The Intersection of Beauty and Wellness: A New Era of Soda-Inspired Collaborations

In the ever-evolving world of beauty and wellness, brands are increasingly tapping into nostalgic elements while promoting healthier lifestyles. This week, we’re taking a closer look at the unique collaborations merging the realms of soda and beauty, the latest shifts in company leadership, and industry news that might affect your favorite products.

A Nostalgic Revival: Soda-Inspired Beauty

Many consumers still fondly remember their Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers from the ’90s, and now, a fresh wave of soda-themed beauty products is making an appearance. Brands are creatively linking their cosmetic lines with beverage flavors to evoke nostalgia while also catering to the rising health-conscious market.

This September, Tower 28 teamed up with Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, to launch a limited-edition holiday collection featuring a lip gloss and powder blush inspired by Poppi’s Cranberry Fizz flavor. Similarly, E.l.f. and Liquid Death introduced their lip gloss line earlier this year, while Cocokind unveiled three new ceramide-infused lip balms in collaboration with Olipop.

Unlike the sugary treats of the past, these collaborative products reflect the modern consumer’s preference for health and wellness. As Tower 28’s founder, Amy Liu, puts it, “Poppi is the Dr. Pepper of today.” This partnership arose from Liu’s friendship with Poppi’s co-founder, showcasing how brands are leaning into shared narratives that connect food and beauty.

Sensory Storytelling and Consumer Trends

For many beauty brands, flavor storytelling has become an effective marketing strategy. Liu notes that food and beauty share similar consumption patterns—they are visually appealing and inherently sensorial. Tower 28’s holiday campaign garnered impressive attention, reaching over 223 million consumers and generating $11.4 million in media value.

Cocokind’s partnership with Olipop is another prime example. Their collaboration not only reinvigorated interest in their ceramide lip balms but also allowed them to secure prominent in-store displays at Ulta Beauty, a first for the brand. CMO Maria Maciejowski highlighted the emotional bond consumers have with Olipop’s flavors, making the collaboration feel organic and relevant.

Today’s consumers are increasingly viewing their food and drink choices as integral parts of their beauty routines. As Melanie Bartelme from Mintel explains, there’s a noticeable trend of treating food and beverage consumption as a lifestyle choice, reflecting a shift in how people approach beauty and wellness.

The Rise of Functional Sodas

Brands such as Poppi and Olipop, both launched in 2018, have emerged as formidable challengers in the beverage sector. With their focus on gut-friendly ingredients, these functional sodas have garnered attention. Coca-Cola recently launched its prebiotic soda brand, Simply Pop, while PepsiCo acquired Poppi for an impressive $1.95 billion.

As the market becomes saturated with health-oriented sodas, collaborations with beauty brands can help these companies break through in the crowded landscape. Olipop’s partnership with Cocokind puts its products in spaces traditionally dominated by cosmetics, enhancing its visibility.

For those who still seek a touch of nostalgia, Vacation, Inc. recently launched a Cherry Cola lip balm in collaboration with Pepsi, keeping the retro vibe alive.

Executive Changes and Industry News

As these beauty and beverage collaborations unfold, significant executive changes are also making headlines. Wella Company has appointed Calvin McDonald as its new CEO, while Revlon has brought on Mario Rivera as the chief operations officer. Rare Beauty has also made internal promotions, appointing Joyce Kim and Ashley Murphy to leadership roles.

In market news, Glossier has laid off about a third of its workforce, continuing a trend seen in recent years. L’Oréal Group reported a 6% sales increase in Q4 2025, while the mass fragrance market saw a remarkable 15% growth.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Beauty

The synergy between food and beauty is more than just a trend; it’s reflective of changing consumer values where wellness integrates seamlessly into everyday choices. Brands are leveraging nostalgic connections and health-conscious innovations to create products that resonate with modern consumers.

As we look forward, it’s essential to stay informed about industry developments and explore how these evolving partnerships may enhance our own beauty routines and lifestyles. With the convergence of health and beauty, the future promises intriguing possibilities worth considering.