Product Development Associate - Lip

Location: Must be in the Los Angeles area at the time of submitting your resume. Resumes from other regions will not be considered. Overview Our client, a global leader in the beauty industry, is seeking a Product Development Associate to support its Color Cosmetics team, with a primary focus on the Lip category. This position is ideal for a beauty enthusiast passionate about makeup artistry, texture innovation, and bringing best‑in‑class cosmetic products to market. What You’ll Do Support the development of new lip products from concept through commercialization. Draft detailed technical and creative product development briefs for laboratory partners, outlining performance expectations, shade direction, benchmarks, and aesthetic goals. Evaluate laboratory formula submissions for texture, payoff, wear, comfort, application, fragrance, and overall product performance. Provide detailed feedback to internal and external laboratories on formula improvements and product optimization. Direct shade development by recommending adjustments to undertones, pigmentation, and color matching across a broad range of skin tones to ensure inclusive shade offerings. Maintain organized records of all formula submissions, revisions, approvals, and feedback throughout the development process. Coordinate internal panel testing to evaluate product performance, comfort, application, and consumer preference. Conduct ongoing competitive product benchmarking and market research across the global beauty landscape. Monitor emerging beauty trends, viral products, social media conversations, and ingredient innovations to identify future product opportunities. Present trend reports, color palettes, texture innovations, and competitive insights to Product Development and Marketing teams. Collaborate cross‑functionally with Packaging, Regulatory, Marketing, and Laboratory partners to successfully launch new products. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetology, Marketing, Business, or another related scientific or creative discipline. 2–4 years of experience in cosmetic product development. Strong understanding of color cosmetics; experience evaluating cosmetic formulas and product performance. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple product development projects simultaneously. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment. Preferred Direct experience developing lip products. Experience within prestige beauty, cosmetics, or personal care brands. Beauty retail experience. Knowledge of professional makeup artistry and color theory. Experience collaborating with cosmetic laboratories and contract manufacturers. What We’re Looking For Someone who lives and breathes beauty, with a passion for color cosmetics and an eye for texture and formula performance. Strong eye for color and comfortable evaluating subtle differences in undertones, pigmentation, finish, and wear. Enjoy collaborating with both technical and creative teams and equally comfortable discussing formulation details with chemists as presenting trend insights to marketers. Curious, proactive, highly organized, and excited to help create innovative products that delight consumers and set new standards in the beauty industry. Additional Information Reports to the Senior Manager, Product Development. Primary focus on the Lip category within Color Cosmetics. Requires excellent visual color perception (a color vision assessment may be required). Opportunity to work closely with leading laboratories and cross‑functional partners throughout the entire product development lifecycle. Ideal for candidates passionate about beauty trends, product innovation, and creating inclusive, high‑performing cosmetic products. Aquent is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aquent