StyleSeat: Book Your Salon Appointments Online

Many women today often complain how hard it is to find that perfect stylist. StyleSeat has come to the rescue. This website has the option for customers to search for stylists specialized in hair cuts, perms, coloring, etc. in their local city or town. The customer can view the portfolio of the hairstylist, what they offer and for how much. As your browsing you can see who they are, what their price range is and where they are located. They even list hair specialties like feathers and Keratin straightening.

Once a customer has booked an appointment on StyleSeat and finished the appointment they can give feedback on the website for future clientele to look at. What is even more neat besides just booking the appointment you can see which days they are most busy and which days they have available. That way you can figure out what time is best for you and the stylist.

Also the site is completly free so both customers and stylists can use this website for their own benefit. In the future they are planning to create an iPhone and Android app.

Will you be using StyleSeat?

JolieBox: Beauty Monthly Subscription for European Residents

 

Jolie Box is a new beauty monthly subscription that brings beauty samples to those who live in Europe. JolieBox is much like Birchbox where each month the company sends four to six samples containing high end products. It is €13 ($18) per month. Which is pretty steep for a monthly service. Samples include products from Lancome, Laura Mercier, L’Occitane and more than 30 other brands. However, JolieBox does not let users purchase full sized versions off of their site but they do provide information about where users can purchase those products. Even though the price is pretty high, you have to consider the samples you do receive. You receive luxurious products and that in itself is worth the price.

In just under a year the service has approximately 10,000 subscribers which is pretty good for a brand new company!

I have myself purchased Birchbox before but I was unimpressed with the samples. They were quite tiny and did not seem worth the $10 price. Though I did find a great skincare line that I am considering in the future. With JolieBox there are more high end items which may be more worth it. Also this is the first beauty subscription service for people who live in Europe. Great little service! I always say it is best to test out than waist you money on products you will never end up using.

Would you consider using JolieBox if you live in Europe?

How Are Beauty Brands Utilizing QR Codes?

I was thumbing through this month’s issue of Allure and noticed a quick blurb on the rise of QR codes on various beauty products.  We’ve previously discussed the hit-or-miss nature of QR codes given companies’ tendency to slap a QR code on packaging without an explanation of the benefits of whipping out my smartphone and snapping a picture.  Yet, Allure reported that brands are finally showing some major improvements.  For example, Smashbox has a palette dubbed “Girl on Film”.  Cute title, right?  Wait, because it gets even better.  Take a photo of the QR code, located on the back label of each palette, for a tutorial by Pro Lead Artist Lori Taylor.  However, we’re wondering if our favorite companies are pushing ahead without realizing their demographic.  Specifically, only a small segment of the population has a smartphone and consequently, all the cool designs in the world won’t make an impact on those who are still toting flip phones.

Yet another issue that arises with the utilization of those snazzy codes is the lack of incentive to snap ‘n search.  If I have to dig through my pursue to get my phone, open the QR code scanner, and then wait for it to load, I better be getting something awesome out of the deal.  Yet, a lot of companies simply show a commercial promoting their product.  In fact, sometimes it is the exact same commercial shown on TV.  You know, the commercials the vast majority of audiences skip courtesy of DVR.  Consumers don’t want more promotional material for your brand because we’re obviously a fan. Conversely, we would appreciate special sales, coupons, or other tools which would allow us to save some serious cash. Use QR codes to build brand loyalty as opposed to advertise the benefits of the company.

How do you think beauty and fashion companies should utilize QR codes?  Do you have a brand that you plan to decorate with QR codes?  Why or why not?

Are the Nivea Advertisements Racists? Social Media Thinks So

Nivea recently experienced an epic backlash on account of their advertisements, appearing in Esquire, urging men to be civil.  Specifically, one of the advertisements depicted an African-American male holding a mask complete with wild Afro and the caption, “Re-civilize yourself.”  Granted, Nivea also released an advertisement of a white male holding what appears to be a caveman mask with copy reading, “Sin city isn’t an excuse to look like hell.”  The campaign features the slogan, “Look like you give a damn,” and is intended to convince men to pay attention to their appearance as a means to be more refined.  However, bloggers, Facebook users, and the Twitterverse have exploded with outrage from a variety of folks regarding the not-so-subtle racist implications of the ad urging African-American men to be civil by foregoing their natural hair.  Furthermore, Nivea released an apology and pulled the advertisements on account of the reactions spouting forth from social media.

This incident, along with many others, yet again highlights the importance of social media as a means to further intellectual discoure.  Sure, it’s easy to utilize Twitter as a means to let everyone know about your rockin’ birthday party this weekend or to keep track of Britney Spears’ sandwich intake, but international social networking sites also serve as a very real way to engage in dialogue with thousands about post-racial America.

Moreover, big brands are forced to listen and to act when confronted with angry hashtags and wall posts decrying the latest campaign as insensitive. Consequently, consumers feel involved and appreciated.

Did you think the Nivea advertisement was racist?  Why or why not?

Burberry Unveils Campaign Specifically Designed for Facebook Users

For those with a penchant for kicky trenchcoats and a rich, if British, legacy Burberry is the way to go.  The English luxury design house was founded in 1856 and focused on outdoor attire with a decidedly luxe sensibility.  However, as the brand’s latest Facebook campaign demonstrates, Burberry is in tune with the times.  How so?  They’re offering samples of Burberry Body, a new fragrance launching in September, to their 7.6 million Facebook fans.

In addition, Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s chief creative officer, made the announcement via YouTube.  To further up the social media ante the video was cross-posted to the brand’s Facebook page and has already wracked up a healthy 2,500 likes.

Luxury design houses long ago realized the importance of social media on their brand.  Corporations have observed that Facebook fans tend to be the most loyal (read: most likely to spend) consumers and consequently, offering free samples benefits customers and company.

What brands have you become a fan of?  Why?

How Should Beauty Brands Utilize Social Media?

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as enduring endless updates from your favorite make-up brand or skin care company regarding new products, an impending sale, or other promotions.  In fact, this type of behavior is a social media no-no and won’t bring your brand fans.  In fact, shamelessly marketing a product on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or YouTube will probably cause your fan base to quickly diminish.  Of course, this causes us to ask the following: how should beauty brands utilize social media?

1. Connect with customers

A satisfied customer will tell a friend or two about their positive experience.  An angry customer?  All of their friends will be forced to endure tales of their mistreatment, along with the lady working the cash register at their local grocery store, and oh yeah, their 300 “contacts”.  What’s this mean?  It’s of fundamental importance to address customer concerns which pop up on Twitter feeds, YouTube comments, or Facebook wall posts.  For example, if a consumer writes a scathing blog post detailing your missteps quickly and effective address their concerns on your social media page.  This will offer transparency to your organization, which everyone appreciates.

2. Calendar events

Having a major sale?  Kicking off a new product?  Limited edition fragrance coming to stores?  Let your fans know!  Furthermore, ask for their opinions regarding your offerings.  Holding a contest in which you decide which colors to introduce for the next season after a Facebook vote-off build brand loyalty and convince consumer that you’re listening to their desires and suggestions.

3. Cue the rewards

Exclusive prizes and incentives encourage brand growth and fans.  How so?  People are far more likely to click the “Like” button if they  will benefit from doing so.  Offering incentives is as easy as free shipping codes, coupons for sales, or even contests for makeovers.

Another favored tactic is offering samples.  If you have a new lipgloss out it won’t hurt to offer 1,000 lucky subscribers a mini-tube.  If they try it and love the product you just scored a loyal customer.

What other things should companies do to build brand awareness?  Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.