Recently, this post from @dewydudes was making rounds on Instagram. As an MBA student on the verge of her last semester at NYU Stern (!!), this inspired me to take stock of my scents.

Here are my assets, for curious minds. Don’t worry: this portfolio will be growing in 2025 (much to Sephora & Ulta’s delight I’m sure!).

Speaking of fragrance, in this week's Red Lip Rundown, discover how new noses are shaking up product development. Plus, hear directly from founders pouring their hearts into their brands, and learn how gifting is making a comeback.

As this year comes to a close, thank you for reading and supporting this newsletter! This is the final sendout of the year (taking a holiday break!), and I can’t wait to share what’s brewing for RLR in 2025.

READING ROUNDUP - ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT

Gifting is making a strategic comeback, indie perfumers are shaking up product development, yet female CEOs still hit the same walls. The industry keeps evolving: isn’t it time leadership did, too? Check out these articles of the week.

• Why Influencer Gifting Made a Comeback in 2024 - Business of Fashion

• Next-Gen Noses: The Indie Perfumers Shaking Up Scent - HighSnobiety

• Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Beauty CEOs Remains Difficult - WWD 

PRESS PLAY - PODCAST EPISODES TO NOTE

Hear how Crown Affair’s Dianna Cohen balances the chaos of life with thoughtful brand-building, and discover how KOSAS founder Sheena Zadeh embraces imperfection, innovation, and a little Gen Alpha inspiration to craft a brand that resonates.

• The Woman Behind The Hair: Dianna Cohen on Life, Love, and Building Crown Affair - World’s Your Oysta

• Why KOSAS Is More Than Just a Pretty Face With Sheena Zadeh - Hitting Pan

PENCIL THIS IN - UPCOMING EVENTS

Catch up with beauty besties at these virtual and IRL moments.

• 1/15: New Views on Beauty Growth: Transforming Your Brand Via Expert Strategies & Exclusive Research - Virtual

• 1/21-1/23: Cosmoprof North America - Miami, FL

JOB BOARD - EXCITING ROLES IN THE BEAUTY SPACE

Now hiring - check out these roles in the industry.

1. Director, Amazon Operations at Elemis - New York, NY

2. Assistant Manager, Consumer Engagement at Givenchy and Kenzo - New York, NY

3. Associate Director, Marketing Consumer, Global OPI at Wella Company - Calabasas, CA

4. VP Global Creative Director – Beauty at SharkNinja - New York, NY

5. Senior Manager of Global Influencer Marketing at Rare Beauty - El Segundo, CA

💌 Message me on LinkedIn if there’s anything else you’d like to see in future editions.

xx Saba Bokhari

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the author’s workplace.