Monocero
Member
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2021
- Location
- Warsaw, Poland
When we think about Polish cosmetics, the time of the communist occupation in 1945-1989 comes to the fore. The idea behind the communists is very popular nowadays, because it is shaped by the Chinese economy. It is produced as cheaply as possible and as much as possible, so that dubious quality products resembling luxury goods reach the working class, giving it a substitute for comfort. Just as now Chinese producers use expired patents and flood the world with low-quality counterfeit products, the economy operated in Poland in 1945-1989. Polish plants mass-produced cheap products that were widely available in large quantities for the average worker. Better quality products, more technologically advanced, or simply designer ones, had to be bought in Western Europe, the USA or Australia.
These dark (red) times ended with the political transformation in Poland after 1989 and the redirection of the socialist (communist) economy to a free market (capitalist) economy. In the period from 1989 to 2000, most production plants in Poland, which were unable to adapt to the new market rules of supply and demand, went bankrupt. In this way, many products that have been widely available for the last half-century and on which the present generation have grown up have disappeared.
Marketers very quickly realized that while the products from the communist era were of low quality, their brand recognition was very high. In this way, many brands and products from 1945-1989 were reactivated.
In the traditional shaving department, one of the two most recognizable brands of Polish cosmetics is LIDER. In this article, I would like to introduce readers to the product of aftershave.
1. HISTORY
LIDER aftershave is produced by Miraculum SA- which was founded in 1924 in Krakow by the doctor Dr. Leon Mirrors. It was one of the first cosmetic companies in Poland, next to companies such as Max Factor and Helena Rubinstein. MIRACULUM cosmetics have already been recognized at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1931, at which the Company received the GRAND PRIX. The innovative spirit of the founder of Miraculum allowed him to quickly conquer the cosmetics market - he was the first in Poland to use well-known and liked faces - celebrities of the time: Zofia Batycka - Miss Poland and Vice Miss Europe from 1930 and Hanka Ordonówna, the biggest star of the interwar period in Poland . In 1939, Dr. Luster sold his shares to Witold Böhm and left Poland. In the same year, the company changed its name to "Przemysł Lekarsko-Cosmetyczny MIRACULUM SA in Kraków".
After World War II, MIRACULUM became the property of the state, and the factory was merged with the Krakow F. Śmiechowski Factory, producing soaps and washing powders. After half a year of producing detergents, MIRACULUM switched to the production of cosmetics and systematically increased its production each year. Innovative care and perfumery preparations appeared on the market, the recipes of which were developed in our own research laboratory and, as reported in the MIRACULUM chronicles from that period - "made of the best domestic and, above all, foreign raw materials". In 1955, the appetite for "foreign luxury" was satisfied by the perfume "Tango", water for gentlemen "Bridge" and cosmetic powders in polystyrene boxes. In 1956, MIRACULUM introduces new products: mascara and luxurious perfumes in glass bottles. There is also a protective hand cream on the market - a cosmetic hit of the Polish People's Republic. In the 1960s, the MIRACULUM team was the first in Poland to develop and sell a liquid shampoo. Also for the first time in the country, the company uses ceramides, algae, liquid crystal structures and fruit acids in skin care creams. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. is the first company in Poland to develop and sell a liquid shampoo. Also for the first time in the country, the company uses ceramides, algae, liquid crystal structures and fruit acids in skin care creams. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. is the first company in Poland to develop and sell a liquid shampoo. Also for the first time in the country, the company uses ceramides, algae, liquid crystal structures and fruit acids in skin care creams. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics.
In 1989, when economic changes began in Poland, it was decided to privatize the factory. In 1996, the undertaken actions led to the transformation of FK MIRACULUM into a joint stock company. In February 2007, the company made its debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, and in December it merged with Grupa Kolastyna SA In the following years, the capital group takes over the company Unicolor SA with the brands: Tanita and Paloma and buys the brands: : Polish Flowers, Bio-Lift, Melisa, Active 90) and Makler. In 2010, the company gets into financial trouble and makes an arrangement with creditors. At the same time, the Management Board decides to sell the "Kolastyna" trademark and thoroughly restructure the company, thanks to which MIRACULUM is gradually rebuilding its position. In 2012, the group acquires Multicolor along with the make-up brands Joko and Virtual. In 2014, MIRACULUM is planning revenues at the level of PLN 48 million.
The current activity of the company focuses on the development and sale of modern preparations for skin care, hair removal, as well as perfumery and make-up cosmetics. Cosmetics are developed on the basis of the highest quality active ingredients, in accordance with the current trends in cosmetology. When creating new products, the Company closely cooperates with renowned laboratories and scientific institutions as well as specialists in the field of biology, cosmetology and dermatology. For the safety of consumers, the products are subject to dermatological and application tests carried out by specialized and independent institutions. Thanks to the combination of tradition and modernity, MIRACULUM guarantees high quality of preparations that are appreciated by successive generations of consumers. The portfolio includes the following brands: Miraculum, Tanita,Leader , Perhaps, Gracja, Mirasol, Paloma, Joko and Virtual. The company offers its products both in Poland and abroad.
2. LIDER - a brand with traditions
Lider is a Polish brand since 2007 belonging to Miraculum SA, the history of which dates back to the 20s of the last century. Lider products were often present in the bathrooms of our grandparents or fathers. However, thanks to their unquestionable virtues, they still have loyal admirers and constantly win over new ones. The products are developed in a modern laboratory in Krakow, and we can buy them in Poland and abroad.
Every Pole associates a green, metal tube of Lider Classic shaving cream, which is one of the most popular shaving products in Poland. Green cream with a citrus scent with notes of wood and forest is extremely cheap, but of good quality.
The range of the brand's products is short and specific, just like the men it is targeted at. In addition to shaving creams, Lider also offers cologne and aftershave. Lider Classic aftershave and Lider Classic eau de Cologne have the same fragrance as the cream, therefore they are a great complement to the care of the male face after shaving.
3. LIDER - after shave lotion
As I wrote somewhere before, I bought a Leader after shave to be used for hand disinfection (COVID 19). It was the cheapest in the store for some sort of sale. I like its old school packaging, such a clean PRL. A bit, I used it for this and it certainly left my hands in better condition than the disinfectants served to us. It does not dry out the skin of the hands. I liked it so much that although it is probably the cheapest budget after shave in Poland, I bought a second bottle to use after shaving. Before describing its properties, however, let's focus on the component features of this product.
PACKAGE
The external appearance of a product intended for use by men does not have to be sophisticated, but it should pay attention as a man is a visual person. In the case of LEADER, the packaging is perfect. It is not modest, it is not flashy, it can be seen on the shelf, it has no baroque decorations, and it does not lack anything that would negatively affect the willingness to buy it. The packaging / carton is made of good quality paper and the printing is made in a way that does not raise any objections. Glass bottle, made of glass of the right thickness, with a neck allowing for perfect dosing. The only reservation in my opinion is the cork, which has no knurling, it is smooth and when applied with wet hands, it is difficult to unscrew it.
CONSISTENCY AND COMPOSITION
After shave is green in color and watery. It is not a kind of suspension or oily slush that leaves the skin greasy.
Composition: Alcohol Denat., Aqua, Glycerin, Parfum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Benzophenone-3, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Menthol, Limonene, Linalool, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Cl19140, Cl42090.
as you can see, in order to provide care properties, the liquid contains glycerin and provitamin B5, which soothes irritations and supports the regeneration of the epidermis. The added aloe extract additionally nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the face.
SMELL
In addition to its care properties, the main feature of choosing an after shave is its fragrance. The manufacturer assures that the LIDER fragrance refers to the entire cosmetic line and is identical with the scent of the popular LIDER shaving cream. According to the manufacturer is a fragrance composition where the base is a combination of citrus and woody spice notes. In my opinion, the smell of this after shave in no way resembles the smell of the Lider cream - nothing, so if someone out of sentiment wants this water for the smell, let him take it into account immediately. The durability of this fragrance is above all mediocrity. The scent lasts all day, not slight, but clear, strong. Even washing your face with soap doesn't help. I do not know how it is that you buy very expensive colognes and the smells are medium-strong, and here in the product for PLN 6 the smell is so persistent.
Can the smell be liked? In my opinion hmm. The manufacturer describes this fragrance as spicy-woody citrus. From this description you can feel citrus, it is for sure, but it is not pure citrus as in Przemysławka or Mr. Lumberjack. Forget about any stimulation of the senses. It definitely stimulates the mucosa in the nose and you can sneeze quite well. The smell feels fresh and chemical. What breaks me down the most is the description: CLASSIC men's fragrance, energizing - WTF.
To sum up, it is a fragrance more for itself (if it suits someone) than for the environment. It is good for killing sweat odors during heavy physical work or for alcoholics to hide the odor of alcohol at work. Yes, yes there is nothing to laugh at. At work, I got to know people with a tendency to abuse alcohol precisely by two details. They were perfectly shaved and they were pounding with cheap, strong cologne. Why? In the morning during the inspection, when checking the condition of the staff, the most attention was paid to the appearance, so when someone came to work perfectly shaven and "fragrant", he had the feeling that no one would look at him closely.
PROPERTIES
While the packaging is good, the smell is individual, the price is very low, I have to assess the properties of this after shave as good. Disinfection is at a decent level, the skin after it is not particularly dry and generally I am very happy with it. Due to the low alcohol content, it is perfect for sensitive skin. Provides a feeling of freshness and relaxation throughout the day. It should be added that a bit of menthol contained in it causes a very pleasant and delicate feeling of coolness. The leader is very well absorbed, leaves no greasy filter.
4. SUMMARY
The above article, I hope, showed you not only the stories of the LIDER brand, but also allowed you to get rid of the stereotype of LIDER as a sub-brand and constituting a budget base. This brand has been extremely successful in Poland and at the moment, probably no other brand can really threaten it. The recognition of the LIDER brand seems to be greater than that of Polish sausage or vodka.
These dark (red) times ended with the political transformation in Poland after 1989 and the redirection of the socialist (communist) economy to a free market (capitalist) economy. In the period from 1989 to 2000, most production plants in Poland, which were unable to adapt to the new market rules of supply and demand, went bankrupt. In this way, many products that have been widely available for the last half-century and on which the present generation have grown up have disappeared.
Marketers very quickly realized that while the products from the communist era were of low quality, their brand recognition was very high. In this way, many brands and products from 1945-1989 were reactivated.
In the traditional shaving department, one of the two most recognizable brands of Polish cosmetics is LIDER. In this article, I would like to introduce readers to the product of aftershave.
1. HISTORY
LIDER aftershave is produced by Miraculum SA- which was founded in 1924 in Krakow by the doctor Dr. Leon Mirrors. It was one of the first cosmetic companies in Poland, next to companies such as Max Factor and Helena Rubinstein. MIRACULUM cosmetics have already been recognized at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1931, at which the Company received the GRAND PRIX. The innovative spirit of the founder of Miraculum allowed him to quickly conquer the cosmetics market - he was the first in Poland to use well-known and liked faces - celebrities of the time: Zofia Batycka - Miss Poland and Vice Miss Europe from 1930 and Hanka Ordonówna, the biggest star of the interwar period in Poland . In 1939, Dr. Luster sold his shares to Witold Böhm and left Poland. In the same year, the company changed its name to "Przemysł Lekarsko-Cosmetyczny MIRACULUM SA in Kraków".
After World War II, MIRACULUM became the property of the state, and the factory was merged with the Krakow F. Śmiechowski Factory, producing soaps and washing powders. After half a year of producing detergents, MIRACULUM switched to the production of cosmetics and systematically increased its production each year. Innovative care and perfumery preparations appeared on the market, the recipes of which were developed in our own research laboratory and, as reported in the MIRACULUM chronicles from that period - "made of the best domestic and, above all, foreign raw materials". In 1955, the appetite for "foreign luxury" was satisfied by the perfume "Tango", water for gentlemen "Bridge" and cosmetic powders in polystyrene boxes. In 1956, MIRACULUM introduces new products: mascara and luxurious perfumes in glass bottles. There is also a protective hand cream on the market - a cosmetic hit of the Polish People's Republic. In the 1960s, the MIRACULUM team was the first in Poland to develop and sell a liquid shampoo. Also for the first time in the country, the company uses ceramides, algae, liquid crystal structures and fruit acids in skin care creams. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. is the first company in Poland to develop and sell a liquid shampoo. Also for the first time in the country, the company uses ceramides, algae, liquid crystal structures and fruit acids in skin care creams. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. is the first company in Poland to develop and sell a liquid shampoo. Also for the first time in the country, the company uses ceramides, algae, liquid crystal structures and fruit acids in skin care creams. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics. In turn, at the beginning of the 1970s, the brands "Pani Walewska" and "Brutal" were created, which still enjoy great popularity among consumers. The factory took an active part in domestic and foreign fairs, winning numerous awards and distinctions. It exported its products to many countries of the world. Russian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Cuban, Vietnamese and even Indian women admired MIRACULUM cosmetics.
In 1989, when economic changes began in Poland, it was decided to privatize the factory. In 1996, the undertaken actions led to the transformation of FK MIRACULUM into a joint stock company. In February 2007, the company made its debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, and in December it merged with Grupa Kolastyna SA In the following years, the capital group takes over the company Unicolor SA with the brands: Tanita and Paloma and buys the brands: : Polish Flowers, Bio-Lift, Melisa, Active 90) and Makler. In 2010, the company gets into financial trouble and makes an arrangement with creditors. At the same time, the Management Board decides to sell the "Kolastyna" trademark and thoroughly restructure the company, thanks to which MIRACULUM is gradually rebuilding its position. In 2012, the group acquires Multicolor along with the make-up brands Joko and Virtual. In 2014, MIRACULUM is planning revenues at the level of PLN 48 million.
The current activity of the company focuses on the development and sale of modern preparations for skin care, hair removal, as well as perfumery and make-up cosmetics. Cosmetics are developed on the basis of the highest quality active ingredients, in accordance with the current trends in cosmetology. When creating new products, the Company closely cooperates with renowned laboratories and scientific institutions as well as specialists in the field of biology, cosmetology and dermatology. For the safety of consumers, the products are subject to dermatological and application tests carried out by specialized and independent institutions. Thanks to the combination of tradition and modernity, MIRACULUM guarantees high quality of preparations that are appreciated by successive generations of consumers. The portfolio includes the following brands: Miraculum, Tanita,Leader , Perhaps, Gracja, Mirasol, Paloma, Joko and Virtual. The company offers its products both in Poland and abroad.
2. LIDER - a brand with traditions
Lider is a Polish brand since 2007 belonging to Miraculum SA, the history of which dates back to the 20s of the last century. Lider products were often present in the bathrooms of our grandparents or fathers. However, thanks to their unquestionable virtues, they still have loyal admirers and constantly win over new ones. The products are developed in a modern laboratory in Krakow, and we can buy them in Poland and abroad.
Every Pole associates a green, metal tube of Lider Classic shaving cream, which is one of the most popular shaving products in Poland. Green cream with a citrus scent with notes of wood and forest is extremely cheap, but of good quality.
The range of the brand's products is short and specific, just like the men it is targeted at. In addition to shaving creams, Lider also offers cologne and aftershave. Lider Classic aftershave and Lider Classic eau de Cologne have the same fragrance as the cream, therefore they are a great complement to the care of the male face after shaving.
3. LIDER - after shave lotion
As I wrote somewhere before, I bought a Leader after shave to be used for hand disinfection (COVID 19). It was the cheapest in the store for some sort of sale. I like its old school packaging, such a clean PRL. A bit, I used it for this and it certainly left my hands in better condition than the disinfectants served to us. It does not dry out the skin of the hands. I liked it so much that although it is probably the cheapest budget after shave in Poland, I bought a second bottle to use after shaving. Before describing its properties, however, let's focus on the component features of this product.
PACKAGE
The external appearance of a product intended for use by men does not have to be sophisticated, but it should pay attention as a man is a visual person. In the case of LEADER, the packaging is perfect. It is not modest, it is not flashy, it can be seen on the shelf, it has no baroque decorations, and it does not lack anything that would negatively affect the willingness to buy it. The packaging / carton is made of good quality paper and the printing is made in a way that does not raise any objections. Glass bottle, made of glass of the right thickness, with a neck allowing for perfect dosing. The only reservation in my opinion is the cork, which has no knurling, it is smooth and when applied with wet hands, it is difficult to unscrew it.
CONSISTENCY AND COMPOSITION
After shave is green in color and watery. It is not a kind of suspension or oily slush that leaves the skin greasy.
Composition: Alcohol Denat., Aqua, Glycerin, Parfum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Benzophenone-3, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Menthol, Limonene, Linalool, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Cl19140, Cl42090.
as you can see, in order to provide care properties, the liquid contains glycerin and provitamin B5, which soothes irritations and supports the regeneration of the epidermis. The added aloe extract additionally nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the face.
SMELL
In addition to its care properties, the main feature of choosing an after shave is its fragrance. The manufacturer assures that the LIDER fragrance refers to the entire cosmetic line and is identical with the scent of the popular LIDER shaving cream. According to the manufacturer is a fragrance composition where the base is a combination of citrus and woody spice notes. In my opinion, the smell of this after shave in no way resembles the smell of the Lider cream - nothing, so if someone out of sentiment wants this water for the smell, let him take it into account immediately. The durability of this fragrance is above all mediocrity. The scent lasts all day, not slight, but clear, strong. Even washing your face with soap doesn't help. I do not know how it is that you buy very expensive colognes and the smells are medium-strong, and here in the product for PLN 6 the smell is so persistent.
Can the smell be liked? In my opinion hmm. The manufacturer describes this fragrance as spicy-woody citrus. From this description you can feel citrus, it is for sure, but it is not pure citrus as in Przemysławka or Mr. Lumberjack. Forget about any stimulation of the senses. It definitely stimulates the mucosa in the nose and you can sneeze quite well. The smell feels fresh and chemical. What breaks me down the most is the description: CLASSIC men's fragrance, energizing - WTF.
To sum up, it is a fragrance more for itself (if it suits someone) than for the environment. It is good for killing sweat odors during heavy physical work or for alcoholics to hide the odor of alcohol at work. Yes, yes there is nothing to laugh at. At work, I got to know people with a tendency to abuse alcohol precisely by two details. They were perfectly shaved and they were pounding with cheap, strong cologne. Why? In the morning during the inspection, when checking the condition of the staff, the most attention was paid to the appearance, so when someone came to work perfectly shaven and "fragrant", he had the feeling that no one would look at him closely.
PROPERTIES
While the packaging is good, the smell is individual, the price is very low, I have to assess the properties of this after shave as good. Disinfection is at a decent level, the skin after it is not particularly dry and generally I am very happy with it. Due to the low alcohol content, it is perfect for sensitive skin. Provides a feeling of freshness and relaxation throughout the day. It should be added that a bit of menthol contained in it causes a very pleasant and delicate feeling of coolness. The leader is very well absorbed, leaves no greasy filter.
4. SUMMARY
The above article, I hope, showed you not only the stories of the LIDER brand, but also allowed you to get rid of the stereotype of LIDER as a sub-brand and constituting a budget base. This brand has been extremely successful in Poland and at the moment, probably no other brand can really threaten it. The recognition of the LIDER brand seems to be greater than that of Polish sausage or vodka.