Key Takeaways:
This year, collaborations continued to be a primary growth engine, with brands leaning into collections that blended culture, nostalgia, and community to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. From pop culture tie-ins and fashion crossovers to food-inspired bodycare and wellness-driven partnerships, these launches went beyond novelty, serving as strategic brand statements and entry points for new consumers.
BeautyMatter’s editors evaluated the year’s most compelling collaborations based on originality, cultural relevance, and execution, spotlighting drops that sparked conversation and translated brand DNA into tangible, covetable products. Whether honoring boundary-pushing beauty icons, tapping viral fandoms, or merging adjacent lifestyle categories, these partnerships reflect how beauty continues to intersect with entertainment, fashion, and functional wellness. The following selections represent the best collaborations of the year, proof that when done right, collaboration isn't just a moment, but a meaningful extension of brand storytelling.
Dr. Squatch x Stranger Things: The men’s personal care brand is collaborating with Netflix hit Stranger Things for a limited-edition collection inspired by the show. The release features four briccs: Vecna’s Curse, a heavy-grit bar with juniper, blood orange, and dark amber; Squawk Signal, a light-grit bricc scented with lavender and cherry soda; Experiment No. 11, a medium-grit blend of citrus and metallic iron; and Hellfire & Beyond, a medium-grit bar with a bold pepper, clove, and leather scent. The lineup is available as the Stranger Things 4-Pack ($32), with individual bars available for $6 each.
ByUR x Sanrio: The K-beauty brand has revealed a limited-edition collaboration with Sanrio that features Pompompurin, Pochacco, and Kuromi in ByUR x Hello Kitty & Friends K-Spa Skincare Collection. Each product reimagines the brand’s signature pore-care experience with gentle formulas. The three lines—Honey Gorgeous (Pompompurin), Green Wonder (Pochacco), and Vita Giving (Kuromi)—deliver moisturizing, soothing, and brightening benefits through serum masks and toner pads. Products range from $10.99 to $24.99.
The Grinch x Kitsch: The global beauty brand has teamed up with The Grinch for a limited-edition collection of hair accessories. The line features Pillow Satin Scrunchie 2 Piece Set, Metal Bow French Hair Pin, Bow Claw Clip, and Standard Satin Pillowcase, featuring characters from the movie. The Whoville Cookies Hair Perfume blends the scent of buttercream caramel, vanilla, and tonka bean. Products range from $10 to $22.
Mane x OUAI: Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin has combined her two brands OUAI and Mane to create the Sephora exclusive Mane x OUAI Anti-Frizz Kit ($98) in a bid to entice Gen A, Gen Z, and millennials. The kit contains Mane’s Hot Straightening Brush and OUAI’s Anti-Frizz Crème to help consumers achieve sleek, smooth hair.
Beekman 1802 x Libby’s: The skin health brand has partnered with pumpkin brand Libby’s to launch a limited-edition bodycare collection inspired by its fall products. Featuring Libby’s pumpkin, toasted sugar, and warm spice aromas, the collection includes Milk Shake Body ($49), a vanilla cream moisture body mist, Hand & Body Wash ($22), Bar Soap ($16), Whipped Body Cream ($38), and Hand Cream ($16), each in Libby’s classic pumpkin pie & cream scent.
Saie x Rocky’s Matcha: The cosmetics brand has partnered with viral business Rocky’s Matcha to launch a limited-edition matcha blend. The product is a ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Uji Japan, produced by the esteemed Horii Shichimeien, which boosts a vibrant green color, silky texture, and smooth taste. The collaboration hopes to introduce Saie consumers who have not tried matcha before to the uplifting beverage, and includes sets with products including a matcha scoop, whisk, sieve, and Saie Glowy Supergel.
Alice x The Last of Us: The mushroom supplement brand incorporated pop culture and functional wellness in its latest launch, adding a The Last of Us spin on its best-selling cordyceps-infused Brainstorm chocolate. Alice x The Last of Us ($59) includes two limited-edition tins of Brainstorm chocolate containing 32 medicinal-dose daily squares of chocolate. The Collectors Edition Set ($150) is a one-of-50 hand-built preserved moss box that contains an Alice x The Last of Us tin and a custom giraffe figurine.
Bubble Skincare x Olive & June: Skincare brand Bubble collaborated with nail care brand Olive & June to create the Walmart exclusive Bubble x Olive & June Collection. Designed with the idea of both brands’ communities at its core, the collection is inspired by a spa day, and offers the Olive & June All Star Mani Set ($25) with five mini nail polishes and a top coat; Bubble GroupChat Mini Routine Set ($25), a mini Bubble skincare routine and Olive & June flower file; Olive & June Pink Slam Dunk Collector’s Edition Set($18), five mini polishes and Bubble-inspired nail art stickers; Bubble Flower Power Face and Nails Kit($18), including a Slam Dunk moisturizer and Olive & June nail art stickers and flower file; and Bubble Out & About Mini Essentials Set ($10), including a mini Slam Dunk moisturizer plus Olive & June nail art stickers and flower file.
Starface x Heaven by Marc Jacobs: The skincare brand has launched its first-ever fashion collaboration with Heaven by Marc Jacobs. Coming together to celebrate elements of nostalgia and streetwear, the limited-edition drop includes a Tattooed Big Yellow ($19) mirrored compact featuring 32 hydrocolloid patches that resemble original designs by artists such as Sean Kennedy and Rachel Lu, including grunge-inspired mom tattoos, spider drawings, stars, and more.
Collectively, these collaborations highlight how beauty’s most impactful partnerships move beyond hype, using shared culture, thoughtful execution, and strategic alignment to deepen brand meaning and expand relevance in a crowded market.
