Insight by Andrea

Product developers are always asked to look at other industries for inspiration. Most products are a variation sur le même thème presented in stock packaging (mostly because tooling costs are prohibitive for most small and medium companies). So we have mostly relied in larger companies to lead the way in breaking the rules and it seems that L’Oreal is about to change the way foundation (and potentially other make up) will be applied by future generations. We have been painting houses with rollers forever, how didn’t anyone do it before? The new Roll’on Accord Parfait compact foundation is the latest innovation by L’Oreal and Alcan featuring a mini roller of 10 mm. According to Premiumbeautynews.com the roller "can just take the right amount of product and apply it in a perfectly uniform way, creating what specialists call a flawless effect with no overloading." Michel Limongi, creative director for Alcan Packaging Beauty, was the mastermind behind the custom made tool that is a perfect complement to the formula. Below is the ad created for the UK  market (seems to have launched there already) and the behind the scenes version with Eva Longoria and Evangeline Lilly. The product was launched is slated for a global launch but we were unableto locate dates for the US debut.

UK ad:

Behind the Scenes:

Insight by Andrea

On June 11, AskELF.com, by J.A. Cosmetics (e.l.f. – eyes, lips, face), won the website innovation award fromThe Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association. This site aggregates E.L.F related videos, articles, conversations, customer service and shopping in one place. AskELF.com is a good example of how the socialweb is breaking down barriers of what used to be well defined such as outbound marketing, customer support, branding campaign, PR, and online shopping. This award is well deserved and we hear there is much more to come in terms of online innovation. We will be monitoring their evolution and sharing information as it becomes available. This is a great example of online execution and should be watched closely by larger brands. The right online presence today is crucial and will make or brake brands in the next few years.

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