The Evolution of My Foundation

As I feel an explanation is required, this time it’s a peep behind the scenes at Uncover! And following that more specifically about the arduous delivery of the foundation.

Surprisingly enough I have very little to do with networking, accounts, annual reviews, marketing strategies, stock control, meetings with suppliers and similar troubles. But, although I enjoy researching and writing my blogs the most, I am unable to escape the business aspects of my work and much has been learned by trial and error. I have also come across a lot of obstacles during the development of my foundation, resulting in the planned launch of this product in 2014 still yet to come to fruition. This has led to many mails, letters and tweets from people asking the question “where is the foundation?” and bags under the eyes for me from all the sleepless nights.

How the idea came about..
Those who read my blog regularly, will know that I take a critical approach to the ingredients used in skincare products. That means no irritating ingredients which do nothing for the skin but definitely the active ingredients which have been independently scientifically proven to have a beneficial effect on the skin. I received comments from lots of concerned users, rightly so, that they thought it was a waste to use good skincare products and then applying a layer of rubbish over the top. It’s a bit like spending 3 hours in the kitchen preparing a meal with quinoa, cabbage, soya and chia seeds only to follow it with a chocolate éclair.

So the idea was born: there was the need for a foundation which felt super, gave a lovely, radiant and light cover without blocking pores and an ingredients list which omitted irritating ingredients and contained many active ingredients. A piece of cake, I thought, as the formula was clear in my head! The first manufacturers I approached (and these were no small fry, going by all of the extremely expensive pots of well-known brands in the display cabinet) thought I was crazy. However, after an extensive search I had found one who wanted to join me on the adventure! I handed over my ingredients list and they got to work on it. After a couple of months I received the first samples, a truly splendid foundation… But after two and a half months in the heating cabinet at 40 degrees Celsius my lovely product curdled! Formula adjusted, tried again, formula adjusted again six months later but eventually it was right. That was the moment when I happily announced that it really was on its way.

Until one day, which I like to forget about, I had one last thorough check of the ingredients list on the final version. Thought that this was really it when I saw, in spite of my request, that there was a preservative in it which I didn’t want. Although the manufacturer tried to convince me that it really was very safe and used in many products, I wasn’t to be persuaded. It needed to go! The consequence, the whole performance had to start again from scratch. And when we thought it was going to be okay, it curdled again at the end of the 3 month trial period in the heating cabinet. But perseverance won through, and on a beautiful day I got the message that it had finally worked and a stable formula had been produced. One that goes on smoothly, looks super on the skin and also contains enough active ingredients.

Subsequently came the second problem, the packaging. In order to maintain the active ingredients effectiveness, I wanted it in an airtight dispenser (a bottle which allows as little oxygen as possible to come into contact with the product). I’ll give you a little snapshot, it’s not all positive! I’ve seen hundreds of dispensers but found them too long, impractical, bulky or just plain awful. Until I came across the one. The new formula still had to be tested in the container. This all went well until after 3 months it appeared that the pumping action didn’t work as well. Mmmm. In the meantime I had ordered thousands of bottles! I’ll spare you all the details but can tell you that after much careful attention, aggravation and despair the problem has been solved and we do have a new functioning, attractive packaging. On top of this, with a shelf life of 6 months! Fortunately the foundation sailed smoothly through the bacterial and dermatological testing.

Then there was another obstacle to overcome, the sample packaging. If you sell online it is important that you are able to offer a tester. Seeing the necessity for an airtight container, I also wanted mini black matte airtight dispensers for this. After a mammoth search we have found a super example, which is also available in black and without the need to order 500,000 straight off. Now we just have to hope it comes through the test phase successfully! And following that I be able to order them and all the packaging can be printed! And then, then you can finally try it…..

Some more good news, there are also two lovely powders to go with the foundation. A transparent one which will make your skin super smooth and soft, and a bronzing powder which will give you a lovely radiant glow. The powders are ready for transportation to the distribution centre. I am so pleased with them.

Regards Jetske

Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology