Georgette Mosbacher, left, and The
Connection’s Pat Volchok compare
notes at Costco.
FRANCE FREEMAN
Costco teams with Borghese
for an exquisite skin-care line.
In cosmetics, standards are important,
I’ve learned. Manufacturers may use any
ingredient or raw material, except for color
additives and a few prohibited substances, to
manufacture a cosmetic product. No government review or approval is needed. There are
also no federal standards or definitions governing the use of cosmetic terms. The Food
and Drug Administration steps in, after the
fact, only if a cosmetic contains ingredients
thought to pose a health hazard or if it is
advertised as a drug.
By Pat Volchok Because of this lack of governmental
BORGHESE COSMETICS have always been a its roots to the Italian spa heritage of ancient oversight, I feel it is especially important for
favorite of mine. The products provide a regal Tuscany. This tradition of using curative consumers to purchase products from rep-feel, give me the look I’m after, don’t inexpli- botanicals, minerals and therapeutic waters utable cosmetics manufacturers only. To go a
cably deteriorate and never irritate my skin. beginning so many centuries ago makes step further, I suggest considering only those
On the downside, Borghese is known for Borghese the pedigreed cosmetics and skin- brands that routinely test all ingredients (not
its exclusivity to fine retailers—and its high care authority that it is today. on animals) at independent testing services,
prices. This is why I was stunned to learn Georgette Mosbacher, Borghese chair- follow the strict cosmetics dictates laid out by
about Costco’s recent launch of Kirkland woman, CEO and president, recently visited the European Union and numerous Asian
Signature™ by Borghese cosmetics. Costco’s corporate headquarters near Seattle. countries, and have a proven track record.
“Such a co-branding was highly improba- At our meeting, she told me, “Make no mis- Kirkland Signature by Borghese is such a gold
ble in the industry even just a few years ago,” take, Kirkland Signature by Borghese is standard.
says Erin Medved, Costco’s beauty-care buyer. Borghese through and through. As a matter Here’s a look at the entire line.
“Yet, here we are today, offering members of fact, the exclusive formulations, complete
world-renowned, luxurious Borghese skin- with botanical extracts, vitamins and skin Skin-Care Collection
care and color collections under our trusted softeners, are produced in the same U.S. facil- The five products in the skin-care collec-private label at previously unimagined savings.” ities as classic Borghese. This guarantees the tion are suitable for women and men of all skin
