Skincare Shopping Diaries: May 2011

Mass Market Skincare:

• Boots skincare counters look uneventful. I wanted to book a skin analysis session for a friend to compare the interpretation of  the measurements and look at how well it is explained to the customer. It was apparent that the skin analysis service is not performed on a regular basis. I struggled to find anyone trained to book with and was told it only takes 5 minutes! and cannot be booked between 12noon – 2pm. I will go ahead to book this next month and report back on my experience.

Niche Brands:

• New Kiehl’s shop opened in the Leeds Victoria Quarter, the first boutique outside London that makes this L’Oreal brand available to the customers.
• The French L’Occitane shop is due to open later in May.

Space NK are hosting their founder, Nicki Kinnaird, that will “uncover the perfect products for your skin and style” on 26th May. I believe she has expertise, afterall Space NK stock some very good skincare brands, but 15 minutes (cost £60,  redeamable against purchases on the day) is really short to establish much more than the apparent skin type and concerns. I need an hour long and detailed consultation as well as a preparation prior to the meeting to be able to recommend skincare that works!

Skincare Shopping Diaries: March 2011

8th March 2011
Mass-Market: Browsing the large Boots skincare counters near Leeds station, the skincare market is definitely changing. Promotion of the dry skin/eczema brands goes out – it is about the mass-market block busters (Boots, Olay, L’Oreal, Neutrogena) and the Boots 3-for-2 Mix & Match Offer (until 22nd March!). UV fact sheets are on display.

Selective Skincare: Harvey Nichols very quiet, promoting among other skincare brands (Dr Hauschka, Aveda, Elemis, ESPA, Creme de la Mer, Sisley, etc.) a niacin-based Strivectin-SD.

Niche: SpaceNK was not not well stocked on this occasion, the Elemental Herbology Biodynamic Facial Souffle I wanted to buy for a client – highlighted in the SpaceNK N.Vision Spring 2011 beauty magazine as one of the best hydrating overnight treatments – was not available. Their Motto for this spring is “hit the reset button on your complexion” and we would love to!

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Irvine, S. Skin Deep. Vogue Jan 2008

http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Market-Trends/Consumers-can-add-Boosters-to-personalize-creams-claims-manufacturer