07.08.09
Mr. Bubble gets a face lift. |
Iconic Mr. Bubble Gets a Modern Makeover
Mr. Bubble is getting his makeover. The iconic bubble bath, which is now owned by The Village Company (TVC), Chaska, MN, has been given updated look, some tweaks to its formulation and new sister products, including Mr. Bubble Foam Soap. In addition, Mr. Bubble has received pediatrician approval.
“The purchase of Mr. Bubble has been a great acquisition for TVC,” said Frank Klisanich, president and chief executive officer. “It is a recognized brand that we have reenergized and given some much needed attention and innovation. Now with pediatrician-approved formulas and new products, consumers won’t have to choose between a gentle clean and an effective one.”
High Altitude Sunscreen Expands in Northern California
Sierra Summits’ High Altitude Adventure Sunscreen—the first sunscreen to earn the Melanoma International Foundation Seal of Approval—has expanded distribution throughout northern California via Raley’s stores. In addition, the company will begin a sampling and in-store demonstration program at select stores in northern California.
“People who try Sierra Summits’ High Altitude Adventure Sunblock for the first time often tell us that it feels just like lightweight lotion,” said Jennifer Rice, Sierra Summits founder and chief executive officer.
More info: www.sierrasummits.com
Super Mario Available in CVS
The Mario Badescu product line will now be featured at CVS’s Beauty 360 shops in Washington, D.C. Mission Viejo, CA and Ridgefield, CT. Products include skin care, hair care, and men’s grooming, and beauty consultants will administer mini-facials in the tradition of Mario Badescu’s European facials offered in the company’s New York beauty salon and spa.
“We are extremely excited about expanding our distribution to include the new Beauty 360 chain,” said Joseph Cabasso, executive vice president of Mario Badescu Skin Care. “Beauty 360’s combination of luxury and convenience is well-aligned with our philosophy of offering top-quality skin care and beauty products alongside unparalleled customer service.”
More info: www.mariobadescu.com
Stila and Mattel Team Up for Barbie Beauty
At the 2009 Licensing International Show, Mattel revealed its portfolio of alliances and marketing agreements, including a number of beauty-related deals. Stila, which has been named official prestige makeup partner for 2009, will bring Barbie’s signature look to life with innovative, whimsical beauty products. A larger Barbie beauty program is slated to roll out in the Fall.
In addition, Mattel inked deals with Markwins and Dylan’s Candy Bar. Markwins will create lipgloss and balm, nail polish and eyeshadow featuring Barbie, which will debut in October. Dylan’s Barbie products will include Lips Like Sugar lipstick.
Perfume Video Game
(Video) game on! PlayFirst—an entertainment company that makes games for PC, Mac, mobile, handheld and console devices—is adding Passport to Perfume, a game that introduces players to the world of perfume making. Players coordinate every part of the process—from sourcing olfactory ingredients to designing custom perfumes. A beta preview version of Passport to Perfume was released in June.
More info: www.playfirst.com
In Bloom Blossoms this Fall
In November, Avon will launch In Bloom, a celebrity scent from Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon. Ms. Witherspoon developed the fragrance, based on white flowers such as gardenia, with the help of Isabel Ryan, Avon’s director of creative fragrance development, and Robertet perfumer Olivia Jan. In Bloom has top notes of Georgia peach, tea leaves and crisp greens; a heart of star gardenia, magnolias and night-blooming jasmine, and a drydown of cashmere woods, hypnotic florals and amber wood crystals. The In Bloom line will also include body mist, body lotion and shower gel.
Old Spice Puts the Swagger into Summer
Old Spice has launched its “Swaggerize Your Wallet” competition in which consumers can compete to win thousands of dollars by demonstrating their ability to go the extra mile to demonstrate their Swagger style. Consumers can visit www.oldspice.com to assess the first set of “Swaggerize” challenges and learn how to upload video/photo competition entries. All challenges rely heavily on a sense of humor and call for the creative use of the brand’s popular Swagger logo, such as making a cake in the shape of the logo and shooting video of it being eaten, holding a Swagger sign at a televised sporting event game or submitting a photo of a Tony Stewart look-alike. New challenges will be posted to the site on a weekly basis; the contest ends Aug. 13.
“While we realize times are tough, summer is all about good times and we wanted to give our loyal fans the opportunity to win some extra cash to fund their fun—whether that means grilling enough burgers to feed the entire neighborhood, upgrading to behind home-plate seats at their favorite team’s baseball game or spending the night out on the town,” said James Moorhead, Old Spice brand manager. “After all, nothing gives a person more Swagger than a fat wallet, and that’s what the ‘Swaggerize Your Wallet’ competition is all about. This summer, people can bank on Swagger as the scent that makes a difference.”
More info: www.oldspice.com
Cosmetics for a Cause
PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics, a makeup company that donates all of its profits, after taxes, to women’s health and human rights advocacy issues, has launched Perfect As Is organic rosebud lip balm. The New York-based company’s lip balm is debuting in support of Dr. Cheryl Saban’s new book, “What Is Your Self Worth? A Woman’s Guide to Validation.”
This 75% organic moisturizing balm, which is being stocked at Parfumerie Douglas and online for $7, has a sheer pink tint and is infused with rosebud and the sweet tasting herb, stevia. It also contains certified organic ingredients such as palm oil, extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil for maximum moisture.
“We are delighted to support Dr. Saban’s important work to advance women’s empowerment,” said Jody Weiss, founder and president of PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics.
More info: www.iamapeacekeeper.com
The New Voice of Hair Loss
Celebrity hairstylist Thom Priano of the Garren New York Salon is now a spokesperson for Rogaine, and will help in the brand’s effort to shed new light on thinning hair and hair loss. Hereditary hair loss is a widespread condition affecting millions of men and women worldwide. It accounts for 95% of all hair loss and will affect almost half of all men (40%) and one in four women (25%).
“Every day in our salon, we see clients with hair loss,” said Mr. Priano. “It’s an emotional experience and as a Rogaine user myself, I understand exactly what they’re going through. What’s important for people to know is that Rogaine is an effective hair regrowth treatment and also that there are many great styling techniques and cuts available to make hair look thicker and fuller.”
More info: www.rogaine.com
Doing Good Around the U.S.
Tom’s of Maine has introduced 50 States for Good, a new program directed at organizations that make a difference in their communities. The national program asks the public to help Tom’s of Maine reward non-profit organizations focused on lasting, positive change. With a $100,000 community action fund and a goal of inspiring participation across all 50 states, Tom’s of Maine encourages people to share their opinions on the projects that matter most to them. The company has created a virtual hub at www.50statesforgood.com, where applications for participation and program information are available to any qualifying 501 (c)(3) organization. After the submission phase, which ends Aug. 30, a community vote will determine five projects to receive $20,000 each.
Derms Honor Merz
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has honored Merz Pharmaceuticals with its first-ever recognition of a scar product for its sun-protection benefit. The AAD Seal of Recognition recognizes over-the-counter products for their sun-protection benefit based on review of independent testing results by an independent scientist and a panel of dermatologists to verify that the products meet stringent, evidence-based sun-protection criteria. Mederma Cream plus SPF 30 is the first scar product to receive this distinction.
More info: www.mederma.com
A Green Hand Cleaner from Stoko
Stoko Skin Care, Greensboro, NC, has the first Green Seal GS 41 B-certified medium-to-heavy-duty hand cleaner, Stoko BlueForce, a 100% solvent-free, industrial strength hand cleaner which contains no scrubbing particles. It has very good skin compatibility and excellent cleaning power in cases of common industrial dirt (e.g., grease, oil, mineral oil, lubricating oil, graphite and metal dust). Laboratory testing proved BlueForce to be significantly milder to the skin than competitive heavy-duty liquid cleansers, according to the company.
More info: www.stokoskincare.com
Arden Signs Schiffer for Ferretti Scent
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer will represent Alberta Ferretti’s first signature fragrance by Elizabeth Arden in its advertising campaign. In January 2008, the company entered into an exclusive long-term global licensing agreement with AEFFE S.p.A. for the development, marketing and distribution of fragrance, cosmetics and skin care products with Alberta Ferretti. The fragrance and the campaign will debut in Europe in the Fall.
“It’s an honor to be chosen as the face of the Alberta Ferretti fragrance. Alberta and I have worked together for many years and it’s wonderful to be able to collaborate on this exciting project together. Alberta’s designs always embody femininity and elegance which are reflected in this fragrance,” said Ms. Schiffer.
Alcohol-Free AP from KMA
KMA Allied, LLC, manufacturer of Mon Ray antiperspirant, has increased its support of the “No Alcohol” campaign to set the antiperspirant apart from other products offered on the over-the-counter segment. Mon Ray Antiperspirant continues to offer patients suffering with excessive sweating problems an option for something that is effective but with minimum side effects. Unlike the prescription available for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Mon Ray Antiperspi-rant does not contain alcohol, but offers the same clinical active ingredient; therefore reducing the irritation and redness associated with a prescription product.
More info: www.kmaallied.com
A PitiCure from Dove
Add another step to your summer beauty with the PitiCure, a three-step process being pitched by Dove as an at-home beauty treatment. Dove Visibly Smooth Deodorant is an essential part of The PitiCure, as it gives women the confidence to show their underarms by keeping underarms feeling stubble free for longer and cared for with Dove 1/4 moisturizers.” (The process: use a gentle exfoliating scrub or wipe to cleanse underarms and help remove impurities, rinse and gently dry with towel, rinse off and gently dry underarms with a towel apply Dove Visibly Smooth anti-perspirant deodorant.)
Dove is offering consumers a chance to experience the treatment at The PitiCure Pavilion, a pop-up spa that will be Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia during the summer.
Natural Enzymes for Whiter Teeth
SecureDenture.com has released NaturDent, a natural teeth whitener that uses papaya and pineapple enzymes to break down stains on teeth without bleaching or abrasion. Thetoothpaste also uses fine, specially calibrated silica crystals to polish teeth gently for a natural whiteness and brighter smile. NaturDent contains papain and bromelain with natural enzymes to break down the pellicle preventing plaque and stains; meswak extract, which fortifies gums and acts as a barrier against tooth decay; neem, which has been shown to significantly reduce the plaque and cleanse the mouth; and xylitol, which is proven to reduce the incidence of plaque buildup and keep teeth healthy.
“Our market research has indicated that consumers are seeking bleach-free and healthy alternative toothpaste to whiten teeth. To meet consumer needs SecureDenture.com now offers NaturDent, a bleach-free, papaya fortified natural whitening toothpaste that nourishes gums and supports overall dental health,” said Eileen Sheets, product manager.
More info: www.SecureDenture.com
Pear Fig Pore Cleanser
Naturopathica, East Hampton, NY, has launched Pear Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel, an active and aromatic pore refining treatment that promotes a polished and glowing complexion, according to the company.
The Science Guy Promotes Novel Cleaner
Activeion Cleaning Solutions, Rogers, MN, has signed William S. Nye, better known as “Bill Nye, the Science Guy” as a spokesperson. Mr. Nye will assist in the introduction of Activeion Cleaning Solutions chemical free cleaning technology. His first project was an educational video that explains the process, which reportedly converts tap water into a cleaner and sanitizer.
“Bill Nye is not only an excellent communicator with an extensive history helping nonexperts understand complex scientific concepts, he is a critical thinker with a strong background in the physical nature of our technology,” said Jime Wiese, Activeion’s chief executive officer.
More info: www.activeion.com
Sunblock Fabric from Coolibar
Sun protection clothing manufacturer Coolibar, Minneapolis, MN, has embedded zinc oxide (ZnO) into the fibers of natural cotton and bamboo to create ZnO Suntect fabric.ZnO, which is widely used in sunscreens, provides excellent sun protection along with antioxidants known to support increased collagen production for healthy skin.The fabric is currently offered in adult tee-shirts, beach and active wear and infant clothing.
More info: www.coolibar.com