SLG Beauty

Summary

While SLG Beauty may be most well known in the UK retail sector for their high fashion beauty, cosmetic and fragrance collections, behind this is a thriving manufacturing business making and supplying cosmetic applicators to the world’s colour cosmetic industry.

Profile

The Art of Application

Originally founded in 1985, SLG Beauty have been manufacturing cosmetic applicators for over 25 years, with a portfolio of clients ranging from global cosmetic giants to new up and coming and regionally based boutique brands. Despite recessionary pressure and the slowing growth of the UK manufacturing sector, the company’s UK production has grown 12% in the last year with further double digit growth predicted for 2012.

One particular product success story for the company is their patented self tan applicator mitt, invented by the original company founder and still manufactured in the UK. Designed with a special applicator surface to facilitate an even application of self tan (no unsightly streaking) and a special protective barrier to stop self tan permeating onto the hands during application (no unsightly staining). This product is a huge success story within the self tan category, adopted by both major tanning brands and retailers alike as their preferred method of applying self tan.

Despite some perceptions, manufacturing in the UK doesn’t automatically mean it’s not cost effective. It may be surprising to know, for example, that SLG can offer flocked foam powder puffs, manufactured at their UK site, at globally competitive prices.

Due to the manufacturing location of key raw materials and automated methods of production, SLG export flocked foam puffs to countries all over the globe including China. SLG Beauty core manufactured products include:

Flocked foam pressed powder puffs

NBR, SBR and non Latex make-up sponges

Cosmetic applicators

Cosmetic grade foams - exfoliating & cleansing

Patented self tan applicator mitt

However, it isn’t just about ensuring lowest cost - at the heart of SLG’s strategy is the focus on design and innovation. As consumers become more and more knowledgeable about the cosmetic products they are purchasing, they become more demanding on all elements of the product’s performance, including that of the applicator. SLG customers demand continuous innovation, not only to satisfy demands of their consumer, but also to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

SLG’s unique approach is to combine the science of manufacturing with the art of creating beautiful products. This is one of the contributing factors that differentiates the company from its competitors. SLG stock a wide range of standard items, but can also draw on their engineering-led technical team and in-house design studio to work on bespoke or blue sky developments.