My Métier d’Excellence
I’m the Head of Brand Research Portfolio at LVMH Recherche. My role is to coordinate all the expertise we have for a cosmetics product. This involves numerous exchanges with our experts to create a product that meets the needs of different LVMH Maisons. Our exchanges go both ways. Since we closely follow the key issues and advances in cosmetics research we brief the brands on new developments. And sometimes it’s the Maisons who come to us, for new product launches, for example.
The most important things you need for this métier
Passion and curiosity are essential to always push further, always try to do better and meet ambitious technological challenges. You also need to know the different areas of cosmetics research to harmoniously coordinate them, just like an orchestra conductor with the musicians. My background has proved useful since I trained as a chemist, and I’ve been with the LVMH Group for 23 years. So I’ve had time to gain experience in many different facets of cosmetics formulation and research.
What I love most about my métier
I love working with people who have a passion for what they do. And I especially love the fact that not a day goes by when I don’t learn something new in my work. Even after 23 years there’s always a new challenge.
Passing on the métier to new generations
This is absolutely essential, because you need a strong technical foundation to work in research. That’s why I share what I know with new generations whenever possible. I also try to pass on things you don’t learn in school, the artistic dimension of our métier. You need this sensibility, coupled with science, to create cosmetics products, and this doesn’t always come naturally for people with a scientific background. I really try to encourage this as much as possible with everyone.
My advice for someone starting out in this profession
Take chances and don’t be afraid to fail, because it’s only by trying again and again that you’ll ultimately find the right solution, especially in the world of science.