Feed-back.com: Blog

“Hope in a Tube”

At this year’s Face & Body Conference (2008), Karen Newman of Global Cosmetic Industry magazine summarized recent trends in her “From the Beauty Industry, With Love” presentation. One of two hot topics she covered used the catchy description of “Hope in a Tube,” which succinctly describes consumer expectations. Typing the phrase into Google generated 17,000 hits (10/01/08). [It's also the name of an eye/lip cream product sold by PHILOSOPHY.]

While many consumers are highly motivated to use skin care products, they may not know how to make wise choices. There are literally thousands of skin care products available through professional service provides (e.g., beauty salons, spas, etc.), retail stores, and the web. It’s surprising that consumers aren’t paralyzed by the choices.

Commentary:

Despite the massive number of products, some brands have gained significant market share over all the others. In surveys that Feedback Research Services / Feed-back.com conducted during the past three years, several manufacturers consistently dominated the “most popular skin care product” list, while others may do so one year and not even be mentioned the next. Several survey participants noted that the popularity of certain products reflects brand loyalty among their clientele. Are other successful brands reaching the top because they’re 1) better products or 2) marketed more aggressively by the manufacturers? — Fran