Karen A. Newman is Editor in Chief of Global Cosmetic Industry magazine. Global Cosmetic Industry magazine is the business and marketing magazine read by cosmetic, fragrance and personal care product manufacturers and brand owners who look to the publication for the strategies behind the industry success stories. Karen also writes GCI's blog called Beauty Union.
Where do you see cosmetic packaging trends in color cosmetics going in 2007?
One interesting trend we see is in making it easier to apply makeup. Applicators are being refined to meet a very specific purpose for everything from foundation to eyeliner. The new lipstick packaging from Cargo is a hint of what’s to come in recyclable packaging.
What popular scents are being used in fragrances for 2007?
Among recent releases, a broad range of floral and citrus scents are represented, as are musk, sandalwood and patchouli.
Which brands do you seem to get the most press releases about?
We get a lot of press releases from professional beauty brands – and mostly hair care. We hear regularly from Pureology and Thermafuse as well as Graham Webb International, ISO and Joico, but we hear from a wonderfully broad selection of marketers in every category – and we never get tired of hearing about the new things companies are doing. There’s a lot of passion in the beauty industry.
What do you think was the best product launch of 2006?
There were a few that I especially liked. The Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation offers a built in brush, which speaks to the packaging trend question. Freeze 24/7’s Ice Shield Facial Cleanser with SPF 15 is interesting because it is the first product to commercialize a new delivery system that helps ingredients such as sunscreens bond with the skin so they can be left behind after cleansing. John Frieda’s Luminous Color Glaze puts a salon treatment into at-home use at a mass price.
Any changes taking place for GCI in 2007, editorial content, advisory board, etc.?
We introduced a new editorial advisory board at the end of 2006. This is exciting for us as it is a great group of industry professionals who are going to help us create content that is smart and spot on for our readers. The group includes: Roger Caracappa, The Estee Lauder Companies; Beth Ann Catalano, twist.new.brand.venture; Peter Gallagher, Unilever; Liz Grubow, LPK; Tina Hedges, twist.new.brand.venture; Camille McDonald, Bath & Body Works; Debbie Murtha, Macy’s Merchandising Group; Art Rich, A. Rich Development; Marc Rosen, Marc Rosen Associates; and Laura Setzfand, The Hain Celectial Group Personal Care Division. We’re really excited to be working with this stellar group!
Do you see the faux botox craze stopping?
I don’t see it stopping as long as consumers can find products that give them the temporary smoothing they are looking for.
What about the lip plumping category?
Same thing. I don’t really get the daily lip plumping products, but I do know that lips appear thinner as women age and I think that’s the market that will stay hot.
Who do you expect to outperform in 2007 – Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret Beauty, Ulta or Sephora?
Well, they’re all a little bit different, aren’t they, and they all have interesting things going on. I think they will all give us something to watch and to write about this year.
Do you think that Avon and Olay will continue the “alternative to cosmetic surgery in a bottle route” or will they move onto the next big thing?
I think there is some play left in the surgery alternative message, and companies finding success there most likely won’t abandon it completely – this whole aging thing is just not going to go away, much to my dismay. Perhaps the really smart companies will find a way to put a little business in each basket.
What is the next big thing in beauty?
Now don’t we all wish we had a crystal ball tuned to THAT channel! There is big interest in natural and organic products and I think some beauty marketers will do this really well and find success there. In skincare, the genie is out of the bottle and we’re just going to keep seeing more new functional ingredients and delivery systems.
Thank you Karen for taking the time to thoughtfully answer each of these questions!
Posted by Shannon Nelson on January 24, 2007 11:03 AM
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