))) Texas Instruments RFid Provides Perfect Mix of Convenience and Brand Loyalty for IMX Cosmetics

RFID MX Sticks Link to Custom-Created Makeup Recipes

))) CHICAGO, Ill.
(June 10, 2003)

Can’t find a lip-gloss that complements your skin tone and tastes good enough to eat? Do you want your lips to match that iridescent pink dress? Birmingham, MI-based IMX Cosmetics has launched a first-of-its-kind custom cosmetics line that allows patrons to mix their own personalized recipes for lip gloss and other cosmetics and retrieve them at in-store computer kiosks, called Mixing Stations, using their MX (Mix) Stick, a Texas Instruments radio frequency identification (RFID)-based clear keyfob that attaches to the customer’s key chain.

IMX Cosmetics customers create custom lip-glosses and, soon, nail polishes at the IMX Mixing Stations, by choosing colors from an on-screen color palette, and adding an assortment of finishes, glitters, flavors and fragrances. Once a customer makes her selections, color cartridges and pumps are set in motion as the product is mixed and dispensed automatically and in full view at the Mixing Station. After the personalized gloss or polish is bottled and purchased, the unique recipe is saved for the customer to retrieve quickly and easily at any Mixing Station, either at the same store or at another IMX Cosmetics location, using her RFID MX Stick. Approximately 2,000 MX Sticks have been distributed to customers at Nordstrom in Las Vegas, the Studio at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, Calif., and Barneys New York, Madison Avenue. More IMX Cosmetics locations are planned for 2003.

The MX Stick features Texas Instruments’ low frequency (134.2 kHz) radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, allowing each customer to link to her personal account history by simply passing the IMX-branded keyfob, or transponder, over an RFID reader built into the kiosk. The reader automatically recognizes the transponder’s unique identification code, bringing up the corresponding recipe list for that customer.

“We were looking for a cool, high-tech way for customers to link to their unique makeup formulas, and found that an RFID keyfob was the perfect mix of technology and convenience for our returning customers,” said Julie Bartholomew, president and creative director, IMX Cosmetics. “Our goal is to make technology work for our customers, allowing them to create something entirely unique, and giving them the opportunity to come back and very easily re-create, adjust, or even share that recipe with a friend. Texas Instruments’ technology gave us that all-important automatic link, helping us to develop the customer experience we were looking for.”

About IMX Cosmetics

IMX’s signature products include its “Custom Mixed” line of lip-gloss and polish. IMX also offers lip liners, powders, eyeliners, and nail extras as part of its “Grab and Go” line. For more information, visit www.imxcosmetics.com.