Intern, Product Development

About the Role

We're seeking a curious, detail-oriented Product Development Intern to join our Product Development team for 3 months with possible extension to 6 months. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Product Development, the intern will gain hands-on exposure to the end-to-end development of luxury beauty products, from early-stage concepts and formula evaluation to testing, and commercialization. This role is ideal for someone passionate about makeup and skincare who wants to understand how innovative beauty products are brought to life. The intern will work across the Hourglass portfolio, gaining exposure to formula development, product performance evaluation, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development Support: Support the end-to-end development of products across the Hourglass portfolio, including cosmetics and skincare. Assist with tracking project milestones, organizing development materials, preparing for internal and external meetings, and coordinating key deliverables throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Product Evaluation: Participate in product evaluations alongside the Product Development team, assessing attributes such as texture, payoff, blendability, wear, shade, and overall product performance, as applicable. Document observations, organize feedback, and help track product iterations to support development decisions and product refinement.
• Trend Research: Research emerging beauty trends, competitive products, innovative formulas, ingredients, technologies, and consumer preferences. Summarize findings and share relevant insights to inspire product innovation and inform development opportunities.
• Process Improvement & AI Innovation: Explore opportunities to streamline the team's workflows using AI-assisted tools. Research and test potential solutions, evaluate their effectiveness, and recommend practical ways to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Help coordinate across internal teams — Packaging Development, Project Management, Product Marketing, Creative, and Supply Chain — to support seamless coordination throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Vendor & Sample Management: Assist in organizing and cataloguing contract manufacturer samples; support communication with external partners under the guidance of the Product Development Team.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare meeting agendas and notes, organize development files and technical documentation, and help assemble presentation materials for internal reviews.
• Lab & Sample Organization: Maintain an organized sample library, assist with physical sample handling and labeling, and keep the development workspace orderly.

You’ll Love This Job If You're

• Passionate and knowledgeable about beauty: You love beauty and discovering new beauty products. You are very aware of the beauty landscape, competitive brands and trends.
• Curious and interested in Product Development: You are instinctively curious, like to ask questions, and uncover insights. You are keen to develop in-depth understanding of cosmetics product development.
• Organized and detail-oriented: You make lists, stay organized and follow through. You are keen on details, have appetite for a variety of assignments, and prioritize effectively.
• Confident communicator: You are a proactive communicator, interfacing effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Motivated by a challenge: You enjoy tackling new tasks and figuring things out. You are highly adaptable to shifting needs and opportunities. You bring ideas.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a degree program in product development, packaging, personal care, cosmetic science or a related field.
• Genuine passion for makeup, skincare, and the beauty industry, with an interest in how products are developed and brought to market.
• Curious, resourceful, and eager to learn, with the ability to take initiative and work independently when appropriate.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with strong follow-through and a proactive, problem-solving approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to work onsite at the Hourglass West Hollywood office.

The expected hourly rate range for this position is $21-$22/ hour.