It is inevitable, every business has competition. There’s always going to be another company that offers the same or similar products/services as your own. As the saying goes– There’s nothing new under the sun. In order to grow a strong, successful cosmetic company, you must familiarize yourself with the competition and learn how to compete. Most people understand the concept of competition, but not everyone knows how to compete effectively.
The biggest mistake I see startups make is trying to make a product too much like one that already exists. What I find fascinating is that usually companies start out with a very unique idea yet end up with a product that is not equally unique. I know exactly how it happens because I’ve seen it a time or two. In the midst of studying the competition and seeing what it is that people like about their products, you start to convince yourself that consumers will only find use for products that are just like the ones that already exist. Oh ye of little faith! Give consumers a little credit… they like what they like until something comes along that is…. drumroll…. BETTER. Understand that an existing company has already carved out it’s fan base. There are consumers who use those products loyally because of product performance and the relationship that has been built over time. To introduce a product to the marketplace that virtually already exists is a huge risk. It’s challenging enough to convince consumers to give your product a try so when they do try it, give them a reason to keep coming back. The key to being able to compete and (ultimately) win, is to stand out. Below are my 5 tips to winning in business:
1. Decide what you want to sell and who you want to compete with.
2. Get to know what your competition has done to find success.
3. Improve on what your competition has to offer. **When I say improve on the competition, I don’t mean take their exact product and add a little something to it. I mean study the benefits and results their product. Find out what their fans love about their product and then develop your own product that tops the competition.
4. Customize your product/brand to suit YOU ie your personality, style, thought processes, etc.
5a. Market it.
5b. Market it some more. Branding and visibility go a loooooonnnnng way in getting your product(s) the attention they deserve.
If you follow my advice, you’ll be well on your way to thriving business.
I just spent about 10 minutes in the mirror analyzing my skin… studying it, assessing the flaws and thinking of a master plan to make it perfect. This past week has been a complete disaster in the beauty department. I make no apologies for being vain… and when I say vain, I mean I care a whole lot about my appearance. I want my hair to be perfect and when it’s not it can ruin my day. I want my skin to be clear, soft, pore-less and glowing… when it’s not, I’m nearly depressed. This morning, I sat in deep reflection about skin and hair care from a personal perspective. I thought, “My skin and hair could probably take care of itself if I just let it.” I believe that wholeheartedly.
I stopped using shampoo back in September (6-7 months ago) because I developed a product that cleansed the hair without stripping the natural oils. That was one of the best things I could have done for my hair (and my daughter’s). I was reminded of just how harsh shampoo can be when I decided to use it last weekend and experienced the biggest hair trauma of my life… complete with dramatic tears and sound effects smh. My hair, especially my natural hair, is better off without the suds. I’m beginning to think the same is true for my skin. I’m not willing to eliminate my soap and body wash, but I think it’s time to throw out my facial cleanser and allow my skin take care of itself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to put the good stuff in. I won’t be letting go of my toner, exfoliators or moisturizers. I just think that maybe I’m doing too much by using a cleanser to “clean” my face. How dirty could it be? With using a cleanser I’ve noticed my skin has changed from dry to combination… but not in the typical areas. I don’t have t-zone issues alone, my cheeks may break out too. O_O I NEVER had issues with breakouts before. I also started to see my pores in the smile line area between my nose and mouth. That is not cool at all. Halfway through my skin care bootcamp this past week, I stopped using my cleanser. Instead, I rinsed my face with warm water and used my white tea toner and aloe. My dry patches are clearing and my pores are returning to normal size. From a scientist’s perspective, I think the cleanser may have been throwing off my skin’s natural ability to regulate itself.
This is not to say that I think everyone should throw out their shampoo/cleanser. But as a person with naturally dry skin and hair, I don’t need it. I rarely wear makeup (only eyeliner and mascara when I go out). Nor do I put a lot of product in my hair between washes. Someone that did either may still need to use a little bubble action in their beauty regimen. Just remember, if bubbles are involved, conditioning and moisturizing is not an option, it is a requirement.
What are your beauty reflections? Have you considered changing the way you care for your hair and skin? Tell us about it!
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve posted on the blog. I really wish that weren’t true because I have so much to share. I literally have about 20 blog titles written down in my little journal, I just haven’t had the time to post. I’ve been super busy in the lab making magic for my clients and I just recently moved to a new location. 😀
I rarely share skin care recipes, but since I’ve slacked off so much here, I think it’s ok. On March 26, 2011, my first ever television segment aired on WXYZ Channel 7 News (Detroit). There I shared 2 very easy and effective skin care recipes that you can whip up in your kitchen. The recipes are posted below the video. And for those of you who are wondering, yes I do actually use these recipes. I use the toner daily and the mask as needed (1 or 2x a week). Right now I’m doing a skin care bootcamp because my temperamental skin has decided to act out on me o_O. So this week I’m doing a version of the mask everyday.
Here’s to the Glam Life!
Antioxidant Facial Toner
What you’ll need:
1 cup of boiling water 1 bag of green or white tea (I use white tea with blueberry and pomegranate) 1 tsp of pure honey
Directions:
Add the honey to hot water and stir.
Steep the tea in the honey and hot water mixture for 2 minutes.
Let tea cool to warm or room temperature.
Apply toner to the face and neck using your fingertips in an upward circular motion.
Let dry for 15-30 seconds before applying moisturizer or facial mask.
Strawberry Cream Facial Mask
What you’ll need:
3 strawberries, chopped 1 tsp of wheatgerm (Can substitute with oatmeal) 2 tbsp (Organic) Whole Milk Plain Yogurt
Directions:
Mash the strawberries in a clean, dry bowl.
Add the wheatgerm (oatmeal) to the strawberries and mix.
Add the yogurt to the mixture and stir until completely mixed.
Apply to damp face and neck with fingertips. Feel free to lay it on thick.
Let dry for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse with warm water. Pat dry. Apply moisturizer.
I wanted to start the year off with a challenge for my readers– consumers and fellow formulators alike. While natural products are all the rage these days, it can be difficult to find “all natural” products that can compete on all levels with their synthetic counterparts. Before you allow yourself to think that natural formulators need to step it up, allow me to give a little insight.
A great deal of the ingredients used in cosmetics are needed to enhance the appearance and texture of an otherwise effective product. Formulators go to great lengths to ensure that their finished products feel great on the skin and also look good in the jar/bottle. I’m willing to bet most of us have never considered the level of effort that it takes to make a crystal clear bath gel that also smells like berries. Some of the very ingredients on the chopping block are only used to the more superficial expectations of the consumer.
My own laboratory work is limited from time to time because I have to make sure the products are not only effective, but also look/feel like something consumers have seen/felt before. When you’re working with natural ingredients that have their own color and texture mixed in with their amazing benefits, things get tricky.
SO HERE’S THE CHALLENGE
I challenge consumers to throw out all of their preconceived thoughts on what a cosmetic should look or feel like. Forget that creams and lotions are “supposed” to be pure white. Pretend that liquid hand soap was meant to be a little cloudy. Allow a cosmetic to improve your skin over a period of time instead of expecting instantly silky hands and legs. If you say you want natural, give natural a real shot. This way, formulators can focus on creating products that truly give long term benefits as opposed pretty colors and short lived instant gratification.
I also challenge formulators to push natural products even if they are a little different than what consumers are used to. Someone will be willing to try it… and when they love it, the word will spread.
Let’s step out of the monotony and jump into something new, unique, different and worth it. Here’s to the Glam Life!
Elasticity is a very important factor in assessing the strength of hair. The elasticity of the hair is an indicator of what styles and/or processes your hair can withstand. When hair has low elasticity, it will not hold a curl well (thermal or wet styled) and it is more prone to damage caused by styling and chemical treatments. Basically, hair with low elasticity is weak and must be handled with care.
Chemical treatments including relaxers, permanent wave, color and even keratin should be preceded by an elasticity strand test to ensure minimal (ideally zero) breakage occurs. But you should also consider performing an elasticity test before going to wacky with the hooded dryer, blow dryer, round brush and flat iron because this requires good elasticity, too. One way to test your hair’s elasticity is to take a [full length] strand of hair from your comb or brush. Hold the strand with the index finger and thumb of both hands about 2 inches apart. Quickly and firmly pull the strand of hair. If the strand snaps, it has low elasticity; If it remains in tack, it has good elasticity.
Another strand test that is equally as fun is what I call the “ribbon curl” test. Hold a strand of hair between the index finger and thumb of one hand. With the index finger and thumb of the opposite hand, use your thumb nail to firmly run along the length of the strand so that it curls. — This is similar to curling a ribbon with scissors. — Now stretch the curl until the strand is straight then let it go. If the strand returns to the original curl pattern, it has good elasticity. If it returns to at least half the original curl, it has moderate elasticity. If it stays straight, your hair is in bad shape :(.
Many factors affect the elasticity of the hair. Excessive heat styling, combing/brushing when the hair is wet and chemical treatments can all have a devastating effect on your hair’s level of elasticity. If after performing the strand test you find that your hair has low elasticity, avoid all of the above styling faux pas. Hair elasticity can be improved by giving your hair what it lacks… PROTEIN! Hair is 100% protein (keratin). Hair with low elasticity has weaker protein bonds than that of good elasticity. Nevertheless protein treatments are a good idea for everyone sooooo… Run, run, run to your nearest beauty supply to purchase a deep conditioning protein treatment.
