Experiencing The China Beauty Expo

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

Last week hundreds of beauty companies flocked to Shanghai for the China Beauty Expo. Billed as the premiere beauty business event in Asia, the three-day Expo brought together some 1200 brands from over 20 countries. Held at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center, a sprawling facility that includes over 650,000 square feet of exhibition space, companies from around the globe gathered to show off new beauty tools, ingredients, services, treatments, and packaging.

Throughout the 15 exhibit halls there was a dizzying array of spectacles — muscular shirtless men hawking product samples, brand ambassadors giving neck massages, orchestrated fashion show-type events to demonstrate new makeup, booth workers dressed as cosplay-like characters — all vying for the attention of potential distributors, buyers, and shoppers.IMG_1902models

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New technology was on display, from medical-type treatments to steam removal for nail polish and motorized nail sculpting (think of a dremmel tool for your nails).

nail app

3-D printed nail art with an app for design selection

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Woman receiving a facial sonogram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memebox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Korea’s Memebox, showcasing a collection by PONY, the influential beauty guru. The South Korean company has Y-Combinator connections and a San Francisco office, with a strategy that targets social media influencers for deep collaborations.

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Cupping demonstrations

 

Expecting some half a million visitors, the Expo also stood as an opportunity for brands looking to expand and grow in the robust Chinese market. As cultural customs give preference to cultivating more personal relationships and conducting business face-to-face, the event helps facilitate personalized interactions.

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Product experiences from Merlot Skin Care

 

The Expo reinforced a number of industry trends including the utilization of aloe as a signature ingredient, the strength of the natural beauty category, and the undeniable role of social media in building authentic brand awareness and partnering with online personalities to cater to a specific audience.

The prevalence of WeChat in China makes social shopping (social media + ecommerce) a more seamless experience — an integration that hasn’t fully hit the U.S., but it’s just a matter of time…  Here’s looking to CBE 2017.

Launching At The China Beauty Expo

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

Merlot Skin Care unveils new releases in Shanghai in May

As more small businesses look toward global expansion, Merlot Skin Care, the best-selling natural grape seed-based skin care brand, prepares to release a host of new products at the China Beauty Expo in Shanghai May 18 – 20, 2016.

The Expo will mark the debut of a new brand look, as well as travel size versions of Merlot’s popular Moisturizer, Moonlight Radiance Night Cream, and Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer.  In celebration of Merlot Skin Care’s 15 year anniversary, new packaging has been created to emphasize the brand’s focus on fresh, powerful, good-for-you skin care.

“We’re very excited to debut these new concepts on an international stage, and expand Merlot’s global reach,” says Michele Beckley, Vice President of Operations for Merlot Skin Care.  “This is a great opportunity to introduce beauty customers in China to our brand of high quality, American-made goods.”

Skin care represents the fastest growing segment of China’s cosmetic market, with special interest paid to anti-aging products.  Merlot Skin Care’s emphasis on natural grape seed antioxidants to protect skin and fight against premature aging make the brand a natural fit for entrance into the Chinese market.

At the China Beauty Expo, Merlot Skin Care will release:

  • Merlot Moisturizer (2 oz.) – a fast-absorbing, ultra lightweight moisturizer
  • Merlot Moonlight Radiance Night Cream (2 oz.) – a deeply hydrating cream that works to repair fine lines and wrinkles
  • Merlot Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer (1 oz.) – a moisturizing lotion that also protects and sanitizes
  • Merlot Grape Seed Eye Cream (1 oz.) – a targeted treatment to reduce puffiness and under-eye circles

These new Merlot Skin Care items are expected to be available in the United States later this year.  Produced in Dallas, Texas, and originated in El Paso, Texas, the Merlot Skin Care brand is paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan friendly.

Additionally, the Merlot company will preview a new brand, MultiV6, created by Merlot Skin Care’s founder and CEO, Wayne Beckley.   The MultiV6 brand utilizes a combination of six vitamins plus resveratrol to deliver nutrients and intense hydration to the skin.  The brand will include a Day Cream, Night Cream, and specialized Serum.  The MultiV6 line will be shown for the first time publicly at the China Beauty Expo, and should be available in the United States in the coming months.

Be Our Valentine Pin To Win Contest

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

UPDATE:  THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Enter Merlot’s Valentine’s Day Pinterest contest!

Here’s how:
1. Follow Merlot Skin Care on Pinterest
2. Re-pin the image below and include the hashtag #MerlotValentine
3. Email a link to your pin

ONE lucky winner will receive the pictured items — including Merlot Exfoliating Scrub, Body Firming Lotion, and 2 boxes of antioxidant-rich dark Ghirardelli chocolates.

Winner will be notified by email.
Good luck and best wishes!

 

merlot skin care, pinterest, valentines, contest

Planning your Halloween makeup? Make sure you’ve got an easy way to take it off!

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

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If you’ve been plotting your perfect Halloween outfit, you’ve probably got a plan for how to get just the right makeup look.  Whether you’re planning to go glittery or ghoulish, make sure you’ve got an extra skin saver in your makeup kit:  Merlot Lip Stain & Eye Makeup Remover.
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Heavy makeup can put extra wear and tear on skin, and getting it off can too often require rough scrubbing or applying extra-strength makeup removers.  Merlot’s formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, but strong enough to remove thick makeup.  The moisturizing formula removes makeup — including 24-hour lip stains and waterproof mascara — without being overly drying or oily.

So put your best face on for Halloween — and let Merlot help take it off.

Only $10 — Get it here!

 

5 Things You Might Not Know About Merlot Skin Care

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

vegan friendly, merlot skin care#1:  Vegan-friendly.  The Merlot Skin Care line doesn’t contain any animal products or byproducts.

#2:  Free of fragrance.  We use a light grapefruit masque that fades away after the product is applied.  Our hypoallergenic formulas steer clear of harsh fragrances.
no animal testing
#3:  No animal testing.  Merlot Skin Care products are cruelty-free and never tested on animals.

Cleanser fruits

#4:  Merlot products aren’t JUST about grapes.  Merlot’s Cleanser utilizes fantastic papaya, cucumber, and green apple extracts too!
flag, flowers, USA, made in USA
#5:  Made in the USA.  Merlot Skin Care’s products are all made in America.  We formulate and manufacture all our goods in the U.S.

How did you discover Merlot Skin Care?

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

Nora Roberts the villa grape seed romance skin careOur customers are the best, and they often get in touch to let us know how they found out about us. Recently a customer wrote in who discovered us through one of the most surprising ways we’ve heard — by way of a romance novel. While reading a Nora Roberts book, she came upon a section of the story where the characters are talking about grape seed-based skin care. Intrigued by the idea, she did some online searching and found Merlot!

 

 

 

 

Here’s an excerpt from the Nora Roberts novel “The Villa” :

“See, red wine contains antioxidants — polyphenols, and –“
“Maddy, I know about polyphenols.”
“Okay, okay. But see the seeds — and you ditch them during wine production — they have antioxidants. And that’s really good for the skin…”

So great to hear that these characters know how great grape seed antioxidants are!

Tell us — how did YOU hear about Merlot Skin Care?

 

6 Tips For A Stress-Free Spring

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

With spring in full bloom what better time to get stress-free? April is stress awareness month and it’s important to take note of the little factors that can cause big stresses in our lives.

More than just providing peace of mind, letting go of stress can actually lead to living a longer – and healthier – life.

How can you banish those negative stresses and get to a relaxed state of mind?

spring, running, stress, april, merlot skin care

Log some gym time

Doing 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise is not only good for your body, but for your mood too. Go for a walk or a run, tend to your garden, or jump into a spinning or Zumba class.

Have a good laugh

It’s long been said that laughter is the best medicine, and even the Mayo Clinic agrees that getting a good laugh in can help relieve tension and pain. Whether you check out your favorite stand-up’s latest comedy special or call your funniest friend, make sure you get those laughs in.

Get enough Zs

When we’re stressed it can have a big impact on our sleep, and without sleeping enough we’re ill-prepared to take on stressful situations. It’s a rough cycle. Make your environment as calm as possible a few hours before bedtime. Gradually unplugging from the day can let the body and mind relax and get to a state where you’re ready for sleep.

Turn it off

The many screens in our lives – computers, smart phones, TVs – all provide a lot of stimulation. This can make it hard to disconnect, let go, and unwind. Schedule some solid time each day free from devices, preferably in the evenings before bed.

Go Green

Making some small adjustments in your daily routine can make a big difference. Try trading in your afternoon coffee for a cup of green tea. Also, take some time out to show your skin some love – Merlot’s Purifying Peel Off Mask contains calming ginseng to help soothe and care for your skin.

Breathe

One of the easiest ways to get ourselves feeling calm once more is to take a few cleansing, clarifying deep breaths. Close your eyes and envision a calm place. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth three or four times, filling the lungs and then releasing the breath. When you open your eyes, hang onto the feeling of full lungs and a calm mind.

 

Spring Pin To Win Contest

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

UPDATE:  THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

We’re launching a special Spring Beauty Pinterest contest!

Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow Merlot Skin Care on Pinterest
2. Re-pin the image below and include the hashtag #MerlotSpringBeauty
3. Email a link to your pin

ONE lucky winner will receive the basket of Merlot Skin Care products pictured in the photo.
The prize package includes Merlot Moisturizer, Body Butter, and Grape Seed Eye Cream in a decorative basket.

Contest expires April 4, 2015.  Winners will be notified by email.
Good luck and best wishes!

merlot skin care, spring beauty, contest

Fresh For Spring: A New Formula For Healthy Hands

Posted on by Nicole Beckley

merlot skin care hand cream

Every day our hands touch hundreds of things – cell phones, keys, computers – all of which carry germs. To help keep these germs at bay Merlot Skin Care, the best-selling natural grape seed-based skin care brand, has released a new and improved formula for its Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer.

Unlike sanitizers that can leave hands feeling sticky or dry, Merlot Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer is a unique ultra-moisturizing lotion. The formula works to eliminate germs while softening skin, leaving hands feeling soft and healthy. While constantly washing your hands can leave skin dry and cracked, Merlot Hand Cream does double-duty – sanitizing while also providing a deep level of moisture.

Merlot’s Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer goes one step further, helping hands not only stay healthy, but look healthy too. “Our hands show our true age,” says Wayne Beckley, founder of Merlot Skin Care, “Merlot’s Hand Cream not only keeps skin soft, but it also works to fade age spots and keep hands looking younger.”

Utilizing aloe, matricaria flower, and grape seed extract Merlot Hand Cream soothes and protects skin with natural antioxidants and SPF, blocking damaging free radicals.

Merlot Hand Cream Plus Sanitizer retails for $10.00 at merlotskincare.com