European Spa reports from British Beauty Week 2026

European Spa attended British Beauty Week 2025, organised by British Beauty Council to celebrate the £30.4 billion contribution that beauty made to UK GDP in 2024.

The event, sponsored by L’Oréal Paris, also showcased the work of the council in calling for additional business support, and the team  spoke about how it has championed regulatory frameworks for aesthetic treatments.

The week’s focus on wellbeing highlighted how integral it has become to the future of beauty. This includes driving innovation, growth and positive change across the sector.

A series of thought-leaders from across the industry spoke about diverse topics from the future of beauty to the role of beauty in sport.

An innovative hub also saw V-Metics, Umia Beauty, MD London – The Knowing, Venrex and Aircard Studio showcase their new innovations.

Delegates were also treated to workshops from industry luminaries including Val Garland and Sam McKnight.

European Spa’s editorial director, Sarah Camilleri, is involved with the work of the Council as a member of the media advisory board.

The event was opened by Baroness Luciana Berger, a member of the House of Lords. She spoke about the importance of beauty, selfcare and wellness. “The beauty sector proved that it’s not only economically vital, but it’s indispensable for the mental and physical wellbeing of our country,” she said. “It’s also a powerhouse of economic growth.”

Kate Dearden, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Business and Trade, highlighted the British beauty industry’s significant economic and social contributions. She explained how it contributed over £30 billion to the UK economy last year, equivalent to 25 new NHS hospitals. She emphasised the industry’s gender diversity, with 80 per cent of business owners being women.

“The beauty industry in this country doesn’t just make a massive economic contribution, it makes a huge social contribution too,” she said.

She went on to add, “It’s about jobs, it’s growth, and it’s a wealth creator, too. So it’s right that we champion its success.”

Future-proofing beauty for growth

Millie Kendal MBE, CEO of British Beauty Council, said, “The British Beauty Council has been working to enhance the beauty sector’s reputation, highlighting its significant socio-economic impact and future-proofing initiatives.”

“In 2025, the sector has seen rapid growth, expanding four times faster than the wider economy. The council has focused on tapping into new communities, particularly the sports sector, to foster empowerment and confidence.”

The British Beauty Council has also named rugby star Tatyana Heard (pictured top) as its debut Sports Ambassador – an appointment that was unveiled by Kendall during the event.

Beauty with Wellness Sells

Jamie Heath, vice-president of business development at Clearpay, revealed how data from one of the UK’s largest Buy Now Pay Later providers demonstrates that beauty with wellness sells. He emphasised the importance of putting consumers at the centre of business strategy. “Omnichannel experiences are vital for driving uptake and loyalty,” he said.

Clearpay’s financial insights show strong growth in hybrid products that merge beauty with wellness, such as skincare with SPF protection. “Consumers are looking for selfcare through skincare,” Heath added, identifying Bitesize Beauty as a key emerging trend.

Minis, travel sizes and discovery products, particularly in advent calendars and beauty boxes, are proving hugely popular. These offer younger consumers accessible entry points into premium beauty.

“Consumers are thinking about where they want to spend their money, and they’re looking for that one product that offers a couple of solutions. How can I look good as well as feel good?”, said Heath.

Game-changing beauty

Another game-changer, Aki Mandhar of Chelsea FC Women, offered a fascinating perspective on the power of authentic storytelling through sport. She revealed that Chelsea FC Women now employs the world’s first menstruation doctor to support players’ wellbeing. This collaboration ensures they are match-ready with the right nutrition and cycle management advice.

“We also launched a back-of-shorts partnership to spark open conversations about periods. We wanted to destigmatise the topic,” said Mandhar.

The campaign went viral after a television clip showed players with beetroot juice on their legs. This striking visual was designed to challenge taboos and highlight the unspoken restrictions women face when competing while menstruating.

“Beauty and sport are about strength, leadership and loving who you are,” said Mandhar. “We welcome everyone – boys and girls, men and women – to share in that energy.”

Athlete Dina Asher-Smith spoke passionately about the importance of beauty in giving sportswomen space to express themselves. She shared how her own beauty rituals play a role in building self-belief before competition.

“Beauty helps you understand your body – not just how it looks, but what it can do. A woman’s body is incredibly powerful,” she told the audience.

Asher-Smith also reflected on the shared values of beauty and sport, celebrating the diversity and inclusion.

“Beauty and sport can really work together and learn from each other,” she said. “At the Olympics, you see the full spectrum of bodies, cultures and identities coming together to perform at their best. I’ll always protect the space for women to be themselves – whether that means putting on makeup, using moisturiser or simply having a great shower and showing up as they are.”

The panel concluded with a powerful call to action, urging the audience to consider how beauty can help keep girls engaged in sport. Research shows that many girls drop out between the ages of 13 and 15, just when beauty and self-image begin to take on greater importance.

“Sport empowers,” said Asher-Smith. “It teaches leadership, resilience and self-belief. Beauty can play a vital role in helping girls feel confident enough to stay in the game.”