Summertime is the season when women use less makeup and with the downturn in the economy that could mean even lower sales this next quarter. However, by promoting the right products you can help recover, or even increase your summer cosmetics sales! Here are five products to focus on promoting this summer.

1. Nail Polish

Overall cosmetic and toiletry sales were down by 0.8% last year. But nail polish is the only cosmetic to see a double digit increase  – 14.3% since last year –  because many women are giving themselves manicures and pedicures at home and skipping pricey salon visits. Summer is also the season when nails see the most exposure, so make sure your consumers have plenty of bright summer shades to choose from.

2. Bronzer and Sunless Tanners

Sun-kissed skin is always a fashionable look and is especially sought after in summer months. Stock your shelves with sunless tanner products since consumers often want to give their tans a jump start before appearing at the beach or pool in their swim suits. Bronzers also contribute to looking more tanned and summery so be sure to have plenty on hand.

3. Lip Protection

Frequent sun exposure can cause burnt, chapped, and uncomfortable lips. Make sure you are promoting lip products with SPF, aloe, and other cooling/healing ingredients. Lip balms are among consumers’ top impulse purchases, so make sure to have a display somewhere near checkout as a reminder for them.

4. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have when the summer months roll around because skin protection is important, not just for women, but for the whole family. Have a wide variety of sunscreens to choose from and feature them prominently in your store and remind associates to suggest it with every other summer-type purchase.

5. Moisturizers

Consumers have more exposed skin in summer than any other time of year. After all of the sun’s exposure to bare skin, you can bet your consumers will want to keep their skin hydrated. Moisturizers that contain sunless tanner are great to promote because your consumers get two products in one, making them feel the great value of the product.

We all know by now that sunscreen is a must, but many people are unaware of just how much to apply. You need about a teaspoon for your face, and a shot glass for your body. It’s a lot of rubbing in, but it’s necessary to get the coverage you need. And don’t forget to protect your lips. We like Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipcolor. It has an SPF of 15, and with 56 shades every woman is bound to find her perfect color. It also moisturizes like a lip balm, so you don’t have to worry about the heat parching your lips.

This article was written by Kristen Jason at Cosmetic Promotions. For more information on Cosmetic Promotions, please check out their website www.cosproagency.com or contact Kristen direct at kcopeland@cosmeticpromotions.com.

It’s no secret that mineral makeup is great for the skin. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup not only has vitamins and minerals to nourish your skin, it has an SPF 20 to protect it as well. This foundation can be very subtle, or can be built up to medium coverage.

The brush on this foundation is truly a help for the makeup challenged; it makes application precise and blends flawlessly. You just turn it like you would a self- sharpening eyeliner, and the product flows into the brush!

Neutrogena infused this foundation with minerals and antioxidants to improve the texture and clarity of our skin. We noticed an improvement after a week of use.

Those of you with problem skin will be especially happy to know that this foundation is oil and fragrance free.

This article was written by Kristen Jason at Cosmetic Promotions. For more information on Cosmetic Promotions, please check out their website www.cosproagency.com or contact Kristen direct at kcopeland@cosmeticpromotions.com.