La Cosmetique is expanding its physical retail presence in Sydney, while Adore Beauty is building out its Korean beauty range as demand for K-beauty creates new opportunities across the market.
La Cosmetique plans to open a new store at The Galeries in Sydney’s CBD in October 2026, relocating from Darling Square. The opening follows a period of expansion that has taken the retailer’s network to 16 stores across Australia, including locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Founded in 2014, the business also operates a wholesale distribution network supplying more than 1,500 beauty clinics, independent businesses and major retailers, with a portfolio of more than 5,000 products from over 200 brands.
The expansion comes amid forecasts for continued growth in Australia’s K-beauty market. Market research firm Credence Research estimates the Australian K-beauty market was worth US$104.79 million (approximately A$160 million) in 2023 and projects it will reach US$213.09 million (approximately A$326 million) by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8.19%. (The figures are market estimates and forecasts, rather than audited retail sales.)
Online beauty retailer Adore Beauty, which grew to 20 physical stores within two years, stocks 20 Korean beauty brands across skincare, haircare and makeup, including COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Laneige, Innisfree and Medicube. Its website features a dedicated Korean and Japanese skincare category, while its FY2025 results identified expanding its Korean beauty range as part of its brand development strategy. Chief executive Sacha Laing told ABC News that some Korean beauty brands, particularly in skincare, were growing faster than some of the retailer’s largest established skincare brands, with more South Korean brands planned for introduction.
Meanwhile, Coles has expanded its skincare offering to include Korean beauty brands such as COSRX, Beauty of Joseon and Tony Moly, making the products available through its store network and online.
La Cosmetique competes with W Cosmetics and BONIIK, which also specialise in Korean and Japanese beauty products through their retail stores and online platforms.