DAY 4: Temptu, Avon, Lime Crime, and Dermalogica

 My last day of FIDM’s New York Beauty Study Tour was the most appointments we had in a day and the most busy. Our first stop of the day was at Temptu offices, the leader in professional airbrush makeup. With the release of a consumer friendly airbrushing system at Sephora, this company is really making a name for itself. We met with Samantha, the COO of Temptu, and she shared with us the history of the company, product development insight, and upcoming projects.   

Because Temptu is such an entrepreneurial company, it was interesting to hear about their visions to develop innovative products that have never before graced store shelves. Samantha talked to us about the successes and difficulties of their products and the ongoing research/development. Creative ideas are extremely encouraged throughout the company especially during the product development process. Samantha also left us a piece of advice to open up about our ideas and not be blocked in by the boundaries we’ve created for ourselves.   

 Our next stop of the day was at Avon offices, and we met with Eileen, the VP of Global Product Innovation and several others from her team. They spoke to us on upcoming trends, how they transfer globally, and how they create products for a global market. People spoke from different departments and categories about how they developed their products. They also spoke to us about the product development process from concept to consumer and it was very similar to what we learned in class.   

I was surprised to find that they make a lot of different products and release them frequently. It’s amazing that a team can work and produce products so quickly, but it makes sense given the size of their team. The office was HUGE!   

 Our third appoint of the day was at Space NK and we met with Doe, CEO and President of Lime Crime. It was my first time visiting a Space NK, and we had some free time before Doe arrived so I had the joy of playing around with all the luxury brands. I wish we had one near San Francisco, but it’s probably a good thing that I’m keeping my money in my pocket.   

We met up with Doe shortly after, and she casually talked to us about how she got started with the brand and shared her vision. Her ambition and passionate outlook on life is enlightening and her brand is a direct product of her success. The bright, bold, and colorful makeup line has quickly attracted a loyal following of creative girls all over the internet. Did I mention she’s not even 30 yet?!   

 Our last appoint of the day was at the Dermalogica Academy and we met with Steven as he gave us a tour of the academy. The academy was clean and modern throughout the entire office. We got to see where the students practice their treatments and the classrooms they learn in. Steven spoke to us about how the Academy works and how professionals work towards their credentials. This academy is the undergraduate program researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute, so it was nice to see what the students learn on a day-to-day basis.   

   

I had so much fun on this trip, it was such a learning experience and I’ve taken away such valuable insight. I am proud that I am following my passion and thankful I got to meet so many amazing successful people in the beauty industry. And the beautiful city of New York stole my heart, just as I thought it would. I wish I could do it all over again!