Weekly Newsletter - 05.09.2024

Unilever's potential skincare brand sale, Jennie Garth joins Perricone MD, and Google's ad revenue surge ahead of Microsoft.

One year after its US debut, TikTok Shop remains an enigma for many brands in search of sales success — and a cash cow for others who have benefited either from early adoption, product alignment with the platform’s trends, or both.

Take Tarte Cosmetics and GuruNanda — which rank as the number-one and number-two beauty brands by TikTok Shop sales in 2024, per Charm.io — for instance. Tarte, which so far this year has raked in more than $21.5 million in sales via the platform, joined TikTok Shop in September 2023 and saw swift success with its Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump line.

The Estée Lauder Cos.-owned The Ordinary, too, has risen through the TikTok Shop ranks, selling $4.7 million worth of its Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner during the first half of 2024. When the brand unveiled its debut body care collection last month, it rolled out all three products to TikTok Shop, Sephora and direct-to-consumer, while Ulta Beauty launched the two niacinamide and salicylic acid-infused body serums.

NETFLIX

Emily in Paris Season 4 showcases vibrant, Parisian-inspired fashion. Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, dons outfits from brands like Jacquemus and Miu Miu, reflecting her elevated style. The season also highlights standout looks from other characters, offering viewers a mix of high fashion and emerging designers.

FOSPHA

In August 2024, TikTok and Amazon teamed up for a seamless shopping experience directly within the TikTok app. This timely partnership, coming just before the Q4 shopping season, leverages TikTok's massive user base and Amazon's e-commerce dominance.

But how will it impact brands?

A major challenge for brands is measuring the halo impact of social media interactions on Amazon sales, as Amazon's data exists in a walled garden and relies on a last-click attribution model, potentially overlooking external contributions that drives product discovery.

The partnership highlights the need for more holistic marketing measurement solutions as the line between social media and e-commerce blurs.

To learn more about the current measurement challenges and emerging solutions in this evolving landscape, read the full article here.

Lip oils and balms have emerged as the latest sensation in the beauty industry, promising comfort and innovation. Beauty brands are rapidly expanding their lip product lines to cater to the growing demand for these slick, lightweight formulas. The shift from traditional lip glosses to tinted oils and balms marks a significant evolution in consumer preferences, driven by the desire for less fuss and more shine.

QVC

Actress Jennie Garth is the new brand ambassador for Perricone MD, promoting their skincare products on QVC starting in September. Garth, a longtime user of the brand, will educate consumers and attend events. Perricone MD praises her alignment with their philosophy and her influence on their target demographic.

Unilever is considering selling its Kate Somerville and Ren Clean Skincare brands, part of its Unilever Prestige division. This move follows significant internal changes, including leadership departures and job cuts, aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on core brands. Unilever has not confirmed these reports.

Google's digital ad revenue is growing rapidly, outpacing Microsoft's. In 2024, Google's US ad revenues are projected to hit $77.49 billion, driven by its search dominance. However, a US ruling against Google's search monopoly could shift market dynamics. Marketers should consider investing in leading search platforms.