Jessica Blanco
Red Bank
Summary
Award-winning beauty executive with over 17 years of experience in product innovation, packaging, regulatory compliance, and commercialization within the cosmetics industry. Achievements include four promotions during an 11-year tenure at Milk Makeup, where leadership in product development and packaging has been pivotal for every product launch since 2015. Instrumental in driving company growth from approximately $5 million to over $200 million in annual sales through a relentless focus on continuous innovation, commercialization excellence, and category-defining product development. Recognized for a strategic vision that aligns creativity with market trends to deliver exceptional results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Product Development & Packaging
MILK MAKEUP
01.2024 - Current
- Promoted four times during tenure in recognition of leadership, innovation, and business impact.
- Led product development and packaging for all Milk Makeup product launches since 2015, ensuring alignment with brand vision and market demands.
- Supported company growth from approximately $5M in annual sales to over $200M by delivering a consistent pipeline of innovative, commercially successful products and packaging solutions.
- Successfully executed 32 product launches during the brand’s first year and maintained an innovation pipeline averaging 12-22 launches annually across color cosmetics, complexion, skincare, lip, eye, brow, and hybrid beauty categories.
- Lead all aspects of product innovation, product development, packaging, regulatory compliance, and commercialization across the global product portfolio.
- Defined and executed innovation roadmap and strategic product pipeline, directly supporting business objectives and driving revenue growth.
- Lead a cross-functional team including the Director of Product Development, Product Development Manager, Director of Regulatory & Compliance, and Packaging Engineer.
- Partner closely with Marketing, Creative, Operations, Logistics, Finance, and Sales to bring concepts from ideation through market launch.
- Oversee formula development, packaging engineering, testing, claims substantiation, manufacturing execution, and commercialization.
- Manage global laboratory, supplier, and manufacturing relationships while optimizing quality, speed-to-market, and cost of goods.
- Lead regulatory and compliance strategy across domestic and international markets.
- Drove category-leading innovation through analysis of consumer insights, market trends, and integration of emerging technologies.
Associate, Product Development
LF BEAUTY
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Managed development and production of cosmetics programs for major retailers including Kohl’s, Walmart, Sears, CVS, and Sally Beauty.
- Developed product concepts, sourced packaging and formulas, managed artwork approvals, and oversaw production timelines.
- Partnered with licensors, manufacturers, and retailers to successfully launch seasonal and permanent product collections.
- Presented new product concepts and innovation opportunities to retail buying teams.
Avon Color Consultant, Global Product Innovation
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Contributed to global innovation initiatives in formula development, shade creation, trend forecasting, and competitive analysis.
- Spearheaded seasonal color stories from concept through launch.
- Supported development of new product claims and conducted consumer trends research for global product presentations.
Product Development & Marketing Manager
NU WORLD BEAUTY
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed product development and marketing initiatives for Hard Candy Cosmetics and Walmart-exclusive beauty programs.
- Led development of seasonal and promotional programs generating multimillion-dollar retail opportunities.
- Collaborated with R&D, Packaging, Creative, Sales, and Marketing teams on new product launches.
- Supported expansion of Hard Candy Cosmetics across Walmart USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Product Development Assistant
NU WORLD BEAUTY
01.2009 - 01.2011
Marketing Intern
NU WORLD BEAUTY
01.2008 - 01.2009
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing Concentration
University of Delaware
05-2009
Skills
- Product innovation
- Packaging development
- Product Commercialization
- Regulatory knowledge
- Innovation roadmaps
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Team mentorship
- Vendor & Manufacturing Management
- Consumer insights
- Market Positioning
- Global Product Launches
- Cost optimization
AWARDS AND PRODUCT INNOVATION IMPACT
70+ INDUSTRY AWARDS ACROSS 13 MAJOR PRODUCT LAUNCHES, Hydro Grip Primer, 17× Award Winner, WWD 100 Greatest Beauty Products of 2026, 2019 Allure Readers’ Choice Award - Best Primer, Cooling Water Jelly Tint, 16× Award Winner, 2024 WWD Product of the Year, Hydro Grip Gel Tint, 9× Award Winner, 2025 Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Award, Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, 7× Award Winner, 2023 & 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Awards, Sculpt Stick, 7× Award Winner, 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award, Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray, 5× Award Winner, 2025 Cosmopolitan Clean Beauty Award - Best Setting Spray, Hydro Grip + Glow Primer, 4× Award Winner, 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award, Kush Mascara, 3× Award Winner, Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealer, 2× Award Winner, ELLE 2023 Beauty Grand Prix Award - Best Concealer, Cloud Glow Primer, 2× Award Winner, Kush Fiber Brow Gel, 2× Award Winner, 2025 FASHION, Châtelaine & HELLO! Canada Beauty Award - Best Eyebrow Gel, Kush High Roll Mascara, 2× Award Winner, 2025 Clin d'œil Experts’ Choice Beauty Award, Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner, 2× Award Winner, 2024 Cosmopolitan Readers’ Choice Beauty Award - Hall of Fame, Pore Eclipse Setting Powder, 2024 Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Beauty Award - Best Setting Powder
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Product Development & Packaging
MILK MAKEUP
01.2024 - Current
Associate, Product Development
LF BEAUTY
01.2014 - 01.2015
Avon Color Consultant, Global Product Innovation
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
01.2012 - 01.2013
Product Development & Marketing Manager
NU WORLD BEAUTY
01.2011 - 01.2012
Product Development Assistant
NU WORLD BEAUTY
01.2009 - 01.2011
Marketing Intern
NU WORLD BEAUTY
01.2008 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing Concentration
University of Delaware