Studies show that the global beauty industry grew by over 16 per cent in 2022. Cosmetic businesses are predicted to continue to rule the retail industry in the next few years. With that in mind, now could be the best time to start a makeup line.

But just like any other business, creating a makeup line is challenging considering the various challenges of starting a business, plus thousands of competing brands. Entrepreneurs looking to start their own makeup line should take a page out of successful beauty brands and ensure they do things right.

Dos of Creating A Cosmetic Line

Do research on trends and consumer needs

Competition in the global beauty industry is high. So before launching a makeup line, entrepreneurs must research emerging trends, consumer needs, and competitors.

Entrepreneurs should explore competitors’ offers, customer reviews, pricing models, press coverage, and social commerce strategies.

Any chance to outshine beauty brand competitors lies in keeping up with consumer trends and needs. Being well-informed helps makeup brands satisfy their consumers better.

Entrepreneurs can watch makeup tutorials, read cosmetic industry articles, and watch and follow successful makeup brands social media pages.

Research also helps in finding a niche or concept.

Do create a memorable brand

The brand identity of a makeup line contributes to bringing customers and making them loyal. An emotional connection with customers is vital in selling a makeup business.

In fact, it is so important that consumers are willing to buy from high-price makeup lines if it aligns with their thoughts and emotions positively.

A memorable makeup line has a relatable brand voice and look.

Do establish goals

All successful brands in the cosmetics industry have goals. Therefore, entrepreneurs looking to step into the cosmetics industry must develop goals, at least for the first few months after launching.

The key to creating goals is practicality. Aiming to become a successful globally-known beauty brand in a few months is a good goal but it is not practical.

Setting practical and achievable goals keeps entrepreneurs invested in the business.

Do pick good beauty products

A good makeup line has good products. While giving consumers many options is important, launching with one or a few hero products would be better.

These products should grab the consumer’s attention; they are the most exciting part of the launch.

Successful entrepreneurs often start a makeup line by looking for what’s missing in the market. It could be a good way to create the hero product (s).

Another way makeup lines create hero products is by depending on brand values such as cruelty-free or vegan.

Do create a budget

Budgeting is not only necessary for managing a makeup line but also for starting it. The first thing entrepreneurs should realize about starting their own makeup line is that it won’t be cheap.

But then again, it doesn’t have to be expensive. The beauty industry is diverse so entrepreneurs can find inexpensive concepts.

Create a practical budget that caters for manufacturing, marketing, packaging, design, and supply chain costs.

Do make a business plan

A business model is essential when creating a makeup line because it helps entrepreneurs make good decisions.

A solid business plan has a competitor analysis, marketing plan and overall plan for success.

Do find a niche

The beauty business is vast, covering everything from skincare products to cleansers and altering products. That is why good beauty brands have a niche.

Makeup line entrepreneurs should determine the type of products they want to sell and how to make them unique.

Popular niches for makeup brands include luxury skincare and makeup, socially conscious products, makeup and skincare for men, and specialist treatments.

Entrepreneurs should look into what’s in demand to guide the niche-picking process.

Do market research

Beauty brands must determine their target market before launch. Good cosmetic lines have a specific target audience that makes it easy to market beauty products.

In addition, developing a specific profile for target customers makes brand recognition, and advert creation easier.

Do create an online store

Social media is a pivotal contributor to selling a makeup line. So while a physical store is good, an online store will reach more people.

Every business owner should actively participate in creating an online store to ensure the brand image and voice are correct.

Online stores should not be limited to social media. There are multiple e-commerce platforms where a cosmetics brand could sell online.

Do source a reliable cosmetic manufacturer

Any good cosmetics business owner should partner with a dependable cosmetics manufacturer.

The manufacturer should be able to meet deadlines while providing the correct products so the brand can start selling.

In addition, good manufacturers are affordable, so the retail price remains affordable.

Don’ts of Creating A Cosmetic Line

Don’t sacrifice quality

High-quality products are a key part of creating a successful makeup line. The key to producing quality makeup products lies in the ingredients.

Cosmetic products should cater to skin types, nourish the skin, and cause no harm.

Don’t skip on legal requirements

Launching cosmetic lines requires meeting some cosmetic industry legalities. Entrepreneurs should use the Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act to ensure that cosmetic ingredients meet the proper standards for quality and safety. In addition, entrepreneurs starting cosmetic lines at home should review the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practice checklist.

Don’t go over budget

Creating a makeup line can be costly, but entrepreneurs should stick to the budget. Going over budget could translate to a loss of revenue in the future.

Business owners could instead redirect funds elsewhere to cater for pressing needs. For example, more businesses sell makeup online instead of in physical retail stores.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the customer experience

A good makeup brand strives to appeal to makeup lovers through all means.

Makeup line business owners should focus on catering to customer needs and giving them a good online or in-person experience.

Fast and affordable shipping, specific sales, free consultations, and in-store professional makeup artists are good ways to improve the consumer experience.

Don’t underestimate the work

A business owner starting their own brand should be ready to put a lot of time into the makeup brand.

Researching cosmetics line requirements, the target market, competitors, and manufacturers alone take time.

Creating A Makeup Line

Creating and successfully launching a makeup line take time and consent effort. In addition, the right products, marketing strategy, brand, and online presence contribute to the success of a new cosmetic line.