Jeni Lee Builds Shelf-Life With Department Store Debut
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Jeni Lee is encouraging women to "trash" outdated and unhygienic makeup and skin care items by including aging guidelines and expiration dates on products in her eponymous cosmetics collection.
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Jeni Lee is encouraging women to "trash" outdated and unhygienic makeup and skin care items by including aging guidelines and expiration dates on products in her eponymous cosmetics collection. The line entered department store distribution with an August debut in Henri Bendel (New York City), where Lee promoted her products by offering complimentary makeovers and consultations Nov. 9-11. Most skin care products have a six-month shelf-life and most cosmetics last up to one year, with the exception of mascara, which only lasts 30 days, according to Lee. A former Hollywood makeup artist, Lee has created prestige cosmetics and skin care products based on "the truth about how a woman can make the most of her natural beauty by becoming her own makeup artist." "I believe the basics of good makeup are within the grasp of every woman, once she knows how," Lee said. The entrepreneur also has written a book, "Makeup Scenes," to provide women with additional instruction. Jeni Lee "multicultural" cosmetics are designed for women of all ages and skin colors. The 243-SKU line comprises foundations, hydrating primer, powders, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, lip glosses, eye and lip pencils, cleansers, moisturizers and toners, as well as makeup brushes. Ranging in price from $15 for Eyeliner, $39 for Sheer Liquid Foundation SPF 15 to $65 for customized quads, the products also are available at Jeni Lee's sole stand-alone store in Cincinnati. Lee currently is looking for space to open an additional stand-alone store in New York City's SoHo district and expects to open 10-20 similar doors by the end of 2001. With plans to return to work as a Hollywood makeup artist, Lee hopes to strike a deal with potential suitors for partnership in her business, which includes a patented lip-plumping technology. Coined her "secret weapon," the technology will be incorporated into a Jeni Lee product, possibly a chapstick or lip gloss, and also will be licensed to a pharmaceutical or mass market company, she said. Potential partners include Procter & Gamble and Unilever, according to Lee. |