Retail News CRM

Tag: make up

  • L’Oreal turns to Google as coronavirus spurs virtual make-up shift

    L’Oreal turns to Google as coronavirus spurs virtual make-up shift

    Shoppers searching Google for cosmetics will be able to try them on virtually through a deal with L’Oreal, as the French group looks to make up for lost store sales caused by coronavirus lockdowns by expanding online.

    Maybelline maker L’Oreal, which returned to comparable sales growth in the third quarter when coronavirus restrictions eased, has sped up some of its web initiatives as a result of the pandemic, its digital chief Lubomira Rochet said.

    “There’s been an acceleration in all our partnerships due to COVID-19,” Rochet said in an online presentation on Thursday.

    The Google GOOGL.O partnership relies on technology designed by ModiFace, a Canadian augmented reality specialist acquired by L’Oreal in 2018, and will also extend to the U.S. group’s YouTube video sharing platform, Rochet said.

    People seeking lipsticks or eye shadows by L’Oreal brands, which include Lancome and Urban Decay, who come across their adverts on Google or YouTube can then try them online.

    YouTube is one of the go-to sites for cosmetics users who often seek out make-up tutorials online, or want to learn from others how to curl their hair.

    L’Oreal, which already had a ModiFace partnership with social media site Facebook FB.O, has seen the usage of virtual make-up tools rise fivefold during COVID-19 lockdowns this year, and the conversion rate from an advert to purchase was three times higher with the try-ons, Rochet said.

    Consumers used it to mimic hair dye colors in particular during coronavirus shutdowns, Rochet added.

    Many countries in Europe including France and Belgium have now re-entered lockdown, forcing beauty chains and hair salons to close, and hitting travel retail sales. Online sales of beauty products, especially in China, have made-up for part of the losses and Rochet expects half L’Oreal’s sales are likely to come from the web within the next three to seven years, up from around a quarter now.

  • Sephora shared launch dates for first SA store

    Sephora shared launch dates for first SA store

    Sephora will open its first store in South Australia on October 10.

    The beauty giant today revealed the launch date for its Rundle Mall store in Adelaide, and provided details about the opening day event.

    “We will be taking over the section of Rundle Mall outside of our new store to create what we like to call, the Sephora Street Party,” Beth Glancey, country GM for Sephora Australia & New Zealand, said in a statement.

    “There will be a huge stage, a live DJ, influencer appearances and Q&As, makeup stations and plenty of fun.”

    Sephora is rewarding the first customers in line with free products, with the first 100 receiving an Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette ($76), and the next 400 picking up the Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Palette ($74).

    The first 10 people in line will be invited to shop the store before it opens and receive $100 to spend.

    According to Glancey, the store will be unlike any other Sephora location in Australia, with a particular focus on services, including a Benefit “brow bar” and the first dedicated skincare studio in the country.

    Sephora’s services include make-up lessons as well as applications, with customers able to book in to receive a full makeover, while the Benefit “brow bar” allows customers to have their eyebrows, lips and chins styled, waxed, tinted, and tweezed.

    Sephora confirmed earlier this month that it was entering South Australia for the first time, generating a strong response from local customers on social media.

    “When we announced our Adelaide arrival two weeks ago we were met with such excitement by our clients. We had over 2,500 ‘likes’, 900 ‘comments’ and 75 ‘shares’ on Facebook and Instagram,” Glancey said.

  • Armani’s pop-up opens in Thailand

    Armani’s pop-up opens in Thailand

    Giorgio Armani beauty announces the opening of its itinerant pop-up store ARMANI BOX in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand. The opening of ARMANI BOX BANGKOK was celebrated on February 11th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exclusive event in the presence of influencers from Thailand and China. During the event, the design of ARMANI BOX BANGKOK was revealed: with its hot red walls and black lighting fixtures, it is full of surprises. A giant gorilla, Uri, welcomes visitors as they enter the store: created by Italian artist Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, the full-sized golden gorilla is a replica of the black one that resides in Giorgio Armani’s home in Milan. “This resin gorilla is a gift that came from a movie set. He’s called Uri”.

    It is hard to think about Giorgio Armani without bringing cinematic images to mind. The new ARMANI BOX experience allows the visitor to become a movie star with a series of details to explore: from the Walk of Fame digital handprint, to the backstage makeup stations, as well as a red carpet indicating the way. Visitors can also film their very own screen test, entering a director’s booth and playing with their emotions; portrait photos and videos will be available to keep, share and post online.

    The ARMANI BOX is a sensorial and playful immersion in Giorgio Armani beauty’s universe. Visitors can discover product exclusives included a limited edition version of its new lip product Rouge d’Armani Matte #400, and personalize their products with engraving.

  • Zara campaign featuring model with freckles sparks debate in China

    Zara campaign featuring model with freckles sparks debate in China

    Spanish fashion retailer Zara appears to have inadvertently sparked off a social media furore over the appearance of freckled Chinese model Jing Wen in one of its recent ads. In China, spots on the face are generally considered blemishes and are associated with disease and old age. Freckles are somewhat rare. In a country where racial homogeneity is a touchstone for beauty, outliers – the bushy eyebrowed, the wavy haired – are unlikely to be considered attractive. In the fashion industry, however, it’s these outliers who tend to have the unique, striking looks that brands prefer for their ambassadors.

    Despite hating her freckles as a child, Guangzhou model Jing Wen eventually learned to accept and capitalise on her point of difference. As a model for such brands as Calvin Klein and H&M, her face has even been called “iconic” by China’s media. Even so, her recent work with Zara has produced an outcry among local netizens who claim the use of the model intentionally “uglifies” the Chinese people.

    A BBC report on the freckled Chinese model quoted some disgruntled users of the Weibo microblog as voicing their anger over the images. “Such pictures featuring an Asian model with freckles and an expressionless pie-shaped face mislead Westerners’ impressions about Asian women,” said one user, “and can lead to racism against Asian women.”

    A spokesperson for Zara interviewed by Pear Video website commented that the advertisements were targeted at their global market, and not specifically at China.

    “The aesthetics of the Spanish people are different,” they said, adding “our models are all photographed purely, the pictures aren’t changed, and they’re not modified.”

    Zara’s response has provoked considerable debate within China on the issue, with some claiming the model has been bullied only by her fellow Chinese, and that more should be done to help China’s people embrace beauty in diversity. Others have called into question the false patriotism of those too eager to mount an attack on foreign brands.

  • Vietnamese women up makeup spending

    Vietnamese women up makeup spending

    More Vietnamese women are wearing makeup and spending more on makeup products, a new survey finds. The survey finds that Vietnamese women spend an average of VND300,000 ($13) on makeup products a month, with those with higher incomes spending even more. This number marks an increase of 5.4 percent from VND284,000 ($12.2) in 2016, says market research firm Q&Me, which carried out the survey.

    Women with higher incomes spend more on makeup products, the survey found. Those with an income of over VND20 million ($865) spend VND442,000 ($19) per month on average, while those with less than VND10 million ($433) spend just VND215,000 ($9).

    Over half, 51 percent, of the respondents said they apply makeup at least once a week, and 30 percent said they do so every day.

    The ratio of those who do not use makeup decreased from 24 percent in 2016 to just 14 percent this year.

    Women with higher incomes make up more often, the survey found. Forty-two percent of those who make more than VND20 million ($865) a month make up every day, while only 24 percent of those who make less than VND10 million ($433) per month do so every day.

    The most popular occasion to wear makeup is for a party, 87 percent of respondents said, followed by hanging out with friends (61 percent) and dating (52 percent).

    Skincare is the most used makeup product, with 73 percent of respondents saying they use it at least once a week.

    Lipstick is the most popular makeup item, carried by 88 percent of respondents whenever they go out of their homes.

    The time taken to make up has increased in recent years, the survey found. The ratio of respondents who make up in 10 minutes or less dropped from 51 percent in 2016 to 33 percent this year, while the percentage of those who take 11-30 minutes increased from 48 percent to 62 percent.

    Online shopping is the most popular way to buy makeup products, with 57 percent of respondents choosing this option, of whom 39 percent said they shop online every month.

    The main reason they shop online is convenience, 44 percent of respondents said, followed by better quality (43 percent) and good price (40 percent).

    The most frequent online shoppers of makeup products are women aged 23-29 with monthly incomes of over VND20 million ($865).

    Shopee as the most popular online shopping service, with 59 percent of respondents saying they have used it before, followed by Lazada (43 percent) and Facebook (40 percent).

    The survey polled 500 women aged 16-39 in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other localities.

  • Cle de Peau Beaute debuts in Thailand

    Cle de Peau Beaute debuts in Thailand

    Japanese luxury skincare brand Cle de Peau Beaute has opened its first location in Thailand. Launching in the Helix building, Emquartier, the new store expects to cater to the brand’s cult following in the market. The venue is designed to reflect the luxurious lifestyle of modern women, with a ‘Radiance Wall’ illuminating the entire retail space and a gallery with storied details of selected products.

    The launch is being marked with the announcement of the brand’s new influencer, actress, artist and director Manasnan Panlertwongskul, and the unveiling of its latest lipstick.

  • Giorgio Armani open first pop up store at DFS Hong Kong

    Giorgio Armani open first pop up store at DFS Hong Kong

    Giorgio Armani Beauty is starting the year of 2019 strong by collaborating with DFS on celebrating Chinese New Year. In January, Giorgio Armani Beauty launched its first Chinese New Year pop-up stores at T Galleria Beauty By DFS, Causeway Bay and T Galleria By DFS, Canton Road respectively. Iconizing the brand’s 3 star products – the legendary Lip Maestro, the iconic My Armani To Go Cushion Foundation and the new bestselling fragrance – Sì Passione, the pop-up stores reflected Armani’s commitment to modernity whilst celebrating the traditional festival with the Asian consumers.

    A UNIQUE BEAUTY EXPERIENCE Visitors were able to indulge themselves in a unique Armani Beauty experience under the Chinese New Year festivity. They discovered New Year fortune and recommended Giorgio Armani Beauty products through the in-store digital app, try their luck on the app and receive attractive gifts upon purchase; and completed their memorable experience by getting the exclusive gift set of the 3 star products featuring My Armani To Go Cushion Limited Edition “Cushion Couture”. Customers also enjoyed professional make up consultation by Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Designers.

  • Nykaa launches Drew Barrymore’s cosmetics in India

    Nykaa launches Drew Barrymore’s cosmetics in India

    Nykaa, India’s largest beauty retailer, has exclusively launched international cult beauty brand, FLOWER Beauty, in India. FLOWER Beauty was developed and created by award winning actress and entrepreneur, Drew Barrymore and her philosophy that woman everywhere deserve the best quality makeup at an affordable price. The makeup line will be launched in mid March’19.

    The combination of cruelty-free, luxury-quality formulas, premium packaging, and an affordable price have made FLOWER Beauty one of the fastest growing makeup brands in the US. Having grown up in the makeup artist’s chair, Drew brings her years of experience to FLOWER, with a mission to encourage women to look and feel great in their own skin. The brand’s tag line – Beauty is for Everybody – reflects Drew’s philosophy of inclusivity and positivity.

    Speaking of India’s launch, Drew commented: “I’ve always believed that beauty is for everybody, and that women everywhere should have access to great quality products at an affordable price. That has been our mission at FLOWER Beauty since day one, and now to be able to bring our story and products to women around the world is so incredibly exciting.”

    Addressing the partnership/ launch, Nihir Parikh, Chief Business Officer, Nykaa.com quotes, “At Nykaa we are always trying to include a range that satisfies audiences across different age group and interests. The brand reflects Drew Barrymore’s passion for cruelty-free products with premium formulas. We are very excited to bring this brand exclusively to India.”

    FLOWER Beauty launches in India with a range consisting of award-winning Flower Pots Powder Blush, bestselling Shimmer & Shade Eyeshadow Palettes, Lash Warrior Mascara, and many more. All the products will be exclusively available at Nykaa.com and Nykaa retail stores.

  • Shinesegae targets US$90 million with a new brand

    Shinesegae targets US$90 million with a new brand

    Major South Korean travel retailer Shinsegae Group is set to launch an in-house developed cosmetics line, Yunjac, into the duty free channel at its Myeong-dong store in the capital city, Seoul. An ambitious sales target has been set for the brand. The opening on 2 February of an independent Yunjac cosmetics area adds to existing domestic market locations in Jung-gu and Gangnam in Seoul, and Centrum City in Busan. The brand was launched in October 2018.

    Fashion, beauty and lifestyle specialist, Shinsegae International, which developed the 42-strong product line, has told The Moodie Davitt Report that it aims to make US$90 million in sales by 2020. Four travel retail exclusive sets are part of the product range.

    The duty free exposure will promote Yunjac to a wider audience, with a particular focus on Chinese travellers. A Shinsegae Duty Free spokesman said: “The Myeong-dong store is a trendy shopping place where you can easily experience the world’s most popular brands. We will try our best to be the centre of world beauty. The line is targeting the global market including China.”

    Yunjac, which means ‘nature’s masterpiece’, is chiefly built around skincare with some makeup and other smaller segments, also part of the portfolio. It is the result of several years research and preparation by Shinsegae International. The product development was a joint effort with global cosmetics maker Intercos and world-renowned botanical research institute Vitalab.

    The manufacturing process involves extracting active ingredients from the best Korean herbs and combining them with state-of-the-art science. The end result is what Shinsegae describes as “the whole plant effect” which is claimed to restores the skin’s natural strength.

    Yunjac’s 42 products are priced at around US$30 for cleansing products, US$100 for skincare and US$50 for mother and infant items, according to Shinsegae Duty Free.

  • Amorepacific’s eSpoir sets foot in Thailand

    Amorepacific’s eSpoir sets foot in Thailand

    Amorepacific-owned makeup brand eSpoir has launched in Thailand via cosmetics retailer chain Eveandboy. Nearly 130 eSpoir products are available at Eveandboy stores at Siam Square One shopping mall and at Terminal 21 near Asoke Station. The highest-profile eSpoir products include Dewy Face Glow moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, No Wear Lipstick, and Pro Tailor Foundation Be Silk / Be Glow.

    The South Korean brand will launch in eight more Eveandboy stores and an online mall to build a strong presence in the Thailand beauty market and expand channels.

    Amorepacific says it plans further expansion into other Asean countries.

    “We are pleased to be able to bring Korea’s representative makeup brand, eSpoir, to Thailand, the largest beauty market in the Asean region. The launch of eSpoir will surely strengthen our brand portfolio in Thailand and drive further growth,” said Choi Woong, Amorepacific Thailand GM.

    The group will diversify its brand portfolio spanning skincare and makeup for its sustainable growth in Thailand.

    Other brands available in Thailand including Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Mamonde, Innisfree and Etude House.
    Founded in 1945, Amorepacific sells more than 20 cosmetics, personal care, and health care brands in Asia, North America, and Europe.

  • The Lipstick Effect drives South Korea cosmetics sales

    The Lipstick Effect drives South Korea cosmetics sales

    The Lipstick Effect has seen a rise in cosmetics sales despite South Korea’s economic downturn of 2018. The term The Lipstick Effect describes the phenomenon whereby colour cosmetics sales surge during a recession as consumers turn to small-ticket luxuries to lighten their mood.

    Major South Korean health and beauty retailer Olive Young saw a 35 per cent jump in colour cosmetics sales last year – the first time this product range has topped its best-selling category list – as the country struggled with sluggish job markets, conservative corporate investment and overall low consumer spending. Health functional food and hair products grew 32 per cent and 22 per cent respectively over the period.

    The outlook for cosmetics sales looks similarly bright this year as the rest of the South Korean economy is expected to wallow at 2018 levels.

  • The rise of men’s cosmetics

    The rise of men’s cosmetics

    Chanel is launching a make-up line entirely for men Boy de Chanel collection in 2019, and other brands might follow. Just as Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel rocked the boat by flouting gender dressing rules in order to marry style and comfort in the early 20th century, the iconic fashion house is stirring the waters once again with a male make-up line.

    Striving to rewrite the rules and break free of gender codes, Boy de Chanel will boast three products to add to the luxurious French cosmetics collection in 2019.

    Almost a century after the European empire launched a make-up line for women, Chanel’s first cosmetic collection for men will see the products encapsulate the brand’s classical elegance through its midnight blue and white packaging, highlighting only the essential products.

    Touted as being a name that captures the essence of masculinity, the foundation, lip balm and eyebrow pencil are aimed at boosting confidence and erasing imperfections through a long-lasting formula that creates natural results.

    Chanel says its first make-up line for men “reaffirms the ever-changing codes of an unchanging vision” because beauty is not a matter of gender, it is a matter of style.

    You can expect the SPF 25 foundation Le Teint to have an “undetectable result” as it is described as being invisible to the eye and touch while offering a second skin with natural correction and high protection. It will protect skin from aging while allowing it to breathe through an airy micro-mesh leaving it shine-free.

    Promising to keep lips supple for eight hours, the moisturising lip balm is packed with jojoba oil and shea butter that leave a “featherweight effect”.

    Offering to boost self-confidence in one stroke, the Boy de Chanel eyebrow pencil defines and fills out the brow line with the spiral brush and tapered twist tip.

    Drawing inspiration from the female world of style to craft the timeless products, Chanel strives for inclusivity with “no absolutely feminine or masculine prerequisites” to empower cosmetic fans to be whomever they desire.

  • Living Coral proves Color of the Year sells well

    Living Coral proves Color of the Year sells well

    After color forecaster Pantone announced its annual Color of the Year in December, Korean companies, spanning cosmetics brands to hiking-gear makers, have rushed into releasing products in the vibrant hue. According to Pantone, the color was chosen for being “animating and life-affirming” able to energize and enliven with a softer edge. The color, which stands somewhere between pink and orange, is also a reminder of the beauty of coral reefs, “a source of sustenance and shelter to sea life” that is only visible in a healthy environment.

    Coral is already a popular color for many cosmetics brands in Korea, and is annually one of spring’s trendiest colors.

    One of the first local collaborators with Pantone is cosmetics brand VDL. Early this month, the company released its “2019 VDL + Pantone Collection,” including a 12-color eye shadow palette, lipstick, primer and cushion packs, all featuring the trendy hue.

    This is the company’s fifth collaboration with Pantone since 2015; every January, VDL releases a lineup of cosmetics featuring the Color of the Year.

    Olive Young, a chain of health and beauty brands, saw a 45-percent sales increase in their coral- and orange-toned cosmetics from Dec. 17 to Jan. 7.

    According to the company, the major reason behind the increase was Pantone’s annual announcement.

    Unlike previous Color of the Year picks – such as Ultra Violet in 2018 and Greenery in 2017 – which are relatively difficult to apply as makeup, Living Coral goes well with many skin tones, while “naturally brightening” one’s face.

    In recent weeks, YouTube has been dominated with hundreds of videos of beauty bloggers applying Living Coral makeup collections.

    Living Coral is also influencing the design and fashion industries.

    Korean furniture brand Modern House teamed up with Pantone to develop a special series of home goods, ranging from kitchen items and bathroom utensils to home decorations and tumblers in the beginning of the year.

    Casual wear brand Uniqlo Korea set this year’s fashion key word as “24/7 Relax & Comfort” and revealed a series of spring clothing featuring vibrant colors, including Pantone’s Living Coral.

    Sportswear brand MLB has also released a collection of hoodies, puffer jackets, beanies and pants in different shades of coral.

    “Coral [is a very popular] color in various categories – from lipsticks to blush and eye shadows,” Olive Young said in a statement on Jan. 8.

    “The sales of coral-colored products have been increasing since the beginning of the year. ”

  • Shilla Duty Free recruits Asia’s top social media influencers to pitch K-beauty

    Shilla Duty Free recruits Asia’s top social media influencers to pitch K-beauty

    South Korean Hotel Shilla has recruited five social media influencers across Asian countries to hype K-beauty products through Shilla Duty Free stores. The company said that it will work with top influencers from China, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand on its “Beauty&You” project to guide customers on how to shop at travel retail online stores via social media platforms.

    Social media influencers with access to a large audience can endorse opinions about products and services, which eventually leads to promote sales.

    Those influencers who have partnered up with Shilla Duty Free reportedly have more than 1.7 million followers worldwide in total. They will work with the travel retailer to guide customers on how to use Shilla Duty Free online store as well as show the latest makeup trends using Korean cosmetics products via their social media channels.

    The company expects its partnership with the top influencers to bolster its brand awareness across the world on top of expanding its share in online travel retail market.

    Currently, its online duty-free shop is available in four languages – Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English. It also has offline outlets overseas in international airports of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macao as well as downtown Tokyo and Phuket.

  • Shiseido opens new office hub in Singapore

    Shiseido opens new office hub in Singapore

    Shiseido announced the opening of its new office in Singapore, located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. The move is part of Shiseido’s VISION 2020 corporate transformation, as the company focuses on accelerating growth in the second phase of its medium-to-long term strategy. The new office hub will house the regional headquarters of Shiseido Asia Pacific, the global headquarters for Shiseido Travel Retail and the affiliate office of Shiseido Singapore.

    As centres of value creation, this structure facilitates flexible and agile decision making; enabling Shiseido to achieve significant growth through marketing activities attuned to the needs of regional consumers and global travellers.

    As we continue to build for the future, Shiseido is committed to an increased investment in our brands, talent development, beauty innovation and business activities that will positively and sustainably impact society.

    The new office will house three new dedicated facilities:

    • Asia Learning Centre, a first-of-its-kind dedicated training facility that will train approximately 2,000 Shiseido employees from Asia Pacific, Travel Retail, Japan & China each year. Its programmes aim to develop leadership, function-specific and innovation skills and behaviours that are critical in supporting growth and bringing out the best from employees for Shiseido’s continued success.

    • Asia Pacific Innovation Centre, which will enable open-source innovation, Asia Pacific consumer research, as well as create and localize a portfolio of highly specialised products for the Asian market and climate.

    • Life Quality Beauty Centre: As we strive for a society that promotes greater happiness and positivity for everyone, this is a unique facility that provides private, specialized make-up consultations to consumers with significant skin concerns such as port-wine stains, nevus, scars, vitiligo and changes in appearance due to the side effects of medical treatment. Shiseido has helped consumers with serious skin concerns since 1956, when many in Japan suffered from serious skin burns post-war, by developing a foundation called Shiseido Spots Cover.

    Shiseido Asia Pacific and the global headquarters of Travel Retail first established their presence in Singapore in 2016 & 2015 respectively; with the employee base almost doubling to over 250 employees, with nationalities spread across 17 countries.

    The strategic location of the Singapore office puts Shiseido closer to key markets in Asia, enabling the company to leverage the region’s robust potential with its rising middle-class population. Growth in the premium beauty segment in Asia Pacific is forecasted increase by USD$4.4 billion from 2016-2021, while the mass beauty segment is expected to achieve more than triple this amount[1].

    Asia Pacific also represents a key region and engine of growth for the global Travel Retail Channel. Current forecasts estimate that its beauty segment represents a potential market size of USD$26 billion by 2021[2]; the proximity of Shiseido Travel Retail aims to empower and guide the team alongside this growth.

    “Our new regional headquarters is testament to our solid growth in Asia Pacific over the past few years and my commitment to our consumers and employees in the years to come – I am looking forward to our expanded capabilities in leadership & talent development, innovation and harnessing deeper Asian consumer insights. These will play a critical role in accelerating our growth across the region,” said Jean-Philippe Charrier, President & CEO, Shiseido Asia Pacific.

    “As we continue our trajectory towards achieving our Vision 2020 goals, this new modern office for Shiseido Travel Retail aims to be a place of innovation, creativity and collaboration for our global & Asia teams. We hope that this office will be a place to inspire our team and partners in new ways of thinking, continuing our journey in finding new and fresh methods of engaging our hyper connected travelers and pioneering new forms of retail entertainment,” comments Philippe Lesné, President & CEO, Shiseido Travel Retail.