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December 31, 2004

Mens Grooming: Big guys with shapley eyebrows

Check out By ANDREW JACOBS artical in the New York times Tough Guys, Shapely Eyebrows. To tweeze or not to tweeze. Such was the question facing Nestor Reyes, a gruff-talking bus driver from the Bronx whose most prominent facial feature was the black band of hair that wriggled across his brow like some giant caterpillar. "Nothing wrong with a unibrow," he told himself. "Looks manly."

His girlfriend, Margie Sola, had other ideas on the matter. She thought he looked like the love child of Albert Einstein and Bert from "Sesame Street." "His face was a big mess," she said.

In the end, Ms. Sola won the battle of the brow, dragging her hirsute boyfriend to the local nail salon for a waxing session that was akin to surgery to separate conjoined twins. The procedure was painful, but Mr. Reyes emerged as a double-browed creature, and something of a dandy. After some initial ribbing, the guys at the bus depot started having their eyebrows shaped as well, and Mr. Reyes has moved on to more advanced levels of grooming: biweekly manicures, seaweed body wraps and a no-holds-barred depilation of his back and shoulders. "There ain't no shame in looking clean," said Mr. Reyes, who is 35 and works for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "We're not in the Dark Ages anymore."

In a quiet revolution sweeping the blue-collar precincts of metropolitan New York, mechanics, firemen and construction workers - most of them insistently heterosexual - are unapologetically doting on their eyebrows. Inspired by "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and the well-coiffed rap artists on BET, cowed by tweezers-wielding girlfriends and goaded by wisecracking co-workers, they are plucking and waxing as never before. And they don't lie about it.

"Eyebrows were the last frontier," said Louis DeJesus, a hair stylist whose Bronx salon, International Nails and Beauty, started seeing an influx of men about two years ago. "Everyone's doing it now. And once a guy starts doing it, he gets addicted."

From the immigrant enclaves of Queens to the minimalls of Long Island, modest salons that once catered to women find themselves inundated by primping, preening men, most of them young working-class guys who tend to spend their weekends at dance clubs. Even the Gotti brothers, the ones with their own reality television show, have embraced a minimalist approach to facial hair.

Read the entire artical at the New York Times online

Posted by Beauty PR Publicist at 03:54 PM | TrackBack

December 27, 2004

Sneek Peek At the New Spa Finder Magazine

The beautiful new January/February issue of SpaFinder hits the newsstands tomorrow, and Spa Finder want to give you a sneak peek. You simply must read Gary Walther's editor's message as he makes a very bold prediction and introduces this magazine with his typical entertaining style.

Here are some of the features in this issue:
Inner Sanctum: How to design your own home spa sanctuary
Core Values: Great fashion that shows off fab abs
Luxury in a New Key: Gary Walther's entertaining description of the enlarged COMO Shambala Spa at Parrot Cay
Marine Corps: All about seaweed products
Bathing Beauties: Mary Bemis shows us high-design bathing tubs from $35,000 and down
Spa Rx: Cellulite plight

For a further glimpse, go to the Spa Lifestyle section on Spafinder.com. They provide some free articles from the magazine, as well as online-only content so you can go into more depth about topics in the magazine. And starting tomorrow, you can pick up the magazine at your local newsstand!

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 06:28 PM | TrackBack

December 26, 2004

How to get new creative business Ideas for 2005

The new year is fast approaching and I not only feel saturated with extra carbohydrates but also with new ideas for our PR firm and our family of brands. It’s amazing what just a few days can do while out of your normal day-to-day schedule. Because ideas are a commodity in our business I thought IDEAS would be the subject of my last post for 2004.

One of my colleges expressed concern about sharing “my secrets” of how I come up with new ideas. His fear is that our competition will glean and profit from our processes. I understand his concern, after all it seems that almost to the day we post new copy on our website our competition seems to scurry and position their site copy and keywords to sound suspiciously similar to ours. But honestly, I take it as a complement. My art director tells me “imitation is one highest forms of flattery”.

I believe putting it all out there just makes me work harder and drives me to developing better ideas. When I was in high school I got the best running times when I trained against the fastest runners. Ideas evolve amazingly fast when they become “public”, and to be honest, I’m not sharing some of my best, "top secret" processes…they are reserved for our brands and will be reveled in 2005. Stay tuned!

Here is a specific list of things you can do to help foster new ideas:

A. Download new book every month onto your iPod, listen to it at the gym
B. Read USA Today (digest news) everyday
C. Subscribe to electronic paperless trade and consumer magazines (ZINO.com)
D. Use RSS Feeds to aggregate relevant news
E. Encourage your staff to share “beats” from day to day life in daily meetings
F. Check out gossip websites
G. Confirm gossip from professional gossips in your Rolodex
H. Look at all the headlines of all 50 states
I. Tivo "hot" TV networks in other markets. Scan-view through them all at 4x the speed
J. Check out what songs are top of the charts in major markets
K. Learn 2 new words a week
L. Use your camera phone to capture inspiration everyday
M. Surround yourself with other experts and passionate people
N. Workout & play everyday
O. Have a mandatory Spa day every week.

Here is some practical guidelines to implement into your day to day life from *Walter Burek that are very helpfull:

1. SIMPLIFY - Boil the problem down to its bone. Toss out all the details that aren't germane. Tseng Tsao, a 12th century philosopher said, "The nice thing about simplicity is its useful wisdom. It's wisdom you can get at." And Albert Einstein who was at least as smart as any Chinese philosopher said, "Everything should be as simple as possible but not simpler."

2. ESCHEW PERFECTION - Winston Churchill said that "perfection is paralysis." Looking for perfection and executional detail while you're still looking for an idea is like counting the chickens before the eggs have hatched. Incidentally, Churchill could have become the greatest of all British copywriters. He had a portfolio full of great lines like "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat " and "The action of Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."

3. STAY OUT OF JAIL. - Edward DeBono, the Cambridge educator and thinker, talks about the "concept prison". That's where you get locked up when you believe you have to do things the way they've always been done. Try attacking the problem obliquely. Allow yourself to color outside the lines. Try to think more playfully, less seriously. Be more serendipitous.

4. THINK RIGHT ABOUT "THE RIGHT ANSWER. - " No two ways about it, there's always more than one way to solve a problem. And as DeBono will tell you, "The purpose of thinking is not to be right but to be effective. Being right means being right all the time. Being effective means being right only at the end."

5. FURNISH THE UPSTAIRS ROOM. - The legendary ad man, James Webb Young, believed that in advertising, "an idea results from a new combination of specific knowledge about products, and people with general knowledge about life and events." That requires more than reading business memos, trade journals and The New York Times. It means doing things like getting out to the movies and theater often. Visiting museums. Reading books on odd subjects just for the fun of it. Re-reading classic novels. Listening to music, from classical to country to hip-hop. Do all of it or as much as you can. David Ogilvy encouraged his employees to be "relentlessly curious" about all knowledge that crossed their paths, so that they might "possess a well-furnished mind."

6. COLLECT WORDS. - Words are ideas, too. The semanticist, S.I. Hayakawa, in his Language in Thought and Action referred to words as being symbols of ideas and, thus, "we can collect ideas by collecting words." James Webb Young, writing on this subject said, "The fellow who said he tried reading the dictionary, but couldn't get the hang of the story, simply missed the point: namely, that it is a collection of short stories."

7. SAY NO TO "YES, BUT..." - Coming up with a new idea is almost always only half the battle. Because just as sure as you are that your idea is different and unexpected, you can count on somebody being there to offer the comfort and safety of "yes, but-land." Don't go there. Resist. Build a strategy and fight. And keep fighting. Remember the words of wise, old Anonymous: "Every great oak was once a nut that stood its ground."

8. HAVE FUN. - Even though, at one time or another, you have probably blamed it for everything from your bad habits and insomnia to your kid's need for braces, you still have to admit that marketing communications is the toy department of the business world.

Thats it, Happy NEW IDEAS, and happy New Year!

*Walter is a professional advertising copywriter who writes, edits and publishes "Words @ Work", a FREE bimonthly newsletter of advice and information about writing that works. To view his award-winning portfolio and to subscribe visit http://www.walterburek.com You may also subscribe via e-mail to: WordsAtWork@comcast.net

Posted by at 11:31 AM | TrackBack

December 25, 2004

2005 Trend - Customization

Over the last few years one important movement permeating industry has been ‘customization’, or at least a rise in the reporting of customization. I noticed this first when Apple introduced it's personalized color of electronics. Quickly "everyone" followed with interchangable color parts. Then it seemed to disappear for awhile and now is back.

Customization is most apparent in the apparel sector: in the up-market range Gucci offers personalization of their handbags and Giorgio Armani is offering his ‘Atelier’ service where you can get your very own garment for mere $40,000.

It’s in street wear too: Sneakers now come with added graffiti; J Crew and Marks & Spenser both sell kits that allow you to customize your jeans.

But what greater trend does Customization reflect? Is it a reflection of the general longing for individualism; to escape ‘Mass Class’ society where access to previously unaffordable items has risen? Is it a reflection of individuals’ desire to avoid the immediate translation of catwalk styles into the high street clothes (a lá Zara)? Or is it a reflection to stand apart from a planet instantly in tune with the latest trends though the digital world: For example, if you upgraded your jeans from Levis to Rogan and your sneakers from Nike to Bathing Ape to set your style apart, it won’t be long before they’re spotted on Page 6 (or even Page 3) in today’s instant-info world before the rest of us are wearing Rogans and Bathing Apes (or very good rip-offs of them) down Broad Street.

IDivisualism... a term coined by PSFK, the need to set oneself apart as IDividualism – a desire to stand out from the ‘latest trend following’ masses.

Customization is one reflection of IDividualism. As US Armani guy says, “Customization is a direct reaction to the saturation of the market.” ‘Limited Editions’ is another reflection of the trend. Nike I.D. has offerd a successful low volume service that offers tailored footwear for years and plans to increase the project.

But IDividualism goes beyond apparel: Everyone's got a regular mobile phone so how about a diamond encrusted phone? Tired of seeing your favorite Ralph Lauren’s shade on your friends' apartment walls? Decoradar offers individual murals for your home. Maybe you can even customize your home even further with some Do-It-Yourself Industrial Design? And what about your car: The Smart Car offers a dizzying array of bodies and interiors that can be mixed and matched.

IDividualism is reflected in the demand for Tivo; in the young male’s choice of DVD and video game over TV (except, of course, those poker shows).

IDividualism is not just for individuals though. Companies and retailers begin to incorporate the idea into what they do: The W Hotel in San Diego has its unique slant to the one in Mexico City; the beautiful mural covering Brooklyn’s record store Halcyon reflects one retailer’s desire for a little IDivisualism. Tracy Emin has designed limited edition bags for Longchamp (the French brand that usually makes pretty ordinary mid-priced bags) and Tara Subkoff of Imitation of Christ designed limited edition things for Keds (and don't forget Marc Jacobs' Vans).

IDivisualism is Starting Now!

As consumers begin to become design savvy and have greater access to design software and resources they will adapt their attire and their environment to subtly reflect their cultural education. When you go and see a friend's new apartment you may find that they no longer decorated it themselves, they DESIGNED and BUILT it themselves.

But what does this mean for business?

Find ways to feed your customers' creativity, grant them access to variety in your product's design. Empower IDivisualism. For product businesses this is both good and bad news. IDvidualism should lead to premium prices even for standard goods. If companies approach this new consumer requirement correctly it can lead to increased customer satisfactions, increased customer loyalty and ultimately increased profits. However for service businesses (who so often jump on the band wagon of product led developments) it could lead to disaster. For example, greater choice and customization of pension products in the UK led to a decrease in the take up of pensions and in the mortgage sector consumers heading for straight repayment mortgages instead of endowments.

PSFK suggests that every consumer (a) thinks they have taste and (b) thinks they are a designer and as such they will customize a product to their satisfaction. But when it comes to purchasing invisible products like pensions, life insurance, bank accounts and the like the consumer just gets confused.

Other 2005 Trend Resources

IN-Cosmetics

Beauty & Fitness Trends

Health Care Trends 2005

Hot Trends 2005

Posted by at 09:57 AM | TrackBack

December 24, 2004

Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year Form All Of Us

Posted by at 12:29 PM | TrackBack

December 17, 2004

Skin Inc. magazine Adds Associate Publisher

Skin Inc. magazine, published by Allured Publishing, announced the addition of Annette L. Delagrange as associate publisher. With 22 years experience in advertising and expo sales management for both weekly and monthly trade publications, Ms. Delagrange has worked in the osteopathic medicine, high tech ceramic and equine industries. In addition, she spent several years as an independent contractor to the magazine industry developing marketing plans and performing needs analysis and feasibility studies for magazine start-ups. Written for the skin care professional, Skin Inc. magazine is the premier business guide for the spa industry.

“I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Delagrange as associate publisher of Skin Inc. magazine,” commented Marian S. Raney, publisher. “Her strengths in advertising and expo sales and proven ability to increase sales and market share will contribute greatly to the continuing growth of Skin Inc. magazine and Face & Body Spa and Healthy Aging show. While I will be assuming additional corporate duties in my role as group publisher, I intend to maintain an active role and presence in the spa industry.”

Delagrange brings an extensive sales background to Skin Inc. magazine, most recently as an independent consultant to an exhibit services company, computer software company and the American Ceramic Society where she significantly increased market share for their monthly trade magazine, Ceramic Bulletin. “I am excited about joining Skin Inc. magazine because of their commitment to growth and the strength of the team. I thrive on achieving success and the team process required to get there. The environment at Allured provides the ideal conditions to achieve success.”

Skin Inc. magazine is proud to partner with the Melanoma Research Foundation to raise awareness of this deadly skin cancer. Melanoma will strike 1 out of 75 U.S. citizens and accounts for 79% of skin cancer deaths. Skin care professionals often serve as the first line of defense, alerting their clients to suspicious moles and lesions. Do your part in helping the fight against melanoma. Skin Inc. magazine, International Medical Spa Association (IMSA) and Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) released an educational poster titled The A, B, C, Ds of Melanoma. The goal is to display this poster in every medical spa and day spa treatment room throughout the world. The poster can be obtained through IMSA on-line at www.medicalspaassociation.com/resources.htm, ordered by phone at 201-865-2065, or by fax 201-865-3961

Allured Publishing Corporation has been a Global Information Leader in the cosmetic, salon and fragrance and flavor industries for over 80 years. Publisher of definitive business-to-business magazines and industry-leading books, electronic media, reference materials and directories and producers of dynamic trade shows and conferences, Allured continues to set information standards in the industries they serve. Publisher of Skin Inc, Cosmetics & Toiletries, Global Cosmetics Industry (GCI), Perfumer & Flavorist and The Journal of Essential Oil Research. For more information, contact Allured Publishing Corporation, 362 South Schmale Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188-2787 USA. 630-653-2155, FAX 630-653-2192. www.allured.com.

Posted by PMPR Sr. Analyst at 06:42 PM | TrackBack

December 13, 2004

Blackbook DIFFA Event NO RSVP

Blackbook Magazine, Hintmag.com, Syndicate, and the Tribeca Grand
In association with

Atelier New York, Eva, I Heart, Opening Ceremony, and Seven New York

And Casting By Us

Present an AIDS Charity Fundraising Event entitled
DOWNTOWN FOR DIFFA
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS

Monday December 20, 2004 9pm-2am

Tribeca Grand Hotel
#2 Avenue of the Americas
New York City

$10 Suggested Door Donation gets you an open bar

Custom Tees for Sale by Imitation of Christ, Lauren Felton, Markus
Huemer, Obesity and Speed, and Pleasure Principle at event and in participating
boutiques

With a DJ set by grammy-nominated A TOUCH OF CLASS and
A live performance by recording artist XAVIER and
Surprise guest DJ's all night!

From December 21 to December 24, save 5% instantly at the sponsoring
boutiques by mentioning DIFFA!

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO DIFFA TO HELP FUND AIDS RESEARCH

NO RSVP NECESSARY!

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 06:34 PM | TrackBack

December 10, 2004

Shampoo Preservative Concerns

(WebMD) New research is raising concerns about the safety of a preservative that is commonly found in shampoos and other commercially available cosmetics. But cosmetics industry officials say the additive has been proven safe over years of use.

In laboratory studies, the bacteria-killing agent methylisothiazolinone (MIT) was shown to restrict the growth of immature rat nerve cells. Studies in live animals are needed to confirm the findings. But researchers say the early test tube evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to MIT, or exposure to the chemical at high concentrations, could damage the nervous system.

The research was presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology in Washington D.C.

Fetal Development A Concern

The biggest potential concern, says lead researcher Elias Aizenman, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, is for the fetuses of pregnant women exposed to high doses of MIT on the job. The agent is widely used in industrial settings.

"If the data that I am seeing does translate into some sort of neurodevelopmental problem in people, then the risk to the developing fetus of a woman who is exposed to this agent in [its concentrated form] may be significant," Aizenman tells WebMD.

Another concern is that occupational exposure or routine use of commercial products that contain MIT could trigger nerve-damaging diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. Again, Aizenman is quick to point out that there is no direct evidence linking MIT to these disorders. But he adds that live animal studies are needed to clarify the risk.

"It is very difficult to find shampoos and conditioners that do not contain MIT, and it is in many other cosmetics, as well," he says. "I can't tell you that using shampoo is unsafe, but I can't tell you it is safe, either."

Cosmetics Industry Responds

A statement issued Friday by the nation's largest cosmetics industry trade group called the University of Pittsburgh research "meaningless for safety evaluation purposes."

A Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association spokesperson pointed out that the level of MIT in shampoos and other commercial products is extremely low.

"The experiments conducted with (MIT) on extracted rat nerve cells in laboratory containers do not remotely resemble the possible consumer exposure to this preservative," the CTFA statement says.

Aizenman says he became aware of MIT while researching the mechanisms associated with the death of brain cells. He found that the agent activated a novel pathway that promoted cell death in the laboratory setting, and showed in earlier work that adult rat brain cells died when exposed for short periods to MIT at high concentrations.

In their latest work, Aizenman and colleagues exposed immature, developing rat brain cells to very low concentrations of MIT — roughly 1/100 of the dose used in the previous study. Low-level exposure for 18 hours was found to slow down cell growth. The higher the dose the brain cells were exposed to, the more effect there was.

Aizenman acknowledges that it is "a big leap" to suggest that MIT exposure in the womb could play a role in the rise of developmental disabilities in children. But he adds that the questions raised by his research need to be answered.

"I would caution that based on our data, there very well could be neurodevelopmental consequences from MIT," he notes. "Clearly, more study is needed, with both scientists and government regulators equally engaged."

Sources: American Society for Cell Biology 44th Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., Dec. 4-8, 2004. Elias Aizenman, PhD, professor of neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. News release, Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association.

By Salynn Boyles
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD
© 2004, WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 08:03 AM | TrackBack

December 06, 2004

Getting your image ready for 2005 Tip

Getting your image ready for the new year? Along with a good PR plan you can do many other things to help your Brand in the new year. Some simple ways to to enhance your visability in the publics eye is by reinforcing your brand with fresh look. Here are some helpful links that might inspire you.

Website Designs
Marketing Tips
Go Deep -Branding

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 09:05 PM | TrackBack

December 04, 2004

Publicist Of The Year Award for 2005 to be announced

Who do you think should be Pierce Mattie’s Publicist of the Year?

It’s that time of year again where Pierce Mattie hosts their annual PMPR Award of Excellence gala. Which publicist at Pierce Mattie has illustrated to you that they deserve the Publicist of the Year Award?

Who has demonstrated?
1. Best guidance while on press trips
2. Able to call in the last hour and get a quote for your story
3. Most original pitch and press copy
4. Able to put an entire broadcast segment together for you with their client portfolio
5. Always follows up without saying; “Did you get the product, are you going to put it in?”
6. And of course...Takes you to the "best" cocktail parties after work

Find out who this years nominees are and cast your vote. IP address are recorded and only one vote is allowed per an IP address. Voting starts Monday Dec. 6th and end Tuesday at 5PM Dec. 7th Thank You.

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 08:11 PM | TrackBack

December 03, 2004

Have You Thought Of Internet Marketing, It's Gettig Hot Again

Looking for ways to supplement your PR plan for 2005? In another consolidation in the hot-again business of Internet advertising, a Web video specialist called Viewpoint has agreed to buy Unicast Communications, which delivers ads to Web sites for marketers, for about $7.4 million. Read the whole Story

In another consolidation in the hot-again business of Internet advertising, a Web video specialist called Viewpoint has agreed to buy Unicast Communications, which delivers ads to Web sites for marketers, for about $7.4 million.

The deal follows other mergers and acquisitions by both small and large companies vying to become one-stop Web shops for advertisers, more of whom are getting online in a big way.

Also this year, for example, America Online paid $435 million for Advertising.com in Baltimore, which sells ads on a network of Web sites. And Digitas in Boston, the interactive and direct marketing agency, bought Modem Media in Norwalk, Conn., in a stock transaction valued at about $200 million.

Much of this activity reflects the growing confidence in Web advertising, which climbed sharply this year on the strength of keyword search advertising and rich media ads enabled by faster broadband connections. Marketers spent $5.6 billion to advertise online in the first nine months of this year, up 25.8 percent from the period in 2003, according to TNS Media Intelligence, which tracks ad spending. That is a faster rate of growth than TNS found in any other media category.

But the Web still represents a stubbornly small portion of the $102.5 billion that marketers spent from January through September - about 5.5 percent, roughly equal to the 5.3 percent for local radio.

Many marketing executives, including those at Viewpoint and Unicast, say they believe that offering more products in one place will help attract a bigger piece of the pie.

"There are a lot of little vendors floating around the marketplace confusing the world and competing against each other," said Richard Hopple, chairman and chief executive at Unicast in New York. "Publishers, agencies and advertisers have really cried out for some kind of simplification." Mr. Hopple will become a member of the Viewpoint board after the deal closes.

Any medium in its infancy is going to grow at a rapid pace and see many competitors, said Adam Gerber, senior vice president and group director for strategy and innovation at MediaVest USA in New York, which buys ad space and time for marketers. "The fact that the marketplace is starting to consolidate is the next sign that we are entering the next phase of how this medium is going to evolve."

Marketers are looking for companies that offer a broad suite of services, from the technology that puts their ads or commercials online to systems that track the results, said Brian McAndrews, president and chief executive at aQuantive in Seattle, which bought the Web site designer SBI.Razorfish this summer for $160 million and merged it into the online agency Avenue A. "You're seeing profitable companies, public and private, that realize there is a benefit to being part of a larger entity."

Viewpoint, as a case in point, provides online video technology to companies including America Online and General Motors, but has not been a major player in online advertising.

The Unicast deal puts Viewpoint in position to sell Internet commercials enhanced by the company's interactive video technology, said James Nail, an analyst with the technology consulting firm Forrester Research. "This combination not only gives them a broader set of things to play with, but as they grow up in this medium, the platform gives them some functionality they'll be able to use in the future," he said.

Unicast, for its part, has delivered rich media and video commercials to Web sites for marketers from AT&T to Pepsi, establishing contacts and a history in advertising that Viewpoint will now try to build on, said Jay Amato, chief executive at Viewpoint in New York. "The beauty of this acquisition, from our perspective, is that it's not duplicative," he said.

The deal is expected to close by Jan. 3.

Posted by Beauty PR Publicist at 12:51 PM | TrackBack

December 02, 2004

Are Your Products Requested By The Stars? -Find out with TSG Backstage Pass!

After the ideas are pitched and the event is approved you still need to prep the celebrity for your clients press event. The pampering never stops until the media event is over. Here is a sneak peek at some celebrity riders by The Smoking Gun's new backstage pass section.

The contract rider includes specifications on stage design, sound systems, lighting rigs, as well as an artist's wish list--from transportation and billing to dressing room accommodations and meals. In some cases, a promoter will refuse a demand (crossing out the request on the document), though stars usually get what they want, whether it's clean boxer shorts (Jane's Addiction), prune juice (Kansas), or an arrangement of tulips, roses, gardenias, and lilies (Janet Jackson).

For some groups, TSG has obtained riders from more than one tour, so we've chosen excerpts from the most entertaining document in the lot. In addition, we've used red arrows to point out some interesting sections on individual riders--though we're sure you'll find many other personal favorites. And since we've now built a permanent home for these backstage documents, we'll add riders to this section as we obtain them, so check back to see what's new.

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 12:15 PM | TrackBack

Viewers love, honor, obey ABC's 'Housewives'

ABC's red-hot "Desperate Housewives" turned positively volcanic Sunday, delivering its highest ratings yet since its Oct. 3 premiere. "Housewives" averaged 27 million viewers and a 12.4 rating/26 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, according to preliminary estimates from Nielsen Media Research. "Housewives" already is the undisputed runaway hit of the new season, but at this rate, it's going to give CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" serious competition for bragging rights as this season's top-rated program overall.

In its second half-hour, viewership of "Housewives" peaked at a whopping 28.4 million viewers and a 13.1/28 in the key demo. ABC also was rock-solid at 8 p.m. with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (18.2 million, 7.5/17). At 10 p.m., drama "Boston Legal" (14 million, 5.9/14) had a hard time capitalizing on its "Housewives" windfall but still delivered its highest numbers to date as well. (Cynthia Littleton) More...

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 11:15 AM | TrackBack

December 01, 2004

HIV hasn't gone away

Welcome to World AIDS Day - the international day of action on HIV and AIDS which takes place every year on 1 December.

This year in the UK, World AIDS Day is about reminding us all that HIV is an issue for everyone.

Thousands of new cases of HIV are still being diagnosed in the UK each year and the only way we can stop it spreading is by creating a more AIDS Aware society in which everyone takes action.

Quick Links:

Aids In Advertising

The National AIDS Memorial Grove -living tribute to all lives touched by aids

Hiv / Aids Bloggers

Aids Treatment News

1993 World Aids Day Flashback

The stories on our site (just click on the images above) are from real people who are taking action. This may be as simple as learning more about HIV, attending a World AIDS Day event or practicing safer sex... but no matter how small or large their contribution, they are all making a difference.

We want to hear why HIV is an issue for you and what you are doing about it (we can even suggest ways for you to get involved if that helps!) Just send us your thoughts and you might see your face appearing on our site.

You can show your support for World AIDS Day by wearing the Virtual Red Ribbon online.

Thanks to generous support from our sponsors, Man Around, you can now support World AIDS Day 2004 just by treating yourself to a holiday!

Watch the Community Channel on 1 December - the first UK TV channel to broadcast non stop 24-hour HIV awareness programmes on World AIDS Day in partnership with the National AIDS Trust!

NAT is also grateful to our other sponsors Immunace and Uviclean.

Posted by Stephen at 11:00 AM | TrackBack

CIDESCO Canada Formally Accepted at World Congress

CIDESCO

Canada, the Canadian Society of Professional Skin Care Specialists was formally accepted as the Canadian CIDESCO section at the recent World Congress held in Slovenia, Europe. Above are members of the society’s board of directors, from left, Rita Dominelli, treasurer; Hubert Lam, president; and Pat Lam, secretary. The Cidesco Diploma is the only internationally recognized beauty therapy diploma. CIDESCO Canada launches a campaign next year to increase Canadian participation in CIDESCO. 416-439-5048, CidescoSkinCareSpecialists@hotmail.com

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:47 AM | TrackBack

Milady Offers Scholarship Opportunities

Milady Esthetic students attending an American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) member school are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Thomson Delmar Learning’s Milady and awarded by the National Coalition of Esthetic & Related Associations (NCEA). 800-998-7498

Posted by PMPR Sr. Analyst at 10:44 AM | TrackBack

2004 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet

Following are findings of a telephone survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation International, Princeton, NJ, and commissioned by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®). The survey was conducted August 5-8, 2004 among a national probability sample of 1,009 adults (507 men and 502 women) ages 18 and older, living in private households in the continental United States. The survey has a confidence level of plus or minus 3 percent.

This is the eighth annual survey of American consumers commissioned by AMTA.

Massage for Pain Management & Relief

Ninety percent of respondents agreed that massage can be effective in reducing pain.

Nearly half (49 percent of those polled) have had a massage at some time to relieve pain; compared to 47 percent who gave the same response in 2003.

Massage follows medication as the form of pain relief respondents said gave the greatest relief from pain: 30 percent said medication, followed by 21 percent for massage therapy, 19 percent chiropractic and 16 percent physical therapy.

Therapy for an injury would motivate more people to have regular massage (17 percent) than any reason other than a discount or free massage (23 percent). Among 18-24 year olds, 31 percent said injury therapy would be their motivator vs. discount or free massage (25 percent). Among those 65 years and older, therapy for an injury also is a greater motivator for regular massage (21 percent) than discount or free massage (11 percent)
Popularity and Use of Massage

More than one in five adults surveyed (21 percent) received a massage within the past 12 months - maintaining the same percentage as reported n 2003, and representing a 13-point jump since 1997. Twenty-seven percent of those ages 35-44 and 26 percent of African-Americans had a massage within the last 12 months.

Thirty-two percent of respondents received a massage within the past five years - equaling 2003 survey results.

Sixty-five percent of those polled would recommend massage therapy to someone they know; 75 percent of African-Americans and 78 percent of Hispanics would recommend massage therapy.
Massage on the Rise in African-American Population

Twenty-six percent of African-American respondents had a massage in the past 12 months, compared to 21 percent of the overall population. This is a 12 percentage point jump since 2003.

Thirty-five percent of African-American respondents had a massage in the past 5 years, compared to 32 percent of the overall population.

Among African-American respondents who discussed massage with their physicians or other healthcare providers, 83 percent of the healthcare providers strongly recommended or encouraged massage, compared to 47 percent in 2003.

Physicians and physical therapists were the healthcare providers who most recommended massage to their African-American patients - 59 percent of physicians vs. 46 percent in 2003; and 76 percent of physical therapists vs. 41 percent in 2003.

While 36 percent of all adults reported receiving massage for medical reasons in the last five years, 43 percent of African-American adults did so.

Among medical reasons for massage, 11 percent of all respondents received massage for injury recovery or rehabilitation in the past five years, while 23 percent of African-American respondents did so.

Eighteen percent of all respondents say they had a massage for relaxation or stress relief in the past five years, while 22 percent of African-American adults did so.
Positive View of Massage by Healthcare Providers

One in five of those polled (20 percent) say they have discussed massage therapy with their doctor or other healthcare provider, up from 14 percent in 2002.

For those who discussed massage therapy with their healthcare providers, 62 percent of the providers strongly recommended or encouraged their patients to get a massage.

Of those who indicated that a healthcare professional had recommended massage therapy, 61 percent indicated it was a physician, 45 percent said massage therapy was recommended by a physical therapist, and 42 percent by a chiropractor.
Where Americans are Getting Their Massages

People receive massage in a variety of locations, from their homes to massage therapists’ offices to spas - 21 percent received their last massage at a spa.

Seventeen percent received their last massage in the massage therapist’s location, while the third most common location for where people received their last massage was at home or in the home of someone they know.

Asked to list their top three choices for where they would prefer to receive a professional massage, 30 percent of respondents said they prefer a spa [while 37 percent of African-American respondents and 39 percent of Hispanics prefer a spa]. Twenty-six percent prefer to receive professional massage at home, and 23 percent prefer the massage therapist’s location.
Regional Differences

The southern U.S. saw the biggest jump from 2003 in those who had a massage within the past 12 months – from 16 percent responding this way in 2003 to 23 percent in 2004.

More people in the Northeast (32 percent) expect to get massage within the next 12 months. Twenty-nine percent in the region had this expectation in 2003.
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a professional association of more than 50,000 members. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership.

The American Massage Therapy Association provides information about massage therapy to the public. The association also helps consumers and healthcare professionals locate qualified massage therapists nationwide, through its Find a Massage Therapist® national locator service. The free national locator service is available via AMTA’s Web site and toll-free at 888-843-2682 [888-THE-AMTA].

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:42 AM | TrackBack

Beauty PR Winter Events with the Pierce Mattie team!

December 4-7, 2004: The Fifth Medical Spa Conference & Expo will be hosted at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, CA, USA.

December 12-13, 2004: The Spa & Resport Expo & Conference and The Medical Spa Expo & Conference will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL, USA.

Posted by PMPR Sr. Analyst at 10:39 AM | TrackBack

RX at Home

Don’t have time for the doctor? Don’t live near a Medi-Spa?
Here are the latest and greatest ways in RX “Do it yourself” skin products!

1. Clinage Skin Rejuvenation Systems Vitamin C Home Peel w/ Glycolic Acid and 100% Improves wrinkles, large pores, sun damage, oily and acne skin, dark spots and sagging skin. For all skin types, men and women, for face and body. Contains 30 treatments and 90 days of daily skin care.
Price: $125.00
1-888-254-6486

2. Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer
35 doses (.51 fl oz/ 15mL) Resurfaces and smoothes skin without causing irritation and redness, help reduce the signs of premature aging, and brightens to help even skin tone and balance pigmentation. Designed for daily use. Price: $65.00
1-800-531-5150

3. Shiseido Men
Anti-Shine Refresher Matifying Gel 30mL/ 1 Oz
A cooling gel that promotes a shine free & fresh looking skin. Helps skin combat the adverse effect of excessive oil. Provides long-lasting protection against oily breakthrough. Developed with oil absorbing powder to camouflage pores. Instantly improves skin conditions & texture.
Price: $33.00
-Launching exclusively at Nordstrom Stores Nationwide March 2005 www.shiseido.com

4. Institut’ DERMed
Anti-Oxidant Rich Cream 30mL/ 1Oz
Anti-Oxidant Rich Cream is a rich moisturizing cream formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin. It lubricates and protects the skin from harsh winter weather conditions. Its nourishing anti-oxidants protect cellular DNA to prevent abnormal cell development as skin ages.
Price: $40.00
1-866-433-7633

5. Nickel Anti-Brilliance
1.8 Oz/ 50mL
To eradicate oils and leave the skin manly and matte, Nickel created The Chewing Gum Mask for oily and thick skin. This microdermabrasion in a tube has a unique rubber texture, which will tingle on the skin while absorbing the skins oils and cleansing at the same time.
www.nickelformen.com 1-888-642-8289

6. Ocufresh Eye Shower OcuFresh also washes away impurities and chemicals, leaving your eyes clean and refreshed. Eye irritants surround all of us, all the time. Common airborne particles such as pollution, cigarette smoke, pollen and dust build up in the environment, quickly reaching our tolerance levels.
Price: $5.79
1-800-968-6788
www.ocufresh.com

7. Donell Mini Microdermabrasion Skin Resurfacing Crystals 2.8 oz
Unique facial scrub for treatment of acne, pigment variation, fine lines, small scars and blotchy skin. An effective alternative or supplement to professional vacuum microdermabrasion treatments.
Price: $50.00
www.donellskin.com
1-800-324-7455

8. DDF 7 Day Radiance Peel Kit
A Dermatological Treatment and Maintenance System
DDF 7-Day Radiance Peel Kit™ is an at-home proprietary blend of Lactic, Glycolic, Salicylic and Citric acids freshly mixed at time of application with eight antioxidants including; Zinc, Co-Q-10, and Grape Seed extract to duplicate the radiance and smooth skin texture. This patent pending treatment kit will effectively minimize fine lines and wrinkles, smooth skin’s texture and reduce pore size.
Price: $85.00
www.ddfskincare.com

9. DermaNEW
Acne & Oil Clarifying System
Personal crodermabrasion System
DermaNew takes a unique physical approach to this condition through personal microdermabrasion. This system treats acne by helping to balance oil while decongesting the surface of the skin. Inside the Acne & Oil Balancing Formula Microdermabrasion Crème, Corundum Crystals for physical rejuvenation are combined with congestion-fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid. The revolutionary acne-fighting complex ACX. New™ works by reducing excessive oiliness, skin discoloration, inflammation and bacterial proliferation.
Price: $99.00
www.dermanew.com
1-866-44-DERMA

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:27 AM | TrackBack

Grooming Awards

What our judges looked for:

SHAVE CREAM/GEL: Cannot clog up in shaver, able to provide enough slip so you do not nick yourself and does not leave a residue on the skin.

AFTER SHAVE: Must not sting or dry the skin out, should hydrate without feeling greasy.

SHAMPOO: Gently washy hair leaving a clean aroma without making the scalp itch

CONDITIONER: lightly hydrating but does not leave a film on the hair

BODY WASH: removes all body odor without leaving a perfume, gently enough your private parts but strong enough to remove deodorant, grease and soil

FACIAL CLEANSER: It must remove all of the oil in the beard area, be safe to use around your eyes, not leave a residue or have the need for a toner.

EXFOLIATOR: Must thoroughly exfoliate the skin without irritation, dislodge blackheads, and leave the skin feeling renewed.

EYE CREAM: moisturizing, not drying but also not greasy. Upon application we wanted to see fine lines disappear and dark circles diminish.

HAND/BODY LOTION: must be able to take to the gym, must not cause any itching, smell good and make your body feel good. Able to put cloths on directly after application without leaving any stains on the clothing.

FACIAL MOISTURIZER: Must be able to be used all over the face, chest and neck. Cannot irritate the skin, feel greasy or leave your face feeling heavy. Again a product that is applied that gives you a compliment.

QUICK FIX: Must deliver and live up to what claims it makes on the bottle. Such as immediate hydration, exfoliation or zip zapping within 24 hours.

FINAL RESULTS

SHAVE CREAM/GEL:
Winner: Nivea Fresh Cooling Shave Gel-$2.86
Revitalizes and moisturizes while shaving. Improves the condition of the skin and helps protect against razor bumps. Contains menthol and Vitamin F for immediate cooling and optimal care.
1-800-227-4703
www.nivea.com
Runner-up: King of Shaves K-Series Shave Gel- $5.99
K-GL is a superb, alcohol-free Post Shave Gel with a great soothing, cooling and skin re-hydrating action. It gives you active protection against skin damage with Aloe, Allantoin and Chamomile Extract. Plus it is specially enhanced with unique active micro-particles containing Vitamin E for extra skin-nourishment.
www.kingofshaves.com

AFTER SHAVE:
Winner: Bullie Post-shave + toner- $19.00
Immediately dissolve oil, dirt and other impurities and prevent the advancement of free radicals with the potent Alpha Hydroxy Acids found in this sterilizing tonic. While effacing bacteria, this tonic gently eases inflammation and diminishes linear depressions on the surface of the skin.
1-866-6-BULLIE
www.bullie.com
Runner-up: Zirh Soothe- $28.50
Kiss shaving pain good-bye forever. Works fast to instantly calm just-shaved skin. A multitude of natural ingredients heal small cuts left by your razor, rejuvenate your skin and infuse it with nutrients.
1-800-295-8877
www.zirh.com

SHAMPOO:
Winner: Redken Go Clean- $11.00
Go Clean daily invigorating shampoo for normal hair cleans fast, removing oil and build-up. Menthol invigorates the scalp. Leaves the hair feeling energized….invigorated.
www.redken.com
Runner up: Body Tools Healthy Hair Shampoo- $17.00
A refreshing combination of Amino acids, Botanical Extracts, Vitamins and Proteins provides protection from oily hair and dandruff. Silicon to reduce dry, brittle hair and increase shine and manageability. Keratin Protein coats the hair shaft and increases moisture retention.
www.labodytools.com

CONDITIONER:
Winner: Baxter Daily Moisturizing Conditioner- $14.00
A creamy formulation that detangles, strengthens, and adds shine to hair. Protein-enriched formula restores moisture as it helps rebuild the hair. Coenzymes A, B5, B6, B12, and Q10 strengthen and promote hair manageability while Jojoba Oil, Yucca Extract, Hydrolyzed Keratin, and Panthenol counteract dryness and add shine.
www.baxterofcalifornia.com
1-800-421-3614
Runner up: Redken FINISH UP- $10.00
Finish up daily weightless conditioner for all hair types. Instantly smoothes hair with no extra weight. Moisturizers leave hair with natural shine. Hair looks revitalized…weightless.
www.redken.com

BODY WASH:
Winner: Body Tools Moisturizing Face & Body Wash- $ 18.00
This mild protein-based body wash cleanses the skin while helping the skin to rehydrate itself. The natural Macadamia, Jojoba, and Kukui Oils soothe the skin leaving it feeling renewed and refreshed after bathing. Gentle, water soluble cleanser Natural non fragrance emollients which mimic the natural lipid content skin.
www.labodytools.com
Runner-up: Maleface Vitamin-C Face and Body Wash- $18.97
MaleFace C-Sport Face & Body Wash is supercharged with the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C (protects your skin from aging) and Glycerin (natural by-product of soap making that makes your skin soft), this soap free, head-to-toe face and body wash is designed to thoroughly cleanse and revitalize skin. Used daily, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and healthy, immediately.

FACIAL CLEANSER:
Winner: Ken Men Facial Cleanser- $22.00
Water-based gentle cleanser. Healing oils of sunflower and sesame, milk protein and honey remove impurities as they soften and brighten the complexion.
www.kenmen.net
Runner-up: Men-U Healthy Facial Wash- $12.00
Ideal for use pre and post shave and because it is ultra concentrated the little bottle delivers up to 200 washes. Deep cleansing, soap free, pH balanced with a high concentration of tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial. It is ideal to help cleanse and protect from spots and shaving rash.
1-800-987-6790
www.men-u.com

EXFOLIATOR:
Winner: 4Voo Deep Exfoliating Scrub- $35.00
4VOO deep exfoliation scrub is a highly effective and selectively aggressive cleansing scrub that combines spherical mineral particles, with plant and marine extracts to remove excess oil, environmental contaminates, and dead cells without damaging sensitive new skin.
www.4V00.com
Runner-up: John Allan’s Scrub- $17.00
This cleansing and exfoliating agent deep cleans pores as it removes dead skin cells and other surface impurities, allowing the skin to breathe better and absorb essential moisture. SCRUB leaves skin feeling incredibly clean, refined and refreshed. Moderate weekly use will help in eliminating and preventing ingrown hairs.
1-866-JA-STYLE
www.johnallans.com

EYE CREAM:
Winner: MaleFace spEYE Rejuvenating Eye Gel- $24.50
This multipurpose gel is 100% Fragrance Free and has been formulated with action ingredients such as Green Tea Extract, Mannan, (natural root starch which allows firmness in minutes). Eases puffiness within minutes. Firms and tighten within seconds.
www.maleface.com
Runner-Up: XCD Reviver Eye Cream- $15.00
Too many hours in the office, too many late nights will result in tired, puffy eyes. Reviver Eye Cream helps fight puffiness, lines and dark circles as well as providing immediate comfort. Truly a sight for sore eyes!
www.kingofshaves.com

HAND/BODY LOTION:
Winner: John Allan’s Body Moisturizer- $28.00
A fast absorbing non-greasy moisturizer infused with natural emollients that will refresh even the driest skin. Body leaves skin smooth and refreshed.
1-866-JA-STYLE
www.johnallans.com
Runner-up: Lineman’s Lotion- $12.95
Lineman's Lotion is absorbed instantly, leaving no grease or slippery residue to interfere with your work. Eases the discomfort of cracked, split, and flaking skin. A unique blend of soothing ingredients helps restore working hands damaged by exposure to extreme cold, harsh cleansers, and prolonged immersion in hot water.

HAIR PRODUCT:
Winner: Men-U Grooming Wax- $14.99
Up to 80 applications. Controls rather than holds the hair without stiffness or stickiness for that groomed look. Washes out easily.
1-800-987-6790
www.men-u.com
Runner-up: Redken Grip Tight- $14.00
Grab control of style! High control formula holds hair firm and provides long lasting, flake free style. Silicone adds shine and texture.
www.redken.com

FACIAL MOISTURIZER:
Winner: MenScience Advanced Face Lotion- $31.50
This high-performance moisturizer is formulated with advanced, water-binding agents and packed with vitamins, antioxidants and skin refining ingredients. Ultra light, oil-free, leaves a natural matte finish.
1-800-608-MENS
www.menscience.com
Runner-up: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel- $20.50
An energizing moisture treatment for men. Our vitamin-enriched and energizing non-oily moisturizer wakens and uplifts dull, fatigued skin. This "facial recovery accelerator" helps skin resist the affects of environmental stress for a healthy, invigorated appearance.
1-800-KIEHLS-2
www. Kiehls.com

QUICK FIX:
Winner: Sircuit Skin X-Zit- $60.00
Sircuit Skin X-Zit, helps to dry and clear blemishes. Anti-bacterial and fortified with a potent form of Vitamin A (retinol).
www.sircuitskin.com
Runner-up: Anthony Logistics Acne Spot Therapy- $16.00
Stop the spots. Speeds the healing of individual blemishes, kills bacteria.
1-866-268-4669
www.anthony.com

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:23 AM | TrackBack

Absolutely Nessecary Spring Essentials with Sr. Account Executive; Nikki Walker

With spring so close at hand, I wanted to take a moment to introduce you to a fabulous product line that cleanes, mosturises, adds a gentle hint of frangrance and has vintage packaging that is to die for.

For Starters
Let the Scrubbing Begin
Dazzling Decadence for Your Skin

The rage of all the women in the know in Florence, this ultra-mild cleansing bar contains 40% pure Tuscan olive oil. An extraordinary cleansing and conditioning bar that leaves skin refreshingly clean without that tight, itchy feeling. Only the finest natural oils and ingredients to produce this emollient rich soap that goes to work on grime and dirt, leaving humectants to keep the skin moisture-balanced. Wet, lather and enjoy an absolutely fabulous bathing experience! Retail Price: $9.00

Discover how all the beautiful ladies of Florence keep their bodies so smooth and appealing! This naturally rich cream and granular sugar formulation gently exfoliates the skin leaving it noticeably soft, smooth and with a sensual glow. Tuscan olive oil, jojoba, avocado, borage and wheat germ oils sensually soothe the skin and provide plentiful moisture. Available in four fragrance bouquets: Lavender & Vanilla, Mimosa Fig, inger & White Pepper and Mediterranean Mist. Retail Price: $24.00

Enriched with natural Tuscan olive oil, shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba and many other essential humectants, this fluffy body sorbet is the rage of all the ladies in Florence! It is lightweight and non- greasy, easily absorbed and leaves the skin soft, moisturized and so very voluptuous. Great for dry as well as humid climates. Apply lavishly and enjoy totally! Get decadent! Available in three fragrance bouquets: Lavender & Vanilla, Mimosa Fig, Ginger & White Pepper. Suggested Retail- $28.00

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:10 AM | TrackBack

What is Beauty PR

The art or science of establishing and promoting a personal care item or service that enhances the apperance with a favorable relationship with the public.

The methods and activities employed to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public on a spa service.

To find out more about Public Relations for beauty, lifestyle and luxury brands please contact us for a complementary evaluation to help boost your image and increase sales.

Posted by PMPR Analyst at 10:06 AM | TrackBack

Introducing K-Pak

Introducing K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment
New From Joico…
Quench Your Hair’s Thirst

Revive your client’s dull and rough tresses back to life with Hair CPR! Introducing K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment from Joico - a conditioning treatment that restores moisture to overly dry and damaged hair by Conditioning, Preventing and Repairing. Let your hair breathe a sigh of relief with results that take healthy, shiny, manageable locks to a whole new level of gorgeous!

90% of women suffer from dry, brittle or frizzy hair because their hair lacks WATER! K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment is designed to solve dry hair problems with dual-action results. First, the deep treatment infuses parched hair with sumptuous moisture. Second, the treatment seals the cuticle to improve the hair’s feeling and polish its surface to a reflective shine.

CPR FOR YOUR HAIR… Condition, Prevent, Repair …
Condition: Positively charged molecules known as Quats, attach to negatively charged hair to provide a frizz-free, smooth finish.

Prevent: Silicones immediately seal in moisture providing vivid shine and luster.

Repair: Conditioners, lanolin and shea butter replenish lost lipids from the cortex to the cuticle for rapid hydration.

Finally, Joico’s exclusive Triamine Complex, a weightless blend of amino acids (the building blocks of hair) penetrates, nourishes and protects for hair that is repaired and restored to its natural state inside and out.

THE BENEFITS…
With K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment, no matter what your hair type, your hair will be hydrated with the vital moisture it needs to respond to styling, be full of fluid movement and body and reflect a healthy, gorgeous shine. Yet with so many different types of hair out there and so many treatments to alter it, how will K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment benefit you specifically?

Hair Type: Naturally curly hair
Treatments: color-treated
Problem: Color-treated hair lacks shine, definition, movement and feels rough and stiff to the touch.
Solution: The use of K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment repairs the hair’s internal structure so curls respond to styling with ease. Instead of frizz, all you see is gorgeous body and shine.

Hair Type: Fine Hair
Treatments: Color-Treated
Problem: The hair is flat and slightly frizzy. Color is no longer radiant and the hair does not respond well to styling.
Solution: The use of K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment restores the surface of the hair, leaving it soft, frizz-free and lustrous. The hair color is defined and styles with ease while holding the style longer.

- more -

Hair Type: Naturally Curly
Treatments: Straightened by a relaxer or blow-out
Problem: Hair lacks fluid movement and shine. Hair feels dry and rough and does not respond well to styling.
Solution: The use of K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment repairs hair’s internal structure is repaired, rendering it stronger and healthier from the inside out. The healthier hair is soft and assumes a “naturally” straight appearance with a smooth reflective surface that is frizz-free.

Hair Type: Fine Hair
Treatments: Permanent-Waved
Problem: Curl does not come full circle. Hair feels and looks dry and frizzy.
Solution: K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment moisturizes curls so they emerge full circle and singularized. Frizz is reduced and surface is polished. By repairing hair from the inside out, hair is responsive and has body and shine.

Hair Type: Thick, Coarse
Treatments: Color-Treated/Bleached
Problem: Color seems flat. Hair is heavy and unresponsive. Feels dry and rough to the touch.
Solution: The use of K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment restores body and fluid movement to the hair. Hair becomes more lustrous and color is defined with a smooth, glowing surface.

Hair Type: Thick,Coarse
Treatments: Permanent-Waved
Problem: Curl is not defined. Hair lacks bounce and movement. Shine is flat.
Solution: K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment renders your curls full and defined. Hair regains its pre-perm shine and feels smooth.

K-Pak Intense Hydrating Treatment restores moisture to overly dry, damaged hair, seals the cuticle, imparts shine and improves manageability and elasticity for hair that makes heads turn. Apply to damp hair. Leave on for five minutes and rinse. Can be used alone as an intense hydrating moisture treatment or after K-Pak Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor.

Joico, a leading professional hair care brand, provides a wide range of color and texture products to salons across America and International markets. Salon Professionals please call 1.800.44.JOICO or log onto www.joico.com.

Posted by Stephen at 09:55 AM | TrackBack

Brand You, Sub brands, Mega brands and Flanker brands by Lance Buckley & Pierce Mattie

In the beauty and health industry, there are hundreds of thousands of new products and services launched each year and yet there are only a handful of companies that stick out from the vast sea of wannabes. Whether you’re selling a new miracle cream or trying to market a new type of spa service, there are a few guidelines to ensure your success and the key to staying power starts with branding.

Branding is used by marketers to differentiate one company from another and distinguish quality, reputation and accountability. A brand can be defined as the combination of a word, design, a product or group of products, a label or an identifying mark. A company’s brand name is its trademark, and it is protected property. A brand is largely judged by its awareness level, also known as brand awareness — the measurement of how well a brand is recognized by its potential consumers.

Branding is not marketing, nor is it public relations. Branding is not having a lip-gloss line extension of numerous products that all seem alike. Nor is branding gathering celebrity names to promote a brand that has lost its edge. In general, companies that launch too many scu’s usually lose the market share of their brand. Thus they choose to not go deep, but wide covering too many bases and not covering them well. Buying a perfume from a medical line or a consumer going to get their hair colored at a skin care center are two signs of misbranding and often lead to losing credibility.

How does a spa, skin care product or cosmetic item become a brand? A household name? A common understanding of what it is with just the mention of the name, the brand, the title or the location.

Potential clients who reach out to my firm for a business analysis often say their main goal is to become a branded brand. Typically, there expectations are that this is possible through going on one media tour, placing one ad, organizing one spa service event or employing one year of a solid PR campaign. They are very much misled.

It is not a question of implementing public relations, advertising, media events, industry outreach programs, celebrity endorsements or direct mailings. These brand maintenance strategies are used to lengthen and strengthen the life of a brand and help it reach its fullest potential. These strategies should be utilized after the name of the brand, logo and an ownership in the marketplace have been well established.

Successful branding is highly correlated with going deep, not wide. If your spa’s specialty is aromatherapy, then a collection of every oil, aroma and plant in your aromatic library should be your platform for branding. If you limit yourself to a few oils and go wide by promoting your spa’s cosmeceutical and medi treatments, you lose focus and your branding of aromatherapy will diminish.

Looking at the most successful aromatherapy companies like Darphin, Decleor, Elemis and Academie, they offer an array of oils and numerous scus that go deep in their field of aromatherapy, making them successful brands of their category. When you go wide with a brand, chances are you disrupt the brand’s credibility. Therefore, men’s brands should not launch women’s products and vice versa.

Let’s look at some client examples:

Institut’ DERMed, a product line for the professional medi-clinical market, has two skin care clinics in the Atlanta, GA area. They largely support their professional market with trade advertising, industry outreach with trade shows, extensive direct mailer programs and industry education. They also have billboards in Atlanta’s metro area announcing the spa and its services. This is the journey of a cosmeceutical line becoming a branded brand.

Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics is a brand established as the leader in mineral makeup.
For the first few years Iredale Mineral Cosmetics was supported through trade shows and community outreach, followed by trade advertising in professional journals.

Both brands were founded in the 90’s and have kept their staying power, carrying them steadily through the 2000’s. Many competitors have come and gone, and yet they still have their feet planted firmly in the market. Why? Though cosmeceuticals and mineral makeup are not as branded as say, the cold cream niche, they are in their own right each becoming a branded brand.

Owning your own
Looking closer at these brands you can see that they both own their own vocabulary.
Owning your own word is a key to successful branding. Jane Iredale owns the words
Liquid Minerals and Amazing Base, and Institut’ DERMed owns the term MediClinical Spa and the slogan “A serious skin care product.”

In our spa world Georgette Klinger owns the term the “Nine Step Facial” and the slogan “The most trusted name in skin care.” Repechage owns the phrase “The Four Layer Facial” and Dermalogica owns “Face Mapping.” We use products that are named and branded daily in our treatment rooms. I use “Q-Tips” when I perform extractions. I use Reynolds Wrap when I do by body treatments. I remove the milk cleanser with a “Kleenex.” Q-Tips are owned by Unilever, while Reynolds Wrap is owned by Alcoa Consumer Products and Kleenex is owned by Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
These are branded brands that not only own their word, but today these terms are used by millions of people to describe a common noun.

Naming your brand
The biggest mistake you can make is to name your spa or product with a generic title. Keep your brand title original and try to envision it as a noun 50 years from now. When choosing a name, also avoid the overkill of common spa words or French titles. Using “Paris” in your name or “Spa,” though sometimes correct, can often hurt your brand.

Another creative way to create a brand name is to take a key word and cut it in half. For example, Institut’ DERMed has taken Dermatology or Dermis and then Medical or Medicine and combined the two to make DERMed. In the 70s, French leader Thalgo took their grass roots of Thalassotherapy and GO and created their name. The key to creating a strong brand name is to make sure it sounds crisp and clean in English. You should also translate your name into Spanish and French to see what they mean in their native tongue. Your name should be short, relevant to its category, simple, speakable, unique, personalized and shocking.

Your brands logo
The actual font of the logo and overall look play a small role in creating a brand. Ideally the logo should read horizontally and be easy to read. If the font’s typeface is illegible you will have small lasting impressions with the consumer. When choosing a font, keep in mind that bold typefaces look masculine, while light typefaces look feminine. Brands like Murad, have both a bold look of the word MURAD with a cursive script of M following. This gives both the element of masculine and feminine, appealing to both sexes.

The color of your logo or brand’s image is just as important. Colors like red are focused behind the retinas permitting them to move toward your eye, whereas the color blue is in front of the retinas giving the illusion of the color to move away from you. Using colors that are opposite of your competitors rather than like colors is a good way to brand your company. Take for example Hormeta versus Method Physiodermie, two Swiss brands, and Babor versus Biodroga, two German brands. All offer an array of esthetic treatments using aromatherapy. Method Physiodermie and Babor use blue and white, giving a message of clinical, established and trust. Hormeta and Biodroga use red and white giving a message of warmth, while attracting attention. MD Skin Care, when first launched, wanted to stand out and gain attention from their competitors Jan Marini and MD Formulations, who both used silver in their packaging. To accomplish this, MD Skin Care chose green and orange. Talk about visible! Today they have repackaged and now use orange and silver. Orange is still not used by its competitor’s and keeps their branding ahead of the curve.

When branding your spa, product or service, keep the following things in mind:
Red is a retail color
Orange is like red
Yellow is neutral
Green is like blue and used for more of a holistic, natural, organic atmosphere
Blue is corporate and shows leadership
Purple is the color of royalty
Black is luxury

Two others factors come into play when becoming a branded brand: consistency and repetition. Brands have a better opportunity to become a branded brand when the sole image they project is consistent, meaning it does not change from day to day, it sticks to its core and it goes unmarked leaving its own. Remember that though the spa industry changes daily, your brand should not. If your niche is catering to the older clientele for anti-aging treatments and suddenly you begin using neon graphics that are geared toward teens, you will most likely be setting yourself up for failure.

I remember the days of working as a counter manager at the local department stores during a time when Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Clinique and Elizabeth Arden were the top four brands on the floor. Out of all the counters, they remained the most consistent with their message of providing a gift with purchase and the way their beauty advisors prospected their clients’ skin type or foundation color was done in harmony across the country. That is the internal marketing of a branded brand.

You can internally brand your company with your own namesake so when a consumer walks into your world he/she not only sees the brand, but also can live it. Take for example Robert Scott Face Body in West Hollywood. Whether you’re looking at Robert’s Web site or reading his service menu, the namesake of Robert is entwined in the mix. You have Scottreatments, Presscott, Scottshop and my favorite Scotttificates.
Robert Scott Face Body color is blue, the logo is a yin and yang and the slogan is “Health & Wellness for Face & Body.”

Branding is being the leader, not the follower
Branding is being #1 in the spa market, beauty or fitness arena. Marketing such claims as the #1 spa in San Francisco, or the first spa to offer chemical peels, is a form of branding yourself. Have you ever tried a product in the US market that you were always told was the #1 product in France, only to find out once arriving in Paris that no one has ever heard of that company? That company has branded itself in the US market as #1 in their parent market. Though faulty, this is pretty ingenious. You must launch your spa, gym or skin care product with the perception that it was the first, the pioneer, the original, etc. Remember consumers don’t care about new brands, they want new categories. In the spa world new categories over the past ten years include organics, cosmeceuticals, member only spas and tween brands. Keep your brand focused, expand your industry of spa, not the products or services you market, and dominate your niche in your area.

Brand Edit/Audit:
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. This is usually true, assuming that you have a successful brand. If your brand isn’t hot, not selling or it is in the way of the big picture, it’s time for an edit. Ask yourself the following questions. What is the potential of this treatment, product or diet? Will it reshape other aspects of our business? Can it enrich us? Will it reaffirm our preach while we reach?

Global Vision
If you are having difficulty finding your niche, turn to other industries and find out what the buzz is in their category. See if you can parallel that to your spa, gym or skin care product. That does not mean creating another at home microdermabrasion kit. This year alone 30 plus companies launched a kit including Bliss, Lancôme, L’Oreal and and Perscriptives.

Sub branding
Once your brand is established you need to keep things moving and begin sub branding. Take for example Marriott. They are a mega brand and have Renaissance, Courtyard and Residence Inn as their sub brands. Spa owners today are tweaking their flagship to branch out into airports, hotels and gyms, using the terms express, extend and fit. Sub-branding is more common in the nail polish and indoor tanning categories. OPI launched Nicole “the edgy side of OPI,” and California Tan created Heliotherapy. Peter Thomas Roth, a brand primarily known for acne, vitamin C and facial skin care, wanted to appeal to more of a luxury spa market with a feminine side. The flanker branding birth of June Jacobs shortly followed. June Jacobs, nicknamed by its peers as JJ, fits the gap that Peter Thomas Roth could not fill. Flanker branding is a new brand introduced into the market by a company that already has an established brand in the same product category. The new brand is designed to compete in the category without damaging the existing item’s market share by targeting a different group of consumers.

There is always going to be competition, especially in this industry. Whether you are branding a person, product or service, the bottom line is reputation, repetition and consistency. If you are dependable, your clients will always return.

Pierce Mattie is the CEO of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, Inc. The industries leading PR firm for beauty, health and fitness media. His clients have been seen on E! Entertainment, VH1, and in Vogue, Allure, “W” and many others.

Lance Buckley is the Executive National Director at Pierce Mattie Public Relations, Inc. He works in the firm’s consumer division with luxury products and services. Lance is active with the American Image Awards, Tribeca Film Festival and the MTV Movie Awards, just to name a few.

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