L’Oreal e-Strat Challenge 2007

Running for over seven years,L’Oreal e-Strat Challenge is an ultimate business game integrating the talents of business students from all over the world to be part of an international business challenge.

In Malaysia 148 teams from over 16 universities and colleges have registered.Out of the 148 teams, 18 were selected to proceed to the subsequent rounds of the competition, where 15 teams will represent the undergraduate category, while three teams will represent the MBA category

Since the launch of the competition in Malaysia in 2001, L’Oreal Malaysia has recruited nine employees for internship and management trainee positions here. The challenge is the first business game in the world to be accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) with the CEL accreditation, for its added value dimensionand its high educational content. The CEL accreditation certifies that the L’Oreal e-Strat Challenge is an outstanding management education programme and acknowledgesits excellent quality and valuablelearning experience.For this year’s challenge, MBA and undergraduate students are to take up the role of a L’Oreal general manager facing real business demands with the ultimate objective of “selling” their virtual company to L’Oreal top executives in Paris during the International Finals.

Students will be translating strategy into a realistic business simulation concerning all aspects of the company:pricing, production volume and capacity,research and development,marketing,advertising and brand positioning. Students will make more than150 challenging decisions and develop a realistic business plan in the course of the challenge. Next month, the top 300 teams will be selected to proceed to the semi-final stage.

The two winning teams (one MBA andone undergraduate) from each of the eight geographical zones will be announced inMarch and will attend the three-dayInternational Award ceremony in Paris.The two worldwide winners will walkaway with a trip to the destination of their choice worth 10,000 euros.

At a recent prize giving ceremony for the past e-Strat players for the 2006 edition,Couve presented vacation vouchers worth RM6,900 to the top three winning teams.The first prize winner was Team Presto(UTM), which won a RM3,000 travel voucher. The second place winner wasTeam TrioRookie (Taylor’s Business School) and third place was TeamSomeBixBoomers (MMU) who wonvouchers worth RM2,400 and RM 1,500 respectively. The participating teams of thisyear’s challenge were also present at the event.

Excerpt from The Sun

Link: L'ORÉAL BRANDSTORM 2006

Link to this page: Malaysia Today and Beyond
Related Link: The Star

Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty :Malaysia: Health & wellness Biotechnology

Top 10 event in Beauty Biotech industry in Year 2006 (updated)

qnDamaged in last week's earthquake off southern Taiwan on internet access plus my own tight schedule cause the delay of such post.

However, my friend said it better late than never.

Top 10 event in Beauty Biotech industry in Year 2006

1 L’Oreal acquired The Body Shop

2 "The Body Shop" franchise in Malaysia sold by Bolton for RM80m at a Management Buyout (MBO)

3 INS legal battle with Lim Chew Yin and Yigaho

4 P&G Halts SK-II Cosmetics Sales in China

5 Pig farmer in Malaysia used banned beta agonist (BA)
Pig farmer in Malaysia used banned beta agonist because the price of a legal growth-inducing substance, Ractopamine by Eli Lily's animal health unit: Elanco, costs three times higher than Beta Agonist.

6 Mystery death of Malaysia's cosmetic surgery centres operators in China

7 F&N buying Nestle milk operation


8 Scrapped listing Hospitech Resources Bhd and GP Ocean Food on Mesdaq

Hospitech Resources Bhd and GP Ocean Food Bhd. Hospitech — manufacturer of disposable hospital equipment — made history by aborting its IPO exercise the day before it was scheduled to trade on Mesdaq on April 20. The company had raised more than RM12 million from its listing to build a new factory and repay borrowings. The IPO was oversubscribed by 18.4 times. The company voluntarily withdrew its listing after the SC started probing into its financial history upon receiving information from a whistleblower. The listing proceeds were refunded to investors. The regulator unearthed falsified documents such as sales invoices and as a result, Hospitech's managing director Jimmy Goh Kai Tong was slapped with a RM500,000 fine. Barely two months later, GP Ocean, a seafood processor, withdrew its listing plans following a probe by the SC into a possible breach in securities laws, also on a whistleblower's tip.

GP Ocean's chairman and former SC chairman Datuk Ali Abdul Kadir said at the time that the company was postponing its listing in order to strengthen the company. He has since resigned from his position. The GP Ocean case also hit the limelight because it had big name investors like the Razak Foundation and Rio Capital Sdn Bhd, which was owned by Ali, Datuk Azman Yahya and Datuk Amin Rafie Othman.

9 Song Hae-Gyo (宋慧乔) dropped as Etude spokeperson


10 Elianto fastest growing cosmetic company in Malaysia in 2006 at least in term of number of outlet

11 France honours Dr Lam who discover Nipah virus

Blog that link to this page: Nerdy Science Blog

Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty :Malaysia: Health Biotechnology

Shiseido, the first to set up counter at Department Store in Asia

Shiseido is the largest beauty and cosmetic company in Japan and it rank No 5 in the world largest beauty and cosmetic company. After Loreal,Unilevel,P&G and Estee Lauder.

Shiseido, Loreal and Estee Lauder is consider the only three focus company in top 10 beauty and cosmetic company in the world. Others like Unilevel and P&G is diversified company in other industry as well, like food and detergent.

Loreal and Estee Lauder acquired a lot of brand over the years. However, to maintain each individual brand is an expensive process. Each brand must have achieve a critical mas and economic of scale to cover cost of spoke person, R&D, cost of international channel.

Unilevel and P&G has start streamlining their brand over the years and only maintain their first and second brand in each category.

Shiseido also face the problem of too much secondary brand.Which face difficulty in resources allocation. A lot of brand unable to recoup the resources invested.

Thus, Shiseido plan to streamline it brand from 140 to 35 (Like Za, Uno and Fitit) at the end of 2005. This will further reduce to 20.

Loreal, however view that if you have 5 or 6 brand in each channel , you may have problem of too many brand and overlap in investment. But if you only have 2 brand, it is insufficient. Loreal now have 4 brand (L'Oreal Professional, Redken, Matrix and Kerastase) under it haircare professional product.It is function much better than only have 2 brand (L'Oreal Professional and Kerastase)previously.

Taiwan Sofnon chairman,Champion Huang which own several international brand like New York Alway Black , German Nobori, low cost product for teenages JUSTa100 ,Japanese herb PLUS+ , and Italy in Ocean said that Shiseido is the first company that market their product via professional counter in Department Store. This is a one of the Japanese marketing and management method.

In Malaysia, Shiseido is distributed by Tung Pau, a wholly own subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd previously.

Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, a company under Tan Chong Group, which distribute Japan Nissan car in Malaysia. Their connection build up with Japanese during they become distributor of Nissan vehicle enable them to secure a franchise of Shiseido in Malaysia.

With globalization and liberalization of trade. A lot of automobile company take back the distribution right like Honda.

Beauty and cosmetic company Shiseido also doing the same. Shiseido Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a 50-50 joint-venture company between the Shiseido group and Warisan TC Holdings Bhd set up to handle the distribution of Malaysia since April 2005. Thus, now the distribution of Shiseido in Malaysia is operate by Japanese despite Warisan TC Holdings Bhd still half 50% shares.

Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty:

How Loreal become world largest beauty & cosmetic company

In 1907, Loreal was founded by a French chemist Eugene Schueller in his apartment's kitchen when he created his first hair dyer. He do all the work himself. Doing sales in the morning, delivery in the afternoon and production at night. Only until 1909, he hire his first employee.

How Loreal growth become a world largest company in beauty & cosmetic industry. Actually is via Merger & Acquisition ( M&A ).

In 1934, Loreal acquired a hair shampoo company Monsavon.
In 1935, Loreal launch it first sun protection product Ambrie Solaire.

In 1957, Frabcois Dalle become the 2nd CEO of the company when the founder pass away.

In 1963, Loreal become a public listed company in French and joint venture with Kose to venture into Japan market.

In 1964, Loreal acquired Lancome, this is first time Loreal enter into fragrance and perfume market. It also acquired Garnier, a hair care product.

In 1970, Loreal acquired Biotherm.

In 1973, Loreal acquired a German base Gemey and a pharmaceutical company Synthelabo Pharmaceutical Laboratories.

In 1983, Charles Zviak take over as 3rd CEO. The group R&D team has growth to 1,000 people.

In 1988, current CEO Lindsay Owen-Jones take over as it 4th CEO.

In 1989, Loreal acquired HR , and later La Roche-Posay. Before that, HR has alrealdy acquired Giorgio Armani fragrance and perfume division.

In 1993, It acquired another hair care product inUS, Redken.

In 1996, It acquired Maybelline and venture in to China market aggressively.

In 1998, It acquired a hair care product special for Black and African, SoftSheen Products.

In 2000, It acquired Carson, US haircare product Matrix, niche product Kiehl's and acquired 35% stake in Japanese Designer's brand Shu Uemura.

In 2002, Loreal join-venture with Nestle to form a companuy Inneov.

In 2003, It increase it shares in Shu Uemura to 52% and acquired a brand in China.

As you can see above, Loreal is a company that growth via Merger & Acquisition ( M&A )

Loreal new product under it own brand included Shine Delicieux lipstick.





Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Designer's brand Shu Uemura

In Malaysia, Shu Uemura has counter in Metrojaya department store. However, if you really want to experience the brand. You can go to a boutique inside Lot 10 shopping centre in Bukit Bintang. It located in the ground floor left hand side of the main entrence.

The said whenyou walk in to the boutique. you will be greeted with a cup of green tea and hand towel. As you stroll around, trained make-up artists will be there to advise you on your skin care and make-up needs.

Shu Uemura now is a Desiner Brand under Loreal Group and the only Japanese brand the group has acquired to date.

Shu Uemura founded by Mr Shu Uemura, born in a weathier family. He biggest deam is become an actor. However, due to some kind of illness. He is on the bed for 5 years after completing his high school.This make him unable to follow normal path of what other people did. Study in University and get a job. He thoght of his future while on the bed. Eventually, his decision surprise many others.

At that point of time, when Make-up still not common in Japan. He decided to become a Make-up artist. He feel this comply his interest in art.

In 1955, Shu Uemura venture to Hollywood. He become a professional Make-up artist for a few US-Japan joint venture movies.

After some years of experience. He back to Japan in 1970 and create a brand using his own name, He also found an Academy in beauty and cosmetic.

In 1967, he bring back his legendary make-up removal oil from Hollywood .Since then, shu uemura’s cleansing beauty oils have remained a success for more than 30 years – an achievement in itself in the fast-changing world of cosmetics. The Cleansing Oils « fan club » includes Lauren Bacall, Jeanne Moreau, Jane Birkin,.. Based on a High Performance Oil System, the cleansing oils are used to remove make-up, to purify, and to balance the skin complexion.

With nearly 1 million products sold each year, cleansing oils have experienced steady growth since the launch of the first Balancing Cleansing Oil. The line of products has been completed very recently and now includes a light and enriched version, which was launched in November 2002. shu uemura has also launched a Green Tea Beauty Oil in 2003. Today, more than one cleansing oil per minute is sold throughout the world.

1983 Shu Uemura open it first Beauty Boutique concept in Omotesando, Tokyo, that allowed customers to sit in front of a mirror and see, touch and experience make up for themselves. After 20 years, all department store inthe world are using this concept but Shu Uemura is pioneer at that point of time.

In 1980,it launch it unique eye shadows. 1968, Shu Uemura was the first to merge makeup and art via makeup performances on stage and his seasonal Mode Makeup collections, which, to this day, he continues to inspire and awe twice a year.

shu uemura cosmetics became the first company in the world to incorporate deep-sea water into cosmetic products. Shu Uemura Depsea Water range, based on sea water extracted from a depth of more than 300 metres.

Deep-sea water contains more than 60 ocean minerals to boost the natural function of the skin. Trace minerals such as lithium, magnesium, silicon, selenium, copper, zinc and calcium in deep-sea water have a high affinity with human skin and can quickly absorb to rapidly refresh and hydrate skin. Compared to surface sea water, deep-sea water has three superior characteristics:

- PURITY without any deterioration from acid rain or industrial draining

- RICHNESS of minerals and nutrient substance

- STABILITY in low temperature

shu uemura Depsea Water – aka, “water from the depths of the sea” – is taken from the depth of the ocean where sunlight does not reach, at 320 meters. Pumped directly from the location, it is also bottled at the source, where the shu uemura manufacturing facility resides. Completely free of artificial color, natural aromatic extracts are then added to become lightly scented mists that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, hair and body. It is also a key raw ingredient used in many of shu uemura makeup and skincare products.

shu uemura makeup brushes are the most luxurious and finest makeup tools available, anywhere!

Every hair on every brush is hand stacked, never cut. The benefit of keeping the soft natural point of the hair (not the hard, blunt edge of a cut hair) is that it is far less likely to irritate sensitive skin, or areas of skin, such as the eye-area, that are prone to sensitivity. shu uemura selects the highest quality kolinsky, sable, goat, pony and badger hair, using hair from the animals' tail that has been shed in the winter months, as this is the softest. Because the hairs have been shed from the tail, naturally, the animal is never harmed. Choosing a makeup brush is similar to how an artist chooses a painter's brush. The type of animal / synthetic hair dictates the porosity and flexibility of the brush. Porosity determines the brush's ability to hold and disperse pigment while the flexibility determines the application style, strong versus soft. For the truest reflection of color, shu uemura recommends Kolinsky brushes, or Kolinsky / Sable blends.

Colour is expetise of Shu Uemura, Shu Uemura has over 100 colour in eye shadow alone. They also have black colour nail product ( pedicure & manicure ) or yellow brown lipstick.

Loreal acquired the 35% shares if Shu Uemura in 2000 only increase it shares to 52% in 2003.






Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Kiehl's leverage on big S

Loreal, a company that apply strategy that grow via merger & acquisition (M&A), however will maintain the brand they acquired. The Loreal team would spend time understand the brand's history, philosopher of the founder and core value of the brand.

In 2000, Loreal acquired a niche brand Kiehl's. Although the founder family no longer hold any shares in the company. Loreal has promise not to change the spirits of the brand. Loreal never push the product aggressively and comply with the principle of the brand: "Never advertise". Only one outlet in one territory. Minimum size of the outlet and must able to put in a motorbike.....expanding slowly and low profile manner in major city of the world.

Kiehl's founded by a pharmacist family in New York. Kiehl's give a way free samples to building bound with customer ( 30% of whom are men). Their growth via word of mouth method, attracted a group of loyal customer that like their laboratory. Kieh's never advertise. They are very strict on distribution channel as well.

Kiehl's does not put much emphasis on packaging. Basic plastic bottle,list of ingredient on a white label, no photo of young ladies. Print in black and white label without colour.

The price is comparatively higher (Even baby product). However, they have a lot of "Fans" around the world. In Taiwan, because actress Big S used such product. the product run out of stock during their anniversary celebration.

I think Kiehl's is not yet in Malaysia market.

Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Maybelline invent Mascara

In 1913, William, a 19 years old chemist like to help his younger sister Mabel to attract the eye of her admiry. He uses a mixture of chemical together with Vaseline to put on her sister eyelash to make her sister look beauty and attractive. Her sister married to her admiry eventually.

William invented the first Mascara in the history. He used his sister name and the name of his raw material to create a brand name......That how Maybelline born.

William's family operate the business for 50 years. Then, it sold to a drug manufacture Plough in 1967. In 1990, Plough sold the company to an investment group call Wassertein Perella & Company.

Investment banker Bruce Wassertein like to buy a near bankruptcy company, revive the company and dispose off at higher price.

In late 1990, Protect and Gamble ( P&G )buy a cosmetic brand Cover Girl. P&G competitor Unilever eying to buy Maybelline.

Unilever back out eventually. They feel it is difficult to revive Maybelline and do not feel P&G would successfully revive Cover Girl. Loreal CEO feel he able to revive this American brand into a global brand.

To revive a brand does not depend on instinct, Loreal already have similar brand. They have a similar brand in French call Gemey and Jade in German. Loreal feel that by combining Maybelline with it existing 2 brand Gemey and Jade. The deal has more advantage than P&G acquired Cover Girl.

Maybelline already venture to Asia back in 1994, when Loreal acquired Maybelline. Maybelline have penetrate China's market. And have a 300 workers factory in Suzhou. At that point of time, Loreal only has a one man representative office in Shanghai and Beijing respectively.

When Loreal executive visit Maybelline China operation. They discover that they have far behind that P&G in China's market. Thus, they want Maybelline to be a starting base in China, and hope that every Chinese's lady have a Maybelline lipstick.

The merger of 3 brand start immediately. Maybelline star product mascara was introduce quickly into Gemey and Jade preduct line and market it in European Market. Gemey flagship product Volume Express become a product under Maybelline brand as well.

Purchasing of raw material and packaging material quickly reach critical mass to take advantage of economic of scale by requesting a bulk discount. Cost saving quickly turn to budget on advertising and promotion to penetrate market.

They put a New York label under Maybelline. Loreal retain the same advertising company and it slogan at that time:

Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline

In Europe, Gemey and Jade would add a Maybelline brand on it packaging. Slowly, it enlarge the Maybelline the make the word Gemey and Jade smaller on it packaging. Today, you still can see Gemey and Jade printed on Maybelline product in Europe.

In 1999, R&D division of Maybelline launch a Nail Polish that able to dry in one minutes. This fulfill the requirement of fast pce environment of office lady. It later make all the product to dry faster, like mascara, eye liner and lip liner.

Water Shine Lipstick is the first "globalize" product that produce by the company. This is also the first product not invent in Europe or US within Loreal Group. It invented in Asia.

Kose was an agent in Japan for Maybelline before takeover of Loreal. Sales of mascara was very good than. After the Loreal take-over, Loreal want lipstick become core product.

Product recommended by US team Moisture Whip too dry. Color and quality also not suitable for Japan market, and it fail in Japan market eventually. Japanese team reinvent the product to make it more suitable for Japanese market.

In August, 2000. Water Shine launch in China, then Japan, then other Asia country. From Tokyo, Shanghai to Singapore. Water Shine lipstick make a record sales.

From Water shine, Maybelline become a global brand. It become the first choice brand for 15-19 Japanese girl. In Taiwan, Maybelline control 40% market shares. Star product mascara even control more than 75%, almost monopoly. In China, Maybelline can sell 10 million units of lipstick per year and growth at 200% per year. In Europe, it control 20% market shares.

Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Skay & Fashion Asia feedback on Lancome lip gloss

I have blog on Lancome invented lip gloss before. I also post a comment on Fashion Asia's blog requesting a feedback on lip gloss( I am a guy, not using such item, do not have close female pal to ask at the moment). Below are the two feedback I received:

From Skay:

Peter : I am using one now and I like it. Juicy Tubes that is.

From Fashion Asia:

i never own one but i tried 1 from the counter. The Tube gloss(colored ones). My opinion? All tube gloss are about the same. Dislike? the fact that the color sink down to the bottom & when u squeeze the tube, the colorless gloss comes out first and then the color, then u gotta mix mix...abit messy.

Too bad! Did any executive from Lancome or Loreal reading this?

Skay & Fashion Asia:

Thanks for both of your feedback.


Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

La Roche-Posay and Sunway

La Roche-Posay is the only physician dispensed skincare product under Loreal group. Meaning, this product is not sell in department store. You have to see a doctor, physician or dermatologists in order to get such product.

I unable to find La Roche-Posay product on Loreal's Malaysia website. Apparently not on sell in Malaysia market. Amazon.com website also sold out/not available at the moment.

La Roche-Posay is a village 300km in southern part of Paris.With only 1,500 population. However, during holiday season. 4,000 to 5,000 people will enter the village. Not for vacation but for 3 weeks skin care spa treatment.

According to scientific research. La Roche-Posay are only thermal spring water rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant. and reduce free-radical. This mean it has anti-aging effect on human skin.

In 1617, first analysis report has been published on spring water at La Roche-Posay.Napoleon has build a spa at La Roche-Posay to provided treatment for it army with skin and dermatological problem.

In French, dermatologists can prescript for people with skin and dematological problem to spa and the bill will be pay by government. Unlike in Malyasia, spa in French will be station wil dermatologist.

In 1929, a chemist and dermatologists used spa water to produce skin care product. In 1989, Loreal acquired the brand and in 2003, acquired the whole country village to ensure continues supply of such spa water.

La Roche-Posay always position as Adjunctive Therapy product. Its main customer are physician and dermatologists. Product sold to patient via recommendation of physician and dermatologists.

Unlike normal skin care product that categories it product between oily skin and dry skin. La Roche-Posay categories its product according to skin problem into LIPIKAR" series and sensitive skin for TOLERIANE series.

Like phamaceutical manufacturing company. La Roche-Posay has to publish
it finding on medical journal, to gain trust from physician and pharmacist and build up it brand name. It has a Clinical Test Manager in HQ in French. To coordinate research in 5 different internal laboratory and external laboratory.

Traditional dermatologists use to emphasis less on "beauty" problem of his patient. This force people move to consult beauticien. Without, professional treatment. Some has become worst after seeking treatment from beautician.

Now dermatologists become a channel to become more beauty. La Roche-Posay able to gain more market shares.

However, La Roche-Posay has difficulty to gain more market share as product not available in normal distribution channel. Repeat customer unable to buy such product in the market if they do not want to seek treatment from doctor or dermatologists.

However, physician would cease to recommend it product to it patient if such product available in department store. Thus, it is difficult to make a decision.

New Brand Director Anthony J. Ponsford would like to maintain physician as their core customer. With emphasis on result of clinical test. At the same time, they would try to widen their distribution channel to pharmacy, to be more customer driven.

In first half of 2005, La Roche Posaylaunch it first "whitening" product in Asia.

In 2001, La Roche-Posay in US acquired a similar brand Biometic. It also plan to merge with an internal cosmetic unit PHAS. Thus, La Roche-Posay would have 3 product line cover Professional Physician, Skin care and cosmetic in the near future.

In Malaysia, Sunway City Bhd has acquired a site in Tambun, Ipoh to develop into Sunway City Ipoh. The site have an reknown Tambun Hot springs which I feel can develop into a location like La Roche-Posay in French. Sunway group also has plan to venture into healthcare industry.


Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Cleanser, toner & moisturizer

On Thursday, an article on the star stated that:

Ask any women and even if she is no beauty expert, she will probably be able to tell you that the basic formula for good skin involves cleansing, toning and moisturizing...........Made popular by Clinique. REALLY??

Biotherm, a brand acquired by L'Oreal in 1970. Unlike other traditional product that categories it product into hydrating product and whitening product. Biotherm categories it product base on your skin, Dry Skin, normal and combination and Oily Skin separate by Pink, Green and Blue colour respectively. It further categories into cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

Actually, 3 step formula of cleansing, toning and moisturizing was invented by Elizebert Arden.Whereas separation of skin into Dry Skin, normal and combination skin and oily skin was first introduce by Helena Rubinstein. A company under L'Oreal now.

Biotherm originated from mineral water. In the early of 19th century, a French biologist discover that mineral water under Pyrenees mountain in the southern part of French has "Thermal Plankton", a key to beautifully healthy skin, a potent skin rejuvenator. He apply intellectual property right on this discovery.

In 1952, founder of Biotherm acquired the IP right and used it in skin care product.

In 1970, L'Oreal acquired Biotherm and venture into Asia market in 1996. Being a late comer in Asia market, it target young people age between 20-29, It target body care product which is neglected by other brand and it also target Men's care segment.

On marketing strategy, Biotherm spend it major marketing budget on Direct Mailing. Usually, cosmetic company spend their marketing budget at the ratio of 4:1. Biotherm Direct Mailing Vs marketing ratio is 1:1. They selected Department Store loyal card holder age between 20-29, achieve certain spending target over last 3 months. Biotherm their brochure to those department's store loyal card holders. This targeted member received at least 3 brochure every year from Biotherm. Attract them to request sample product. Usually, cosmetic product's sample sets are 5ml. Biotherm give full sets of its product genereously.

As Biotherm give a lot of sample sets. It quickly build up it customer database. A customer database was build up base on respective identification number. Sales people would made follow up call after one week a person received a sample sets.

It quickly create a buzz among young people. Majority of Biotherm's new customer are recommended by friend, and this is the first time they buy skin care product. Thus, they have successfully attract first timer.......They bring in new customer to department store. After this incident, department store start allowing them to set up counter in their premises.

Later, Biotherm launch body care product and men's care product. Unexpected the market trend has change and slimming become a fashion. Sales of slimming product has been escalated. Even until now, slimming product comprise 1% of it turnover.

In Hong Kong, Biotherm breakeven in it first year. It become a top department store's brand in second year. In Korea, which people loyal to their own country brand. It rank no 7th .


Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Lancome invent lip gloss

Lancome, a brand acquired by Loreal in 1964. Founded by Armand Petitjean in 1935.

Rose is favorite flower of Lancome's founder Armand Petitjean .Since Lancome founded in 1935. Rose was appear in almost every advertisement of Lancome.

Lancome view as an old fashion by young generation.

In order to revive the brand and product.Lancome change it marketing strategy in 2004. Not so emphasis on rose; but rose, lady and product. With a hand written signature logo to signify a close relationship with it customer.

From 1996, R&D centre and marketing team in Japan are responsible for developing a lot of Japan version of product foe Asia market. One of it is BLANC EXPERT Mela-NO Cx Supreme Whitening Spot Corrector. This product quickly penetrate Asia and the world

In 2000. Lancome innovate world first lip gloss. It become a star product of Lancome. Every minutes. Lancome would sell 10 units of lip gross in the world. All competitors are follow to launch similar product.

In 2004,Lancome launch it product for oily skin Pure Focus. The idea was provide by its Taiwan Division and develop by it international team. This product able to sell not only in Asia but penetrate world market. Again, competitors rush to launch similar product.

In 2004, Lancome open it first boutique in Hong Kong. After sucessfully tested such concept. It launch it second boutique in Shanghai. It plan to open more such boutique in Asia, US and France in near future.


Technorati Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty

Loreal and HR

Loreal started from a hair care product company to become one of the largest beauty and cosmetic company in the world.It CEO Mr.Owen-Jones has been listed as 100 most influencial people in the world by Times Magazine. How do they do that. They do it via merger and acquisition. Over the years, Loreal has acquired numereous brand worldwide. One of the brand it acquired is Helena Rubinstein or call HR.

L'Oreal Professional is the brand for it hair care product. Whereas L'Oreal Parisis the brand for it cosmetic and skin care product. It skin care product technology actually is using technology of HR. A company it acquired in 1989. HR is a well known brand in US found by Helena Rubinstein(1870-1965).

With technology from HR, together with other brand it acquired. Loreal become the largest company in beauty and cosmetic industry in the world.

HR closet competitors Elizaberth Arden. Elizaberth Arden, a company found by Elizaberth Arden is not a well known brand in Malaysia. I do saw some recomendation by Chinese media in Malaysia occasionally and it product sold in SaSa shop in Malaysia. Apparently the brand has acquired by Unilever at some point of time.However, it product does not adjusted to suite the weather in Asia, thus, Asian feel it is too oily and is not popular in asia.



Elizaberth Arden's (1884-1966) product is the only product that able to compete against HR. As Loreal's product mainly using technology of HR. Unilever Group who own Elizabeth Arden is rank second largest company in beauty and cosmetic industry in the world after Loreal. But unlike Loreal which derive nore than 90% of sales from beauty and cosmetic industry. Only 19% of Unilever income are from beauty and cosmetic industry.

However, HR are well known in it technology and product quality whereas Elizaberth Arden's strenght are in Product packaging and Design.


Tag: Cosmetic : Beauty