Makeup Gourmet® Discontinued and Limited Edition Items Avoid the frustration of your favorite product disappearing There is nothing more frustrating in cosmetics than expecting to pick up your tried and true lipstick to find out it has been discontinued and no longer available. The relationship some people have with their favorite make-up is parallel to their hair stylist. You've searched long and hard to get the results you want and then someone takes it away from you. Don't take it personally, it is the nature of the cosmetic business. Let me explain first the philosophy behind discontinued items and then next the economics. Philosophically, make-up, like shoes and clothes and handbags and accessories and so on, is part of fashion. Though we may not follow all the new trends, it is an accepted phenomenon in the fashion world that styles change and that it is very exciting to watch it change. Many people would not dare wear last year's style when this year's so strongly clashes with its predecessor. Why then is make-up expected to stand still while the rest of the fashion world moves on? It can't. That is not its function. Make-up is designed to accentuate the person and the fashion of the moment. Artistically and stylistically speaking, if you keep wearing the same look, be it in clothes or make-up, your look will eventually will become dated. Because make-up companies sometimes set the trend for color, it is vital that cosmetic lines constantly reinvent themselves to find new ways to combine and formulate the new colors of each season. Sometimes, in this process of reinvention, older colors are discontinued to make room for the new ones. Cosmetic companies can't hold on to every style of make-up, the same way the clothing department doesn't keep displaying summer styles in winter. It doesn't mean the colors that are discontinued are invalid, the cosmetic companies need to make room for the new. Generally, the overall sales performance of a product is the main factor on whether it is discontinued or not. This is the second part of the equation: the economics. Never take it personal that your color was discontinued, it has nothing to do with your taste. Cosmetic companies look at their overall high sellers and keep them in their collection. Those that fall below a certain percentile are economically expendable and discontinued. So how do you protect yourself from this phenomenon? I have a couple of tips. When you know you love a color and will wear it forever, ask your salesperson if that color is soon to be discontinued. If they don't know, find out where that company is headquartered and call them up. If it is about to become discontinued, buy as many as you can and store them. Dry cosmetics (ie eyeshadow, blush, powder etc) seems to last forever. Just put it in a cool dry place sealed in an airtight plastic bag and your product will be their waiting for you when you want it. If the product is wet (ie lipstick, foundation, moisturizer etc) still seal the products in an airtight plastic bag and store in refrigeration. Don't freeze it, just keep it refrigerated. These items won't last forever, but a good long time. Remember that make-up is like food, when it spoils it gives off a foul odor. If your make-up smells sour or like rotten eggs, toss it. Your other option when a color is discontinued is to be bold and go find a new one. There are so many options in the cosmetic department, there is bound to be at least five other colors similar to yours. Stay open minded. This is a good time to maybe even find a better color than your discontinued one. I know that you may prefer one line over another and that may limit your options. Still, within your cosmetic lines of choice, there are still a lot of options when looking to replace a color. It is also important to note that seasonally some colors are released as limited editions. Limited edition means that the cosmetic company has manufactured a set number of a particular item designed to sell out during that particular season. Limited editions are definitely trendy colors that go with the theme of that season. Often the most unique ideas and formulations are offered in a limited edition and it seems crazy that, economically speaking, the cosmetic company wouldn't make more, but they don't. If a particular limited edition is extremely successful, chances are you will see it in a more standardized form in later seasons. Also, some companies will copycat a great idea. One company will do an outrageously successful limited edition and another company will pounce upon the idea and issue their own version of it ASAP. That means you if you really want that limited edition product and missed out the first time around, keep an eye out, another company may come out with it sooner than you think. To avoid any rude surprises, always ask when buying a product you like if it is a limited edition or a discontinued item. This is a surefire way to avoid the disappointment and inconvenience of finding out your favorite lipstick is no longer made when you attempt to replenish. Remember: always ask when buying a product you you wish to continue to buy if it is a limited edition or a discontinued item. About Chris: Chris Scott, makeup artist, author, instructor, media personality and theater producer has worked in all aspects of makeup for 20 years. His television persona, the Makeup Gourmet, appears on network television teaching makeup Recipes for Style. His book, Cosmetic Counter Survival Guide, How to Buy the Right Skincare and Makeup, has been featured on ABC, CBS NBC and UPN. His video series; Makeup Gourmet: Recipes for Style released its first edition in December 2002. His syndicated monthly columns on seasonal Health & Beauty topics and consumer information are featured on Radio station websites. He specializes in articulate information, artistry training, consumer education and personalized application. He provides professional makeup services to the fashion, film, television, print, video, entertainment and retail industries. You can contact Chris directly at: Chris Scott 1597 Dolores Street San Francisco, CA 94110 chris@makeupgourmet.com Tel/Fax(415) 648-3073 Mobile (415) 846-1597 Return to press kit page |