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Case Studies / Sleek MakeUP

Sleek MakeUP – Retail strategy for a highly pigmented range of cosmetic products

About Sleek MakeUP

Sleek MakeUP launched in 1985 and creates a highly pigmented range of products for all skin tones. Inclusivity and diversity has always been at the core of the brand, and the team continues to champion this today. Following years of success on the UK high street, Sleek MakeUP became part of the Boots family in 2015. It is now sold in 15 countries and over 2,200 stores globally.

Sleek MakeUP was one of The Red Tree’s earliest clients.

A colour cosmetics brand aimed at the Afro-Caribbean market, Sleek was privately owned. It sold through informal retailers rather than major national retail chains. Its competition was brands similarly targeting ethnic consumers. The brand enjoyed strong gross margins, as Sleek MakeUP was one of the first beauty brands to take advantage of manufacturing in China.

What did we do?

The brand's founders knew that the route to growth, and an eventual sale, was to secure listings in major beauty retailers. Sleek MakeUP engaged The Red Tree to develop a retail strategy. This timed, strategic plan aimed to move the brand away from its historical retail environment and into national distribution through a listing in either Boots or Superdrug.

The retail strategy covered all areas of activity, including marketing investment, pricing, promotions, and communication. This enabled the Sleek commercial team to present a detailed listing proposal, which Superdrug accepted. Following years of success on the UK high street, Boots acquired Sleek MakeUP in 2015.

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