to Islamic law, and expects the halal cosmetics market to grow.

The following products are listed on MUI's website with an expiry date of November 11, 2016 under the PT Cosmax Indonesia:

ZOYA COSMETICS Blotting Powder
ZOYA COSMETICS Blush On Confetti
ZOYA COSMETICS Blush On Coral
ZOYA COSMETICS Blush On Sephia
ZOYA COSMETICS Blush On Signora
ZOYA COSMETICS CC Cream Color Corrector Translucent
ZOYA COSMETICS Coloring Eyebrow Black Coffee
ZOYA COSMETICS Coloring Eyebrow Mocca
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Aqua
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Candy
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Carafe
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Denim
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Fanta
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Pepper
ZOYA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Voila
ZOYA COSMETICS Glossylicious Ultra Shine Lipgloss Almonde
ZOYA COSMETICS Glossylicious Ultra Shine Lipgloss Peaches
ZOYA COSMETICS Glossylicious Ultra Shine Lipgloss Rococco
ZOYA COSMETICS Glossylicious Ultra Shine Lipgloss Rosebloom
ZOYA COSMETICS Liner Intense Eyeliner Liquid
ZOYA COSMETICS Natural White Two Way Cake Blossom
ZOYA COSMETICS Natural White Two Way Cake Translucent
ZOYA COSMETICS Volumizer Lash Mascara

Wardah Cosmetics introduces Exclusive lipsticks

Wardah Cosmetics has introduced the Exclusive family of glossy lipsticks. Enriched with jojoba oil, squalene to moisturise, and vitamin E to nourish lips. The lipsticks are available in 27 colours.

The Exclusive family also includes powder foundation, liquid foundation and a two-way cake.

Interested?

Check the store locator

Wardah Cosmetics introduces two new two-way cakes

New at Wardah Cosmetics, which has outlets in Malaysia and Indonesia, are two two-way cakes. Unlike loose or pressed powders, two-way cakes are more versatile as they can be used damp or as dry powder to give different effects.

Source: Wardah Cosmetics website. The Exclusive Two Way Cake.

The Exclusive Two-Way Cake is a powder-and-foundation combination for a long-lasting flawless look that the company recommends for photography.

The cake is ideal for concealing blemishes, contains micro-coated particles, and is non-comedogenic. It contains a moisturiser and oil absorbers to achieve a matte result.

The product is enriched with jojoba oil, avocado oil, tocopherol and macadamia oil complex.

Source: Wardah Cosmetics website. The Lightening Two Way Cake.

 

 

Use the Lightening Two Way Cake for a brighter look. The cake is also formulated to have a soft texture and long-lasting matte effects. 

 

The non-comedogenic powder-and-foundation has micro-coated particles that absorb excess oils. It is enriched with licorice extract, vitamin E and UV protection.
Apply over a layer of foundation for better results.

Interested?

Check out the Exclusive Two Way Cake and the Lightening Two Way Cake

Saudi Arabia halal cosmetics market forecasts put CAGR at over 15% through to 2020

Research and Markets has added TechSci Research's Saudi Arabia Halal Cosmetics Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2020 report to their offering. 

The halal cosmetics market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% from 2015 to 2020 due to growing accessibility, rising consumer awareness regarding the benefits of using halal cosmetics, coupled with increasing willingness to pay more for high-quality halal cosmetics. In 2014, fragrances and skincare products accounted for a majority share in the country's halal cosmetics market.

Religious preference for halal products in Saudi Arabia is another factor driving demand. In addition, growing health concerns due to harmful effects of ingredients used in manufacturing cosmetics is increasing demand for halal cosmetics, not only among Muslims but also non-Muslim population in the country.

Halal cosmetics are skin and body care products which are free from materials forbidden by the Islamic law, such as blood, pork and pork products as well as alcoholic constituents. The increasing preference for halal cosmetics is increasing their importance in the business strategy of local as well as international players.

Key players operating in KSA include Inika, One Pure, FX Cosmetics, Clara International Beauty Group and Samina Pure Minerals Makeup. Other companies mentioned include Amara Halal Cosmetics, Miracle Halal Mineralz, Saaf Skincare, The Halal Cosmetics Company and Wardah Cosmetics.

Tuesday in Love offers limited edition water permeable nail polish gift set online

Source: Tuesday in Love website.

Canada's Tuesday in Love has launched a limited edition Metallics Gift Set featuring three metallic water permeable nail polishes for US$34.95. The three complementary colours are Nebula, a dark purple, Iron Throne - dark grey - and Love Me Harder, a deep lavender. The gift set comes in a gift box and is only available through the company's website.

Other new arrivals include lipsticks in Vino Noir, - a matte deep cranberry, Iconic - a matte cranberry red, and Right On - a frosted blue based purple, plus a slew of eyeshadows, including Medieval 601 - a metallic cranberry with silver flecks, Vibe 590 - a deep golden ash bronze, and Rapture 583, a full coverage ashy beige highlight.

Tuesday in Love received halal certification for its cosmetics and nail polish in January 2015. The company is best known for the water permeable nail polish. The 'micro-pore technology' used means water can penetrate through the colour, and that the polish can be peeled off without requiring nail polish remover or harsh chemicals. Tuesday in Love's nail polish does not contain any harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), camphorare or alcohol, and is never tested on animals.

Interested?

Buy the Metallics Gift Set. Tuesday in Love ships anywhere Paypal is accepted.

Zeroing in on vegan skincare lines which ship internationally

Vegan and vegetarian skincare is common in the UK but not as easy to find elsewhere, with most vegan brands shipping within the UK or Europe only. There are a handful of such brands which have gone international, The Body Shop for instance, and LUSH Cosmetics.

Source: Natural Skincare Co. website.

There are also brands with online stores which ship internationally*; the Natural Skincare Co. is one. The company has a vegan section that features skincare, haircare, cosmetics and suncare too. The company is careful to source only ethical and where possible organic products, and lists all ingredients on the product pages. Information about international orders can be found here.

Source: DeVita website.

DeVita is a certified organic aloe vera based, 100% paraben-free, vegan, age-defying natural skincare, body care and mineral makeup line. DeVita's international shipping information is here.

Source: OSEA website.

OSEA Founder Jenefer Palmer made marine algae the foundation of her skincare line after a positive experience at a spa in Argentina. The OSEA family is vegan, organic and gluten-free, and consists of skin and body care based on 100% pure, active ingredients and nutrients from the sea. OSEA does ship internationally, according to this FAQ.

*Brands will vary in quality, price, shipping fees, services, and breadth of regions to which they ship. Please check the list of countries covered to ensure that your destination is included.

Everyday Minerals starts the year off with new shades for Jojoba Base collection

Everyday Minerals has introduced 24 new shades to its popular Jojoba Base collection. The company's base  product is used to provide hydrated, even coverage to the face. 

Source: Everyday Minerals website.
The full set of Jojoba Base shades.

Jojoba, which the company says is pronounced 'hōˈhōbə', is a small evergreen tree that is native mostly to the southwestern US. Esters from the plant are used to make the base creamy in texture.

For easier matching, the new shades have the same names as Everyday Minerals' Matte and Semi-Matte base lines. Fair 0N is the lightest of the company's new base shades, with a neutral undertone that works best on those with light olive colored skin or freckles and helps to conceal slight redness. Golden Ivory 1W is described as "slightly warmer" than the Ivory Jojoba Base, with golden undertones. Tan 5N, on the other hand, can provide more natural sheen to already golden neutral skin. 

A blog post from the company's Founder Carina Menzies suggests Jojoba Base in cold weather, and Semi-Matte and Matte to control shine when it is warmer, and lists the new colours available. Each base costs US$14 and is sold in 4.8g containers.

Everyday Minerals is all-natural, completely vegan, cruelty-free, and handmade in Austin, Texas in the US, with eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Sariayu Martha Tilaar launches Papua-inspired colour palette

Source: Martha Tilaar website.

Sariayu Martha Tilaar has launched its latest colour palette, Sariayu Color Trend 2015 Inspirasi Papua the Color of Asia. The palette is inspired by nature and culture of Papua, particularly Raja Ampat Island, cendrawasih (the bird of paradise), and Papua wood carvings.

According the company, Papua deserves to be appreciated. One of the ways is through using its natural resources for Sariayu Martha Tilaar products. Red fruit, a native fruit from Papua, has been processed by Sariayu Martha Tilaar in collaboration with Surya University and included as a unique ingredient in Sariayu Color Trend 2015 Inspirasi Papua.

Products with the Papua palette can be viewed here.

Everyday Minerals offers new set of vegan eyeshadows

Everyday Minerals (EM) was launched in 2006 when Founder Carina Menzies couldn't find the right simple, natural makeup on sale. The company is committed to finding the purest form of naturally sourced ingredients, and now sells all-natural, completely vegan, cruelty-free products that are handmade in Texas, with eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Source: Everyday Minerals blog.

Vegan makeup is makeup that does not use ingredients derived from animals, and which is not tested on animals. Many cosmetics companies now have vegan products or whole vegan lines, or like EM, may be completely vegan. In EM's case, the products do not contain any fillers or animal derived ingredients, so the company advises that its cosmetics and skincare products should be placed away from direct sunlight and heat, in a cool place.

EM recently launched a new line of eight neutral shades for the eyes called the “Oh, So Pretty” Collection! According to the EM blog, the palate of shades ranges from white to browns, as well as soft blue and yellow hues, and are designed to mix and match easily.

The eyeshadows are named after inspiring traits. A white, "almost peachy" colour is called She's Charismatic; a denim grayish blue is called She's Complete, while She's Freedom is a bronze medium brown.

There is a sale on (EM ships internationally), with the US$14 eyeshadows going for US$12, and the US$10 eyeshadows going for US$6.50. To see the She’s Powerful, She’s Desire, and She’s Creative eyeshadows from the Oh, So Pretty collection on a model, visit the blog post here.

For more vegan cosmetic products, visit PETA's suggestions of a dozen vegan makeup products under US$10, here.