Vintage makeup products offer a unique niche in the vast realm of the beauty industry. It is full of possibilities.
Venturing into a vintage makeup business not only appeals to makeup enthusiasts but also to those fascinated by the glamour of the past.
This blog post will guide you through starting your own vintage makeup business, focusing on the classic eras between the 1920s and 1960s. We’ll explore popular products and container types from these eras. Know where to source beauty products and help you create an authentic and appealing range.
Establish Your Makeup Products Brand Identity
Create a unique brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This includes developing a compelling brand name, logo, packaging, and messaging that reflects your brand values. Your brand identity should set you apart in the competitive makeup landscape.
Source Wholesale Vintage Makeup Products
Sourcing quality makeup products at wholesale prices is crucial for your business’s success. Research reputable wholesale makeup suppliers or distributors known for their high-quality makeup products. Establish relationships with manufacturers or suppliers who offer a diverse range of makeup items while ensuring quality, consistency, and competitive pricing.
The Roaring Twenties (1920s)
Key 1920s Makeup Products:
The 1920s were all about the bold, dramatic look. Cupid’s bow lips, dark eyeshadows, and rosy cheeks were in vogue. Start by introducing lipsticks in deep reds and plums. Kohl eyeliners for the smokey eye effect and rouge in compact or cream form for cheeks will be essential.
1920s Cosmetic Containers
The packaging was often simple yet elegant. Metal and enameled compacts, slender lipstick tubes, and glass bottles for liquid products were common. You could recreate these with a modern twist, maintaining the vintage charm.
The Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s-1940s)
Key 1930s-1940s Makeup Products
The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of Hollywood glamour. Foundation became popular, so offering cream foundations that provide a matte finish would be a hit. Red lipsticks continued to dominate, but with a wider range of shades. Mascara, introduced in cake form, can be an intriguing product to bring back.
1930s-40s Cosmetic Containers
This era saw more ornate and decorative packaging. Compacts became more elaborate, often featuring intricate designs, and lipsticks came in luxurious cases. Reproducing these designs can add an authentic touch to your product line.
The Post-War Boom (1950s)
Key 1950s Makeup Products
The 1950s were all about bold and colorful looks. Think of introducing eyeshadows in bright pastel shades, liquid eyeliners for the perfect wing, and of course, the quintessential red lipstick but in brighter shades. Powder compacts and liquid foundation should also be part of your collection.
1950s Cosmetic Containers
Plastic became more common in this era. However, the design remained chic and stylish. Compacts with dual compartments and beautifully designed lipstick cases can be a part of your vintage-inspired packaging.
Swinging Sixties (1960s)
Key 1960s Makeup Products
The 1960s were revolutionary in makeup. This era was about pale foundations, pastel eyeshadows (think blues and greens), and lots of mascaras or false lashes for the dramatic eye look. Lipsticks were paler, in shades of pink and coral.
60s Makeup Containers
Packaging became more playful and colorful in the 60s. Think of incorporating pop-art or geometric patterns into your product packaging to capture the essence of this decade.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
Ensure compliance with legal obligations and industry standards. This involves obtaining necessary licenses, adhering to health and safety regulations, and understanding product labeling and packaging requirements specific to the makeup industry.
Marketing and Promotion Strategies
Implement effective marketing strategies to increase brand visibility and attract customers. Utilize social media marketing, influencer collaborations, email marketing, and SEO strategies to reach a wider audience. Offering promotions, discounts, and creating captivating content can also drive customer engagement
Create an Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is vital for success. Develop an e-commerce website showcasing your makeup products, along with engaging content and user-friendly navigation. Utilize social media platforms to build a community, showcase your products, and engage with potential customers.
Having your own website to directly sell your vintage makeup products and also to just blog about it can be a real game changer. Platforms like Shopify and WordPress ( with ecommerce plugin Woo Commerce installed) are commonly used.
WordPress may often prove to be more economical than Shopify, though this hinges on the hosting provider you select, the plugins you use, and similar factors. Also there’s a bigger learning curve required.
Know the Competition
Like all great ideas, someone else has inevitably done the same thing. This is good. Reputable brands like Besame Cosmetics have helped create the market. They can only serve as an inspiration for your own vintage beauty brand.
Conclusion
Starting a vintage makeup business is not just about selling products; it’s about recreating and celebrating the beauty trends of bygone eras. It’s essential to research extensively and maybe even collaborate with makeup historians or enthusiasts. Remember, authenticity is key, but so is quality. Make sure your products are not just visually appealing but also meet modern standards of safety and performance.
Feel free to reach out to BeautySourcing for guidance and quality wholesale makeup products to kick start your business journey.
That’s all ! © Glamourdaze. Images from DepositPhotos