With my birthday landing during the annual Sephora Sale, it always feels like a gift from above (and yes, of course I'm a rouge).

This year, I celebrated another year around the sun with a trip to their Meatpacking location, which was buzzing with clients swarming the gondolas and endcaps. I was comforted by the energy - with recent headlines in mind, I think alarm bells would be ringing in my head if the store was quiet on the last weekend day of the sale.

As I told a friend: for me, Black Friday is for replen, while other sales are for discovering newness. I picked up a few products from brands I’ve been connecting with lately – another rollerball of KAYALI Vanilla 28 (it smells exactly like Pashmak to me, a persian cotton candy), REFY's Lip Sculpt Lip Liner and Setter in the shade blush, and a Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick.

Speaking of brand connection, in this week’s Red Lip Rundown, we’re spotlighting beauty moves in storytelling, strategic growth, and community. From The Doux’s textured haircare rise to Sephoria’s immersive Dubai debut capturing regional loyalty, it’s all about market impact through meaningful touchpoints.

Plus, gain insights on crafting brand voice and navigating transformation with expert takes on copywriting and a founder’s candid post-acquisition reflections.

READING ROUNDUP - ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT

Community-driven growth and strategic retail moves have propelled The Doux into the textured hair-care spotlight as an eight-figure success. Meanwhile, Sephoria’s immersive Dubai debut and U.S. beauty brands’ thoughtful expansions into Australia showcase how cultural connection and market strategy are redefining global beauty engagement.

• How The Doux became an 8-figure textured hair-care brand - Glossy

• Why Sephoria’s Middle East debut matters - Vogue Business

• Bubble, Tower 28 And Crown Affair Founders Give Us The Lowdown On Launching At Retail Down Under - Beauty Independent

PRESS PLAY - PODCAST EPISODES TO NOTE

Naked Beauty’s latest episode dives into the art of beauty copywriting with top writers from Glossier, Dieux, and Sol de Janeiro, exploring how intentional messaging and brand voice cut through the industry's noise. Meanwhile, Gloss Angeles welcomes Susan Yara for an inside look at life post-e.l.f.'s Naturium acquisition, her take on industry trends, and Naturium’s newest skincare launch.

• A Deep Dive Into Beauty Copywriting ft. Laura Casciola, Hardeep Gill, and Janell Hickman - Naked Beauty

• How Life Has Changed for Susan Yara After that Major e.l.f. Acquisition - Gloss Angeles

PENCIL THIS IN - UPCOMING EVENTS

Catch up with beauty besties at these IRL moments.

• 11/15 & 11/16: Glow Recipe Night Market // New York, NY

• 11/18: Sarah Creal Live at Sephora // New York, NY

• 11/21: The Outset Lip Oasis™ Glossy Treatment Launch with co-founder Kate Foster // New York, NY

JOB BOARD - EXCITING ROLES IN THE BEAUTY SPACE

Now hiring - check out these roles in the industry.

1. Director, Influencer and Creator Marketing at E.L.F. BEAUTY  - Los Angeles, CA

2. Senior Manager, Global Social Media at La Mer - New York, NY

3. Social Media & Influencers Director at Bellami - Chatsworth, CA

4. Director, Growth Marketing at Thrive Causemetics - Los Angeles, CA

5. E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Manager at AAVRANI - New York, NY

💌 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.