• March 31, 2010

L'Oréal is shutting down the U.S. operations of Shu Uemura Cosmetics, one of its luxury brands, reports Women's Wear Daily.

The high-end brand is best known for the almost cult-like following of such products as its eyelash curler (Madonna is said to favor the gold-plated version), not to mention its mink and diamond false eyelashes, and is said to sell about 80% of its products in Europe.

The report quotes a U.S. L'Oreal executive, who says the decision "is about our desire to focus on growing the larger brands in the Luxury Products portfolio," which also includes Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Kiehl's.

In the U.S., Shu Uemura is sold in such stores as Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom, as well as a handful of freestanding boutiques. American consumers will still be able to purchase products online. --Sarah Mahoney