Beauty and business: Why the industry keeps growing

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The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar business. From makeup to clothes, the market for beauty never seems to be satiated. Financial experts believe that the industry will continue growing, despite economic slumps and global economic fluctuations. That said, it is important to understand why. There are various hypotheses, but the two most popular ones are listed below:

It serves a biological purpose: Science will say that the main objective of humanity is to procreate. Each is hardwired to look for potential mates and choose another person with whom they can have healthy children with. The choosing aspect of this age-old game involves appearing more attractive or simply, appearing more "mate-able." Beauty products enhance attractive physical properties in the person and can hide other traits that may not be.

It is a great economic and psychological concept: Research has shown that experiences dramatically change the way the brain functions. When a person experiences intense emotions (whether it is something good or bad), the brain alters to adapt to these situations. Fashion revolves around pleasure, and also on fear. Trends often last only a few months, creating an assumed need to have that piece of clothing or that coveted lipstick. When a person is fashionable, or wearing something attractive, he or she is often complimented, which triggers the reward system in the brain. The individual wants to have more experiences like these and becomes more inclined to follow the trends.

The business in beauty is truly an interesting topic, and scientists are only now taking the time to research thoroughly on it. It would be interesting to note what will be further revealed through future data.

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As the leading force behind the Estee Lauder brands, William Lauder understands the beauty industry inside and out. For more expert insights, follow this Twitter account.

Pop princess, MAC girl: Ariana Grande is the newest Viva Glam ambassador

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In keeping with the tradition of selecting an individual who is beautiful, talented, and puts on a great show, MAC Cosmetics has picked pop princess Ariana Grande as its 2015 Viva Glam spokesperson. The team up between the 22-year-old singer and the makeup giant will yield to two lip products: a matte dark plum lipstick and a shimmering lip gloss. As Grande explained during the live video announcement of her selection as the new Viva Glam girl, “These are my colors. We have a dark plum to represent the bad girl in you, and a light pink lip gloss to represent the good girl in you because I think you should be able to play up both sides.”

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Grande follows a long list of celebrities that have teamed up with the mega brand for the Viva Glam line, wherein all proceeds of the products will go the MAC AIDS Foundation. Some of the stars who were previous Viva Glam spokespersons include Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Cristina Aguilera, Eve, Fergie, and Nicki Minaj. The very first Viva Glam spokesperson was drag queen Ru Paul. MAC founders Frank Angelo and Frank Toskan created the MAC AIDS Fund in 1994 in their desire to make a difference in the world with a community outreach for HIV/AIDS.

Fans of MAC Cosmetics will be able to get hold of Grande’s creations starting January.

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MAC Cosmetics is part of the unrivaled portfolio of beauty brands from The Estee Lauder Companies. For the latest on product collaborations and launches, follow this William Lauder Facebook page.

Neutrals rule: Everyday makeup look from Bobbi Brown

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Most women are familiar with the morning rush. Every morning, women’s adrenaline kicks in as they scramble to get to work or school looking their best. This daily mad rush entails picking the “perfect” outfit for the day, including the right shoes, accessories, and bag. And the quest to look picture-perfect as one heads out the door is polished off with an impeccably coiffed hair and perfectly applied makeup.

Many women have already mastered the art of selecting the ensemble of the day, but applying makeup is one element in their morning routine that some have trouble acing. Despite the multiplication of YouTube makeup tutorial videos, the task can be pretty intimidating for those who have little experience with cosmetics. Rather than risk looking like a clown, some women would rather step out into the world bare-faced. But as makeup guru Bobbi Brown notes, one can still aim for the natural look without all the fuss (and hard work). The key is working with neutral hues.

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For a great makeup look, the basis would always be a healthy, glowing skin, and to achieve this, the skin needs to be properly moisturized, and the tone evened out. All flaws should also be concealed, including visible breakouts and deep undereye circles.

Once these are achieved, it is time to do the eyes. For an everyday look, Brown suggests sticking with the basics, such as soft, brownish tint that will enhance the eyes’ natural contours. As a guide, women can choose a shade slightly darker than their skin. Apply the eyeshadow on the lid and along the lower lashes. Then apply mascara to enhance the lashes.

Pick warm colors for the cheeks such as peaches or pinks for a natural flush. Then use a lip tint that matches the shade of the lips.

The everyday makeup look may be a challenge at first especially for those who are not used to wearing cosmetics. But with regular practice, the morning makeup rush will be a breeze.

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Bobbi Brown is one of The Estée Lauder Companies prestige brands. For more of ELC’s unrivaled portfolio of beauty brands, follow this William Lauder Facebook page.

Shop pink: ELC's 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign products

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, The Estée Lauder Companies brings its beauty brands together for a unified stance against the killer disease. Through the sales of their Pink Ribbon products this month, 15 brands will be raising funds for education and medical research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

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Below is a roundup of some of the ELC products that you can purchase to help the fight against breast cancer:

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+. For every sale of the dermatologist-developed moisturizer, $10 will be donated to BCRF. This month, the moisturizer will come in a special edition package embellished with Clinique Signature Pink Ribbon key chain.

2. Bobbi Brown Peony Set. Pretty with a purpose, the set includes a silky powder blush in Peony and a Mini Face Blender Blush with a pink handle. For every purchase of the limited edition set, Bobbi Brown will donate $12 to the BCRF.

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3. Lab Series Skincare for Men Pink Pocket Square. Men, too, can show their support for the fight against breast cancer. For every Lab Series products purchase worth $50, they will receive a complimentary pink pocket square.

4. Jo Malone London Red Roses Cologne.. Jo Malone London will donate $45,000 to the BCRF. In addition, for each Red Roses 100ml cologne sold throughout October within the U.K., the company will donate 20 pounds (about $30) to the BCRF.

5. Tony Burch Lip Color. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tory Burch created a limited edition golden and pink fretwork case for one of her favorite shades, Ramble on Rose. The brand will also allocate 20 percent of the retail price to the BCRF.

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The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Campaign was founded in 1992 by the late Evelyn H. Lauder, mother of executive chairman William Lauder and was launched with the iconic Pink Ribbon, the universal symbol for breast health. Since then, the BCA Campaign has raised more than $58 million to support global research, education, and medical services. For more information about this year’s BCA Campaign, visit this page.

Getting a flawless, natural look in three easy steps

The natural look has always been a fashion staple. The trend has its high and low points with several magazines telling women when it’s popular and when it’s not. Nevertheless, any style student would realize that regardless of whether the look is trending or not, knowing how to achieve this look is important. Thankfully, with the sheer volume of make-up brands out there, (it must be noted that no woman should ever have to choose quality with price; many top-tier brands now have a more affordable line) any person can get a flawless, natural look with these three steps.  

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Choosing the right foundation: The natural look highlights the beauty of the biggest organ humans have: the skin. All other tips may be disregarded, as long as the right foundation is used. This not only refers to choosing a shade that matches the skin tone but the foundation’s ability to mask any imperfections. What is important is that the woman forgets she has anything on, so choosing a product that matches one’s skin type is essential.  

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Highlight what is already there: This seems incongruous because make-up already does this, but most women play with colors; for example, a certain shade to make the eyes pop or a bold hue to make the lips more attractive. However, the natural look demands using neutral colors to highlight what is already beautiful on a person’s face. This can refer to anything, really- be it the eyebrows, cheekbones, or lips. There are other make-up tutorials online that give step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this.

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Lastly, and most importantly is confidence. A flawless look is only achieved when the woman feels beautiful. The goal of make-up is to make a person feel good. The natural look is a trend that allows a woman to be more confident with her skin tone and overall face shape.  

As the force behind the Estee Lauder brands, William Lauder understands what women want. Learn more beauty trends by liking this Facebook page.

From family-owned firm to brand powerhouse: The story of Coach

Coach was founded in 1941 in a New York City loft by husband-and-wife team Miles and Lillian Cahn. Originally, their leather goods workshop had only six artisans who crafted men's billfolds and wallets by hand.

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In 1961, the Cahns designed a leather handbag, inspired by the look and feel of a worn baseball glove. It became a hit, and soon, the workshop was producing a line of bags.

In 1961, Coach tapped Bonnie Cashin, a pioneer in sportswear design, to create a line of bags. Cashin was instrumental in transforming the Coach image through her creative use of colors and materials. She introduced some of the brand's design trademarks, such as the turn-key metal closings, striped interior, and piped leather seams. The Cahns sold Coach in 1985. By that time, Coach had already developed a strong following among women who wanted strong, durable bags that were stylish enough to be worn to work and events.  

Affordable luxury

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Lew Frankfort was named chairman and CEO of Coach in 1996. Despite stiff competition from luxury labels, Frankfort was successful in ensuring the brand's continued success. He hired Reed Krakoff and gave him full creative control. Krakoff introduced fabric bags, scarves, sneakers, and other accessories in trendy colors and patterns, including the Signature C. Coach became a sought after brand, in demand yet accessible among both the older and younger sets.  

Timeless appeal

Krakoff has since left Coach to pursue other ventures, but the brand has continued to innovate while keeping its image of contemporary American luxury. While most of Coach's offerings remain mid-priced, the brand has also tapped into the high-fashion market with offerings such as the Coach + Billy Reid Warrior Tate, made from Louisiana alligator leather and the Coach Lily in Ostrich.

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Coach has also ventured into other markets and found great success particularly in its line of fragrances. Its first fragrance collection was launched in 2007 in partnership with Beauty Bank, a division of Estée Lauder, Inc. Coach has since produced more than 20 fragrances.

From a tiny family-owned workshop churning out leather goods, Coach is now an international household name with a market cap of $11.5 billion and is poised to grow even further. As a tribute to its humble beginnings, Coach's corporate headquarters is located on the site of its former workshop.  

William Lauder is the executive chairman and member of the nominating and board affairs committee at Estée Lauder, Inc. Learn more about Estée Lauder, Inc. and its brand portfolio by subscribing to this blog.

Born with class and a simple spoon: Linda Rodin

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Linda Rodin seems to emit glamor through her invisible pores, but she has become a cult proponent of beauty simplicity. As the face fronting the global favorite beauty brand, Rodin Olio Lusso, Miss Rodin has become a veritable empowerment muse, a woman who has knowing control of making beauty work and wearing it with style.

As Rodin Olio Lusso continues to win global distribution, there has been a louder clamor for Linda-style non-fussiness among stylish Web influencers. The Man Repeller, of fashion blogging fame, has been seen to dialogue with Miss Rodin lately. Olio Lusso’s face oil, meanwhile, has been flying off shelves to the point that the brand’s loyal followers have been asking for additional products.

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In fact, Miss Rodin’s background as a fashion and beauty icon melds with the philosophy of ELCompanies’ founder and matriarch, Estee Lauder. The three-minute (or less) regimen ruled the outlook of both women, and Miss Rodin could even credit this no-nonsense approach while growing up to her storied career as a model, stylist, and businesswoman.

Make no mistake about it: while there is nothing low-key about the women Miss Rodin had inspired (she counts Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima, and Madonna among her style clients), her own style questions over-dependence on expensive anti-aging creams and other ultra-exclusive skincare lines. This sensible approach can’t hurt the woman who works around a budget for her skincare needs. After all, Miss Rodin has the beauty to lend her credibility.

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Rodin Olio Lusso is part of the global portfolio of the Estee Lauder Companies, which has been seeing enviable expansion under the leadership of CEO Fabrizio Freda and executive chair William Lauder. Visit the Estee Lauder Companies website to browse its stable of elite brands.