It is not every day when the number on cosmetics brand launches in Zimbabwe. This is exactly what happened on 10^th December 2014 at the Glasshouse in Borrowdale. One of the world’s most renowned beauty brand’s  hosted an intimate Zimbabwean  launch and is now available in selected stores around Harare.

The famous brand  formed way back in 1915 and has established itself as a leading cosmetics company. Known for its affordability and quality. An interesting thing I learnt at the Zimbabwean launch was the history of the name , “Maybelline” . The creator of Maybelline ,  Tom Lyle Williams was just 19 years old when  in he noticed his older sister Mabel applying a mixture of Vaseline and coal dust to her eyelashes to give them a darker, fuller look. He adapted it with a chemistry set and produced a product sold locally called lash-in-brow-line. Many many years later,  Maybelline has expanded to include a wide range of products ranging from lipstick, mascara and mousse.  In 1996 the  company was acquired by L’Oréal in 1996. Acquiring Maybelline gave L’Oréal access to mass markets in cosmetics.

The stunning Glasshouse

I attended the elegant event with the Teapot Team as our cameras captured all the special moments. From the mystical lighting to the tasty treats and make up fun. The night was worth it and was undeniably every bit of glamour and sophistication. Natasha Lopes, Marketing co-ordinator of L’Oreal and Maybelline Southern Africa shared with us the new darker shades and make up available in Zimbabwe. Maybelline caters for all skin types and climates adding to its appeal. The products available in Zimbabwe take into account the climate and humidity levels . As this international  brand expands to Africa, it is evident that Africa is playing an important market role globally . Africa has been identified as one of the key emerging markets and Maybelline is joining the band wagon of international companies investing in the content.  Maybelline New York is now available in South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

I attended the elegant event with the Teapot Team as our cameras captured all the special moments. From the mystical lighting to the tasty treats and make up fun. The night was worth it and was undeniably every bit of glamour and sophistication. Natasha Lopes, Marketing co-ordinator of L’Oreal and Maybelline Southern Africa shared with us the new darker shades and make up available in Zimbabwe. Maybelline caters for all skin types and climates adding to its appeal. The products available in Zimbabwe take into account the climate and humidity levels . As this international  brand expands to Africa, it is evident that Africa is playing an important market role globally . Africa has been identified as one of the key emerging markets and Maybelline is joining the band wagon of international companies investing in the content.  Maybelline New York is now available in South Africa, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Africa is a key  emerging market for international brands

General Manager of L’Oreal/Maybelline Emerging markets, Alain Dufour was kind enough to allow me to interview him on the Zimbabwean Launch. Dufour pointed out the potential of Zimbabwe especially due to the dollarization of the Zimbabwean economy. He highlighted not just the market in Zimbabwe but the products available especially the famous “Dream Matte Mousse” which is now available to women in Zimbabwe.  I am yet to try the Dream Matte Mousse however , my step mother assures me she really enjoys using it.  While I am a supporter of all things local such as Langa Cosmetics and Vault Cosmetics. It is promising and exciting to witness an international brand acknowledging the Zimbabwean market and offering women a wider variety of both local and international brands.

Make-up By Gamu

Make up by Gamu was one of the make-up artists participating at  the event and guests were able to go WILD with all the Maybelline make up and experiment with the different products. Gamu explained the importance of investing in quality make up which sometimes isn’t that expensive. The one thing I love about the Maybelline products is how soft they are on your skin. It is easy to apply and one cannot help but feel the quality of it. I have been absolutely obsessed with their lipsticks. I have been using both the Plum Paradise and Red Revival Colour Sensational lipstick. Not only is it easy to apply and quite long lasting but they smell delicious. The scent and texture not only moisturizes your lips but leaves your lips tasting as good as they look…mmmmm.

Maybelline New York Red Revival Colour Sensational Lipstick

Overall it was an exciting evening and encouraging to see international names investing in Zimbabwe.  The teapot will be featuring the highlights of the event and I cannot wait to see the footage. The Maybelline team were an absolute joy to be around and their excitement for their products is well understood.

If you are looking for Maybelline products around Zimbabwe this is where you can find them:

1. 1.Kensignton Pharmacy
2. Ballantyne Pharmacy
3. Arundel Pharmacy
4. Bon Marche Brooke
5. Bon Marche Chisi

Rocking this brand, will leave people asking, “Maybe she is born with it. Maybe it is Maybelline.”