01.08.09
Avon Taps Courteney Cox for Spotlight Fragrance
Avon Products, Inc. has signed actress Courteney Cox as the exclusive spokeswoman for Spotlight, its new fresh oriental women’s fragrance, which will launch in the U.S. in April with a global rollout this summer.
Courteney Cox |
Ms. Cox will appear globally in support of the fragrance in Avon’s brochure and will be featured in print and television advertising in select markets around the world.
Cover Girl Finds New Ways to Reach Teens
Video game publisher THQ Inc. collaborated with CoverGirl on the recently released All Star Cheer Squad video game for Wii and Nintendo DS. The agreement includes CoverGirl branded stage logos, banners and billboards integrated throughout challenges, competitions and additional areas within the game. Players also have the opportunity to choose CoverGirl branded uniforms, color coordinated makeup looks and other apparel in the “create a cheerleader” mode.
“We’re very excited to be working with THQ on All Star Cheer Squad as an innovative way to merge the world of video games with cosmetics,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, vice president and general manager, North America, Procter & Gamble Cosmetics. “This unique combination of elements from today’s popular teen culture provides us with a great vehicle for connecting with tween and teen girls and their interests.”
“The game All Star Cheer Squad was designed with the growing number of girls on Wii and Nintendo DS in mind,” said Jim Huntley, director of global brand management, THQ. “We strived to deliver an authentic cheer experience for those players and believe this partnership with CoverGirl is a unique opportunity to do just that. The CoverGirl brand and its spokespeople are instantly recognizable among our target demographic and will further immerse players in the competitive cheerleading world.”
In other news, during the past holiday season, CoverGirl ran a special marketing program with clothing retailer Bebe in which shoppers who spent $100 at select stores received a free sample of CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain, its pen-style lip color product, which officially launches at mass market retailers this month. CoverGirl and Bebe also held a sweepstakes which awarded one winner a $1000 shopping spree at Bebe and a beauty gift with CoverGirl makeup valued at $500.
L'Oréal Supports Ovarian Cancer Research
L’Oréal Legends Gala, held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York in mid-November, raised more than $4 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The event brought out celebrities, including L’Oréal spokesperson/models Diane Keaton and Pierce Brosnan.
Seeing Red? Here's a Solution
Coming to Clinique counters in February is new Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder ($32.50), which is lab-certified to immediately neutralize visible redness, according to Clinique. The powder contains a patent-pending complex rich in natural anti-irritants with a precise yellow shade custom created by Clinique to blend seamlessly into the skin. The formulation contains caffeine and extracts of magnolia bark, poria cocos (mushroom) and citrus grandis peel (grapefruit), as well as vitamin E. Using advanced double-processing technology borrowed from the pharmaceutical industry—a first for Clinique—each particle is suspended in air while uniformly treated with a combination of natural minerals and anti-irritation ingredients. An ultra-rotor machine then compresses the powder into uniform platelets with refined edges that deliver creamy texture and optimal laydown for even, natural-looking coverage that is gentle and comforting to the skin.
More info: www.clinique.com
New Moisturizer from Doctor D. Schwab
Doctor D. Schwab, San Diego, CA, has launched Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizers, which provide sheer tinted coverage in three shades—light, medium and dark—providing even skin tone and protection against skin-damaging UV rays.
LVMH To Launch Three New Scent
Emilio Pucci, part of LVMH’s Parfums Luxe International division, has created a trio of fragrances under the Vivara Variazioni banner. Inspired by different elements of the Italian island of Vivara and a Pucci print of the same name, they follow Pucci’s Vivara fragrance—a new interpretation of the house’s first fragrance—last year. While the new fragrances have elements in common with last year’s launch, they have their own personality, according to company officials. Acqua 330, housed in packaging that is blue, features a marine floral juice made by Givaudan. Givaudan also crafted the aromatic floral juice of Sole 149, which has yellow packaging. Firmenich created the powdery floral of Sabbia 167, which rounds out the collection. Following the U.S. debut in February, LVMH will roll out the scents to the UK, Russia, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and the Middle East in March.
Murad Supports Any Soldier
During the past holiday season, Murad, Inc. teamed with Red Velvet Media to send gifts to U.S. troops via Any Soldier a charitable organization supporting U.S. troops in Iraq. Murad’s clinically proven skin care products were included in care packages designed to help troops protect their skin in the harsh weather conditions of the Middle East. Murad sent Age Reform Soothing Skin and Lip Care balms to both male and female soldiers in Iraq to help bring relief to chapped lips and minor skin irritation.
Girl-Approved Hair from Axe
Axe has entered the hair care game with a new line of products designed to meet guys’ needs and give them “girl-approved hair.” The line, which includes shampoos, conditioner and styling products, is being called by Unilever as the most significant innovation since the brand entered the North American market in 2002.
Axe talked to more than 2000 girls in the brand’s quest to find out the specific hair errors that turn them off. Turnoffs included: gunky, crunchy, poofy and flaky hair. According to the survey, nearly 90% of girls agree that hard, crusty, over-gelled hair turns them off. As a result, Axe’s styling products are emollient-based to provide hold without all the hard, and the line does not include gel. The styling products are organized by end-look—messy, spiked-up, clean-cut and shaggy. Hair care products include Just Clean Shampoo, De-Glue Shampoo + Scrub, which features rock crystals and removes gunky product buildup; Axe De-Poof Shampoo, which has a hydrating kukui blend to deflate poofy hair; a zinc-based Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Conditioner; 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner; and Just Soft Conditioner. Styling products include Messy Look Paste, Spiked-Up Look Putty, Clean-Cut Look Pomade and Shaggy Look. Axe shampoos and conditioner retail for $4.99 and styling aids are $5.99.
Nou Fragrance Debutes from Como & Brigante
Como & Brigante has a new fragrance, Nou, designed to inspire and empower the modern woman who knows exactly what she wants, exudes an air of confidence and leaves other women wondering what her secret is. Inspired by the legacy and spirit of the so-called original socialite, Alma Mahler, Nou was created by perfumer Claude Dir of Givaudan, who also created iconic fragrances such as La Prairie Silver Rain, Marc Jacobs and Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol.
Mr. Dir crafted a pure powerful scent, which captures the secret and spirit of a woman from the 1900s and puts it into the hands of modern women. Top notes include fresh cut verbena, ginger and mandarin zest. The heart features root of purple iris and cinnamon bark. The base blends crystal amber, white musk, pink rose and vanilla orchid. More info: www.comobrigante.com
A Global Ambassador for Pantene Pro-V
News from the UK is that P&G has named Myleene Klass—known for her hosting spot on her Classic FM weekend breakfast show, presenting Last Choir Standing on BBC 1 and reporting for CNN—as Pantene Pro V’s global ambassador. Ms. Klass will star in Pantene’s new advertising campaign for the launch of its Volume and Body range. As well as show off her tremendous talent for music, the spots also showcase her extraordinary beauty—her full bodied, luxe-shine long hair, cared for and styled with the products from Pantene’s Volume and Body range. Ms. Klass revealed that in becoming the new face of Pantene she has achieved one of her childhood ambitions. “What little girl doesn’t want to swish her hair in an ad? It’s the ultimate girly treat,” she said.
Boscia Brands Available at Fred Segal
Los Angeles-based skin care brand Boscia has inked a new distribution relationship with Studio at Fred Segal. The entire Boscia face and body collection will be available, including the brand’s top-selling Oil Free Daily Hydration SPF 15, Recharging Night Moisture and Willow Bark To-Go products.
Cleaning Is the Best Defense
Talk about high-performance cleaning. A newly developed decontamination wipe designed by researchers at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University has proven itself the best for cleaning up chemical warfare agents and toxic chemicals. The evaluation of the nonwoven dry wipe product, called Fibertect, was performed as part of a study by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory using mustard gas and other toxic chemicals. Researchers found that the Texas Tech-created product outperformed 30 different decontamination materials, including materials currently used in military decontamination kits.
The technology has been licensed by Texas Tech’s Office of Technology Commercialization to Waco-based Hobbs Bonded Fibers. The company is organizing a global marketing team to expedite the commercialization of Fibertect. More info: www.hobbsbondedfibers.com
Stiefel Expands Revaleskin Line
Stiefel Laboratories has expanded its Revaleskin skin care system with three new products—Replenishing Eye Therapy, Intense Recovery Treatment for extremely dry/damaged or post-procedure skin and Chest/Decolletage Rejuvenating Treatment.
The Revaleskin skin care line, which also includes facial cleanser, day cream with SPF 15 sunscreen and night cream, is a physician-dispensed line of skin care products exclusively formulated with coffee berry extract. Four key polyphenols—chlorogenic acid, condensed proanthocyanidins, quinic acid and ferulic acid—contribute to the antioxidant potency of coffee berry extract, which outperforms other commonly known natural antioxidants such as green tea, pomegranate, and vitamins C and E on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, according to Stiefel. Clinically proven to improve the skin’s appearance in just 11 days, Revaleskin skin care products have been shown to provide significant improvements in overall skin appearance, including a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and redness, according to the Coral Gables, FL-based company. Prices range from $80 for the eye treatment to $130 for the intense recovery treatment.
Kiss My Face Is Greener than Ever
Kiss My Face is taking its eco-consciousness to a new level. For starters, the company is installing Greenhouse, an in-store display that is not only recyclable, but made from recycled materials down to the nuts, bolts and lacquers. Kiss My Face worked with LG&P In-Store Agency to create eco-friendly display racks. The brand is also unveiling re-designed packaging that minimizes waste and the use of toxic materials. For example, its Potent & Pure skin care line will be housed in 65% recycled packaging, produced using wind power and water-soluble inks. In addition, new shipping containers made of 65% recycled cardboard and water-soluble inks will be used to distribute products to retailers, and counter units used to display organic lip products will be made of 100% recycled cardboard.
In addition, the company is partnering with RecycleBank, an organization that rewards consumers for recycling trash in their own neighborhoods across the country. Participants in RecycleBank can earn reward points for each pound of trash recycled, then use their points to earn coupons for Kiss My Face and other consumer brands.
What Does Fragrance Sound Like?
Thirty students at the Royal College of Music in London are attempting to translate the aroma of ‘X’ perfume by Clive Christian into a piano composition. You can follow their progress at www.thesoundofperfume.com.
OPI Opens Concept Salon
ROB/B, the first OPI concept salon, has opened in Studio City, CA. Gold LEED Certified, ROB/B is a breakthrough salon model, grounded in the nail care standards consistently set by OPI, according to the company.
Here's a peek inside OPI's ROB/B concept salon. |
More info: www.robbsalon.com
Weak Economy Boosts At-Home Haircoloring
While more than 90 million consumers already color or treat their hair at home, the number is growing, thanks to a slacking economy, said executives at hair care company DeveloPlus.
“Reports from both retailers and consumers indicate a growing trend of do-it-yourself home hair coloring and treatment that had previously been done in salons,” noted David Agrey, president of DeveloPlus, which is based in Corona, CA. “It doesn’t appear to be a culturally or socially driven phenomenon, but more of a response to the economic downturn. As a result, our company is seeing a very positive bump in sales. It almost seems counter-intuitive,” he said. “There’s a general financial malaise and, yet, we see growth.”
DeveloPlus newest products include Color Oops, which can undo the mistakes of a botched home hair coloring job. Retailing for $12, it was selected by Good Housekeeping magazine as one of the best new products of 2007. The company also touts No Gray and Splat, which delivers vibrant “rebellious” colors.
Ecolab Rolls Out New Hand Sanitizer Dispenser
Ecolab Inc. has introduced the FlexMount dispenser, a new system that allows flexible, convenient placement of hand sanitizers closer to patients in hospitals and medical settings. FlexMount features an adjustable clamp that can attach to surfaces ranging from .75-1.5 inches in diameter and turn for mounting on horizontal or vertical surfaces including IV poles, bed rails, footboards, carts and other equipment. More info: www.ecolab.com
Supermodel Goes Raw
Carol Alt Raw Essentials is a new line of skin care products that feature raw ingredients that the former supermodel contends are better for the complexion because they allow the skin to absorb all of the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Ms. Alt has been on a raw diet for years, and insists these new skin care and body and bath treatments can do for the skin what her diet has done for her health and well-being. All of the products are “Certified Raw,” which means that the active ingredients are manufactured according to strict standards that include no synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms and irradiation; no use of parabens or any other synthetic preservatives; and avoidance of heating active ingredients over 115°F. The low-temperature helps ensure the products retain the nature of the key ingredients. The range includes Raw-Activate-Daily Revitalizing Facial Moisturizer, Raw-Covery Facial Revive Wash, Raw-Surection RAW-Body Wash and Raw-Juvenate Eye Recoup.
Moisturizing with Vegetables
Sundãri’s vegetable- and fruit-based formulations are being billed as the perfect diet for skin. Sundãri Omega 3 and Flaxseed ($42) is a body exfoliator that is great for supplementing, smoothing and refining dry skin. The flaxseed and wheat germ oil contain a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Sundãri Neem & Avocado Balancing Moisturizer ($52) contains moisture-regulation technology that provides targeted moisture for drier areas and absorption for oilier areas. Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants, and vitamins A and E to soften while hydrating skin. Apricot & Shea Hydrating Mask ($42) has a creamy, light consistency that provides moisturization without containing any heavy waxes or oils. Sundãri’s Gotu Kola & Indian Asparagus Mask ($100) is a rich textured mask that firms and rejuvenates skin. More info: www.sundari.com
Hotwicks' unique scent collection includes popcorn. |
Novel Candle Scents
Hotwicks touts a line of candles that smell like real things— such as campfire, pancakes and coffee—not exotic locals or fragrant fields. The company has added more candles that deliver true-to-life olfactory experiences: popcorn, dryer sheet and pigskin, which emits a rich leathery football smell. More info: www.hotwicks.com
Organic Skin Care from Derbe
Bioderbe is a new, nickel tested FDA-approved organic skin care line manufactured by Derbe, an Italian manufacturer of natural skin and hair care products, which has been operating since 1966. This collection of “intelligent cosmetics” is ideal for women of all skin types and ages. Unlike many cosmetics that can be too oily for younger skin, Bioderbe’s “smart creams” adapt to every skin by nourishing from deep inside while keeping the skin’s surface hydrated, yet dry. In addition, all Bioderbe products are pH balanced, do not contain substances made from animals and are not tested on animals, contain no alcohol, OMGs, dyes or SLS. The line features seven products—Eye and Lip Lift Cream, Eye Gel for Puffy Eyes, Gentle Makeup Remover, Two-Stage Cream Soap, Rebalancing Toner, Emulsion 1 Day Treatment and Emulsion 2 Night Treatment. Prices range from $40-95.
More info: www.derbe.it
Why Be Richer or Thinner When You can be Younger?
According to a new survey by ZO Skin Health, American women would rather look younger than be rich or thin. A recent poll commissioned by the company reveals that on average, women would be willing to spend more on a facial care system that would make them look 10 years younger than they would on a diet program that would make them lose 10 pounds.
The survey, which was conducted among 1,131 U.S. adult women by Harris Interactive, reported how much women care about the overall health and condition of their skin, particularly their face.
The ZO Skin Health survey also revealed that women think about the health and condition of their skin more often than they think about their love life. Some 43% said they think about the health of their skin always or often, which is more often than they think about their relationship status (39%) or cardiovascular health (33%). More info: www.zoskinhealth.com
A New Weapon To Fight Pigmentation
Physicians now have a formidable new weapon against resistant hyperpigmentation with Cosmelan M.D. Depigmentation Treatment by Mesoestetic USA, Encino, CA. The recently-released formula advances the science of pigment correction to its most effective capabilities ever with a fast-acting combination of retinoic acid and prescription-strength hydroquinone. The treatment acts within the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, inhibiting the cycle of melanogenesis, or the production of melanin, which causes the deposit of pigment in the skin. The Cosmelan method eliminates the challenge of chemical peels with a non-invasive depigmentation action that is compatible with all skin types, from fair skin to dark skin and the many variations in between. Improvements may be seen as early as two weeks with the new hydroquinone-based formula.
More info: www.mesoesteticusa.com
Victoria's Secret has set up shop in NYC. |
Victoria's Secret NYC Flagship Store Features Fragrance
With its iridescent glass panels and vibrant, pink lit portals, the new Victoria’s Secret flagship store in New York City is sure to be a top destination. Located at 722 Lexington Avenue, the store features an elevated assortment of beauty merchandise, including the Secret Notes Fragrance Collection, which is housed in a jewel box-like beauty room. Unique to the Lexington Ave. store, the Secret Notes Fragrance Bar allows customers to create their own signature scent. With 25 Secret Notes, from delicate florals and fruits to lush aromatics and spices, customers will walk away with a one-of-a-kind custom fragrance. Each single note scent can be worn alone, or two to three can be layered directly on skin to create a unique, personalized composition. In addition, highly trained intimates, fragrance, color cosmetics and accessories specialists are on hand to provide shopping assistance.
More info: www.limitedbrands.com
Luster Treats Two to New York City Trip
The Phillips sisters enjoy a walk in New York City. |
A Men's Scent that Gets the Girl
Sixty percent of the time, it works every time, according to Omni Consumer Products, an Oakland, CA-based product development company that has released Sex Panther cologne. Officially licensed from the Will Ferrell movie Anchorman, Sex Panther Cologne is a uniquely formulated men’s fragrance, designed to be as instantly recognizable and upscale as the infamous name would suggest. The scent has crisp overtones of sandalwood, pine, vetiver, and a clean base of dry, rich mahogany.
Solar FX Honored by ICMAD
International Cosmeceuticals’ Solar F/X Saving Face balm—which combines the properties of aftershave balm and skin defense mechanisms, such as UVA/UVB sunscreens, anti-aging, vitamins and antioxidants—was named an ICMAD 2008 Cosmetic Innovator of The Year finalist.
More info: www.solarfx.com
These MAC Spokesmodels Are Real Dolls
MAC Cosmetics is teaming up with two “gals”—Miss Kitty and Dame Edna—showcasing its ability to align cosmetics with pop culture like no other brand. The Estée Lauder unit has inked a deal with Sanrio Global Consumer Products to create a Hello Kitty color cosmetics collection, which will be unleashed in early February. There will be two lines—Hello Kitty Color Collection and Hello Kitty Kouture, which will feature packaging accented with Swarovski crystals. The Kouture line will be available only at MAC stores and maccosmetics.com, while the Color Collection will be available wherever MAC products are sold. The Lauder brand has also created a limited edition color collection with Dame Edna Everage—the cross-dressing alter-ego of British comedian Barry Humphries. Housed in lavender packaging, the line includes lip and eye color, a highlight powder and nail polish. It was scheduled to hit U.S. counters on Dec. 26.
New Skin Care Line from Soap & Glory
Soap & Glory Cosmetics plans to bring its new skin care line to the U.S. early this year, and the company is keeping its offbeat approach to product names. The new line, which launched in October in Europe, features products such as Glow Job moisture lotion, Catch a Wrinkle in Time moisturizer and Clean Mary cleansing milk.
Ellen DeGeneres Is the Newest Face of CoverGirl
CoverGirl’s new cover girl Ellen DeGeneres, who is serving as spokesmodel for the company’s new CoverGirl and Olay Simply Ageless Foundation, makes her print debut this month. This is the first beauty campaign for the comedienne and Emmy award winning talk show host, whose famous face debuts in the brand’s new print and television advertisements as of January 2009.
“I’m thrilled to be a CoverGirl,” said Ms. DeGeneres. “I’ve been practicing in my bathroom mirror for years...Now finally, you’ll all be able to see it."