It can be fun to start your own line, but it's also hard work.It can be a great way to earn a living if you put in the time and effort.Determine what products you want in your line and find a lab or distributor that will make them.Start with a small line of products.You can add more products later if you build up your cash flow by getting your products out in the world.
Step 1: Gain an understanding of the industry by obtaining a degree or college degree.
Further education will give you a basic understanding of makeup product lines.When starting your own line, you'll learn about ingredients and application.Look for degrees at local community colleges or vo-tech schools, which are cheaper than traditional 4-year colleges and offer more flexibility.
Step 2: You can choose the attributes you want to base your brand on.
The attributes of your line set it apart from other lines.Maybe your goal is to produce a high-end luxury line, or maybe you want to focus on natural, organic products.Maybe you want vivid colors or smooth makeup.
Step 3: A brand should be built around what's missing in the marketplace.
Bring something new to the marketplace.You can't find what you want in makeup.Try to build your line around that.You can talk to people you know.Find out what they want in a product.Maybe there are colors missing in the natural products you love or maybe you want inexpensive makeup that stays on your face all day.
Step 4: Pick ingredients for your line by studying cosmetic products.
It's a good idea to spend time researching common ingredients.It's a good idea to look at what they do for a product and whether they're common allergens.Decide what kind of ingredients you want in your products.Look at the ingredients in the products you love.The company's website has ingredients listed on the back of the package.You can look up more about each ingredient as a starting point.Look into alternative, natural ingredients to see if they are better for your brand.
Step 5: You can learn the FDA's regulations.
Before starting your business, you should study cosmetics that are regulated by the FDA.It can affect what you use in your food.The FDA's regulations on cosmetics can be found at www.fda.gov/cosmetics.You can find what you need by clicking on the appropriate link.You may have to list all of the ingredients on the label.Over time, FDA regulations will change.
Step 6: There are online labs that can be used to create a completely new product.
To start a line of cosmetics, you need to work with a lab.You should look for ones that value you.If being made in the U.S. is important to you, look for ones that are based there.Check to see if there are reviews on the company.You can search for "cosmetic labs in the United States".You can see what they have to say about themselves on their website.Call or email them to find out more about the person.I'm interested in starting my own line of cosmetics, and I would like to know more about your company.Can I ask you a few questions?What are your company's values?Is your production done in the US?How do you make sure the product is good?What kind of ingredients do you use?Are you able to produce an all-natural line of products?Ask if they can make it happen.Ask questions about the makeup you want.
Step 7: If you want an easier process, work with a distributor.
They will find what you need and put your label on it.You need to do the same type of research on distributors as you would on labs.Check out the distributor's policies and ethical stances, look at reviews to see what other people think, and make sure you do your due diligence.Ask where the company makes their products.If you prefer products from the United States, you should work with a company that gets most of their products there.
Step 8: You should ask for samples from the companies you are evaluating.
You can get samples from most labs and distributors.If they are, you can see what kinds of products they offer, which can give you an idea about whether you want to work with them or not.
Step 9: To find the best fit, visit the labs and distributors.
Once you've narrowed it down, you can take a tour of the companies.If you're a potential client, most companies will show you around.Pick the one that seems to fit your brand best once you've seen them.If you can't visit in person, ask if they're willing to take you on a tour through video chat.You could use Apple Facetime to chat with an employee, who will show you the company through the video chat.Don't forget to ask your questions while you're there.Get to know as much as you can about the company.
Step 10: You can come up with a product that is based on your research.
To create a product that matches the brand you want to create, work with your lab or distributor.To better understand your needs, tell them the types of ingredients you prefer, the type of makeup you want to create, and the focus of your brand.
Step 11: Professionals and other business people can help you.
There's a lot you don't know about starting a company.When you can, pay for professional help from your friends and family.Pick people who are strong in certain areas.If you're good at creativity, look for someone who's good in business.You can give them a stake in the outcome by setting up the company with them.
Step 12: You can register your business with the government.
Pick a name and then set up an entity with your state.To get a tax ID for your business, you'll need to fill out some basic documents and pay a fee of less than $200USD.The state requires businesses to have a different name.You can have a boring company name with a fun brand name that doesn't have to be registered with the state.A business lawyer can help you set it up.A sole proprietor is easier to set up than a limited liability company.If something goes wrong with your company, you won't be held responsible for it.The blame is on you personally.
Step 13: You can save money on your first products.
You need to start saving money right away because it costs money to buy the products for your line.Each distributor will have a different minimum order, so how much you need depends on that.You'll need several thousand dollars to start.It will be cheaper to work with a distributor.If you want to split batches with other companies, you can do that with a distributor.
Step 14: If you want to get a loan, look for investors for extra cash.
You have other options if you're afraid you won't be able to save the money.If you want to get investors for your business, you can apply for a small business loan.Do you know if your bank offers business loans?You can apply online.Ask your friends and family if they would invest in your business.Make sure the contract has a repayment schedule in place.
Step 15: Someone can design a logo.
Your brand is instantly identifiable with a logo.Some logos use stylized text while others add symbols to help people recognize them.Your brand should match your logo.If you want your logo to be fun and playful, you should use bright colors and a lively style.A logo that is sleek and sophisticated is what you want.
Step 16: Start with eyeshadow.
Determine ingredients and colors for your line with your lab or distributor.It's a good idea to discuss the qualities you want the makeup to have.Other products are more expensive than eyeshadow.It's the simplest formula.It's a good place to start.Over time, you can build up other products.
Step 17: There are a group of people.
You want your color names to be fun and reflect your brand.Discuss ideas for your colors with your friends.To see what sticks, throw ideas back and forth.They can try on the product.When they come to you, write them down.It's possible to match them up with a color later.
Step 18: You can test your product on your friends.
Now that your product has gone through safety tests, you need to see if it works as you want it to.Give them to people you know.Ask for honest feedback and give them a feedback card.Don't try them on.You know other people would use them.If you want to see how it reacts to heat, light, and so on, keep one in your purse or car.
Step 19: Pick packaging that fits your brand.
You don't have to spend a lot of money on packaging.A few niceties can go along way.Adding colorful tissue paper or a small cloth bag can make your product more special.
Step 20: A marketing plan should be designed.
Pricing and how you will get your product to your customers will be included in a marketing plan.You know what you need to charge because it also includes your costs.If you don't know how to create a marketing plan, it's a good idea to hire an expert to do it for you.What distinguishes you from your competitors is determined by the current market.Determine who you are directly competitive with by looking at prices and makeup type.Lay out what strategies you'll use to get your product to customers, and how you will work towards implementing those strategies step-by-step.
Step 21: A website can be created.
You can sell your products on a website.If you don't feel like you have the skills, you can pay someone else to do it for you.Make listings for your products with good photos.Make sure to have a list of ingredients so people know what you're using, and include detailed descriptions of your items.
Step 22: Business cards with your logo can be printed.
You can either design one yourself or pay someone to do it for you.Make sure the logo matches the image you want to portray.You can find a good deal online or use a local printer.You should include your name, email, and website address on your card.
Step 23: Social media can be used to create and maintain a customer base.
It's great if you already have a following on social media.You can show off your products in videos, posts, and pictures.It's time to start building a following if you don't already have one.Encourage your friends to follow your business page on social media.You should start posting content that is relevant to your business.Most people won't stay around for videos and posts that only sell products.To keep people interested, make sure you include other fun stuff.
Step 24: You can run advertisements on social media.
Your brand is being presented to the world.A video or static ad can get customers interested.The advertisement needs to fit your brand.If you want to draw a younger crowd, make a fun and quirky video for your brand.You can control how much you spend on ads on places like Facebook.If you set the amount you want to spend, the company will give you a number of views to choose from.The company stops running your ad when you run out of money.It is possible to bring in people outside of your group of friends by running ads.Think about your audience because these systems allow for very specific targeting.You might want to target young moms in their 20s or 30s who like an alternative look.
Step 25: Give products and samples for free to increase exposure.
If they love your product, they'll come back.Ask for samples at shows and on social media.They would be happy to review your products.Look for makeup artists who are already in the scene.You can use your social media account to send a private message about your products.
Step 26: There are pop-up shops at local fairs.
You need to reach customers to build a local clientele.Start small by selling things at local fairs.Buying space at pop-up shops is possible.These places are a great place to meet people and give out samples.There is a free sample with any purchase at these events.Customers can try on products there.