Clinique is the first-ever Beauty Partner of England’s women’s rugby team the Red Roses, taking its beauty-sports initiatives to an “elite level”.
The official collaboration during this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup marks an evolution in the Estée Lauder Companies-owned brand’s commitment to supporting young women in rugby, building on the impact of its grassroots movement GameFace.
Launched in 2022, GameFace has helped rugby clubs across the UK champion their female players by providing essential funding, equipment and education.
Brands sponsoring women’s sport often outperform traditional sponsors on emotional connection, brand affinity and long-term consumer loyalty, found the latest Women’s Sport Trust Report (July 2025).
Clinique was named one of the top-performing brands for brand affinity, with more than 70% of those aware of the partnership feeling more positive toward the brand.
“Partnering with the Red Roses allows us to scale our mission with purpose, supporting elite athletes in the same way we support grassroots players,” said Karen Ehrlich, VP/GM of Skin Care, Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland.
“This partnership is about more than skin care – it is about giving athletes the confidence they need, and helping them to inspire other women.”
Clinique’s official partnership with the Red Roses comes less than a month before the start of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which kicks off on 22 August.
As part of the deal, the brand has offered the team access to expert consultants who can create tailored skin care and make-up routines to support each player’s needs.
The collaboration is also the first-of-its-kind for the Red Roses as the link between beauty and women’s sports continues to evolve into a deeper cultural movement.
Red Roses star and GameFace ambassador Holly Aitchison said: “Clinique is such a refreshing brand.
“They really care about the people they work with and are so knowledgeable on what products suit each individual.
“Having worked closely with them over the years, they have helped me maintain clearer skin and feel more comfortable as a result.
“I feel so much more confident on the field and social situations than I ever have done.
“To have their support as our Official Beauty Partner means a lot to us as Red Roses and we know we will be well supported by them in what is an exciting few months ahead.”
This news comes hot on the heels of Unilever being named an official sponsor of the Rugby World Cup over the next five years for both the men’s and women’s game.
Coppertone has also tapped rugby star Ilona Maher to be the new face of its sports sunscreen this year.
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