Debenhams reveals the make-up time bomb in British women's cosmetic bags

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:49:44 GMT

Debenhams has revealed that the average British woman's cosmetic bag is out of date by a worrying four years.

The new research highlighted that many British women are using cosmetics well past the use-by date, unaware that products can be a magnet for germs which could cause damage to their health and looks.

Sara Stern, Director of Cosmetics at Debenhams said, "British women are famously loyal to make up brands and products, however, their reluctance to throw away old products is a risky business."

Beauty essentials such as foundation, concealer, blusher, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, lipstick and perfume all include a 'period after opening' indicator, denoted by an open pot with the number of months of safe use written inside.

Despite European Union guidelines meaning brands have to state product shelf lives, 89% of women are unaware that such information exists, do not understand what the symbol means or are unable to read the often tiny writing. Make-up, perfume and skincare products used after the expiry date carry a risk of irritation and infection. This is due to air and bacteria infiltrating the products. Multiuse products carry an even higher risk as they can spread germs from eyes to skin to lips.

The study also found that 68% of women only replace make-up and skincare when they run out, however long that might take. 72% of women never wash their make-up sponges or brushes, even though they should do at least once a week. 81% of British women also regularly (at least once a week) go to sleep without removing make up.

Bevis Man of the British Skin Foundation said: "It's not always obvious when make-up has passed its prime, so it may not occur to people to replace their products. It is best to err on the side of caution and if a product looks or smells strange, it is worth throwing it away.

"Cost is probably a major factor in why people do not replace out-of-date cosmetics. However, products can dry out and become less effective as they age.

"Your eyes are one area of your face you need to be particularly careful with, as eye infections can be painful and long-lasting. Make-up sponges are a particular haven for bacteria, especially if they are kept for a long period of time and are not washed. Again, it is best to keep them clean and replace them after a few months' use."

As a result of the findings, Debenhams is exploring ways in which the 'best before' date of products can be better communicated to customers. Staff members are being trained to point out the importance of regularly replacing products and a 'make up' amnesty is planned nationwide. Debenhams has also written to the Secretary of State for Health to push for further legislation to cover the safety of consumers.

Sara Stern concluded, "Hopefully this call to action will encourage women to have a ruthless spring clean of their cosmetics collections. All our Beauty Hall staff members are on hand to advise customers of the use-by dates of their current items and help replenish any empty cosmetic bags".

- Ends -

Notes to Editors:
* Debenhams quizzed 1,000 women aged 18-70 years on the contents of their cosmetic bags and their understanding of the health considerations.

About Debenhams:
Debenhams is a leading department stores group, and has a strong presence in key product categories including women's wear and dresses, men's wear, home wares, make-up including the benefit makeup range, health and beauty, accessories, perfume including chanel and estee lauder, lingerie and children's wear.

Debenhams has 139 stores

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Unveils Pretty Powerful Spring Campaign Featuring Friends of Bobbi

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:31:49 GMT

Bobbi Brown has been sought out for years by women wanting Bobbi to provide them with beauty solutions, application tips and product suggestions. All of these women have ultimately inspired Bobbi in her daily life and work. Now Bobbi has finally brought many of these women together-including her friends, and those of her staff-for a 3-day shoot where she transformed women from 'Pretty' to 'Powerful.'

Pretty Powerful symbolizes Bobbi's belief that all women possess natural beauty, and with the right tools, are empowered to a higher level of pretty - Pretty Powerful, Pretty Amazing, Pretty Gorgeous, etc. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has captured their before/after photos, videos and testimonials as the centerpiece content of the Pretty Powerful campaign.

The content will live on BobbiBrown.co.uk/PrettyPowerful, but will be infused throughout the season to include on-counter collateral, postcards, and direct mail pieces all featuring 'Friends of Bobbi.' Additionally, Pretty Powerful in-store events with the Bobbi Brown Beauty Team are scheduled at various major department stores.

On the dedicated website, Bobbi Brown real women will be featured, accompanied by their profiles, testimonials, video portraits, face chart, application tips and behind the scenes footage of the shoot with Bobbi. Videos and photos will emphasize transformation and link back to the beauty problem the collection/product launch will solve.

BobbiBrown.co.uk/PrettyPowerful will also serve as an anchor for online PR outreach and activities. The strategy is targeted towards online/viral marketing and will include engagement activity on the Bobbi Brown UK Facebook page where consumers will be encouraged to 'Tell us how your makeup feels?'. Bobbi Brown will also be holding its first ever live chat 'Ask an Artist' session on Facebook, where consumers will be invited to ask a Bobbi Brown Makeup Artist their beauty questions and receive instant tips and advice.

About Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Bobbi Brown first arrived on the beauty scene in 1991 with the launch of Bobbi Brown Essentials, 10 brown-based lipstick shades created to fill a void in the market of simple, flattering and wearable makeup. Bobbi's unique approach to cosmetics was a long-awaited gift for women who at the time had no options in makeup that actually matched their skin tone. Bobbi became an instant champion for women everywhere looking for a natural makeup solution.

Elemis reveals Christmas collections

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:02:20 GMT

Elemis, the British spa and skincare brand, has revealed its new range of limited edition Christmas collections each containing award-winning hero products.

Among the Elemis Christmas gift sets is Prestige Pro-Collagen, the ultimate anti-ageing collection. Featuring a range of clinically proven anti-aging products, this set includes three full size products plus a 100ml jar of best selling Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream. This collection offers the customer exceptional value with savings of over £140 rather than buying each product separately.

Products in the Skin Perfection collection utilise a clinically proven tri-enzyme system that results in smooth, radiant and younger looking skin. This collection features Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash, Pro Collagen Marine Cream, Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream and the latest edition to the Tri-Enzyme range, Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask.

Also on offer this Christmas from Elemis is the Spa Body Secrets collection, an indulgent set of spa-at-home body care products that are designed to help the customer relax and unwind. Included in this collection are products from the Elemis Exotic Range such as Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt and Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath and Shower cream.

A variety of Elemis body care products are also included in the Christmas mini treats collections this year. Homespa for Hands contains anti-ageing body products including the new Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift and Pro Collagen Hand and Nail Cream as well as Gentle Rose Exfoliator. The Exotic Treats body care collection features Exotic Island Flower Body Balm, Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath and Shower Cream and a Lavender Travel Candle from the Candle Trio Collection.

Sets from Elemis' well established mens grooming range are also available this festive season. Total Men's Grooming contains five treatment products including Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel, Daily Moisture Boost, Energising Skin Scrub, Deep Cleanse Facial Wash and S.O.S Survival Cream. A Daily Men’s Grooming collection is also available.

All Elemis Christmas collections are available now, online and in store.

About Elemis:
Elemis is available in over 1200 luxurious spas and salons, 130 lavish cruise ship spas, British Airways Elemis travel spas and over 100 retail stores around the globe. Elemis is favoured by over as many as 5.7 million spa-goers every per year for the last 19 years. The successful combination of natural active ingredients with cutting-edge technology has enabled Elemis to bring to market some of the most influential anti-ageing products and professional spa-therapies the beauty industry has ever seen.

The Body Shop revives 80s favourites

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:38:17 GMT

The Body Shop has announced it is bringing back some of its most popular products from the 80s for a limited period.

The Body Shop is re-introducing classic products, now featuring new retro packaging. Old favourites such as Fuzzy Peach, the Banana collection and Ice Blue are all present, as well as a range of cleansers and moisturisers for face and body, and hair care products.

Other original products included in the range are Dewberry Bath and Shower Gel, with a fragrance still fondly remembered by almost half of British women* (44%) and now containing Community Trade aloe vera, specially selected for its ability to soothe and hydrate skin. Cucumber Cleansing Milk is also making a return, to help cleanse without drying the skin. In addition to gentle cucumber extract, the Cucumber Cleansing Milk features Community Trade organically grown soya oil.

The Body Shop customers can also have their say about which products from the 80s they'd like to see make a comeback by visiting the company's website and voting on the items they'd like back on shelves.

With its strong and unique heritage, The Body Shop was founded by Dame Anita Roddick in 1976 and has taken a place in the hearts of British women. A survey* showed that two-thirds of women fondly recall its 1980s campaigning against animal testing (63%) which today remains uncompromised, and its innovative use of natural ingredients (60%). A brand known for taking pioneering steps forward, in the 1980s its introduction of fair trade ingredients is still remembered by one-third of British women (31%).

The Body Shop has consistently developed new innovative ways of helping protect the planet through its use of packaging, with products in the originals collection now packaged in 100% PCR PET (made from post-consumer recyclate).

Notes to Editors:
*Survey conducted by YouGov, July 2009

About The Body Shop
The Body Shop International plc is the original ethical cosmetics company, now operating across more than 2,500 stores in over 60 markets worldwide.

The Body Shop strives to use the planet's resources wisely, searching for outstanding natural materials and ingredients from across the globe to include in its range of products. The company continues to lead the way, sourcing sustainable palm oil, introducing 100% recycled packaging, and raising funds and awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and continuing to support marginalized communities around the world through its Community Trade fair trade programme.

Clinique launches Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:46:40 GMT

Clinique has announced the launch of new Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes, which is its latest defense for men who want to effectively address the look of the multiple signs of ageing around the eye area.

Long hours squinting at the computer screen, late nights, not enough sleep and sun damage eventually take their toll on the sensitive skin around the eyes of unsuspecting men. Upon the first signs of ageing, an increasing number of men are seeking immediate measures to restore the look of vitality to this vulnerable skin. Men now understand that maintaining their youthful appearance requires the right de-ageing tools.

Created exclusively for men and conveniently packaged with a flip-top cap, New Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes is the latest addition to the mens skin care and grooming range.

Men often don't show signs of ageing until their 30s. Then, loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles suddenly appear. The skin around the eyes is roughly ten times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face and is extremely sensitive, so it's important to take action.

Clinique understands these concerns and has formulated a lightweight mens eye cream that delivers intense moisture and advanced treatment properties to combat the frustrating signs of ageing. Upon application, the look of dark circles and puffiness is immediately diminished and the eye area is instantly hydrated. With continued use, the appearance of firmness and elasticity is restored, reducing the look of lines and wrinkles. This powerful all-in-one eye cream helps build the skin's barrier and contains soothing antioxidants that help protect against future damage.

New Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes contains a cocktail of ingredients designed for moisturising, visibly reducing puffiness, diminishing the appearance of dark circles and protecting against future damage.

- Whey Protein and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide help to support skin's natural collagen production, firm skin's look and provide a better support structure.
- Phytosphingosine is a highly effective anti-irritant that helps reduce under eye puffiness.
- Sodium Hyaluronate instantly moisturises the skin and with use, keeps it plump, firm and comfortable.
- Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that provide free radical protection and help guard against environmental aggressors such as pollution.
- Linoleic Acid and Cholesterol are natural components of the skin's moisture barrier, providing moisturisation and hydrating the top layers of the skin.

The new launch partners up with the mens 3-Step Skin Care. System, as well as Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15 for the most comprehensive anti-ageing routine for men.

New Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Age Defense For Eyes is Allergy Tested, 100% Fragrance Free, Ophthalmologist Tested, Dermatologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free and will be exclusively available at www.cliniqueformen.co.uk from 1 September 2009 and Clinique counters nationwide from 1 October 2009

Clinique launches new, Limited Edition Bamboo Pink Make up Collection

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:49:16 GMT

The Bamboo Pink Collection from Clinique is inspired by the wearable and subtly seductive hue Bamboo Pink, one of Clinique's best-selling lipstick shades. Featuring a range of classic, best-selling products together with several new, limited edition make up treats, The Bamboo Pink Collection is the must-have make up kit to get a glow this summer.

Exclusive from Clinique at Debenhams and online at clinique.co.uk, The Bamboo Pink Collection is being launched for summer 2009 and contains ten summer make up essentials. This includes; Lipstick, an Allover Colour Face Powder Compact, Long-Last Glosswear SPF 15 Lip Gloss, a Cabana Blush Quad, a Bamboo Pink Blush Brush, a Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad, a Cream Shaper Eye Liner, a Quickliner Lip Liner and a Naturally Glossy Mascara in Black.

The new look features a natural pink lip available in a choice of two best-selling lipstick formulas; Long Last or Butter Shine, complimented by Long Last Glosswear SPF15 and Quickliner for Lips to help lipstick stay put. The subtle lip is accentuated by beautiful warm browns and muted pinks on the eye with the Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad and Cream Shaper for Eyes. An allover, soft luminous glow for the face is created using the Fresh Bloom Allover Colour Powder Compact and a new, limited edition Cabana Blush Quad. To finish the look, Naturally Glossy Mascara in Black lengthens, glosses and enhances lashes ensuring they stay silky and flake-free.

Adding further dimension to this collection is the beautifully crafted 'bamboo' packaging featured on select items within the collection.

Allergy Tested. 100% Fragrance Free. Ophthalmologist Tested. Non-Comodegenic.

Exclusively available to Clinique counters in Debenhams and Online at clinique.co.uk only.

About Clinique
Introduced in 1968, Clinique was the first ever dermatologist-created, prestige cosmetic brand. Today, Clinique's mission remains what it was from the beginning: to provide the highest quality and most effective collection of products to enhance every skin type and tone. The brand's customised approach and quality products - all meticulously tested and carefully formulated with the latest science - have made Clinique one of the leading skin care authorities in the world. All make up and skin care products are allergy-tested and 100% fragrance free. Clinique offers products for men and women of all ages and ethnicities. Clinique is sold in more than 130 countries and territories, and over 16,000 sales locations.