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Thursday, January 24, 2008

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Clinique finds market wrinkle to fill

Clinique cosmetics tube

Cosmetics maker Clinique is teaming up with Botox maker Allergan to sell a product line exclusively for use in doctors' offices. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Clinique cosmetics tube (Clinique)

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TEXT OF STORY

KAI RYSSDAL: Next time you're in a department store, browse the skincare area for a second, and you'll notice the Clinique salespeople are always dressed in white coats -- gives them something of a medical appearance. Today Clinique announced it really is moving into the doctor's office. The company is teaming up with Botox-maker Allergan for its latest product line.

Ashley Milne-Tyte reports, Clinique has seen a wrinkle in the market it's only too happy to fill.


ASHLEY MILNE-TYTE: Clinique and Allergan won't reveal details about their new skincare line. What's clear is that these aren't your usual lotions and potions. They're designed to treat the skin before and after non-surgical treatments like Botox and Restalyne. Lynne Green is global president of Clinique. She says the beauty business is changing.

LYNNE GREEN: The wrinkle that you have on Tuesday does not have to be there on Wednesday.

Greene says Clinique wants to serve customers heading to the dermatologist for a quick fix via a laser or a filler. It's a wise move says Wendy Liebmann, CEO of WSL Strategic Retail.

WENDY LIEBMANN: That has become the sort of efficient way for people to treat their skin instantly, and in some ways, if not careful, it could take business away from the traditional retail brands.

The market for skincare sold through doctor's offices is $238 million, and growing fast. Wendy Liebmann says more and more women and men pay for non-surgical treatments each year. The cosmetics business, on the other hand, has been struggling lately.

LIEBMANN: So this is another way to sort of create brands that are much more relevant, and building on trends that are already in the marketplace.

She expects other brands to follow Clinique's lead.

In New York, I'm Ashley Milne-Tyte for Marketplace.

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