Hilco runs live auction for nine-year UK indie cosmetics brand; bids due 18 May

May 6, 2026 — Hilco Valuation Services UK opened a sale process for an unnamed, nine-year-old founder-led UK indie cosmetics brand (lashes, complexion, glow, colour). Peak turnover ~£5M, 380,000+ DTC customers, 1.1M combined organic social followers built on £11K annual marketing spend, 45%+ repeat rate, sub-2% returns. Asset sale; 10% non-negotiable Buyer's Premium; bids due Monday 18 May at 4pm BST. Follows Barry M's February sale to Warpaint London for £1.4M — two UK indie colour brands at auction within four months suggests a structural distress cycle, not isolated events.