Bonne Bell
| Private | |
| Industry | Cosmetics |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Key people | Jesse Bell, founder |
| Slogan | "Building brands is our business" |
| Website |
www |
Bonne Bell is a cosmetics company which focuses on products targeting tweens. The company was best known for its astringent face cleanser, 10-0-6 lotion. Originally marketed as an all-purpose freshener, it later became popular as a treatment for acne, and was flanked with new formulas for oily and sensitive skin. 10-0-6 was discontinued in 1998, but has been relaunched as "Ten-O-Six". Bonne Bell has also expanded into an entire range of makeup products, the most famous of which was Lip Smackers.
History
Bonne Bell was founded in 1927 in Lakewood, Ohio by cosmetics salesman Jesse Bell, who named it after his daughter.[1] Bell made his products on a hot plate in his basement and then sold his skin care products door to door.[2]
In 2007 the company largely relocated to Australia, and reduced American domestic representation. The relocation was largely at the request of the Vice President of Ideation, Hilary Bell to the then CMO, James Ward, in a bid to globalize the "Smackers" Brand. By 2009, the company had returned to the United States.
In January 2015, the company announced that the Bonne Bell and Lip Smackers brands would be acquired by Markwins International, though Bonne Bell will continue to distribute other brands in Europe, Asia, and Australia under the name Bell Family Brands.[3] In accordance, the company also announced the partial closure of its headquarters effective March 2015.[4] Bill George, CEO of Markwins International, who owns Wet 'N' Wild and Physicians Formula, stated that they would focus exclusively to the ages of 6-16, adding and refusing to acknowledge women in their thirties, forties, and beyond aren't going to keep Bonne Bell and Lip Smackers alive.[5]
Lip Smackers
In 1973 Bonne Bell introduced a flavored lip pomade called "Lip Smackers" aimed at the preteen market. The first flavors launched were strawberry, green apple, and orange chocolate.[6] Later flavors included watermelon and vanilla, among others. Some varieties are tinted, while others are frosted or glittery. By October 2012, an estimated 400 flavors of Lip Smackers were available for purchase.
Bonne Bell has partnered its Lip Smackers brand with many confectionery brands. In 1975, Bonne Bell created its first partnership with Dr. Pepper to create Dr Pepper scented lip balm.[7] Lip Smackers has also partnered with brands like Mars,[8] The Coca Cola Company,[9] and many Disney brands.[10]
In 2014, Swarovski partnered with Lip Smacker to produce three of their biggies, a larger version of a normal Lip Smacker covered in over five hundred genuine Swarovski crystals. The Swarovski Lip Smacker biggies were priced at $250.00 a balm, making them the most expensive lip product ever.
References
- ↑ "Encyclopedia of Cleveland History:BONNE BELL, INC". Ech.cwru.edu. 2003-08-18. Retrieved 2012-03-04.
- ↑ "The Bonne Bell Company F.A.Q". Retrieved 2015-02-01.
- ↑ "Bonne Bell Co. to close its operations in Westlake, sell iconic Lip Smacker brand". Crain's Cleveland Business. 2015-01-30. Retrieved 2015-02-01.
- ↑ "The Bonne Bell Co. is closing and employees will be laid off". 2015-01-30. Retrieved 2015-02-01.
- ↑ Spector, Nicole. "Lip Smacker's new owners tease plans for fresh flavors". Retrieved 2015-08-23.
- ↑ "A Tearful Good-bye to Bonne Bell Lip Smackers". Allure. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ "LipSmackers Timeline". Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ ""KISS THE RAINBOW, TASTE THE RAINBOW®" This Easter With New SKITTLES® And STARBURST® Brand Lip Smacker Trios". PR Newswire. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ "Brand Buddies - Coke". Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ "Brand Buddies - Disney". Retrieved 26 April 2016.
