 Actress Scarlett Johansson is one "face of L'Oreal" |
Shares in the world's biggest cosmetics group, L'Oreal, have risen 3% after it reported first-half operating profits of 1.33bn euros ($1.7bn; �900m). The Paris-based firm, whose brands include Garnier, Elseve shampoos and Lancome Perfumes, bought the Body Shop earlier this year for �625m.
It has Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz among the famous faces advertising its products.
The profits, up 19.6% on the same period last year, beat expectations.
L'Oreal had earlier reported sales were up 8.7% in the period to 7.8bn euros.
Improved performance in western Europe and penetration into Latin America and eastern European markets had helped its gains, the firm said.
Its results follow a strong showing earlier this week from Beiersdorf, maker of Nivea hand cream, which reported a 15% rise in first-half profits.
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