Monday 5 August 2013

Cosmetic Vending Machines...yay or nay?

I've recently spied a few blog posts popping up on cosmetic vending machines and thought I would do a little research into it. 

Although some brands have been offering this in airports for years, Benefit are the latest company to jump on the bandwagon. The "Glam Up & Away" makeup vending machine is currently only available in the US in JFK, Austin and Las Vegas airports but there are plans for at least 20 more in several other US airports. The machines sell 30 of Benefit's most popular products including They're Real Mascara and the POREfessional.

“It’s sexy, fun and an innovative new way to introduce our instant beauty solutions and ‘laughter is the best cosmetic’ brand motto to hundreds of millions of travelers that fly each year.” Says Julie Bell, EVP Global Marketing at Benefit Cosmetics.

I really hope we get something like this in our UK airports. It's a fantastic idea for make up on the go, if you've forgotten that one item that is still sitting on your dressing table at home or if you have had items confiscated at the security check points. Better still, it would be great if they could introduce these to towns in the UK which currently don't have a Benefit store or concession within a department store. I for one could see one of these in the middle of West Quay in Southampton or Chapelfields in Norwich.

My only concerns are, what would happen if you paid and then your product got stuck, dangling on the edge of the dispenser teasing you? It's OK if it's an 85p chocolate bar (you can almost let it go) but if it was a £23 Fine One One or £18 They're Real, I would be shaking it until it plopped down or sticking my hand up there to pull it out!

Also, I would be concerned that it a bought a powder, when it came down it would end up in pieces. Packaging would have to be reinforced or changed to be able to cope with the fall.

In theory, I really like the idea, I think it's a novel way of introducing beauty on the go and a clever marketing strategy. If I was lucky enough to visit an airport that had one I would definitely try it out, but part of me thinks that you just cant beat popping along to a counter, swatching your heart away and chatting with friendly Benefit staff.

What do you think to this idea? Would you try it? Have you seen one of these before?

10 comments:

  1. A very big yay! Make up at your convenience? Why not!

    Donna xx
    www.polkadot-pink.com

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  2. It's definitely a fun novelty and great if you already know the products. I don't think it's much good if you haven't recently visited the counter/ are a regular benefit user as you wouldn't be able to swatch the products first.

    Nadia

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    1. I agree, it's not worth paying those prices for something that you don't know will be right for you, but definitely great if you know what you're after.

      x

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  3. I think the idea is amazing but I agree I'd be worried about breakage ect. also whats the returns policy on it? lol!

    Jamie-Lee | Glitter Infatuation | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog!

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  4. I've heard rumours of this and thought it wasn't true?! Thank you very much for doing the research pretty much for me.
    I too have similar concerns, particularly about powders etc. Maybe they will invest a little bit more and get a fancy one tat grabs the product and places it in the bottom?!


    oOo Becky oOo

    BKY Bubble oOo Beauty, Life, Baby, Bits & Bobs

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    1. Oooh yes, that would be a better idea. I wonder if that would be cheaper than investing in hardier packaging!

      x

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  5. I do like the idea of it but I prefer a more general one - there was a promotion in one of our chemists here at the weekend that allowed you a go on a beauty grabber machine when you spent over a certain amount of money in store - every go won something and there were some great stuff like Apocalips, mascaras, etc - from loads of different brands!

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to have a go on that! It's great that there was a prize everytime!

      x

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  6. Cool idea but only for liquid as id worry powders would crack and agree with them getting stuck too!Beth
    BethMayBlogs

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