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Issue link: http://beautystorebusiness.epubxp.com/i/188385
or brightening or hydrating. The whole movement is the convergence of skin care and cosmetics—products that not only give you rich color, but they also have additional restorative or functional effects. We think there's a lot more of that to come. Oils themselves as stand-alone products are big; we're looking into acquiring brands like that. Nail art is definitely becoming bigger and bigger all the time. We see a move toward bolder and more interesting nail art such as duckbill press-on nails or stiletto nails with nail art, charms or rhinestones already on them. There is a thirst for products with long-lasting benefits such as StýliStyle's 24 Hour Power products. Women are having fun experimenting with nail polish in ways they really haven't before such as reverse French manicures or multicolor nails with bold glitters. This used to be rarer, but now it's mainstream. What's your overall take on the beauty-retail market right now? We see a lot of innovative products launched in the professional area. Stýli-Style is the only company that has a flat pencil, which was launched about 12 years ago. You can do a fine line and also fill in very quickly; it's a very easy-to-hold and functional product. We're bringing that type of innovation back to Stýli-Style. We moved out of the retail market because it wasn't a good fit, and we're moving the brand back to the professional-beauty business where it had its roots and where it belongs. We're bringing out innovations such as self-sharpening eyeliner called Twist & Sharp! The other trend we're seeing— which Stýli-Style was doing years ago and we're starting to push again—is long-wearing color cosmetics such as a 24-hour mechanical eyeliner. We also have a 12-hour-wear group of products. Consumers expect better wear, ease of use and longer wear from their cosmetics, and manufacturers are responding to that. They're also looking for dual-use items and new packaging that's more interesting. You see a move away from boring round or square components to different shapes and multifunctional uses. Women are passionate about products, and they're getting rid of their old compacts for something more functional. We're looking at makeup compacts where you squeeze the bottom of the compact and the top flips up—because if you're a makeup artist, you don't have a free hand. For the Twist & Sharp! self-sharpening eyeliner, you just take off the cap and it sharpens automatically. We also see a lot of designers getting into the beauty business through Sephora and department stores such as Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford. We've always seen the Dior's and Chanel's, but now we're seeing individual celebritytype designers getting into the beauty business more and more. A lot of beauty store owners are risk-takers, and we appreciate that, because we are as well. They're willing to buy into the newest trend or the newest item; they're going to shows, and reps show them what's new. They're much more nimble and much less riskaverse when it comes to new products. It tends to flow from the vendors that sell professional-beauty products to the retailers and department stores. We see a lot of items and trends get traction through the professional-beauty business and build from there. Do you have merchandising advice for beauty retailers? We don't necessarily sell cosmetics, per se; we sell color. Show a lot of color in the store. Load it up and choose bold, rich shades; don't just go with the safe reds and pinks of the past. There's a new consumer out there today, and you've got to catch [her] eye. You're competing with the Sephora's of the world, and they merchandise things in a very open, colorful way. Bring people in by being eye-catching; then they'll try the products. The other tip is to take risks, as [you] often do. If you see a new item that's unique or different, give it a shot. You don't know where the next great new item is coming from, and it's a great way to grow your business. 44 November 2013 | beautystorebusiness.com I think in the professional-beauty industry today with the Sephora's and the ULTA's out there, you need to have a point of difference in terms of bringing customers in, and [you] should do that by having unique, cutting-edge new items that [you] can quickly order and get [onto your] shelves. Professional beauty is an easy market in terms of accessibility; there are so many beauty [stores] and great shows where you can purchase products. What's next for your company? We're looking to acquire new companies or brands. So if anyone out there thinks there is a valid candidate to be acquired, we're always interested. My emails address is maurice@cdgla.net. Our growth has been pretty much organic. We don't go to private-label shows, and we don't have a budget for advertising for new business. We can be reached for inquiries at info@cdgla.net. Our phone number for Cosmetic Design Group is 310.397.9300. We've had a meteoric rise in the last five or six years, and it's been via word of mouth from current buyers who have recommended us, or people who have seen our products and been referred to us. We've grown because we offer great products, source from all over the world and have great prices. We understand what it takes to grow and start a business, and we're always out there to find the next great product or trend. We've been very good at spotting new trends and items that we can incorporate into our private-label business. We actually private label for companies that are our competitors as well; it's not uncommon to walk into a store and find our product next to a branded product we private label. I'd venture to guess that if you opened up any person's cosmetics bag, you'd find one or two items we've private labeled. But we keep a low profile and don't broadcast who we work with; it's a very sensitive area for a lot of brands. I have intentionally stayed below the radar even in this Internet age to maintain the confidentiality of our private-label customers. We're also excited about Stýli-Style because we've finally relaunched the 100+ SKUs and developed a breakthrough merchandising display system. It took a bit longer than we expected, but it is a beautiful color line, well priced and well merchandised and we have high hopes for it. We've seen sales increase and building every week. We have a lot of new items that we will be launching plus several cutting-edge and innovative promotions. The brand is getting back to the beauty-channel roots where it really shone. We're really putting a lot of effort and support behind it, and we're already seeing great results. Our phone number for Stýli-Style is 845.225.2317. Thanks to the success and loyalty of our wonderful customer partners, our core private-label business continues to grow. And now, with the growth of StýliStyle and other potential acquisitions on the horizon, we are excited about the future of Cosmetic Design Group. ■ Tracy Morin is a freelance writer and editor based in Oxford, MS.