They're in the limelight at least twice a year, promoting new cosmetic collections and the next best makeup look.Whatever the makeup artists propose,women can get some fresh ideas for a pretty face, from girlie to glamorous looks. The rollout of the fall 2009 collection comes with their expert advice and this is what leading brand's makeup gurus have to say about the tricks and
trends for this upcoming season.
Indigold
The Declaring Indigo look by Lancome's makeup artistic director Aaron De Mey boasts stunning eyes with deep indigo, matte red lips, and the complexion enhanced with iridescent gold."The colours I chose for the collection, indigo and red, are intense, primary colours, emblems of Paris and the French Revolution,"he explains.
Get goldescent skin by using foundation a shade lighter than natural skin tone to brighten the complexion and create a flawless base. Then use the new collection's Rose Liberte powder to highlight the facial contours with touches of light on the bridge of the nose, the cheekbones and the forehead."It's a great way to sculpt the face and enhance natural features," added Aaron.
The avant-garde makeup artist suggest a pop of red lipstick, not only for a sensual pout, but as a blush, dotting a few touches over the cheekbones,before blending with the fingertips to bring out an irresistible flush.
Autumn eyes
Artistic director for Shiseido The Makeup, Dick Page created a full wardrobe of single eye shadow colours that would fulfill a woman's need for every occasion.The Luminizing Satin Eye Color collection comes in 15 shades that can be used on its own or to combine for exciting variations.
"Yellow, gold and copper combine to create a really different dynamic eye makeup look. Strong lashes stand out in sharp relief against the shimmering shadows. The skin is delicately finished,the cheek bears the gentlest flush of colour,and the lips are a soft, rosy beige," is how Shiseido's artistic director described one of his fabulous looks for fall 2009.
Also "think pink" for autumn and apply a harmonious range of pinks and violets on eyes, lips and cheeks for a sophisticated monochrome look.
Fresco fun
Have fun mixing hues even on the lips, encouraged Barbie Laurino, Laura Mercier makeup artist. The Fresco collection features the Lip Watercolours palette with a primer and six shades to paint the perfect lip.
"Put on one shade or combine three or four, to go from natural to dramatic lip makeup. It's like painting and there are no rules in doing it," said Barbie, who was recently in Bangkok for a Laura Mercier event at Siam Paragon.
Inspired by fresco art, the makeup are like washes of colour with teal for intense eye makeup and soft apricot for cheerful cheeks.
"Instead of a circle or a stripe, apply blush with an oval backward C movement upwards along the muscle of the cheeks," she said."Use a cream blush first, set it with translucent powder, before applying powder blush, and you're ready to glow."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Kii'Z distributor takes the middle ground
Kii'Z-brand bath and body-care products have survived the country's political uncertainty and global economic crisis, thanks to its unique concept: high quality at affordable prices.
Thanyaporn Kunakornpaiboonsiri, founder and marketing director of Kii'Z distributor Fukai Intertrade, said the company was established with capital of Bt1 million in 2007 in the wake of the previous year's military coup.
"That was a tough time to start my first business, during that gloomy market environment. But entering the market at a time of low competition was a good opportunity," she said.
Fukai Intertrade now has four Kii'Z shops, all located in shopping malls, and the high quality of the spa products have been acclaimed.
"Our strong brand and unique concept mean Kii'Z can survive even though the home-spa market is no longer booming," said Thanyaporn.
She said Kii'Z products were different from other spa products, coming in white instead of earth tones, translating into brightness and modernity. They are quality products at affordable prices, sold in high-end locales like CentralWorld, Siam Paragon and Isetan Department Store.
"We need a modern image but with an Asian sentiment, but not too traditionally Thai, as there's already a lot of that in the market. Kii'Z offers happiness and fun, making customers feel truly refreshed, both physically and emotionally," she said.
Kii'Z products cost Bt300 to Bt700 apiece.
Before Thanyaporn came along, the local spa-product market consisted of only two segments: high-end and One Tambon One Product brands. Prices were also of only two kinds: either below Bt200 apiece or nearly Bt1,000 apiece.
This prompted her to market products priced between the two extremes.
"As a newcomer, I decided to start go with both quality and affordability, say between Bt395 and Bt690. That persuaded our target group - middle-upper income earners - to try them out and then become hooked," she said.
Kii'Z also carries a line of non-spa bath and body-care products, including shower massage oil, shower jelly scrub, shower cream and shower gel, with a wide range of essential oils from Thai flowers, fruits and herbs.
The company has spa and hotel customers nationwide and exports the products, both under its own Kii'Z brand and customised, to South Korea, Taiwan, Morocco, India and Brazil.
Exports now account for 10 per cent of sales revenue, and that is expected to rise to 30 per cent next year after the company conducts more roadshows in foreign markets.
Fukai expects to see Bt8 million in retail sales this year and more than Bt15 million next year.
Thanyaporn Kunakornpaiboonsiri, founder and marketing director of Kii'Z distributor Fukai Intertrade, said the company was established with capital of Bt1 million in 2007 in the wake of the previous year's military coup.
"That was a tough time to start my first business, during that gloomy market environment. But entering the market at a time of low competition was a good opportunity," she said.
Fukai Intertrade now has four Kii'Z shops, all located in shopping malls, and the high quality of the spa products have been acclaimed.
"Our strong brand and unique concept mean Kii'Z can survive even though the home-spa market is no longer booming," said Thanyaporn.
She said Kii'Z products were different from other spa products, coming in white instead of earth tones, translating into brightness and modernity. They are quality products at affordable prices, sold in high-end locales like CentralWorld, Siam Paragon and Isetan Department Store.
"We need a modern image but with an Asian sentiment, but not too traditionally Thai, as there's already a lot of that in the market. Kii'Z offers happiness and fun, making customers feel truly refreshed, both physically and emotionally," she said.
Kii'Z products cost Bt300 to Bt700 apiece.
Before Thanyaporn came along, the local spa-product market consisted of only two segments: high-end and One Tambon One Product brands. Prices were also of only two kinds: either below Bt200 apiece or nearly Bt1,000 apiece.
This prompted her to market products priced between the two extremes.
"As a newcomer, I decided to start go with both quality and affordability, say between Bt395 and Bt690. That persuaded our target group - middle-upper income earners - to try them out and then become hooked," she said.
Kii'Z also carries a line of non-spa bath and body-care products, including shower massage oil, shower jelly scrub, shower cream and shower gel, with a wide range of essential oils from Thai flowers, fruits and herbs.
The company has spa and hotel customers nationwide and exports the products, both under its own Kii'Z brand and customised, to South Korea, Taiwan, Morocco, India and Brazil.
Exports now account for 10 per cent of sales revenue, and that is expected to rise to 30 per cent next year after the company conducts more roadshows in foreign markets.
Fukai expects to see Bt8 million in retail sales this year and more than Bt15 million next year.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Scacare maker joins Japanese
Pharmacosmet Plc, the manufacturer of the Tea Tree and Scacare personal and skin-care brands, will form a business alliance with a Japanese partner to codevelop skin-care products and market them in Japan next year.
The move will help its products to become regional brands as well as triple the company's sales to one billion baht by 2013, said managing director Sutee Ratananakin.
The company is now working with the Japanese partner, which is in the skin-care-related business, to develop personal and skin-care products exclusively for Japan. The company will endorse Tea Tree and Scacare as sub-brands to the core brand of the Japanese partner.
Pharmacosmet will handle the production of new product formulas. In the initial step, it will start producing moisturiser, facial foam and products for men.
Forming the strategic partnership is the company's major business strategy in overseas along with appointing sales agents.
"There is a huge opportunity in the Japanese market but competition is very fierce as well. But if we are successful in Japan, we will spin off our business to other international markets in the future and both products will become regional brands," Mr Sutee said.
To support future growth, the company has invested about 20 million baht to add 5,000 square metres of space at its factory in Phutthamonthon Sai 5 to produce products for export markets as well as more original equipment manufacturing (OEM) products. The sales proportion between domestic and export markets would be 60:40.
Mr Sutee said the company had restructured its organisation in terms of product portfolio, brand rejuvenation and modernisation after acquiring Pharmacosmet from the founder a few years ago.
About 10% of the Scacare product items were dropped and Tea Tree and Scacare products were reformulated with more additives.
Sales of Pharmacosmet last year were 380 million baht and are forecast to rise to 450 million baht by the end of this year. About 70% of sales came from Tea Tree and the remainder from Scacare.
The move will help its products to become regional brands as well as triple the company's sales to one billion baht by 2013, said managing director Sutee Ratananakin.
The company is now working with the Japanese partner, which is in the skin-care-related business, to develop personal and skin-care products exclusively for Japan. The company will endorse Tea Tree and Scacare as sub-brands to the core brand of the Japanese partner.
Pharmacosmet will handle the production of new product formulas. In the initial step, it will start producing moisturiser, facial foam and products for men.
Forming the strategic partnership is the company's major business strategy in overseas along with appointing sales agents.
"There is a huge opportunity in the Japanese market but competition is very fierce as well. But if we are successful in Japan, we will spin off our business to other international markets in the future and both products will become regional brands," Mr Sutee said.
To support future growth, the company has invested about 20 million baht to add 5,000 square metres of space at its factory in Phutthamonthon Sai 5 to produce products for export markets as well as more original equipment manufacturing (OEM) products. The sales proportion between domestic and export markets would be 60:40.
Mr Sutee said the company had restructured its organisation in terms of product portfolio, brand rejuvenation and modernisation after acquiring Pharmacosmet from the founder a few years ago.
About 10% of the Scacare product items were dropped and Tea Tree and Scacare products were reformulated with more additives.
Sales of Pharmacosmet last year were 380 million baht and are forecast to rise to 450 million baht by the end of this year. About 70% of sales came from Tea Tree and the remainder from Scacare.
Friday, August 21, 2009
BEAUTY SECRETS REVEALED
[WHAT] High Tea with Beauty Secret.
[WHERE] Atrium 2, CentralWorld.
[HOST] Naphalai Areesorn, editor-in-chief of Thailand Tatler.
[HIGHLIGHT] Guests celebrities Salinee Panyarachun, Sasivimol Na Ranong and Sirin Lertvorapreecha revealed their beauty secrets over high tea; special beauty related activities with the support of Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Slim Up Centre, Dr Orawan Holistic Institute, Hydroxydase Spa Water and Sense & Spirit.
Pintuporn Needham and Chitra Konuntakiet.
Pawadee and Rungtip Isarankura na Ayudhya with Sasamon and Dr Somneuk Sanguansin.
Preerati Bhirombhakdi, Suratchada Sasomsub and Panchita Kamolklang.
Marlin Sermvitayakul, Sasivimol Na Ranong, Supichaya Suracupt, Naphalai Areesorn, Sirin Lertvorapreecha and Sasikorn Simtrakul.
Vee Marr and Salinee Panyarachun.
Poowadee Kunplin with Marisa and Paul Chew.
[WHERE] Atrium 2, CentralWorld.
[HOST] Naphalai Areesorn, editor-in-chief of Thailand Tatler.
[HIGHLIGHT] Guests celebrities Salinee Panyarachun, Sasivimol Na Ranong and Sirin Lertvorapreecha revealed their beauty secrets over high tea; special beauty related activities with the support of Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Slim Up Centre, Dr Orawan Holistic Institute, Hydroxydase Spa Water and Sense & Spirit.
Pintuporn Needham and Chitra Konuntakiet.
Pawadee and Rungtip Isarankura na Ayudhya with Sasamon and Dr Somneuk Sanguansin.
Preerati Bhirombhakdi, Suratchada Sasomsub and Panchita Kamolklang.
Marlin Sermvitayakul, Sasivimol Na Ranong, Supichaya Suracupt, Naphalai Areesorn, Sirin Lertvorapreecha and Sasikorn Simtrakul.
Vee Marr and Salinee Panyarachun.
Poowadee Kunplin with Marisa and Paul Chew.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Aviance pitches expansion to Asean
Aviance, the direct-sales unit for cosmetics and beauty products of Unilever Thai Trading Limited, will approach its parent firm about expanding its directsales business to neighbouring countries by the end of this year.
Managing director Suchada Theeravachirakul said that Aviance would propose to its parent firm through its regional head office in Singapore the expansion plan in Southeast Asia after establishing a strong foothold in the Thai market.Once the plan is approved, it would take one or two years to start the directsales business overseas. The top three priority markets are Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Currently, India is the only other country in which Unilever conducts direct sales. In Thailand, Aviance has grown by 30% a year since its establishment eight years ago. The company did not disclose sales figures.
Mrs Suchada said that n the first seven months of this year Aviance Thailand's sales grew by 18%,3% higher than its earlier projection.
"Quality brands generally do well amid the economic downturn because customers stop trying new brands and give up on those they do not use regularly.Besides, repurchase orders from existing customers are on the rise," she said.
She added that the average spending of customers had risen 12% to between 8,000 and 9,000 baht per purchase.
Aviance targets customers in the medium- to high-end income groups.Although these groups are cautious about their spending, they do not hesitate to buy if they find the products offering real value for money.
Other sales drivers in the first half of the year were the introduction of new shampoo, weight-control and skin-care items in the first half of this year and the increased frequency of promotional campaigns. New sales representatives rose by 13% to 350,000 people in the first seven months of this year.
Sales this year are expected to grow by 15-20%, partly because the company diversified into food-supplement and weight-control product lines.
In 2008, the overall market of food supplements through all distribution channels in Thailand was valued at 21 billion baht. Of the total,47% are sold through the direct-sales channel. In terms of growth, beauty food products rank the highest.
To tap the fast-growing demand in this segment, the company yesterday launched Aviance Perfec Radiance, a new line of food supplements after a successful introduction of the Slym weight-control product line in May.
Managing director Suchada Theeravachirakul said that Aviance would propose to its parent firm through its regional head office in Singapore the expansion plan in Southeast Asia after establishing a strong foothold in the Thai market.Once the plan is approved, it would take one or two years to start the directsales business overseas. The top three priority markets are Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Currently, India is the only other country in which Unilever conducts direct sales. In Thailand, Aviance has grown by 30% a year since its establishment eight years ago. The company did not disclose sales figures.
Mrs Suchada said that n the first seven months of this year Aviance Thailand's sales grew by 18%,3% higher than its earlier projection.
"Quality brands generally do well amid the economic downturn because customers stop trying new brands and give up on those they do not use regularly.Besides, repurchase orders from existing customers are on the rise," she said.
She added that the average spending of customers had risen 12% to between 8,000 and 9,000 baht per purchase.
Aviance targets customers in the medium- to high-end income groups.Although these groups are cautious about their spending, they do not hesitate to buy if they find the products offering real value for money.
Other sales drivers in the first half of the year were the introduction of new shampoo, weight-control and skin-care items in the first half of this year and the increased frequency of promotional campaigns. New sales representatives rose by 13% to 350,000 people in the first seven months of this year.
Sales this year are expected to grow by 15-20%, partly because the company diversified into food-supplement and weight-control product lines.
In 2008, the overall market of food supplements through all distribution channels in Thailand was valued at 21 billion baht. Of the total,47% are sold through the direct-sales channel. In terms of growth, beauty food products rank the highest.
To tap the fast-growing demand in this segment, the company yesterday launched Aviance Perfec Radiance, a new line of food supplements after a successful introduction of the Slym weight-control product line in May.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
LEGENDARY CREAM
Celebrities and dignitaries alike celebrate the 10th anniversary of Le Mer products, arriving at
the gala dinner all primmed, primed and flaunting
their flawless skin By Usnisa Sukhsvasti
The gala dinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Creme de la Mer was more like a Swiss finishing school reunion than anything ever before seen in Bangkok's social scene of late.The A-list of beautiful people were all there looking their most glamourous as befitting the exclusive cream that most of them swear by to keep their skin in its most flawless condition. In fact, if anyone dropped a bomb on Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's Royal Ballroom that evening the entire core of Bangkok's haute societe would have been wiped out.
Five long tables stretched from the stage to the other end of the ballroom, but despite the formal seating arrangements, not many people remained in the seats for long.
iPhones and BBs were de rigueur as practically everyone was taking pictures of themselves and of each other to upload onto their Facebook site as quickly as their BBs would allow them to; such is the demand for instant gratification in these digital times.
Emcee Saraichatt Jirapaet introduced the video presentation featuring some of the La Mer ambassadors talking about their experiences with the product,and reflecting on some of the events that La Mer has organised, including the diving trip to release cartoon fish into their natural habitat in Thailand's southern coastal seas, as well as to install pontoons for boats to berth instead of having to drop anchor and destroy the coral beneath.
Formalities began with Ampornpim Vajrabhaya,managing director of Elca (Thailand), taking to the stage to welcome guests and thanking them profusely for their support, which brought the success of the product.
Then La Mer brand manager Yaova-anong Chanawongse reminded the guests - as if they needed reminding - of how scientist Max Huber created this legendary cream from marine ingredients, especially seaweed from the depths of the ocean, turning it into a must-have product on any self-respecting vanity table.
Then all the La Mer brand ambassadors were invited onto the stage in a show of force, both men and women with their impressive La Mer-fortified porcelain skin.
Then it was time to get down to the serious business of dining and table hopping, which was done with such gusto that waiters were practically crying in frustration, not knowing which seat was taken or empty, or who to serve. Meanwhile, Thai diva Nantida Asavahame thrilled guests with some of her wellknown numbers, backed by the Hot Chilli band.
A dance routine aptly called "Aphrodite" also served to define the image of beauty and the sea.
It was quite late by the time the last guest left the ballroom, no doubt to head home and slather on some of that precious Creme de la Mer before hitting the pillow for a much needed beauty sleep.
Nophasit Thiengtham.
Nusba Punnakanta.
Pensupa Gajaseni and Onthira Bharksuwana.
Creme de la creme, seated from left: Gunnigar Virojanavat, MR Sorut Visuddhi and Buppha Kingchatchaval; standing from left: Gloria Mahadumrongkul, ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Jantana Pangputhipong Selby, Daranee Yoovidhaya and Vorakorn Chatikavanij.
Sirinya and Byron Bishop.
Varalak Vanichkul and Eric Levine.
Tirawan Pangsivongse and Nagara Sambandaraksa.
Ampornpim Vajrabhaya pours the bubbly with Yaova-anong Chanawongse.
Yupapak Vajrabhaya, Pitchana Sa-Nguansat, Korn Narongdej, Apinara and Pimpayap Srikarnchana and Pimpisa Chirathivat.
Thawin and Tipanan Srifuengfung.
Sirikarn Saktidej Bhanubhand, right,and her daughter Sikanya.
Poruethai, Nadoln and Nop Narongdej.
the gala dinner all primmed, primed and flaunting
their flawless skin By Usnisa Sukhsvasti
The gala dinner to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Creme de la Mer was more like a Swiss finishing school reunion than anything ever before seen in Bangkok's social scene of late.The A-list of beautiful people were all there looking their most glamourous as befitting the exclusive cream that most of them swear by to keep their skin in its most flawless condition. In fact, if anyone dropped a bomb on Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's Royal Ballroom that evening the entire core of Bangkok's haute societe would have been wiped out.
Five long tables stretched from the stage to the other end of the ballroom, but despite the formal seating arrangements, not many people remained in the seats for long.
iPhones and BBs were de rigueur as practically everyone was taking pictures of themselves and of each other to upload onto their Facebook site as quickly as their BBs would allow them to; such is the demand for instant gratification in these digital times.
Emcee Saraichatt Jirapaet introduced the video presentation featuring some of the La Mer ambassadors talking about their experiences with the product,and reflecting on some of the events that La Mer has organised, including the diving trip to release cartoon fish into their natural habitat in Thailand's southern coastal seas, as well as to install pontoons for boats to berth instead of having to drop anchor and destroy the coral beneath.
Formalities began with Ampornpim Vajrabhaya,managing director of Elca (Thailand), taking to the stage to welcome guests and thanking them profusely for their support, which brought the success of the product.
Then La Mer brand manager Yaova-anong Chanawongse reminded the guests - as if they needed reminding - of how scientist Max Huber created this legendary cream from marine ingredients, especially seaweed from the depths of the ocean, turning it into a must-have product on any self-respecting vanity table.
Then all the La Mer brand ambassadors were invited onto the stage in a show of force, both men and women with their impressive La Mer-fortified porcelain skin.
Then it was time to get down to the serious business of dining and table hopping, which was done with such gusto that waiters were practically crying in frustration, not knowing which seat was taken or empty, or who to serve. Meanwhile, Thai diva Nantida Asavahame thrilled guests with some of her wellknown numbers, backed by the Hot Chilli band.
A dance routine aptly called "Aphrodite" also served to define the image of beauty and the sea.
It was quite late by the time the last guest left the ballroom, no doubt to head home and slather on some of that precious Creme de la Mer before hitting the pillow for a much needed beauty sleep.
Nophasit Thiengtham.
Nusba Punnakanta.
Pensupa Gajaseni and Onthira Bharksuwana.
Creme de la creme, seated from left: Gunnigar Virojanavat, MR Sorut Visuddhi and Buppha Kingchatchaval; standing from left: Gloria Mahadumrongkul, ML Piyapas Bhirombhakdi, Jantana Pangputhipong Selby, Daranee Yoovidhaya and Vorakorn Chatikavanij.
Sirinya and Byron Bishop.
Varalak Vanichkul and Eric Levine.
Tirawan Pangsivongse and Nagara Sambandaraksa.
Ampornpim Vajrabhaya pours the bubbly with Yaova-anong Chanawongse.
Yupapak Vajrabhaya, Pitchana Sa-Nguansat, Korn Narongdej, Apinara and Pimpayap Srikarnchana and Pimpisa Chirathivat.
Thawin and Tipanan Srifuengfung.
Sirikarn Saktidej Bhanubhand, right,and her daughter Sikanya.
Poruethai, Nadoln and Nop Narongdej.
NEW HORIZONS FOR BEIERSDORF
Nivea maker sees huge potential in Asia, where men in particular are looking for products beyond mere soap and water. By Umesh Pandey
"Although the Asian market is very competitive these days, we never would have thought that it would rise to this level in such a short time span PETER KLEINSCHMIDT Executive board member, Beiersdorf
Asia's rising economic strength is giving rise to a market for products that were relatively uncommon in the region in the past and Beiersdorf, one of the world's largest skin and beautycare marketers, says it is ready to tap this rising demand.
"Products catering to men have now become a big market in many countries in Asia, be it Thailand, Vietnam or India,"said Peter Kleinschmidt, an executive board member of Beiersdorf, the maker of Nivea products, in a recent interview.
Earlier, he says, men were used to using bar soap and that was all that mattered in their personal-care routine.
"Nivea was the first to tap this segment in China and today we have a market share of about 25% and have gradually changed men's habits away from purely bar soap and water," said Mr Kleinschmidt, who was based in Bangkok from 1991-96 in charge of Thailand operations.
Despite the widespread feeling that the men's segment is well served, he says this is just the beginning and markets such as Vietnam and India are far behind in terms of the variety available.
"Beiersdorf sees this as the initial stage of development and it will gradually introduce various products in the market,be it cleansing, moisturising or others in the near future, although all this would be done step-by-step," he said.
Asia is growing by more than 20% for Beiersdorf against a mere 1% growth seen in the rest of the world such as the more mature markets of Europe and United States.
"To us Asia is the single most important market and that is why we are so active in this region," he said.
With operations in India, Thailand,Indonesia, China and other countries,Mr Kleinschmidt says the company is looking to consolidate some operations to lower costs.
The Thai plant, for example, doubled its capacity last month as Beiersdorf wants to tap the strengths of Thailand's skilled and reliable workforce and freetrade agreements with Asean and Australia.
"We have used part of land available with us for expansion and there is more room to grow," he said adding that the added capacity would mean nearly 80%of the products from the Thai operations would be exported from about 60%earlier.
The 500-million-baht expansion would also mean that key export markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Australia, would see more products, while Beiersdorf looks to use the Thai operations for other markets as well.
Apart from this, the company also has a plant in Indonesia catering to the domestic market.
"There are two countries of choice for us for using as an export base and they are China and Thailand," he said adding that despite the slightly higher costs, the location of Thailand and its free trade agreements have helped Beiersdorf make the decision easier.
In India, where the company has had operations through its joint-venture partner for nearly six decades, Beiersdorf just set up a new plant and is gradually looking to expand it.
"The best thing we have is our brand name and the awareness among the people of the quality products we offer,"he says, explaining how the brand helped the company penetrate tough markets such as Vietnam and India where local competition was strong.
Asia, he says, has huge demand for whitening and hydration/moisturising products and with the young population the market is far more vibrant. In the US and Europe, in contrast, anti-aging products are more popular.
But anti-aging is one line that is gradually picking up among older people in the region.
"Although the Asian market is very competitive these days, we never would have thought that it would rise to this level in such a short time span," Mr Kleinschmidt said, recalling his days in Bangkok more than a decade ago.
Beiersdorf's step-by-step approach, as in Vietnam where the company has been gradually introducing one product after another, is a key.He says that bombarding a market with many products is not the Beiersdorf style, as it could confuse consumers.
"Take Vietnam as an example. We are present in three out of the five major categories there, which is deodorant, body lotion and men's care,"he said.
In China, where local brands, traditional remedies and herbal products dominate the cosmetic segment,Beiersdorf has managed to gain acceptance by having a clear-cut strategy.
Asian and European skin types are slightly different and a research and development team for Asia is based in Hamburg, Germany.
The company is also looking to enter other products in Asia, which is why Beiersdorf acquired Slek, a dominant shampoo maker in China recently.
"What we want to do is synchronise the R&D of Slek and Beiersdorf in order to create a hair-care product that would meet the needs of the region as hair is one thing that is very different from one region to the other," Mr Kleinschmidt says.
Beiersdorf, which already has shampoo in Europe, has not introduced it in Asia yet.
While Nivea is the most famous brand, Beiersdorf's other brands such as Eucerin (a dermatological product)continue to remain strong, although it is not for the mass market.
Another product that Beiersdorf is looking to increase is its very highend LaPrairie line, which continues to see strong demand in Asia despite the dramatic slowdown in traditional markets.
"There are various market in which this product is doing well such as China, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan and there are potential of this product being able to penetrate other markets where we are not present in this segment," he said.
"Although the Asian market is very competitive these days, we never would have thought that it would rise to this level in such a short time span PETER KLEINSCHMIDT Executive board member, Beiersdorf
Asia's rising economic strength is giving rise to a market for products that were relatively uncommon in the region in the past and Beiersdorf, one of the world's largest skin and beautycare marketers, says it is ready to tap this rising demand.
"Products catering to men have now become a big market in many countries in Asia, be it Thailand, Vietnam or India,"said Peter Kleinschmidt, an executive board member of Beiersdorf, the maker of Nivea products, in a recent interview.
Earlier, he says, men were used to using bar soap and that was all that mattered in their personal-care routine.
"Nivea was the first to tap this segment in China and today we have a market share of about 25% and have gradually changed men's habits away from purely bar soap and water," said Mr Kleinschmidt, who was based in Bangkok from 1991-96 in charge of Thailand operations.
Despite the widespread feeling that the men's segment is well served, he says this is just the beginning and markets such as Vietnam and India are far behind in terms of the variety available.
"Beiersdorf sees this as the initial stage of development and it will gradually introduce various products in the market,be it cleansing, moisturising or others in the near future, although all this would be done step-by-step," he said.
Asia is growing by more than 20% for Beiersdorf against a mere 1% growth seen in the rest of the world such as the more mature markets of Europe and United States.
"To us Asia is the single most important market and that is why we are so active in this region," he said.
With operations in India, Thailand,Indonesia, China and other countries,Mr Kleinschmidt says the company is looking to consolidate some operations to lower costs.
The Thai plant, for example, doubled its capacity last month as Beiersdorf wants to tap the strengths of Thailand's skilled and reliable workforce and freetrade agreements with Asean and Australia.
"We have used part of land available with us for expansion and there is more room to grow," he said adding that the added capacity would mean nearly 80%of the products from the Thai operations would be exported from about 60%earlier.
The 500-million-baht expansion would also mean that key export markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Australia, would see more products, while Beiersdorf looks to use the Thai operations for other markets as well.
Apart from this, the company also has a plant in Indonesia catering to the domestic market.
"There are two countries of choice for us for using as an export base and they are China and Thailand," he said adding that despite the slightly higher costs, the location of Thailand and its free trade agreements have helped Beiersdorf make the decision easier.
In India, where the company has had operations through its joint-venture partner for nearly six decades, Beiersdorf just set up a new plant and is gradually looking to expand it.
"The best thing we have is our brand name and the awareness among the people of the quality products we offer,"he says, explaining how the brand helped the company penetrate tough markets such as Vietnam and India where local competition was strong.
Asia, he says, has huge demand for whitening and hydration/moisturising products and with the young population the market is far more vibrant. In the US and Europe, in contrast, anti-aging products are more popular.
But anti-aging is one line that is gradually picking up among older people in the region.
"Although the Asian market is very competitive these days, we never would have thought that it would rise to this level in such a short time span," Mr Kleinschmidt said, recalling his days in Bangkok more than a decade ago.
Beiersdorf's step-by-step approach, as in Vietnam where the company has been gradually introducing one product after another, is a key.He says that bombarding a market with many products is not the Beiersdorf style, as it could confuse consumers.
"Take Vietnam as an example. We are present in three out of the five major categories there, which is deodorant, body lotion and men's care,"he said.
In China, where local brands, traditional remedies and herbal products dominate the cosmetic segment,Beiersdorf has managed to gain acceptance by having a clear-cut strategy.
Asian and European skin types are slightly different and a research and development team for Asia is based in Hamburg, Germany.
The company is also looking to enter other products in Asia, which is why Beiersdorf acquired Slek, a dominant shampoo maker in China recently.
"What we want to do is synchronise the R&D of Slek and Beiersdorf in order to create a hair-care product that would meet the needs of the region as hair is one thing that is very different from one region to the other," Mr Kleinschmidt says.
Beiersdorf, which already has shampoo in Europe, has not introduced it in Asia yet.
While Nivea is the most famous brand, Beiersdorf's other brands such as Eucerin (a dermatological product)continue to remain strong, although it is not for the mass market.
Another product that Beiersdorf is looking to increase is its very highend LaPrairie line, which continues to see strong demand in Asia despite the dramatic slowdown in traditional markets.
"There are various market in which this product is doing well such as China, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan and there are potential of this product being able to penetrate other markets where we are not present in this segment," he said.
Giving back the glamour
When you were young, you may have watched your mother doing her hair, putting on makeup, and spritzing perfume before stepping out of the house as the glamorous mum.
And when she's not around, you may have sneaked into her room and played with her cosmetics to powde-
up, blusher-on, and redden your lips to look as lovely as your Barbie doll.In your teens, mum may have given her little girl her first compact powder and lipgloss - so no more borrowing of grown-up makeup.
It's also this kind-hearted woman who shared with you her beauty tips before you knew of shu uemura and Bobbi Brown.
Next week Mother's Day marks a special occasion, a chance not only to say "I love you, mum" but also to give her back some beauty boosters so she can glam up again.
So take mum to the cosmetics department where she can shop for a favourite fragrance or a newly-released perfume, a chic eyeshadow palette or a volumising lipstick,a whitening or age-defying skincare set.
But of course if you already know what her beauty bag needs, get it wrapped up as a pressie to surprise her next Wednesday.
And when she's not around, you may have sneaked into her room and played with her cosmetics to powde-
up, blusher-on, and redden your lips to look as lovely as your Barbie doll.In your teens, mum may have given her little girl her first compact powder and lipgloss - so no more borrowing of grown-up makeup.
It's also this kind-hearted woman who shared with you her beauty tips before you knew of shu uemura and Bobbi Brown.
Next week Mother's Day marks a special occasion, a chance not only to say "I love you, mum" but also to give her back some beauty boosters so she can glam up again.
So take mum to the cosmetics department where she can shop for a favourite fragrance or a newly-released perfume, a chic eyeshadow palette or a volumising lipstick,a whitening or age-defying skincare set.
But of course if you already know what her beauty bag needs, get it wrapped up as a pressie to surprise her next Wednesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)