Executive Summary

This case study explores the collaboration between Kitsters and Elf Cosmetics for the launch of Elf's new lip oil product. By incorporating interactive DIY stations, particularly a custom bedazzling experience, Kitsters helped Elf create a memorable event that generated authentic content and increased online impressions through influencer engagement.

Client Overview

Elf Cosmetics, known for affordable, high-quality beauty products with a playful brand identity, sought to create buzz around their new lip oil product launch. The brand wanted to differentiate this launch from standard beauty events by creating interactive experiences that would resonate with their target audience and encourage organic social sharing.

Challenge

Elf Cosmetics faced several challenges with their launch event:

• Creating an event that would stand out in the saturated beauty market
• Encouraging authentic content creation from influencers beyond standard product photos
• Aligning the interactive elements with their glittery, playful brand aesthetic
• Maximizing online impressions through voluntary influencer engagement

Solution: The Kitsters Approach

Kitsters designed a comprehensive experiential strategy centered around interactive DIY stations that complemented Elf's new lip oil product and glittery brand aesthetic:

Custom Bedazzling Station

The centerpiece of the event was a custom bedazzling station where influencers could personalize items with crystals, glitter, and embellishments that matched the lip oil's aesthetic. Kitsters:

• Curated high-quality bedazzling materials that aligned with Elf's color palette and glittery theme
• Created instructional guides and provided expert assistance
• Designed the station layout to be highly photogenic and social media-friendly
• Offered personalized lip oil holders that influencers could bedazzle to create a functional keepsake

Additional Interactive Elements

Beyond the main bedazzling station, Kitsters implemented:

• Custom content creation backdrops optimized for social media sharing
• Product testing areas with professional lighting for trying the new lip oil
• Interactive photo opportunities that incorporated the bedazzled creations

Implementation

Kitsters managed all aspects of the experiential stations:

• Sourced all materials and designed custom kits for the bedazzling activity
• Trained staff to assist influencers with their creations
• Set up stations to maximize flow and encourage social interaction
• Created informational materials about both the DIY process and the new lip oil product
• Coordinated with Elf's marketing team to ensure brand consistency throughout

Results

The collaboration between Kitsters and Elf Cosmetics produced exceptional results:

Influencer Engagement

• 100% participation rate among invited influencers at the bedazzling station
• Average time spent at DIY stations: 23 minutes (significantly higher than standard product demonstrations)
• 87% of influencers posted content specifically featuring their bedazzled creations

Content Creation & Social Media Impact

• Generated 350+ unique pieces of influencer-created content
• Increased Instagram impressions by 43% compared to previous product launches
• 32% higher engagement rate on posts featuring the DIY elements versus standard product shots
• Created an authentic branded hashtag movement as influencers shared their unique bedazzled creations

Brand Perception

• Post-event surveys showed 94% of attendees rated the experience as "extremely memorable"
• Brand association with "creativity" and "innovation" increased by 27% among the target demographic

Key Success Factors

Several elements contributed to the campaign's success:

• Alignment with brand identity: The bedazzling activity perfectly complemented Elf's glittery aesthetic and the lip oil's visual appeal
• Genuine engagement: Influencers were genuinely interested in the DIY activity, leading to authentic enthusiasm in their content
• Unique content opportunities: The bedazzled creations gave influencers something exclusive to share beyond standard product photos
• Professional implementation: Kitsters' expertise ensured smooth execution and high-quality materials
• Shareable moments: The entire experience was designed with social media sharing in mind

Testimonials

"The Kitsters bedazzling station completely transformed our launch event. Not only did every single influencer participate, but they genuinely enjoyed the experience and created content that exceeded our expectations. The authentic enthusiasm translated into significantly higher engagement rates for our lip oil launch." - Marketing Director, Elf Cosmetics

"This was one of the most memorable beauty events I've attended. Instead of just taking the same product shots as everyone else, I got to create something unique that my followers loved seeing. The bedazzling activity was so on-brand for Elf and made the lip oil launch stand out from everything else in my feed." - Beauty Influencer (1.2M followers)

Conclusion

The partnership between Kitsters and Elf Cosmetics demonstrates how interactive, thoughtfully designed DIY experiences can transform a standard product launch into a memorable event that generates authentic content and meaningful engagement. By creating an activity that perfectly aligned with Elf's brand identity and provided unique content opportunities, Kitsters helped achieve 100% influencer participation and significantly increased online impressions for the new lip oil product.

This case study illustrates the power of experiential marketing when executed with a deep understanding of brand values, influencer motivations, and content creation opportunities. The bedazzling station wasn't just an activity—it was a strategic content generator that produced measurable results while enhancing the overall brand experience.