Dreaming of creating a skin care line? A revolutionary mascara? Maybe you’ve got a brilliant idea you’ve been thinking about for years but never knew where to start? With more and more innovations taking place within the cosmetics industry, there’s never been a better time to start.

After helping countless people like you figure out how exactly they can create that unique cosmetic product the industry’s been lacking, we know what it takes to not only have an idea but to see it through to fruition.

Here are the six steps you need to be aware of before diving in…

1. IDEA

One of two categories you are most likely in (1) you’ve already got an incredible idea and have a clear vision of what your product is going to be or (2) you are lacking in the idea department and need to continually hone in on what it is you want to create.

No matter which category you placed yourself in, there are certain aspects you need to consider. Start by asking yourself these questions…

• What problem am I solving for consumers?

  Are there similar products already on the market and if so, how can i differentiate myself from them? 

  What makes my idea unique to the rest? 
  Is my product idea currently trending and if it is, will it last beyond the trend?

   

Once you answer those questions with clear and concise solutions, you’re well on your way to step two.

2. BRANDING

There’s a misconception that the branding comes after you’ve already curated your physical product. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you are already heading into a saturated market, the branding is your number one tool for being set apart from the rest.

How do you go about branding? Start with a brand concept. What do you want the feel of your product line to be? Bright and inviting? Colorful and glittery? Whose your target demographic and what are you doing to serve the needs of them within your branding? What brands within your cosmetic niche are currently successful?

Take 90 seconds and read this super short article on why Too Faced mascara, “Better Than Sex” is killing it in a world with hundreds of mascaras to choose from.

And then get started on creating a logo, building a website, establishing your social media handles, etc. This is the beginning of getting the word out about your brand!

3. FIND A COSMETIC LAB

You have an idea. Check! You know your branding strategy inside and out. Check! Now comes the actual product development, which all starts in a cosmetic lab.

The good news is that there are dozens out there to choose from. The bad news is that there are dozens out there to choose from! You could spend days, weeks or for some…months researching and trying to figure out what one’s the best fit for you and your product.

OR you could save yourself a whole lot of time, energy, resources and a massive headache by working with us

Finding the best cosmetic lab for your product allows you to get the correct testing through trial and error from the experts that create some of the best products on the market today. You’ll get sent samples of what they’ve produced and be able to tweak it before making the final decision.

Just be sure you know how many times you’re able to tweak the product – most labs have strict policies on this. Sound intimidating? We get it. That’s why when you work with us, we handle all of that for you.

4. PACKAGE YOUR PRODUCT

Here’s where the showcasing of your brand takes place. Most would say this is one of the best, most fun parts of creating your product because this is where you give it a personality.

Where do you want your logo? Plastic or glass? Transparent or misty? Screw top or pump? So many different decisions to be made that have a massive effect on how successful your brand is going to stick out next to all the other ones on the shelf. Read this article for some great examples.

Here at Integrated Connections, we’ve developed trusting relationships with packaging companies where we work directly with them to ensure your product is packaged exactly the way you’ve envisioned it from the start.

This is one of the most exciting parts of your product development, getting it right should be your top priority at this stage in the game.

5. DISTRIBUTE YOUR PRODUCT

Now that you’ve got a tested and tried winning product, it’s time to distribute it out into the world! At this point, you’ve got to make some executive decisions on where you want your product to be sold.

On the shelves at CVS? Strictly online at the beginning? Maybe it’s a boutique product sold exclusively at certain shops and stores? Whatever it is, this is where your confidence in your product being unique and able to stand out against the rest really comes into play.

6. MARKET YOUR PRODUCT

It’s time to get the word out and hopefully you’ve already done a little bit of this after step two of branding. This has everything to do with social media presence like Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and the ever most important Instagram.

Depending on your goals and budgets, you may want to work with influencers to get some traction through targeted demographics. Being persistent and consistent is the key to good marketing. Remember, you’ve already got a kickass brand that solves a problem, is unique and that looks incredible because of your chosen packaging. Who wouldn’t want to buy it?!