Estée Lauder nears beauty deal with Balmain - report

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Sep 2, 2022

Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder Cos Inc is reportedly in talks with Balmain for a beauty license.

The move is expected to be similar to the success of the cosmetic company's previous work with U.S. luxury fashion brand Tom Ford and would entail a licensing agreement. 

Lauder originally collaborated with Tom Ford to create its first signature scent in 2006 with Black Orchid. Next, a skincare and make-up line was born in 2011, followed by its entry into the premium skincare category with the launch of the Tom Ford Research in 2019. Earlier this year, there were reports that Lauder wanted to acquire Tom Ford in a $3 billion deal. 

Balmain was founded by Pierre Balmain in 1945. In 2016, it was acquired by Mayhoola Investments, an investment company in Qatar. Olivier Rousteing has headed the label as artistic director since 2011. He has a healthy Instagram following with close to 8.5 million followers.

This would not be the first foray for the Paris-based fashion house into the world of beauty. Balmain currently offers haircare products and accessories under Balmain Hair Couture at Net-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. 

Most recently, Balmain launched a limited-time Balmain x Pokémon fashion capsule that includes casual shirts featuring Pikachu, purses and backpacks.