perfume
Revlon has fully settled a corporate espionage lawsuit that claimed several former employees “sabotaged” the company’s decades-old fragrance partnership with Britney Spears.
The case, filed last year by Revlon and its Elizabeth Arden unit, accused four ex-staffers of stealing trade secrets and breaching their contracts by taking the Britney account to upstart rival Give Back Beauty – a move the lawsuit described as a “heist.”
But over the past few months, Revlon has quietly struck deals to resolve those claims – first with Give Back Beauty and one of the execs in February, then last week with three more ex-staffers. On Monday, the judge signed off on the latter deal and ruled that the “matter be closed.”
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The settlements have cleared the way for Give Back Beauty to formally take over Britney’s lucrative perfume brand. In a February press release, the smaller company announced that it had “signed a transition agreement” with Revlon to clear the use of the intellectual property and end the legal dispute.
“My fragrance business has always held a special place in my heart,” Spears said at the time. “It’s always been a way for me to connect with my fans, who I love. I’m excited for this new chapter and bringing more beauty into the world with Give Back Beauty.”
A rep for Revlon did not immediately return a request for comment on the resolution of the litigation.
Spears first inked a deal with Elizabeth Arden in 2004, launching her “Curious” scent later that year to a reported $100 million in sales. By 2013, that brand had reportedly sold more than 500 million bottles and the overall Spears-Arden partnership was earning $30 million a year. But last year Spears declined to renew the deal and instead signed with Give Back Beauty, an Italian firm founded in 2017.
Faced with the loss of a valuable partnership, Revlon went the legal route – claiming that Britney had not simply walked away, but had been illegally poached by Give Back Beauty. The lawsuit claimed four Arden staffers (Vanessa Kidd, Dominick Romeo, Reid Mulvihill and Ashley Fass) had secretly helped orchestrate the star’s departure, including one who allegedly “acted as a double-agent” – working directly with Give Back Beauty while ostensibly negotiating with Britney’s team to renew her Revlon deal.
“Revlon and Elizabeth Arden were completely unaware that Revlon’s own team was actively sabotaging one of their most valuable licensing relationships,” the company’s lawyers claimed at the time. Spears herself was not named in the lawsuit nor accused of any wrongdoing.
Give Back Beauty and the former execs strongly denied the allegations, arguing in a later legal response that Revlon had gone to court with a “false narrative” of espionage and corporate raiding simply because it was angry that it had been beaten by a competitor.
“Revlon’s motion is … an anticompetitive ruse to damage a competitor because Revlon, weakened in the market by its recent bankruptcy, cannot compete fairly with GBB, and seeks to frustrate GBB’s transition of Britney Brands, at the same time, sending a warning about future competition from an international rival that poses a growing threat to Revlon’s market share,” the smaller company’s lawyers wrote at the time.
But by February, despite the strongly-word legal broadsides, Give Back Beauty and Revlon had apparently struck a deal to end their dispute. Beyond allowing Give Back to take over the IP for the brand, the terms of the deal have not been disclosed in court filings.
“Give Back Beauty will bring Britney’s fragrance and beauty business to another level,” Corrado Brondi, the company’s founder, wrote at the time. “We are looking forward to building on that legacy, introducing innovations to her product lines and expanding the brand into new markets globally, while ensuring that the spirit and authenticity of her brand remain intact.”
The February settlements covered Give Back itself and Ashley Fass; the settlement approved Monday covered Kidd, Romeo, Mulvihill. Reps for both sides did not immediately return requests for comment.
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Beyoncé has kicked off her Cowboy Carter World Tour and Queen Bey is serving up a ton of surprises to go along with her must-see show.
One of them is the release of Cé Lumière, her new fragrance that’s available exclusively at Ulta.com for a limited time. Previously only available on her official website, the arrival of Cé Lumière at Ulta is part of the superstar singer’s larger partnership with the beauty store, which has been named the “Official Beauty Retail Partner” of the Cowboy Carter Tour.
For a limited time, fans can also get a free “mystery gift” with purchase of Cé Lumière at Ulta.com. This is an online-only bonus gift so you can’t find it in stores.
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BEYONCÉ-APPROVED
Cé Lumière Eau de Parfum
So what exactly does Cé Lumière — and presumably Beyoncé — smell like? While the eau de parfum’s name translates to “This Light” or “In the Light” in French, the scent is surprisingly dark and sophisticated, rather than being dainty and well, light.
Beyoncé perfume features top notes of Madagascar black pepper and Italian mandarin, with the spiciness of the pepper helping to tone down the brightness of the citrus (and vice-versa). In other words, a quick spritz won’t tickle your nose with anything too strong or too sweet, and the scent is more grounded rather than being overly “juicy.”
The main notes you’ll smell are of jasmine, and rhubarb, which makes for an interesting pairing. Why? Because while jasmine is soft, floral and delicate, the addition of rhubarb brings an earthy, herbaceous quality to the fragrance. Base notes of patchouli and musk are classic fragrance add-ons that add richness, woodiness and complexity. Reddit users agree, with one writing that “it gives off a wealthy vibe.”
The Cé Lumière Eau de Parfum was created in France and completely crafted and nosed by Beyoncé, and we could totally picture — nay, smell — her wearing it too. The music star doesn’t give off light and airy vibes, nor do we see her wearing anything sugary sweet, and Cé Lumière is neither of those things. The conventionally masculine notes of patchouli and black pepper also play into Beyoncé’s boldness and strength, holding down the fragrance just like the singer holds down her family and those close to her (it also helps Cé Lumière work as a unisex fragrance — I would totally wear it, even as a guy!)
Cé Lumière Eau de Parfum
$160
Buy Now AT ULTA
If there’s one thing we know about Beyoncé, it’s that her work is multi-layered, and the same thinking went into this perfume. The singer isn’t a one-hit wonder and this isn’t a one-note wonder either, with all the ingredients working together to create an elegant and evocative potion that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. And if it’s good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for us.
Cé Lumière follows the release of Beyoncé’s Cé Noir in 2023 and her first fragrance, Heat, in 2010. You can purchase Cé Lumière right now for $160 on Ulta.com — the perfume is selling quickly so Ulta is limiting shoppers to one unit per visit. Be sure to also sign up for the free gift with purchase.
You can also pick up Beyoncé’s Heat perfume on sale right now at Amazon below.
ALSO CONSIDER
Beyonce Heat For Women Eau De Parfum Spray
Rihanna is the new queen of Dior.
On Sunday (Sept. 1), the 36-year-old singer and entrepreneur was unveiled as the face of J’Adore Fragrance by Dior in a dazzling short film directed by Steven Klein. She replaces longtime spokeswoman Charlize Theron.
“Powerful, dazzling, and inspiring, Rihanna embodies the triumphant and free-spirited femininity of J’adore through the lens of Steven Klein,” Dior’s YouTube caption reads. “J’adore and Rihanna, a new golden dream begins.”
Set to the tune of RiRi’s 2016 hit “Love on the Brain,” the minute-long visual finds the superstar gracing the halls of the Palace of Versailles in France and donning a gorgeous sparkly golden gown before seemingly walking on water in heels.
“Your dreams, make them real,” Rihanna says into the camera at the end of the short film.
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Rihanna, who was announced as the face of J’Adore earlier this summer, has a long relationship with Dior. Apart from being spotted at several of the brand’s fashion shows, most recently during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year and during her first pregnancy, she became Dior’s first Black ambassador in 2015.
“For over two decades, the fragrance has been a brilliant and faithful companion for women the world over, the perfume of a strong, liberated and independent woman, resonating perfectly with Rihanna’s personal story,” LVMH, owner of Dior, said in a statement at the time.
“This scent, that I have known and loved for so long, means so much to women,” Rihanna said in the same press release. “It is more than a perfume, it is a companion and a reference. I am especially touched to join this adventure and to contribute to it through my world, my story, my roots, as well as my creativity and my own femininity.”
Dior’s marque women’s fragrance balances floral with fruity featuring fragrant notes of ylang-ylang, Turkish Damascus rose, jasmine grandiflorum and Indian jasmine sambac.
Watch Rihanna’s J’Adore campaign film on Instagram below.
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Fresh off the launch of Fenty Hair, Rihanna just secured a new deal. The “Lift Me Up” singer is the new face of Dior’s classic J’Adore fragrance, the fashion brand announced on Tuesday (June 18).
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“The scent, that I have known and loved for so long, means so much to women,” Rihanna said in a statement, per Women’s Wear Daily. “I am especially looking forward to joining this adventure and contributing to it through my world, my story, my roots, as well as my creativity and my own femininity.”
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To cement to new collab, Dior posted a photo of Rihanna on Instagram with the caption, “Christian Dior is truly delighted to welcome icon Rihanna, whose wide-ranging talents, remarkable beauty and universal appeal now embody the world of J’adore.
Rih Rih co-signed the collaboration, writing, “The secret is out,” on X on Tuesday. The Fenty Beauty founder will appear in a forthcoming campaign shot by photographer Steven Klein on Sept. 1.
Rihanna has a long relationship with Dior. Apart from being spotted at several Dior fashion shows, most recently during Paris Fashion Week earlier this year and during her first pregnancy, Rihanna became Dior’s first Black ambassador in 2015.
“The choice of Rihanna to be the next face of J’Adore was obvious for us,” noted Véronique Courtois, CEO of Parfums Christian Dior. “Not only is she one of the greatest and most powerful artists of all times, she is also multitalented, a successful entrepreneur, a committed humanitarian, a mother of two and a singular beauty.”
Dior’s marque women’s fragrance balances floral with fruity featuring fragrant notes of ylang-ylang, Turkish Damascus rose, jasmine grandiflorum and Indian jasmine sambac.
Purchase below.
Dior
Dior J’Adore Eud de Parfum, 1 oz.
It won’t cost a billion to smell this good. Beyoncé officially unveiled her highly anticipated fragrance, CÉ NOIR, Tuesday (Oct. 24). “Beyoncé Parfums presents CÉ NOIR,” she wrote underneath her 360-degree Instagram video of the perfume bottle, outfitted in the same the reflective silver the BeyHive wore to her historic Renaissance World Tour. Created in […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Katy Perry shows her “devotion” to Dolce and Gabbana in its recent commercial for the perfume titled “Devotion Eau de Parfum.” […]
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Sabrina Carpenter is welcoming fans back into her candy shop with the release of her decadent new fragrance Caramel Dream.
The new collaboration with Scent Beauty continues her fragrance journey following the success of the pop star’s debut perfume, Sweet Tooth. The scent, which was developed in partnership with the original Sweet Tooth formulators Firmenich and Perfumer Gil Clavien, “embraces the spirit of indulgent cravings with a luxurious caramel twist bursting with rich flavor,” per a press release.
The sophisticated, playful fragrance features notes of caramelized amber, patchouli, dark chocolate bean, sugared lemon, orange zest, freesia, vanilla and fluffy musk.
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“As an artist, I believe in the power of storytelling through music and various art forms. Perfume, to me, is an emotional extension of my music and personal world, and it allows me to create a stronger connection with my fans,” Carpenter said in a press release. “With this new campaign and Caramel Dream, I want to invite my fans into my world, where every fragrance will tell a unique story that resonates with their hearts.”
To celebrate the launch of Caramel Dream, Carpenter will be going live on Billboard, TalkShopLive, Walmart.com/Live and Facebook on Monday (Aug. 21) at 7 p.m. ET for a special live simulcast event where Caramel Dream will be exclusively available for purchase. In the stream, the “Feather” singer will dive into the making of Caramel Dream, supporting Taylor Swift on the upcoming Latin America leg of the Eras tour and more.
Be sure to tune into the livestream below.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Miley Cyrus is bringing “Flowers” to life in an expanded line of perfume with Gucci. The Flora Fantasy campaign is available […]
On the heels of the launch of the North American leg of her blockbuster Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé has announced yet another new venture. This time, the “Heated” singer is returning to the fragrance world. On Wednesday (July 19), Beyoncé announced the imminent release of her first new perfume since 2014’s Rise. As with most […]
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Your signature scent is just as important as finding your trademark style. Whether it’s an earthy cologne or a floral perfume, the beauty product can help boost your confidence and, well, just have you smell good in general.
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Not sure what perfume to wear? Sol De Janeiro has you covered (literally) with its viral body and hair spray that shoppers on TikTok are obsessed with. The Brazilian beauty brand known for its iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream has now came out with a perfume that has quickly earned just as much (if not more) praise. The perfume was so successful when it dropped, that it’s good that the brand made sure to offer it in more scents including caramel and vanilla, floral, beach-inspired and more.
It also gained star-approval with Euphoria actress Barbie Ferreira being tapped to help launch the addition back in May 2023.
This best-seller even comes with a wallet-friendly price under $50, which, compared to designer perfumes with $100+ price tags, is a total steal!
It’s available to shop on Amazon, Sephora, Revolve and Sol De Janeiro, so you can snag a bottle or two and add it into your beauty routine immediately.
Keep reading to shop the perfume.
Amazon
SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist,
$38.00
The versatile perfume spray can be spritzed on your body and hair without leaving it greasy or dry using a formula that’s paraben-free and vegan. It’s received a 4.6 star rating on Amazon and almost 11,000 five-star reviews from shoppers claiming it’s “the perfume [they] get complimented on the most” and “is so addictive.” If you want to enhance its scent, then the brand suggest layering it over the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream to really smell like summer.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best refillable lipsticks, makeup tools for beginners and affordable beauty brands.