09.04.08
Revlon Taps Actress Jennifer Connelly as Spokesperson
Revlon, Inc. has signed Academy Award winning actress Jennifer Connelly to represent the Revlon brand. Ms. Connelly joins the brand’s current roster of celebrity spokesmodels that includes Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Beau Garrett and Elle Macpherson.
In addition to being featured in upcoming global advertising campaigns, Ms. Connelly will be involved with various company-sponsored philanthropic activities and fundraising events for charity.
“I am honored to be joining the Revlon Family,” said Jennifer Connelly. “Revlon is one of the great iconic brands of today and I am thrilled to be part of a company that has done so much for women around the world.”
Ms. Connelly, who began her acting career at 12 years old in “Once Upon a Time in America,” attended Yale and Stanford, and has worked on more than 30 films, including “A Beautiful Mind,” for which she won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Critics Choice and BAFTA awards for best actress in a supporting role. She currently has three films in the hopper, including “The Day the Earth Stood Still and “He’s Just Not That Into You,” which will debut this year, and “9,” which is due out in 2009.
More info: www.revlon.com
P&G Expands Swiffer into Wood Care
Swiffer is taking on the wood care category with the launch of a new line of products endorsed by the National Wood Flooring Association. In addition, P&G says Swiffer is first in the category to be available in scents beyond traditional citrus. Swiffer Dust & Shine—which sprays in a light, even mist to
“We have learned from consumers that many people have an emotional attachment to their wooden surfaces and treasures,” said Jay Benton, external relations manager for North America Home Care. “We understand that wood floors and other wood surfaces are what make a house into a home, so we created a line of products to help consumers maintain and restore all of their favorite wood surfaces.” The Swiffer Wood Care product line is available at major mass-market grocery and drug store retailers nationwide. More info: www.swiffer.com
New Dishwashing Scents from Method
Pink Grapefruit and Go Naked are the scent variants available in new Smarty Dish, Method’s new
Butter London Turns the Tables on Toluene
Bye-bye “bad” polish. Butter London, recently partnered with website www.BrandHabit on the Turn in Your Toxins campaign. During the campaign customers were able to “turn in their toxins”—aka standard nail polishes—to participating Butter London stores and fashion boutiques. Each customer who brought three nail polishes containing the toxic chemicals formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (phthalate) received a free bottle of any 3 Free nail lacquer. The company said 500 lacquers were turned in to the 25 retailers in the U.S. and Canada that participated in the campaign.
More info: www.butterlondon.com
Coty Launches New Scent
Coty Inc. has unveiled La Voce by Renee Fleming, a new limited edition prestige scent honoring Metropolitan Opera star soprano, Renee Fleming. Coty will donate proceeds from sale of the fragrance to the Metropolitan Opera. The fragrance’s debut will coincide with the Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Gala on Sept. 22, during which Ms. Fleming will perform in three of her most acclaimed roles. La Voce will be sold through a select number of high-end retailers worldwide, in addition to the Metropolitan Opera’s website and its Lincoln Center shop in New York City later in the fall. Ms. Fleming will be the face of La Voce by Renee Fleming in all advertising and promotional materials for the floriental fragrance created by Ann Gottlieb. It has top notes of passion fruit and white truffle accord and transcends to a rich floral heart of jasmine and lily of the valley. Notes of dark chocolate mousse and ebony wood winds complete this luxurious fragrance.
Ta-tas Touts Boob Lube Soap
Ta-tas Brand Clothing is now touting Boob Lube soap in liquid and bar form designed to help women perform self breast exams. Designed by Julia Fikse, designer and founder of Ta-tas Brand Clothing, Boob Lube is a soothing herbal soap that leaves the skin silky smooth. Scented with lavender and rosewood, Boob Lube is available online at www.savethetatas.com, and is sold in units of three bars or one liquid bottle for $14.99.
Actor Harnett Reps New Armani Scent
Emporio Armani has tapped actor Josh Hartnett as the face of Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men, its new fragrance that launches this month. The hunky star of “Pearl Harbor” and “Black Hawk Down,” is the first male celebrity for Giorgio Armani Beauty. Harnett’s most recent film is “August” in which he stars as an internet start-up entrepreneur who attempts to keep his fledgling company afloat as the dot.com bubble bursts. More info: www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com
Aluminum Free Deodorant from Toms of Maine
L’Oreal says it did not lighten Beyonce’s skin tone in a Feria hair color advertisement that is set to run in the September issues of Elle, Allure and Essence magazines. In a statement, L’Oréal said it is “categorically untrue that L’Oreal Paris altered Ms. Knowles’ features or skin tone in the campaign for Feria hair color.”
Novel Hairstyling Concept from Dyna Tab
Dyna Tabs LLC’s Dyna-Doo hair styling tabs provide strong control, add incredible texture and control and color to hair. Available in eight fragrant colors that add temporary color highlights to the hair, Dyna-Doo is packaged in portable, ultra-thin cases, making it extremely convenient for active people, according to the company.
L-ascorbic Acid Is the Key in IS Skin Care Line
IS Clinical, an exclusive skin care brand by Innovative Skin Care, has created a new skin care line under the IS Clinical banner. New Advance+ features L-ascorbic acid technology, which offers time-released, continuous delivery to cells, providing a more efficient and effective form of the powerhouse ingredient. Additionally, its uniquely stabilized molecular structure allows it to be formulated with other potent ingredients to enable enhanced collagen production and additional anti-aging benefits, according to the company. The new Advance+ line, which is available at dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medi spas and luxury professional skin care locations, includes Super Serum Advance+, Pro-Heal Serum Advance+ and C Eye Advance+.
More info: www.innovativeskincare.com
Healthy Hair from Joico
Joico’s K-Pak Waves offers a unique, reconstructive approach to texture, producing healthy, shiny, frizz-free curls and waves for every hair type. The line is formulated with Quadramine Complex, which features negatively- and positively-charged human hair keratin proteins that adhere to the damaged sites of the cuticle and cortex to optimize waving performance. It protects the cuticle, ensuring a healthy, frizz-free, glossy surface and penetrates the cortex, strengthening and supporting the hair’s internal structure to provide long-lasting, resilient results. Six formulas are available.
More info: www.joico.com
Redken Reformulates Blonding Gels
Redken has reformulated and relaunched its Blonding Gels line as Fashion Gels Blonde Series. The revamped product line, which provides blonde in a single process, also includes new shade that delivers a warm, balanced gold tone.
“We reformulated Blonding Gels as Fashion Gels Blonde Series shades, and added one new shade, to reintroduce this fashion category to clients and colorists looking for more tonal control when lifting,” said Kirsten Marsh, assistant vice president of U.S. hair color and texture for Redken. “These shades also offer more creative color options when highlighting or achieving all-over blonde.”
The Fashion Gels Blonde Series provides maximum lift for single-process blonding. The Select Dye System contains 100% oxidative, UV-stable, long-lasting dyes for color with holding power and resistance to fading as well as conditions with wheat proteins and avocado oil.
More info: www.redkencolor.com
Neutrogena Promotes Sun Fresh in Miami
Neutrogena hosted the first Mr. & Miss Sun Fresh Miami 2008 competition during Miami’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim July 18-21. Two local winners were granted the coveted titles of Mr. & Miss Sun Fresh Miami 2008. Celebrity fashion and beauty industry leaders served as judges and chose winners based on their sunless coloring and use of Sun Fresh sunless tanner. Hispanic television personality and host of the Miss Universe 2008 pageant, Poncho de Anda served as the master of ceremonies. The competition was open to local Miami residents. Prior to the competition, contestants were asked to use either Sun Fresh lotion or foam.
Leslie Bibb Promotes Almay
Actress Leslie Bibb is the newest face to represent Almay. In her new role, she will promote new and existing cosmetics collections and will appear in global multi-media campaigns that include television, print, in-store and Internet placements. Ms. Bibb was discovered in 1990 on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” during a nationwide modeling search with the Elite Modeling Agency. She later began her acting career and has been featured in television shows such as “ER” and “Popular.” Her notable film roles include “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” and “Iron Man.” Her next film to hit theaters will be “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” based on the best selling book by Sophie Kinsella.
More info: www.revlon.com
St. Tropez Is a Brand to Watch
St. Tropez has been nominated as a “Brand to Watch” in Superbrands 2008/09, which enlists independent research and expert and consumer opinion to identify the UK’s leading brands, which are published in an annual Top 500 list online and in the national media. Brands to watch are companies that have proven to have superior marketing and communication strategies and/or positioned themselves as significant challengers to established rivals.
Recent re-branding efforts—new advertising, new counter concepts and increased distribution—have helped grow the St Tropez brand. In addition, the company recently reported that bad weather in the UK and less cash to spend on vacations have helped boost sales of self-tanners. “In our first two weeks in Debenhams Liverpool, we experienced tremendous success, ranking No.1 in the bath and body department. Our average Debenhams door sales have already increased by over 300%,” said Michelle Feeney, chief executive officer of St. Tropez.
Nexxus Partners with Shear Genius
To coincide with its sponsorship of the July 16 edition of Bravo’s hair styling reality competition “Shear Genius,” Nexxus Salon Hair Care held the Nexxus Hairdo How To contest, in which a viewer with the best four-step hairdo would win a trip to join the cast for the “Shear Genius” finale viewing party in New York City. The winning entry will be featured on www.Nexxus.com.
Amway Sponsors Tina Turner Tour
Amway Global will soon embark on a North American tour of mobile brand tour to increase consumer awareness of its two flagship brands, including Artistry skin care and cosmetics. The tour—whch kicks off Oct. 1 in support of Amway’s sponsorship of “Tina Turner Live in Concert”— will feature two customized vehicles that will educate consumers about the brands and offer opportunities for product sampling.
The Artistry mobile experience is a fully customized motor coach that offers consumers brand education in a relaxing spa experience. The coach includes an intimate lounge for product sampling and a comfortable spa station where consumers can enjoy free services. Consumers also will have the opportunity to experience product sampling and informative and interactive touch-screen LCD presentations outside the coach.
“This campaign is unlike anything Amway Global has done before,” said Steve Lieberman, managing director of Quixtar North America/Amway Global.
In other news, Quixtar North America/Amway Global and the YMCA have teamed up to expand the reach and impact of the YMCA’s efforts to build healthier communities across the US. As part of the collaboration, Amway Global is making a significant financial contribution to support the YMCA’s Activate America program.
In addition, Amway Global’s financial commitment will fund a consumer-education campaign designed to empower people to improve their health and well-being; targeted initiatives for teens; online wellness tools for adults and families; and grants to support wellness events at up to 100 YMCAs during America On the Move Week with the YMCA, a nationwide event that is designed to inspire individuals and families to incorporate healthy activities into their daily routines.
Line Extensions for Bodyography
Bodyography has added two new peach and pink blusher shades: enchanted and calypso. The products restore skin to reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, according to the company. In addition, a talc-free powder also encourages skin regeneration and prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin which slows down the signs of premature aging. More info: www.bodyography.com
Mr. Clean Hosts Big Yard Sale
A sale of epic proportions needs a big time cleaner, and Mr. Clean came to the rescue. The P&G brand served as the official cleaner of the World’s Longest Yard Sale, the 21st annual event that stretches 630 miles from Ohio to Alabama.
On Aug. 8-9, Mr. Clean Cleaning Booths were situated in Clarkrange, TN and Covington, KY staffed with crews ready to scrub and clean items brought by local residents for sale and purchase. The cleaning crews used several Mr. Clean products including the Magic Eraser, Power Multi-Surface Wipes and All Purpose Cleaner. The company also distributed samples.
“In today’s economy, The World’s Longest Yard Sale provides a great opportunity for folks to trade or shop for ‘new’ additions to their house,” said Shannon Taylor, brand manager at P&G. “Mr. Clean is proud to lend a cleaning hand at this huge event by tidying items for sale and preparing them for a new home.”
Anti-Aging Facial from Murad
Users can vaccinate their skin against aging with Murad’s new anti-aging facial, IP5 Illuminating Peel. Designed to stimulate natural immune responses against age related degradation, IP5 Illuminating Peel combines the Immuno-Skin Complex, featuring immune modulators to encourage cellular activity boosting keratinocyte, epidermal and fibroblast growth factors, with five high performance exfoliating and brightening ingredients to maximize cell renewal.
“This professional facial takes skin resurfacing to a new level by removing non-functioning cells and increasing cell to cell communication between healthy cells. The end goal is to protect and repair damaged skin in a new way. The revolution is not just in concept but in results,” said Dr. Howard Murad.
The formulation incorporates the powers of Indian fig extract and vitamin C ester to stimulate cell renewal while brightening and evening discoloration plus glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids exfoliate to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles In addition, this service features two high performance treatment room products: Murad’s Eye Lift Concentrate and Cooling Recovery Mask.
More info: www.murad.com
Shirley as Coco
She’s played some memorable and award-winning roles, including Aurora Greenway in “Terms of Endearment.” Now actress Shirley MacLaine is taking on the role of Coco Chanel in an eponymous three-hour Lifetime television movie. The film, which follows the life of the legendary fashion giant and creator of the world-famous Chanel No. 5 fragrance, premieres Sept. 13.
J&J Expands Rembrandt Line
Johnson & Johnson Healthcare has unveiled new formulation of its Rembrandt Intense Stain and Canker Sore toothpastes. These premium whitening toothpastes are enhanced with a unique blend of high-performance micro-polishing particles and fluoride and are sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) free, which works to deliver powerful whitening while actively restoring and strengthening enamel for a healthy and more vibrant smile. Enhanced foaming ingredients create a rich and creamy lather, while premium peppermint and spearmint oils deliver a crisp mint flavor and cooling agents give longer lasting fresh breath.
Sally Beauty Gets into Mineral Makeup
To launch its exclusive French-inspired mineral makeup line Femme Couture, Sally Beauty held an online contest Aug 13-26 with a trip for two to Las Vegas as the grand prize. Ten winners were offered a choice of a day of pampering at a spa, half-carat diamond Huggie earrings, a pair of posh sunglasses, a choice of two different classic perfumes, an elegant gold bracelet, a designer handbag or gift cards.
Obagi's Serums Help Skin Absorb Vitamin C
Obagi Medical Products, Inc. announced the results of an in vitro study of its Obagi Professional-C and Obagi-C Rx Serums at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting in Chicago in July. The data showed that Obagi-C Rx Serum (4% hydroquinone, 10% L-ascorbic acid) provided a more than 10-fold greater absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product. The Obagi Professional-C Serum (20%) resulted in a more than five-fold greater absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product, according to the company.
In addition, both Obagi Medical Vitamin C Serums were proven to have greater stability than the leading competitor, which is important given that topical Vitamin C products can be unstable thus potentially making them less efficacious.
“Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and is essential for collagen production, which keeps skin looking young and healthy. It’s also very sensitive to numerous external conditions, so it’s important to use a formulation that has a high level of penetration and is stable,” said Harry Agahigian, lead investigator of the study. “The studies showed that the Obagi Medical Vitamin C formulations provide much better absorption and greater stability versus the competitive product.”
The patented Obagi-C Rx Early Intervention System is a complete skin care program that corrects the early signs of damage to help restore and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. Available through physicians, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons, it is billed as the first and only regimen offering the benefits of both prescription strength hydroquinone and stable Vitamin C in one comprehensive system.
Obagi Professional C Serums use stabilized ascorbic acid, the only form of Vitamin C that can be readily absorbed by the skin. Patients may choose from four different concentrations: 20%, 15% or 10% concentrations for the skin and a 5% concentration for around the eyes.
A New Scent from Specialty Store Retailer
Retailer Maurices, part of Dressbarn, Inc., has introduced its first perfume. Sass-itude features luscious green apple and tropical fruits paired with raspberry and warm vanilla. According to Lisa Rhodes, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Maurices, the Sass-itude was inspired by its customers—small town, but still fashion-conscious consumers with a 20-something attitude. Maurices operates more than 650 specialty stores in 43 states. More info: www.maurices.com
Luster Products Hits the Road
On Aug. 9, Luster Products, Inc. hit the road on the Beauty & Innovation Tour, a six-city tour during which the company’s design team will provide complimentary hair consultations to consumers. Luster will also provide mini-beauty/style makeovers, along with free products samples on its Beauty & Innovation Tour. In addition, Luster will search for fresh new faces and talented stylists for future advertising campaigns, product packaging and promotions.
Along with daytime activities at retail outlets and popular community events, the Beauty & Innovation Tour will make nighttime stops at skating rinks, bowling alleys, night clubs, movie theaters, health clubs and other venues in each of the six cities on the tour—Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Memphis and Washington, D.C. The tour wraps up Oct. 26.