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CosmprofAsia Wrap Up
Hong Kong is always an adventure! I am sad to say that this is my last day in Hong Kong and I enjoyed attending CosmoprofAsia for the second time.
Overall, in the Packaging and Manufacturing, there is innovation. With the majority of production in China, S Korea and Taiwan are also in the races to create more user friendly, environmental friendly packaging options. We saw a surge in OEM, Original Equipment Manufacturing but consumers are looking for more than a cute packaging. Discerning customers and savvy buyers alike are looking for ‘instant’ results and great formulation.
While the minimalist trend that is huge in America has not exactly translated to the Asian consumer. The juice is very important and many brands are using the ‘juice’ as a part of the packaging. This creates a challenge for packaging manufactures to become more innovative and change more than just the shape or color. Pragmatic design that is effective in form and function has more longevity than kitschy shapes that we have seen prevalent in the K-Beauty Trend thus far.
Celebeau (S Korean) Brand has taken note of this trend and created this gentle make up remover.
The overall learning from CosmoprofAsia this year is that with the power of social media, global trends are transferred and cross-pollinated faster than ever. These don’t exactly always translate but a version of this emerges into something beautiful. The most important note is that each country/culture has its own unique features and beauty brands must be aware of them to create new products. Consumers are looking for new items but they are also coveted new favorites.
I look forward to seeing what is in store for Cosmoprof Asia next year!
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Cosmoprof Asia Highlights
I had the chance to talk in depth with these companies at Cosmoprof Asia this year and learned a great deal about their company and the innovations! It is always exciting to discover new brands and I invite you to check out their products and add them to your holiday shopping list.
PROBO: Baby Products
This Taiwainese Brand created safe and effective cleaning products for babies. With Millennial moms being more and more aware of health and chemicals, this product line is the answer to their concerns. The marketing director of Probo took the time to explain to me why this is an exicitng innovation in the baby products category, check out what Crystal said.
HEYDOYOU: What is the main reason that Probo is different than other products?
PROBO: Our best seller is the wash, it is great to remove harmful pesticides, chemicals and wax off veggies so make sure the child is not eating those those. You can also use the soap to wash all bottles and sippy cups to removed mold and residue.
HEYDOYOU: How does Probo products do that?
PROBO: We developed a proprietary anti bacterial, anti viral that is safe. It neutralize and eliminate harmful pathogens and stops it organically from developing. It encapsulates them so they cannot continue in its development.
HEYDOYOU: How will you introduce Probo products into the market?
PROBO: We have an exciting licensing partnership with popular cartoon character Peppa the Pig and it will launch to market early next year. We hope that moms and kids will be attracted to this character they know and love so they will give Probo formulation a try.
PARISTY – Turn Key Manufacturer for color cosmetics/powder products
Paristry has a been a major player in the game since 1993 and they are the leaders in what they do. They spend a lot of effort into creative research, trend prediction and pushing the industry to be surprise and delight their customers. See what the head of product development shared with me during our interview.
HEYDOYOU: What are you most proud of today in your booth?
PARISTRY: We have a lot of new items here so I am not sure where to start. I guess one of the items many Cosmoprof attendees have focused on are these (Pearlized sea collection)
HEYDOYOU: I am interested in these too and I noticed there is a underwater trend in beauty and fashion. Tell me about these.
PARISTRY: These are custom made, we created stainless steel molds to make these perfect 3D pressed powder eye shadows. They can also be use for lip color and is very versatile. The process is expensive so you will see these in luxury products in the new year.
HEYDOYOU: How do you come up with your ideas?
PARISTRY: This is our trade secret! Seriously, we dedicated a lot of time for workshops and brainstorms. We also look to industries outside of beauty for inspiration like food, fashion and even technology.
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7 Day Countdown until Cosmoprof Asia 2017
It’s that time of the year again! Cosmoprof Asia in Hong Kong is just around the corner and I am happy and excited that I have been invited back again as their Official Blogger. You will get to learn all about the show and beauty trends by following my social media and checking for my Cosmoprof posts! Here are seven reasons why you should (and I am) visiting Comsoprof Asia in Hong Kong.
The 22nd edition Cosmoprof Asia will continue the successful formula of “1 Fair, 2 Venues”, occupying two locations: AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) from 14 to 16 November and the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 15 to 17 November. With two venues, Cosmoprof Asia will accommodate more exhibitors offering a larger variety of innovations for all attendees, as well as special initiatives and tailor-made services in both venues to maximise the business opportunities. With enlarged exhibition area and continued growth over the years, Cosmoprof Asia has confirmed its position as the most powerful networking event for the beauty industry in Asia Pacific.
#7: Over 22 Countries of Beauty! Each country will have a pavilion at Cosmoprof representing the best in innovation, technology, formula, packaging and more. I can’t say which one is my favorite just yet, but I do love the Latvian design sensibility, the OEM packaging that is now synonymous with K-Beauty and the Polish formulation superstars like that of Inglot. 23 Country & Group Pavilions: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, California, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA
#6: Focus on Bath and Body I know you know that I love color cosmetics and have been collecting for over 2 decades now but since 3 years ago when I started my own soap company, I have had an increased interest in this sector. Lush can’t be the only player in town right? I am looking forward to “CosmoLab”: the multisensorial laboratory located inside thematic zone Ingredients & Lab! CosmoLab will show the production and technology of how a bath fizzer is made. The bath fizzers produced will be distributed to attendees. Woohoo!
#5: Light Powder Factory Highlighter has been all the rage in the US but did you know that the glowy ‘gwang’ look is so popular in Asia too? Light up your journey at Cosmoprof Asia by getting exclusive highlighting powder at the “LIGHT POWDER EXPERIENCE” booth. I will definitely try to get all 4 highlighting palettes, especially designed for the show to light up your beauty. *kira kira* time!
#4: Lan Vu The founder of Beautystreams and trend expert, I love Lan and look forward to hearing her ‘Cosmotalks’. The beauty industry is fascinating and I admire the focus she picked to specialize in. I will report back what prestigious beauty industry experts predict to be the key concepts, colors, and textures emerging throughout Asia.
#3: WGSN The best way to predict the future is to create it. So excited that Theresa Yee of WGSN will be sharing what 2019 looks like in the world of beauty based on global trends. From supply chain to manufacturing to every single step from concept to your face is impacted by global beauty trends. The insider information from this Cosmotalks will be so worth it! If you are blogger/trend consulting/marketing/product developer/millennial entrepreneur – You need to be there!
#2. Networking I will make sure I have plenty of business cards ready for my trip! This is one serious networking event and with so many international visitors, you never know who you might meet. It is really an art to be able to pitch yourself in 15 seconds and remember to follow up with everyone you meet. If you see me, please say hi!
#1: Hong Kong One of the best reasons to visit is because it is in that amazing city of Hong Kong! I am looking forward to checking out the super trendy haircuts, fashion, sensibility, fresh mango mochi, and visiting with old friends and making new ones!
Here is the pre-show catalog to see more updates on the show:
http://www.cosmoprof-asia.com/en-us/VISITING/Pre-show-Programme
Cosmoprof Asia 2017 Presents “1 Fair 2 Venues” and Introduces Cosmopack Asia a “Show Within the Show” at AsiaWorld-Expo Cosmoprof Asia returns in November with “One Fair, Two Venues”, following a record-breaking year. 76,818 visitors from 129 countries and regions attended Cosmoprof Asia 2016, an increase of 21% from the previous year. 2,698 exhibiting companies from 49 countries and regions, including 24 country and
group pavilions took up 98,000 sqm of space at the two venues. With such impressive growth year-on-
year, Cosmoprof Asia has firmly confirmed its position as the most powerful networking event for the
beauty industry in Asia Pacific.Alice Suen, Cosmoprof Asia Event Director, applauded the creativity of exhibitors last year. “We were
inspired by the innovative products and services on display and the high caliber of our exhibitors once
again drew in buyers from all around the world. We look forward to an even more important event this
year.”
New for 2017: Cosmopack Asia
The 22th edition of Cosmoprof Asia will draw attention to the cosmetics supply chain with the rebranding
of the event at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) from 14 to 16 November as “Cosmopack Asia”, mirroring
Cosmopack, held in Bologna, Italy, alongside Cosmoprof Worldwide. “With the development of Cosmopack Asia, we aim to reinforce the brand identity of the entire supply chain and create new business opportunities for our customers”, says Enrico Zannini, Director of Cosmoprof Worldwide.Cosmopack Asia will host companies representing the entire cosmetics supply chain: raw materials and
ingredients, contract manufacturing and private label, machinery, primary and secondary packaging.
Cosmopack Asia will open one day before Cosmoprof Asia on 14 November and this gives brands,
including those exhibiting at HKCEC, plenty of time to visit the many suppliers from all over the world at
AWE. Shuttle bus service will be provided during the entire show period to connect the two show
venues.A spotlight at Cosmopack Asia will be the new zone “Ingredients & Lab” dedicated to ingredients,
fragrances, testing lab equipment and regulatory solutions, providing an ideal networking and sourcing
platform for formulators, R&D personnel, business development and marketing professionals. In addition
to the new Ingredients & Lab, Cosmopack Asia will also introduce Print & Label, which will be a
showcase of decorative packaging and labels.Featured marketing initiatives will be organized with the focus on new concepts, designs and innovative
technologies that aligned to the entire supply chain. The headline event will be “The Powder Factory”
which gives a live demonstration of the manufacturing process of a cosmetic powder with the
collaboration of leading international suppliers.Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
From 15 to 17 November, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) will host exhibitors
of finished products ranging from cosmetics & toiletries, natural & organic, beauty salon, hair salon and
nail and accessories.At HKCEC an exciting new addition will be “Discover Trends” allowing visitors to see the most cutting-edge
and trendsetting beauty brands launched onto the market. New products in the home beauty
devices area will be on display along with baby care as well as Halal beauty products. The “Natural &
Organic” sector will display an eco-friendly and organic range alongside the Wellness and Spa products
focusing on the wellbeing industry.Events Highlights
The Cosmoprof Awards will be the benchmark of excellence and a jury comprising international beauty
experts, bloggers, and top beauty brands will select the winners for the most outstanding
accomplishments in beauty. The “Innovation Circle” award will recognize achievements in packaging,
design and formulation and the “Beauty Circle” award will celebrate the most impressive finished
product.Cosmotalks is a four-day immersive experience offering a strong knowledge programme with a range of
innovative, creative and cutting-edge sessions delivered by leading industry experts. Sessions at AWE
will cover topics on packaging innovation, ingredients, and formulation to enhance professional
knowledge on the transformational power of technology and innovation on the business landscape.
HKCEC will host dynamic, innovative, ‘bite-sized’ sessions covering a wide variety of topics including
sustainability, industry research, market trends and the latest key issues and hot topics dedicated to the
beauty industry.For further information and visitor pre-registration: www.cosmoprof-asia.com
The 22nd edition of Cosmoprof Asia will take place from 14 to 16 November 2017 at AsiaWorld-Expo and from 15 to 17 November 2017 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
See you at Cosmoprof Asia 2017!!
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In the Biz: DABBA
I had a chance to interview Laura and Janis, founders of DABBA at Cosmoprof Asia to find out more about them and their brand’s inspiration. Millennial Entrepreneurs all have one thing in common, they really go for it! No excuses, no greediness, no shortcuts and 100% putting something into the universe that matters and has a message.
DABBA are fine, nuanced, genuine plant extracts – created for different people and different events. Souls of northern plants enticed out of their meadows at the perfect time, hour of the day and temperature and transformed into blossom water to enrich, satiate and harmonise your life and sing the beautiful and profound story of this land, Latvia.
DABBA floral waters are always made of fresh, certified organic, powerful plants, juicy fruit, colorful flowers and wild tree leaves according to the ECOCERT standard for organic cosmetics*. DABBA floral waters are made with 100% natural ingredients, 99% of which are from organic farming.
I have been using and loving my Apple Water from DABBA since we met a few weeks ago! Thank you for your time 🙂
Where are you from/where do you live?
After university years in Rīga and few more years traveling around the globe I have settled in Cēsis which is a small and charming historical town in Northern Latvia.
If there was a theme song in your life, what would it be?Hard to pick one song and call it a theme. My playlist is changing constantly but if I have to choose one let it be Les Enfants du Paradis by World’s End Girlfriend.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do what you do?
This is something that you may have heard many times before but you have to love what you do to be the best at it. This is how you judge each step you make, think of it in terms “I love it” or “Not”. If you don’t love your designs, your ideas, your products, blog posts.. no one will.
What is the key to being successful/to stand out in your industry?
I guess you have to start with some smaller things than the whole industry. For example I do feel that DABBA range of Floral Waters is successful and sets the standard to many other producers which is due to the uncompromising quality level and the story behind the concept. This is all about taking your own experience your own ideas and reflecting them on your brand and products.
What is your favorite quote?
I do believe that even the most unfortunate things (seemingly) are bringing you towards something better, something that you may not be able see from where you stand at that moment.
Where can people find you online?
facebook: www.facebook.com/dabbacosmetics
instagram: www.instagram.com/dabba_cosmetics/
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Best of Cosmoprof Asia: In’pressivenails
One of the best parts of my Cosmoprof experience was talking in depth with Centdegres. This design agency was in charge of creating a special edition product for Cosmoprof.
The product was designed from a 5 dimensional point of view. From bottle design, the weight, feel and texture of the packaging to the liquid inside, finish, texture, viscosity, opacity and even the scent.
Together with Fiabila (fill), Groupe Pochet (packaging), BeautyStreams (Insight), Centdegres (Design) created the in’pressivenails series, a pure object of desire.
It’s no surprise that the In’pressive Nails Event selected Pantone 206C for me. VITALITY inspired by Pomegranate Syrup
💅
🌡️
🍎 created by Paris creative agency #Centdegres #cosmoprofasia#cosmoprofasia2016This impressed me so much! The depth of thought given in creating these products is what sets the best apart from the rest. This outstanding project of innovation is exactly what I love about the beauty industry.
It also reflects the pain of the industry, where products demand forces brands to churn out products and SKUs that never really make it. I hope In’pressivenails forces beauty innovators to stop and think and force themselves to go deep instead of just fast. It takes time to develop a product that becomes a ‘lovemark’ and not just another product.The other thought I had after speaking with Sophie Robbe of Centdegres is the importance of collaboration. Collaborative effort brings the best experts together to create something that defies expectations. It is key for the beauty industry to look at other experts in their field to manifest something great. This project blew my mind!
Definitely one of the key highlights of Cosmoprof was the privilege to get a first hand look at In’pressivenails. Product development of this magnitude requires time (to ideate and produce), experts (to bring together industry know-how) and distribution (cosmoprof) and of course budget. But in the ideal world, every product that is produced should come through this process. That way, there will be more key objects of desires created instead of my junkie things, copy cats and poor quality products.Hope you get to check out this case study in depth by searching #inpressivenails and through centdegrés and Cosmoprof.
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Pt. 2 Cosmosprof Asia 2016 Hong Kong Convention and Expo Centre
Arriving at the second venue, the buzz and swarms of people created a ton of excitement! The energy of the crowd was high and numerous languages can be heard as you go through the crowd.
This part of the convention was split into 3 large floors and was also divided in countries of origin and specific areas. I also had the opportunity to attend some seminars about K-Beauty trends as well! Some of the key points discussed the current growth sectors (Teens) and the importance of K-Pop and K-Drama’s role in catapulting brands into superstardom. With an average of 800 SKUs per year, this Korean ‘pali pali’ system of fast turnaround jumps on trends and make them the leader in innovation in so many ways.
I also got to meet Van Lu, the head of BeautyStreams and Innovation Award winner, Kilala and Pinkan Tilaar of Indonesia beauty giant Martha Tilaar Group.
There were so many brands, innovators and products that it was truly overwhelming. Instead of buzzing around trying to cover all ground, I focused on booths that caught my eye and spent time learning about their brand story and products. So alas, here are some of the best innovation products and trends to highlight from this part of the show!
- From the Deep Sea (Trend) – A very strong pull towards the ocean’s mystic and powers. With a strong connection to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Asians believe there are many health benefits to ingesting these items raw, cooked, pulverized and now assimilated through the body’s largest organ skin. The cosmetics ingredients from the deep sea include Sea Horse, Jelly Fish, Abalone, Seaweed, Coral, Pearl, Sea Cucumber.
2. Organic baby products from Down Under (Product) – El8te – This is a brand new product line from Australia that has been featured all over glossy magazines and social media alike. With its irresistibly adorable packaging and affordable price, El8te is in a class of its own. Goat Milk being the main ingredient in the baby line, providing nourishing protection from head to toe.
3. Minimalist Design (Packaging) – Instructive packaging is on the up and up. Minimal light and airy design with a focus on Ingredients and Function as the anchor. The feel of the packaging is unobstructed and floats, while there is a solid base design that promised high quality ingredients and solid efficacy. This new trend in packaging gives the consumer a good feeling about the honesty, integrity and quality of the product. There are no frills and distractions to ‘entice’ the customer but just a clear presentation of what it really is.
This is refreshing, simple and the current trend for new brands as well as rebrand initiatives for existing brands for targeting MILLENNIAL consumers.
4. Hyper Local (Product) – this emerging trend comes from geo-specific ingredients that may only be available at a short time each season. These products from Latvian brand Dabba is a clear example of this. Their ingredient story is not dependent on trend forecast reports but what is only found in Latvia and its cultural significance in culture and folklore. With a connection to both the natural world and human nature, Dabba allows consumers to experience and explore Lativa through their range of hydrosols, hair products and infused oils.
Stay tuned for an in depth interview with Janis Kesa, the founder of Dabba!
