Jamie Matusow, Editor03.11.10
According to Irina Barbalova, head of global cosmetics and toiletries research at Euromonitor, “The beauty industry has entered 2010 with renewed vigor. Early indicators suggest that the worst of the recession may be behind us.”
Favorable beauty news was also reported by key players such as Elizabeth Arden, P&G and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
As brands work to win consumers’ dollars, suppliers keep pace with innovative packaging that often holds the key to ringing up sales. One growing trend noted in this issue—which features profiles on some of the industry’s leading suppliers—is the continuing beautification of beauty. Fragrance bottles have long been influenced by art and fashion, but a wider range of cosmetics and personal care products, from airless bottles to cosmetic palettes, has adapted these disciplines in its packaging.
While large companies frequently have the funds for big ideas, sometimes it’s the little guy (or woman, in this case) who seemingly reinvents the wheel. Such is the case with internationally renowned makeup artist Ellis Faas, who thought outside of the cosmetics bag and created a revolutionary canister for makeup (see p. 102). At a recent ceremony in Amsterdam, the Dutch beauty brand, which launched its first products— 27 lipsticks—just a year ago, received an Astir Award for the products and the overall concept. The collection has recently grown to a full line of 69 products available in more than 15 countries.
In these rapidly changing times in beauty, we can learn a lot from industry experts such as Ellis Faas, but we can’t always include their stories and observations in the print edition of Beauty Packaging. To this end, we have launched a new online column at www.beautypackaging.com, called “The Expert’s View.” Here, you’ll find an array of contributions from industry professionals who have an opinion, data or thought to share—from packaging design trends to market research and beyond. Please enjoy—and contact me if you have a suggestion for this column.
While you’re on our site, please also check out our news, archives and exclusive online features, such as this month’s look at Ethnic Markets.
Whether online or in print, we hope you enjoy the latest from Beauty Packaging.