Happi Breaking News

Tough Times Ahead for Beauty

Tom Branna — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:33:00 -0500

If you two years was a long time for an economic slowdown, you ain't seen nothing yet, according to panelists at yesterday's Fragrance Foundation State of the Industry luncheon.

Shackled by a 10%-and-climbing unemployment rate and dim prospects, consumers are less likely to shop the way they have in the past. For example, Wendy Liebmann, co-founder and chief executive officer of WSL Strategic Retail, said 80% of women surveyed told WSL, “I don’t want to shop for anything I don’t really need.”While only 15% agreed: “I will go back to spending as soon as I can. I miss buying things.”

What's worse, 38% have become accustomed to spending less and don’t plan to return to their free-spending ways.

Happi.com will have complete coverage of the event next week.

TheFaceShop Cosmetics to LG?

Tom Branna — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:25:00 -0500

LG Household & Healthcare Ltd., a leading player in Korean detergent and cosmetics market may be looking to expand its presence in cosmetics to compete with Amore.

Affinity Equity Partners Ltd., Hong Kong-based buyout fund, is close to a sale of South Korean cosmetics company TheFaceShop, seeking to raise more than $400 million, according to a Bloomberg News report.

Affinity, which owns 70% of the company, aims to sign an agreement to sell the stake as early as this month, the person said, asking not to be identified.LG is considering buying TheFaceShop, it said yesterday in a regulatory filing, adding that no decision has been made.

The buyout fund is making a second attempt to sell TheFaceShop after talks with Carlyle Group collapsed in July last year because the parties couldn’t agree on a price. Affinity bought control of the cosmetics company in October 2005.

“If the deal is struck and at an appropriate price, it will give LG a good opportunity to expand its cosmetics business,” said Lee Jung In,an analyst with Korea Investment & Securities Co. “TheFaceShop is a top player in the mid-end segment. Its operating margin stands at 19%which is relatively higher than even global peers.”

The acquisition may boost LG's cosmetic sales by almost 40% and bolster the company’s presence in the low- end market in South Korea, according to a research report by Credit Suisse Group yesterday. Seoul-based LG Household produces cleaning and personal-hygiene products.

Neither Affinity nor LG would comment on the speculation.

Deborah Gibson Named Resurgence Spokeswoman

Christine Esposito — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:23:00 -0500

Murad, Inc. has added singer/songwriter Deborah Gibson to its roster of Rusergence spokeswomen. The pop icon will be featured in Murad’s new infomercial, which will launch in early 2010.

The new spot will include a song from Gibson’s forthcoming album.

“As we age, we each face very specific challenges with our skin,” said Gibson. “When I found myself asking how to improve my skin’s health from the inside out, I turned to Dr. Murad for the answers. Since I started using Murad products, others have approached me wondering how I stay so young and healthy looking! It’s exciting to know that with this partnership, I will be able to help inform and educate others so we can all experience the best that life has to offer, at any age.”

Gibson was the youngest person ever to write, produce and perform a number one single ("Foolish Beat")—a record she still holds today in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

She joins Joan Lunden, former host of ABC’s “Good Morning America” and Josie Bissett, a “Melrose Place” alum, who also tout the brand.

Twilight Beauty Puts the Vamp in Vampire

Tom Branna — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:20:00 -0500

Die-hard fans flocked to Nordstrom and Hot Topic counters nationwide during the past two weeks to replicate the looks of their favorite Twilight characters with makeup from the newly launched cosmetic brand Twilight Beauty. Unofficially dubbed “Twi-hards,” the saga’s biggest supporters prepared for the movie’s impending release today with Twilight Beauty products designed to turn fans into living, breathing representatives from the blockbuster.

Twilight Beauty brings fans of the Twilight books and movies two lines of themed cosmetics including Twilight Venom, a plumping lip stain.

“Following in the footsteps of other cult film fans, ‘Twi-hards’ aren’t satisfied with simply watching the movie,” explains Twilight Beauty Brand Manager Jaega Haralambus. “Twilight Beauty offers more than just makeup, but a chance for fans to look and feel like they are personally a part of the Twilight experience.”

Developed with the ultimate Twilight fan in mind, the Twilight Beauty collection utilizes central characters, themes, and descriptions from the series as the basis behind the makeup. Products such as Mortal Glow Blushing Crème call to mind the one thing Bella will miss most about being human, while Reign Scented Body Mist is derived from the description of Bella’s scent – offering a warm, delicate fragrance.

“Over the last two weeks, I have seen devoted fans of every age eagerly awaiting the chance to turn themselves into their favorite characters,” said Twilight Beauty makeup artist Jason Garner, who is currently traveling around the country giving Twilight-inspired makeovers. “Twilight Beauty allows people to live out some of the movie’s compelling fantasy – or at least look the part.”

To celebrate the film’s opening weekend and give moviegoers a way to flaunt the just-bitten look, Twilight Beauty will offer a limited edition New Moon Venom, free with any purchase of $50 or more from www.TwilightBeauty.com during opening weekend – November 20-23.

SCJ’s Ingredient Website ‘Ahead of Schedule’

Christine Esposito — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:12:00 -0500

Just nine months after launching its ingredient disclosure site, SC Johnson has listed more than 200 products and their ingredients.

WhatsInsideSCJohnson.com now includes 129 air care products and 76 home cleaning products as well as explanations of the 169 ingredients that comprise these products.

In addition, the company announced said it will soon launch a Spanish-language version of the site for the U.S. market.

"Today's families want to know what's in the products they use in their homes," said chairman and chief executive officer Fisk Johnson. "For us, it's about living up to the trust our consumers put in us."

SC Johnson's ingredient disclosure site includes the company's lineup of air care and home cleaning products, each with a consumer-friendly list of ingredients, a more technical list of ingredients using INCI nomenclature and an explanation of each ingredient's purpose.

Additionally, the site lists the dyes used in the product, and by January 1, 2012 SCJ will also provide preservative and fragrance ingredients—a departure from an industry right-to-know initiative announced in late 2008, which does not require the listing of dyes, fragrances or preservatives.

"Transparency doesn't mean cherry-picking which things to share and which things to hide. It means opening the door and letting people see what you're made of," noted Johnson. "We have already included in our ingredient communications the dyes we use in products, and we're committed to communicating the fragrance ingredients and preservatives as well."

SC Johnson is making its information accessible to consumers via the dedicated web site as well as though a toll-free number and on product labels which will be phased in for home cleaning and air care products by January 2012.

Reckitt and Colgate To Merge?

Tom Branna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:12:00 -0500

The buzz started earlier today that Colgate and Reckitt Benckiser will merge after an article was published in The Daily Telegraph (UK). Spokespersons for both companies refused to comment on the rumors.

Reckitt Benckiser Plc is the world’s largest maker of household cleaners. Its shares rose as much as 3.7% in London trading after the Telegraph said the company may be close to a “multi-billion pound cross-border transaction.”

Colgate, the world’s largest toothpaste maker, is an “obvious candidate” to merge with Reckitt, the U.K. newspaper said late yesterday, citing “well-placed sources” it didn’t identify. SSL International Plc, the maker of Durex condoms, was also named in the newspaper as a potential Reckitt target.

Reckitt’s last major takeover was two years ago, when it bought Adams Respiratory Therapeutics Inc., a U.S. cold-medicine maker, for $2.3 billion. UBS AG analysts said Colgate’s attractions to a merger partner include a dominant share of toothpaste consumed in emerging markets.

“Longer-term, the logic still stands” for a Reckitt- Colgate transaction, Credit Suisse analysts wrote today. They added that they were “skeptical on the imminence of a deal,” citing no “immediate catalysts” and recent share sales by the U.S. company’s executives.

Millennials Will Drive the U.S. Economy

Tom Branna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:40:00 -0500

Millennials—Americans born between 1979-1989—are one of the largest demographics in the country and will soon be entering a strong growth period in both income and consumer packaged goods (CPG) spending. However, these young Americans are not a typical consumer group and taking advantage of this emerging $54.3 billion opportunity presents significant challenges, according to a new study by Information Resources, Inc., Chicago.

When compared with older shopper groups, Millennial households shop less often, spend more per trip, and do a greater share of their CPG spending at supercenters and Walmart, according to IRI. Under budget constraints due to the economy, Millennials have pulled back spending in many indulgent and convenience food categories, including frozen poultry, chewing gum, salty snacks and frozen pizza.

IRI found that Millennial non-food spending is similar to Generation X households. At a category level, hair care, suntan products and household cleaner cloths are among several categories that have potential for strong growth, since consumption in many non-food categories peak for shoppers in their 40s when their household size peaks.

Today, 70% of Millennials agree that store brands are typically of excellent quality. Surprisingly, Millennials attitudes and actual purchases of private label brands is roughly on par with older shoppers, which refutes the conventional wisdom that private label acceptance takes a long time to evolve for a given consumer.

This private label acceptance also illustrates that branded manufacturers are routinely falling short in their efforts to build their brands with Millennials through traditional media, such as TV, radio and print. These traditional approaches are not nearly as influential or as effective for Millennials as it was with previous generations. Manufacturers will need to explore other non-traditional methods to reach this group.

More info: http://u.s.infores.com

Consumer Products Set to Rebound Next Year

Tom Branna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:15:00 -0500

With the U.S. GDP growing 3.5% in the third quarter, economy recovery is on the way for consumer products companies, according to Carrie Mellage, director, consumer products, Kline & Co. However, the gains won't come without pain.

Ms. Mellage noted that in recent months there have been store closings (including C.O. Bigelow, Crabtree & Evelyn and Ann Taylor), companies going out of business (Linens ‘N Things, Fortunoff and Illuminations) and, of course, discontinued brands (Max Factor has been pulled in the U.S. and Prescriptives is no more).

Still, there are signs of growth. Sales of natural personal care products in the U.S. have grown by about 8% in 2009, down from 15.3% in 2008, but still well ahead of the overall market. Consumer interest in naturals transcends national boundaries.

In the BRIC countries, the growth in naturals has been spectacular, with each market adopting its own unique perspective on this trend, according to Ms. Mellage. In Brazil, the naturals movement is about biodiversity and the rainforest connection; in Russia, the emphasis is on Siberian earth minerals; India’s surge is based on traditional Ayurvedic principles; and China’s long heritage of herbal medicine serves as a foundation in this high-growth market.

Meanwhile, value brands and value channels have weathered the storm quite well, albeit at the expense of luxury brands and retailers, as consumers look to cut costs at every opportunity. Perhaps the biggest indicator of this trend has been the incredible surge in sales of private-label products. In many product categories, private-label products registered double-digit gains—as much as 30% in laundry detergents and liquid soaps—while the product categories as a whole barely treaded water or even lost steam.

But to keep consumers' attention, marketers must remain focused on innovation, according to Ms. Mellage.

By invigorating the market with new formulations, novel delivery systems, and updated packaging, branded companies can differentiate themselves against the private-label surge. It may seem tempting to pull back brand support to trim costs, but marketers must continually re-invest to maintain a competitive edge and stave off pressure from private-label competitors.

At the same time, savvy marketers are using social media like YouTube to reach consumers in a totally new way. For example, Lancôme posted tutorials on how to use its new vibrating brush mascara, while Gillette introduced its provocative video "How to Shave Your..." on the site.

More info: www.klinegroup.com

Mood-Influencing Scents on Tap for 2010

Tom Branna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:07:00 -0500

With the recover on shaky ground, Mintel researchers expect consumers to seek comfort food and scents.

“As the economy recovers, we expect people to continue the trend of eating at home,” notes Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s leading new products expert. “The home cook is becoming more advanced with his or her cooking skills by trying new spices and flavors, as well as preparing everyday items in new ways.”

Mintel has identified six key flavors and two scents trends that will be recognizable in 2010.

Mintel’s flavor predictions for 2010

1. Cardamom - Known to be intensely aromatic with a strong, unique taste, cardamom will find a home in more than just ethnic fare. Cosmic Chocolate recently launched a chocolate bar flavored with cardamom and oranges.
2. Sweet Potato - Candied, fried, baked or boiled…sweet potatoes are one of the most diversely prepared vegetables. Aside from being a delicious snack or side dish, they also will become known as the new functional food, as they are rich in dietary fiber, beta carotene and vitamins C and B6.
3. Hibiscus - Commonly seen in teas, the USDA has said that consuming hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure. In the future, expect to see it become a common ingredient in the beverage market. Premium Essence Water from Hint now offers Hibiscus-Vanilla flavored water.
4. Cupuaçu - The taste of the Amazon…cupuaçu is the next big superfruit. And when we say big, we mean big! It contains more than 10 vitamins and antioxidants, as well as essential fatty acids and amino acids. Musselmans launched a lime and cupuaçu flavored apple sauce showcasing this unique flavor.
5. Rose water - Rose water is no longer just a fragrance. You can look forward to finding it as a common flavor in ethnic foods or, like Ghalia Organic Desserts in Los Angeles discovered, you can add it to your brownie recipe for a subtle rose water flavor.
6. Latin - Latin spices will be heating up our palates next year, and you won’t have to dine out to get these exciting flavors. Whole Foods Market now offers a Mayan Ceviche; meanwhile, Icelandic Salsa Shrimp Cocktail features a spice packet loaded with the popular Latin flavor of cilantro.

Mintel’s scent predictions for 2010
1. Simple, clean - When it comes to new scents, manufacturers are keeping it simple. In 2010, expect to see everything from body lotions to dish detergents to air fresheners launched with few- or single-component scents. Palmolive launched their Clean + Clear dishwashing liquid that boasts no heavy fragrances or unnecessary chemicals.
2. Scents to influence mood - During a time of high-stress lifestyles, consumers are looking for any way they can to “escape” the rigors of everyday life. A candle that smells like a piña colada might be reminiscent of a beach vacation or an air freshener that has a pumpkin spice scent could remind you of the holidays.

Wet Ones To Donate Wipes To Kids in Need

Christine Esposito — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:11:00 -0500

To help keep germs in check this cold and flu season, Wet Ones is asking moms nationwide to visit WetOnes.com to take a pledge to help stop the spread of germs for their families and for their community.

Starting today, the first 100,000 pledges at WetOnes.com will generate a donation of one Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes travel pack to the Kids In Need Foundation, a national organization dedicated to providing school supplies to children in most need.

Consumers who take the pledge will also receive a downloadable coupon redeemable for $1.50 off a Wet Ones product purchase as well as access to information about how to help keep families healthy, including a downloadable Flu Prevention Plan developed by renowned pediatrician William Sears.

The Wet Ones brand is owned by Playtex Products, whose parent company is Energizer Holdings.

Loree Rodkin Expands Home and Beauty Collection

Melissa Meisel — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:26:00 -0500

Loree Rodkin - who recently made history when she designed Michelle Obama's inaugural jewelry- has bulked up her home and beauty range with four new fragrances, Gothic I through VI.

In creating her scents, Rodkin uses only the purest forms of scented oils, says the company. Her signature scent, Gothic I, is a lush blend of exotic vanillas with notes of patchouli. Gothic II, III, IV, V and VI fragrances range from deep incense blends with notes of patchouli to rich floral blends with dark notes of smoky wood.

All fragrances are available in roll-on oils, room sprays and candles.

Garnier Nutritioniste Signs Bridget Moynahan

Christine Esposito — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:06:00 -0500

Garnier Nutritioniste has tapped Bridget Moynahan as its latest spokesmodel. The model-turned-actress will appear in print and TV campaigns for the brand's top-selling Ultra-Lift skincare collection, set to debut July 2010.

Ultra-Lift is a collection of products targeting the anti-aging needs of women in their 30s and 40s.

"We are thrilled to partner with the beautiful Bridget Moynahan," said Maybelline New York-Garnier president David Greenberg. "Her class, grace and accessibility make her a model representative of the Garnier brand. Most importantly, she exhibits a likeable, healthy beauty that speaks to our consumer in such a positive way. We are thrilled to announce that we will be working together."

Symrise To Acquire Futura Labs

Tom Branna — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:48:00 -0500

Symrise has signed an agreement to acquire Futura Labs Group, a leading flavors and fragrances manufacturer in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. A purchase price was not disclosed. Futura had sales of about $15 million in 2008.

With this acquisition, Symrise expands its footprint in several large and attractive markets in this region and creates the new market leader in Egypt. The product portfolio and client list of Futura Labs have an excellent fit with the existing operations of Symrise in Egypt, according to Symrise.

The acquisition is a significant step in expanding the presence of Symrise in Egypt, a fast-growing market with a population of 80 million, and in the dynamic Gulf region. Futura Labs is a privately-held group headquartered in Cairo and the leading local manufacturer of flavors, emulsions and beverage compounds, extracts, seasonings and fragrances. It owns development and production facilities in Cairo and a recently established production facility in Dubai. The personnel have an in-depth knowledge about the local taste preferences and consumer demands, according to Symrise.

Love at First Site for Philosophy

Christine Esposito — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:11:00 -0500

Philosophy has gotten hitched to well-known wedding website The Knot. The partnership includes a multiplatform, integrated marketing campaign surrounding the launch of philosophy’s first co-branded product.

The “tying The Knot ” just-for-brides gift set—which is available on TheKnot.com and philosophy.com— includes purity one-step facial cleanser; amazing grace firming body emulsion, bath gel, and spray fragrance; kiss me exfoliating lip scrub; hope in a jar moisturizer; microdelivery peel pads; kiss me clear lip balm; and eye hope deluxe sample.

In concert with the launch, the companies are holding the Wedding Day Hope Sweepstakes on an interactive sitelet that invites brides to share their hopes and dreams for their big day. Brides who share their hopes will be automatically entered to win the grand prize— a $10,000 honeymoon package. Other prizes include a wedding day makeover for the bride and her bridesmaids courtesy of philosophy beauty expert and makeup artist John Trau.

Holiday Oral Care from McNeil-PPC

Melissa Meisel — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:47:00 -0500

McNeil-PPC debuted a variety of holiday oral care items in the mass market:

REACH by Design's new limited edition brushes are perfect as stocking stuffers or to take on holiday travel. Flowers and stripes update the Ultraclean brush for a festive, cheerful smile.

Listerine's festively packaged bottles are the perfect size for holiday travel, stocking stuffers or for fresh party breath in a mini-sized two-pack. Also, don’t get stuck under the mistletoe without Listerine Pocketpaks.

Get holiday party ready with Rembrandt whitening products. Items such as the two-hour strips and mouthwash brighten teeth and keep your pearly whites – white. The Intense Stain paste erases coffee/red wine/daily stains.