Smart Beauty Study 2006
Beauty products play a significant role in African-American women’s lives and help shape their perceptions of themselves.

• 42% of African American women say they are one of the first of their friends/family to try new beauty products 
• 38% of African American women say friends and family come to them for beauty advice 
• 33% of African American women spend $50 or more per month on beauty products and cosmetics 
• 51% say ESSENCE is the most popular magazine for beauty information 

Cover Girl - Product Testing 2006
Essence readers give the royal thumbs up to the new Cover Girl Queen Collection Oil-Free Liquid Makeup (August 2006 issue)

• 84% were satisfied with the new collection
• 80% said they would likely purchase it
• 79% of respondents agreed that the CGQC foundation is lightweight makeup that is expertly matched to the spectrum of AA women

Hair Study, March 2005
Physical hair concerns are more important than styling concerns

• 60% indicated dryness and breakage as major hair concerns while one in ten had hair styling concerns
• Most respondents change their hairstyle every 3 to 4 months at the most

• 80% get your information on hair care products from magazines
• After hair stylists, magazines are most likely to be identified as the primary source of information on hair care products (30%)

Youth Study, March 2005
Young panelists are independent, career focused and success oriented

• 85% are employed full/part-time for a company
• 12% already work for themselves--a possible indicator of their entrepreneurial spirit

• 90% say they read ESSENCE primarily because it keeps them aware of what's happening in the African-American community
• 42% tear out advertisements related to beauty and save them as a reference, share with a friend or go to a website for more information