Latest news with #UltaBeauty
Cosmopolitan ME
2 days ago
- Business
- Cosmopolitan ME
Alert: Ulta Beauty reveals its first Middle East store locations
Okay, remember when Ulta Beauty announced they were coming to the Middle East back in January and we *completely* lost it? Well, the beauty tea just got hotter – because we finally know where we'll be lining up with empty baskets and high hopes. It's official: Ulta Beauty's first stores in the region are opening at The Avenues in Kuwait and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai and yes, it's happening by the end of this year. Supplied Supplied Supplied Iconic choices only. Consider our calendars marked and our paychecks pre-spent. The U.S. retail giant – aka home to Dyson, Tatcha, e.l.f., and ColourPop, is bringing its *All Things Beauty, All in One Place* magic to the Gulf through a major franchise partnership with Alshaya Group, first announced earlier this year. 'We're really excited to confirm that our Ulta Beauty stores will open in Kuwait and Dubai by the end of the year. We know consumers can't wait to visit and access many beloved brands for the first time,' shared John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group. We repeat: *this year.* And honestly? We've got chills. The in-store lineup hasn't been revealed just yet, but we're already manifesting: Tatcha, Pat McGrath Labs, Milk Makeup, Ouai, and maybe even ColourPop, Peach & Lily, and Dibs Beauty. Basically, your TikTok FYP – in real life. And guess what? Kuwait and Dubai are just the beginning. Ulta is planning to expand across the GCC starting in 2026. So whether you're based in Doha, Riyadh, or Manama – your moment is coming. Until then, we'll be setting reminders, making wishlists, and prepping our 'Get Ready With Me for My First Ulta Run' Reels. The countdown is officially on. 💋 If your IG feed needs a glow-up, then check out these Kuwaiti Queens you need to add.
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Tariff ‘stacking' adds another headache for US importers
TEXAS: John Hamer, president of Rodgers Wade Manufacturing in Paris, Texas, makes store fixtures for big retailers like Ross Dress for Less and Ulta Beauty. He sources many of the goods from China, which until recently meant he paid 70 percent in tariffs on metal fixtures. 'The media was saying it was 30 percent, but that was never true,' he said, referring to the tariff rate for China announced in May as part of a truce between the Trump administration and Beijing as it negotiated a broader deal. That's because Hamer's 30 percent tariff was stacked on top of existing tariffs, including a tariff on Chinese steel products that varies depending on the amount of steel used in a fixture. When US President Donald Trump adds a new tariff the old ones don't go away. Some companies will pay far more because of a phenomenon called tariff stacking, the latest complication for US importers trying to navigate Trump's on-again, off-again trade war. The reality for many US businesses is that their tariff bills are often far higher than the headline number touted in trade talks. Tariff stacking applies to any country exporting to the US, but the most extreme cases tend to be with China, where the US has accumulated a long list of sometimes hefty existing tariffs, implemented under different provisions of US trade law. The latest twist is an announcement that the two sides have agreed to a 55 percent tariff, but that's in part only an estimate of what the average pre-existing tariffs were. Hamer isn't sure what his tariff total will be now, but he figures it couldn't get much worse. 'Hopefully this will bring the (tariff) number down - and some of the clients who've been sitting on the sidelines will go ahead and place orders,' he said, 'because it's been all over the map.' 'Here's the tariff bill' Hamer is searching for suppliers outside China to avoid his stacked tariffs. He's checked Mexico and is planning a trip to India next month as part of the effort. In the meantime, he is passing through all the tariffs. 'The customers pay the tariff,' said Hamer. 'When it comes in, we say, 'Here's the tariff bill.'' Many businesses are still hoping for a reprieve from President Donald Trump's trade war. Federal courts, including the US Court of International Trade, have ruled that Trump's imposition of tariffs exceeded his authority. A federal appeals court is considering the administration's appeal to that ruling, and the tariffs remain in effect while that plays out, a process expected to take months. Some are counting on tariff exemptions, a popular tool used by companies during the first Trump administration to get goods imported without the taxes. Michael Weidner, president of Lalo Baby Products in Brooklyn, is one of them. 'We believe there should be an exemption for baby products,' he said. 'Same with toys.' The Trump administration has said it will resist creating such carve-outs. And even during the last trade war, it was a complex process. For instance, Lalo imports a 'play table' from China that happens to be classified under a customs category that was subject to a 25 percent tariff under a part of trade law that aims to fight unfair trade practices. So Weidner has been paying 55 percent tariffs on those, thanks to stacking. Trump campaigned on a vow to use tariffs to pull manufacturing back to US shores and collect revenue to help fund a major tax cut. His battle with China quickly spiraled into a conflagration with the US imposing a 145 percent across-the-board tariff that shut down much of the trade between the world's two largest economies. — Reuters The agreement to curb the tariffs is part of a larger effort to negotiate individual deals with most of the US's trading partners. Passing costs through On Wednesday, a White House official said the 55 percent figure represents a sum of a baseline 10 percent 'reciprocal' tariff Trump has imposed on goods from nearly all US trading partners; 20 percent on all Chinese imports because of punitive measures Trump has imposed on China, Mexico and Canada associated with his accusation that the three facilitate the flow of the opioid fentanyl into the US; and finally pre-existing 25 percent levies on imports from China that were put in place during Trump's first term. 'It sounds like that's the way he's thinking of the baseline – 55 percent - at least for some products,' said Greta Peisch, a trade lawyer at Wiley Rein in Washington. Ramon van Meer's business selling filtered shower heads from China may yet survive the trade war, though he's not certain. That depends entirely on whether he can manage the multiple tariffs placed on his $159 shower heads, which became a viral sensation on Instagram. When the Trump administration trimmed tariffs on China to 30 percent in May, van Meer's tariff bill was actually 43 percent. That's because the 30 percent tariff was stacked on top of an existing 13 percent tariff. It's an improvement over the 145 percent tariffs slapped on Chinese imports in April, when he halted shipments entirely. 'At least I can afford to pay it,' said van Meer, chief executive of Afina, based in Austin, Texas, referring to his latest calculations. 'And I don't have to raise the price by that much.'- Reuters
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Is the Solawave red light therapy wand worth it? I tested it for 21 days
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. If you've been on TikTok, Instagram, or in an Ulta Beauty skincare aisle lately, you've probably seen the Solawave Wand. It's a compact, FDA-cleared skincare tool that promises to reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, and deliver brighter skin through red light therapy, microcurrent stimulation, warming massage, and facial sculpting, all in one tiny device. Many people online have found this tool to make a truly significant difference. But does it really work, or is it just another beauty gadget we'll all forget about in six months? I spent three weeks using the Solawave Wand daily to find out. Amazon Pros: Compact and travel-friendly Reduces redness and post-acne inflammation Easy to incorporate into nightly skincare Doesn't require a full face mask Cons: Time-consuming if you want to treat the full-face Not as strong as professional-grade red light tools Requires patience and consistency Combining red light therapy, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and facial massage, this multitasking wand is designed to reduce fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness to leave skin noticeably smoother and more radiant. Pair it with the Solawave Renew Complex Serum, recommended by the brand, to achieve a soothing, all-natural formula infused with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and other beneficial ingredients, maximizing the benefits of each treatment. In just three minutes per area, you'll feel the warmth and see the glow as it targets the forehead, under eyes, cheeks, and jawline with its 180-degree rotating head. It's lightweight, rechargeable, and travel-ready with a protective case. Overall, I highly recommend it, and it comes in three lovely shades of rose gold (which I enjoyed), gold, and charcoal. If you're interested in testing other competitors, read our LYMA Laser review or consider shopping full-face LED masks recommended by dermatologists to cover the entire face with one hit. Number of therapies: Four | Battery life: Up to a week | Results: Up to 21 days Solowave Review Advertisement Does Solawave work? Yes, but it depends on what you're using it for to get quick and easy results. The Solawave is a handheld skincare wand designed to deliver results that mimic in-office treatments but from your bathroom mirror. The company has also launched a Solawave mask ($349), which offers full-face red light exposure. However, the wand remains one of its most popular products, thanks to its portability; I even brought it along on weekend getaways. It worked wonders before my friend's baby shower, right before I (regrettably) popped a very juicy zit. I used the Solawave, and the blemish was barely noticeable the next morning. How to use a Solawave A lot of people are curious about how to use a Solowave. I read the directions and thought it would be complicated, but it was incredibly easy to use. Just plug it in to charge for up to two hours. Once it's ready, press the button and boom, as Sabrina Carpenter says, 'hot to go.' It's built to be used for just a few minutes per day, starting at three or if you begin to feel uncomfortable, but it can eventually be worked up to 12 minutes over time in one setting. Emma Sutton-Williams But before we dive in any further, I should give you a brief history of my skin so you can compare it to yours. As a child, I was burned with 3-degree burns, and later, a windshield of glass went through my face, so it has more uneven bumps and scarring that won't be taken away without plastic surgery and most definitely not a wand. And don't get me started on acne growing up — it was a pimple patch. While testing this wand, I've also been dealing with a rollercoaster of stress due to health issues, things entirely out of my control. Like clockwork, my skin tends to react under pressure, so I kept that in mind while testing. The Solawave Wand combines four skin therapies: Red light therapy to stimulate collagen and reduce inflammation Microcurrent to tone facial muscles and lift Facial massage to depuff and stimulate circulation Therapeutic warmth to help with product absorption and relaxation Begin by cleansing your face thoroughly and then gently pat it dry. Solowave recommends using its 2-in-1 Face Cream & Neck Cream or you can buy the 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Wand & Activating Serum Kit for a more effective session. The substance feels velvety and a bit thick for my preference, but anything to help improve my fine lines and even out my skin tone. I also like that it helps the wand glide effortlessly across my skin. I tested it by applying it to half of my face and the other half with my standard moisturizer. I wish I could tell you I saw a night and day difference, but I haven't noticed any massive changes — yet. However, these things do take time, and the ingredients in the serum are supposed to brighten dark spots and leave the skin feeling refreshed and balanced. @solawave Get more from your light therapy with LightBoost topicals! Works with any device brand. ♬ original sound – Solawave – Solawave Using any water-based serum will work; however, avoid oils, as they can interfere with the microcurrent. If you're unfamiliar with microcurrents, it's a non-invasive treatment that mimics the natural currents in your body to boost cellular activity and reduce the appearance of aging. Who doesn't like that? The wand activates automatically when it touches your skin, so once it's on, slowly glide it over your face in upward and outward motions. After each use, wipe the wand clean with a soft cloth and recharge it as needed. Final Verdict If you're looking for a convenient, effective red light therapy tool under $200 that targets red spots, the Solawave Wand is one of the best options on the market. It's easy to use, visibly helps with redness, and adds a calming moment to your nighttime routine. I wanted my Solawave before and after shots to be mind-blowing, but there is a very minimal difference at first glance. But when my skin was agitated, it reduced the redness significantly. It's not a miracle worker, and it won't give you laser-like results because nothing except lasers can smooth over your skin with a deep peel. It will help your skin recover faster, glow a little more, and feel noticeably healthier over time. And for that, I'm keeping it in my skincare drawer. How we tested Over the course of three weeks, I used the Solawave 4-in-1 Facial Wand nightly as part of a consistent evening skincare routine. Each session lasted five minutes, focusing on areas with fine lines, puffiness, and uneven tone. I paired the wand with the brand's Activated Serum and evaluated changes in skin texture, hydration, and overall glow, tracking both immediate post-use effects and longer-term improvements. FAQ How often should I use the Solawave wand? For best results, it's recommended to use the wand 3–5 times per week for about 5 minutes per session. Consistency is key to seeing lasting improvements in tone and texture. We also suggest using it for 8 weeks before you make up your mind. Can I use the Solawave wand every day? Yes, many users (myself included) use it nightly. Just make sure to listen to your skin. If you experience irritation, take a day or two off, as it can cause your skin to become red if you're not careful. Do I need to use the Renew Complex Serum with it? While not required, the Renew Complex Serum is designed to enhance conductivity and results. Using a conductive serum ensures the wand's microcurrent function works properly. When will I start seeing results? Some people notice a glow or temporary lift after the first few uses. More noticeable improvements — like reduced puffiness or fine lines, typically show up after consistent use for 2–3 weeks. Is it safe for sensitive skin? Generally, yes. The wand is designed to be gentle, but if you have very sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, it's best to do a patch test or consult your dermatologist. Starting with shorter sessions may also help minimize any reaction. Can I use it over acne or breakouts? It's best to avoid active breakouts, especially if they're inflamed. Instead, use the wand to support healing in surrounding areas and return to breakout spots once the skin has calmed down. This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter and resident fashionista. Emma is one of the best-dressed ladies in The Post's office, and also known for finding an unbelievable deal on any one of her stylish outfits. Divulging on everything from the most-popular and most-underrated purse brands to her honest thoughts on Kim Kardashian's Skims undergarments and apparel, Emma has cultivated an eye for style and an expertise for identifying the clothes and accessories worth your coin. At the same time, she proudly models the products she picks so you can see their fit and function first-hand. Emma has been creating shopping guides for The Post since 2024, and previously held bylines in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Reflecting On Beauty and Cosmetics Retailer Stocks' Q1 Earnings: Sally Beauty (NYSE:SBH)
The end of an earnings season can be a great time to discover new stocks and assess how companies are handling the current business environment. Let's take a look at how Sally Beauty (NYSE:SBH) and the rest of the beauty and cosmetics retailer stocks fared in Q1. Beauty and cosmetics retailers understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but a little lipstick, nail polish, and glowing skin also help the cause. These stores—which mostly cater to consumers but can also garner the attention of salon pros—aim to be a one-stop personal care and beauty products shop with many brands across many categories. E-commerce is changing how consumers buy cosmetics, so these retailers are constantly evolving to meet the customer where and how they want to shop. The 4 beauty and cosmetics retailer stocks we track reported a mixed Q1. As a group, revenues along with next quarter's revenue guidance were in line with analysts' consensus estimates. Thankfully, share prices of the companies have been resilient as they are up 9.5% on average since the latest earnings results. Catering to both everyday consumers as well as salon professionals, Sally Beauty (NYSE:SBH) is a retailer that sells salon-quality beauty products such as makeup and haircare products. Sally Beauty reported revenues of $883.1 million, down 2.8% year on year. This print fell short of analysts' expectations by 2%. Overall, it was a mixed quarter for the company with a narrow beat of analysts' gross margin estimates. Sally Beauty delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth of the whole group. Interestingly, the stock is up 6.1% since reporting and currently trades at $8.67. Is now the time to buy Sally Beauty? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free. Offering high-end prestige brands as well as lower-priced, mass-market ones, Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA) is an American retailer that sells makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products. Ulta reported revenues of $2.85 billion, up 4.5% year on year, outperforming analysts' expectations by 1.9%. The business had a strong quarter with an impressive beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates and a solid beat of analysts' EPS estimates. Ulta scored the biggest analyst estimates beat and highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 10.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $467.38. Is now the time to buy Ulta? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free. Spun off from L Brands in 2020, Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI) is a personal care and home fragrance retailer where consumers can find specialty shower gels, scented candles for the home, and lotions. Bath and Body Works reported revenues of $1.42 billion, up 2.9% year on year, in line with analysts' expectations. It was a slower quarter as it posted EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts' expectations. As expected, the stock is down 15.3% since the results and currently trades at $25.81. Read our full analysis of Bath and Body Works's results here. Founded in 2010, Warby Parker (NYSE:WRBY) designs, manufactures, and sells eyewear, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses, through its e-commerce platform and physical retail locations. Warby Parker reported revenues of $223.8 million, up 11.9% year on year. This print came in 0.8% below analysts' expectations. In spite of that, it was a strong quarter as it produced an impressive beat of analysts' EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts' EBITDA estimates. Warby Parker pulled off the fastest revenue growth but had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is up 36.3% since reporting and currently trades at $22. Read our full, actionable report on Warby Parker here, it's free. In response to the Fed's rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has been gradually trending down from its post-pandemic peak, trending closer to the Fed's 2% target. Despite higher borrowing costs, the economy has avoided flashing recessionary signals. This is the much-desired soft landing that many investors hoped for. The recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November 2024) have bolstered the stock market, making 2024 a strong year for equities. Donald Trump's presidential win in November sparked additional market gains, sending indices to record highs in the days following his victory. However, debates continue over possible tariffs and corporate tax adjustments, raising questions about economic stability in 2025. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Tariff ‘stacking' adds another headache for United States importers
Agencies John Hamer, president of Rodgers Wade Manufacturing in Paris, Texas, makes store fixtures for big retailers like Ross Dress for Less and Ulta Beauty. He sources many of the goods from China, which until recently meant he paid 70 percent in tariffs on metal fixtures. 'The media was saying it was 30 percent, but that was never true,' he said, referring to the tariff rate for China announced in May as part of a truce between the Trump administration and Beijing as it negotiated a broader deal. That's because Hamer's 30 percent tariff was stacked on top of existing tariffs, including a tariff on Chinese steel products that varies depending on the amount of steel used in a fixture. When US President Donald Trump adds a new tariff the old ones don't go away. Some companies will pay far more because of a phenomenon called tariff stacking, the latest complication for US importers trying to navigate Trump's on-again, off-again trade war. The reality for many US businesses is that their tariff bills are often far higher than the headline number touted in trade talks. Tariff stacking applies to any country exporting to the US, but the most extreme cases tend to be with China, where the US has accumulated a long list of sometimes hefty existing tariffs, implemented under different provisions of US trade law. The latest twist is an announcement that the two sides have agreed to a 55 percent tariff, but that's in part only an estimate of what the average pre-existing tariffs were. Hamer isn't sure what his tariff total will be now, but he figures it couldn't get much worse. 'Hopefully this will bring the (tariff) number down - and some of the clients who've been sitting on the sidelines will go ahead and place orders,' he said, 'because it's been all over the map.' Hamer is searching for suppliers outside China to avoid his stacked tariffs. He's checked Mexico and is planning a trip to India next month as part of the effort. In the meantime, he is passing through all the tariffs. 'The customers pay the tariff,' said Hamer. 'When it comes in, we say, 'Here's the tariff bill.'' Many businesses are still hoping for a reprieve from President Donald Trump's trade war. Federal courts, including the US Court of International Trade, have ruled that Trump's imposition of tariffs exceeded his authority. A federal appeals court is considering the administration's appeal to that ruling, and the tariffs remain in effect while that plays out, a process expected to take months. Some are counting on tariff exemptions, a popular tool used by companies during the first Trump administration to get goods imported without the Weidner, president of Lalo Baby Products in Brooklyn, is one of them. 'We believe there should be an exemption for baby products,' he said. 'Same with toys.' The Trump administration has said it will resist creating such carve-outs. And even during the last trade war, it was a complex process. For instance, Lalo imports a 'play table' from China that happens to be classified under a customs category that was subject to a 25 percent tariff under a part of trade law that aims to fight unfair trade practices. So Weidner has been paying 55 percent tariffs on those, thanks to stacking. Trump campaigned on a vow to use tariffs to pull manufacturing back to US shores and collect revenue to help fund a major tax cut. His battle with China quickly spiraled into a conflagration with the US imposing a 145 percent across-the-board tariff that shut down much of the trade between the world's two largest economies. — Reuters The agreement to curb the tariffs is part of a larger effort to negotiate individual deals with most of the US's trading partners. On Wednesday, a White House official said the 55 percent figure represents a sum of a baseline 10 percent 'reciprocal' tariff Trump has imposed on goods from nearly all US trading partners; 20 percent on all Chinese imports because of punitive measures Trump has imposed on China, Mexico and Canada associated with his accusation that the three facilitate the flow of the opioid fentanyl into the US; and finally pre-existing 25 percent levies on imports from China that were put in place during Trump's first term.
