A collaborative endeavor between a mother and son led to the creation of a unique eye black product that has now secured a groundbreaking contract with the Canadian Football League (CFL). Missy Mackintosh, the proprietor of MisMacK Clean Cosmetics, based in Salmon Arm, B.C., initially hesitated to allow her son, Evan, to use traditional eye black due to its strong odor causing him headaches during baseball games. Eye black, commonly applied to the upper cheeks, is a popular accessory for baseball, softball, and football athletes to reduce glare from the sun and stadium lights.
Given the circumstances, Missy proposed the idea of developing their own eye black, akin to black lipstick, leveraging the manufacturing capabilities of MisMacK. The eye black, formulated with natural and skin-friendly ingredients, was enthusiastically embraced by Evan. Throughout the product’s evolution, Evan and his teammates actively tested different versions, with Evan playing a pivotal role in naming and designing the final product. The duo even presented their creation on the television show Dragons’ Den.
Despite not securing investment on the show, the pair continued with their project, leading to the availability of MisMacK’s GamePlay eye black in retail stores across Canada. Notably, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have initiated a pioneering partnership with MisMacK, allowing their players and fans to utilize the eye black and accompanying Grit Kits. These kits include a sweat-resistant, biodegradable glitter that adheres to the eye black for an added visual appeal.
Missy regards the eye black and glitter offerings as a novel fusion of beauty and sports, catering to individuals seeking performance-ready, sports-themed cosmetics. This versatile product can be used on the field, as face paint, or in everyday makeup routines, offering a level of aesthetic expression previously unseen in the sports industry. The products will be officially introduced to fans at the upcoming Grey Cup Festival hosted by the Blue Bombers.
Wade Miller, the president of the Blue Bombers, views the eye black not only as a practical aid for athletes but also as a form of self-expression akin to warpaint. The product has gained popularity among CFL players like Riley Pickett from the B.C. Lions, who lauds its superior quality and plans to continue using it throughout his CFL career.
The strategic collaboration between MisMacK and the CFL represents a significant milestone in the beauty and sports sectors, showcasing the potential for innovative partnerships and product development within the industry.