University Individual AssignmentAcademic Year 2024 / 2025

Strategic Innovation & Social Agility: The Cubremi Case Study

An academic e-Portfolio analyzing how Malaysian cosmetics pioneer Cubremi redefined affordable beauty through portable product packaging, agile TikTok-first viral marketing, and strategic sub-RM30 accessibility.

Course Code & Title
SMM10703 Creative & Innovative Skills
Course Lecturer
Muhammad Fandy Bin Fauzi
Student Author

NUR UMAIRA' BINTI MAZLAN

Matric No: 251570020

Research Parameters
Case Study Subject
Cubremi Cosmetics Malaysia
Core Innovation
Pocket-Friendly & Stick Formats
Market Strategy
TikTok Viral Live & Sub-RM30

Lecturer Review & Assessment

Evaluated by Muhammad Fandy Bin Fauzi for demonstrated mastery in creative strategy, market analysis, and cosmetic product packaging evolution.

Course: SMM10703Cubremi Research 2024
Section 02 : Organizational Case Study

Brand Background & Product Evolution

Established in 2017, Cubremi transformed Malaysia’s domestic cosmetic landscape. Through agile packaging engineering, pocket-sized innovations, and inclusive shade formulations, the brand disrupted the market with a persistent "Strictly Under RM30" value proposition.

Core Mission

Delivering affordable, high-grade cosmetic formulations curated purposefully for Southeast Asian skin tones without the luxury markup.

Brand Vision

To become Malaysia's premier accessible beauty staple by empowering everyday individuals with pocket-friendly, easy-to-use cosmetics.

Bumiputera Heritage

Founded in 2017, pioneering an inclusive agent-distribution ecosystem and direct social commerce for nationwide reach.

Chronological Milestones

The Cubremi Product Roadmap

2017Initial PhaseUnder RM20

Foundation & Base

Cubremi Classic Matte Foundation
The foundational launch of Cubremi in the Malaysian market. Formulated specifically with high-pigment coverage suited for tropical humidity and warm local undertones in an iconic signature squeeze tube.

Key Innovation & Market Value

  • Original travel squeeze tube packaging
  • Full coverage matte finish with oil control
  • Tailored formula for Malaysian weather
Cubremi Classic Matte Foundation original tube packaging
Cubremi Classic Matte Foundation
2020Innovation PhaseUnder RM28

On-The-Go Innovation

Camera Stick & Pocket Foundation
Responding to Gen Z consumer demands for portable convenience, Cubremi introduced the viral Camera Stick featuring a built-in blending sponge and ultra-compact Pocket Foundation for fast touch-ups.

Key Innovation & Market Value

  • 2-in-1 Stick with built-in blending sponge
  • Pocket-sized ergonomic casing
  • Quick 60-second application formula
Cubremi Camera Stick Foundation with built-in sponge
Camera Stick & Pocket Foundation
2023 – PresentModern Trending PhaseStrictly Under RM30

Viral Sensation Series

Jelly Blush, Pressed Powder & Lipmatte Latte
Expanding into full-face cosmetic offerings powered by TikTok viral challenges. Featuring cooling dewy Jelly Blush, fine-milled Pressed Blush Powder, and the comforting Lipmatte Latte Edition.

Key Innovation & Market Value

  • Bouncy dewy jelly texture blush formula
  • Velvety smooth transfer-resistant lip formula
  • Micro-fine pressed pigments for local skin
Cubremi Jelly Blush and Lipmatte Latte cosmetic lineup
Jelly Blush, Pressed Powder & Lipmatte Latte
Strategic Case Conclusion

Agile Packaging Meets Pocket-Friendly Accessibility

Cubremi's transition from traditional squeeze tubes to integrated camera sticks and multi-functional jelly blushes exemplifies how consumer-centric R&D drives brand longevity in the fast-paced beauty economy.

SMM10703 Creative & Innovative SkillsAcademic Case Analysis

Strategic Case Study: Challenges, Innovation & Impact

An in-depth academic evaluation of how Malaysian cosmetic brand Cubremi resolved severe budget-sector saturation through packaging ergonomics, agile social listening, and disruptive pricing benchmarks.

Market Challenges

Identified operational & industry hurdles

03 Critical Pain Points
Market RivalryProblem #1
Saturated Budget Cosmetic Market
Intense local competition with hundreds of emerging indie beauty brands competing strictly on price discounts, causing severe market fragmentation and high customer churn.
Consumer BehaviorProblem #2
Fast-Paced Gen Z Lifestyle Demands
Rapid shift toward rapid on-the-go lifestyle requiring spill-proof, pocket-sized makeup that can be applied in seconds without separate beauty tools or bulky sponges.
Brand CredibilityProblem #3
Price vs. Quality Perception Hurdle
Skepticism surrounding budget-friendly cosmetic formulations, where consumers frequently associate sub-RM30 price tags with poor pigmentation, chalky texture, or unsafe ingredients.

Creative Innovations

Strategic frameworks executed by Cubremi

Strategic Response
Agile R&D
Implemented
TikTok Social Listening & Live Agility
Continuous monitoring of viral beauty hacks and real-time community feedback via daily TikTok Live streams, shaping fast-cycle formulation iterations.
Product Engineering
Implemented
Ergonomic Stick & Pocket Packaging
Pioneering the Camera Stick Foundation with an integrated micro-sponge applicator, eliminating extra cosmetic tools for busy students and professionals.
Pricing Strategy
Implemented
Strictly Under RM30 Pricing Benchmark
Direct-to-consumer cost efficiencies and local manufacturing optimization guaranteeing premium-grade finishes at wallet-friendly, accessible price points.
Measurable Strategic Outcomes

Organizational Impact & Market Leadership

Quantitative results and consumer expansion achieved following the nationwide rollout of stick-packaging and viral campaigns.

500K+
Units Sold Nationwide
Exponential Sales Growth

Massive market penetration across Malaysia and Brunei within 24 months of viral TikTok campaigns.

< RM30
Affordable Retail Threshold
Pocket-Friendly Standard

Strict pricing barrier maintained across all flagship stick and blush formulations.

10K+
Active Registered Agents
Decentralized Distribution

Empowering local micro-entrepreneurs and beauty stockists through strong viral brand backing.

94%
Customer Retention Rate
Authentic Brand Loyalty

Sustained repeat purchases driven by formulation reliability and shade optimization for local undertones.

Detailed Case Synthesis & Strategic Insights

Click each analytical pillar to view comprehensive case methodology and implementation evidence.

Rather than relying on conventional 12-month cosmetic development cycles, Cubremi instituted a rapid 8-week cycle driven by social listening on TikTok. Customer comments regarding cakey foundation textures in tropical humidity directly guided the Camera Stick's lightweight, sweat-resistant formulation. Daily live stream engagement allowed product developers to test shade demand in real time.

Next Section: Media & Video Evidence

Explore high-coverage live TikTok demos and full product line galleries.

View Video Evidence
SMM10703 · Academic Case StudyCubremi Strategic Synthesis

Conclusion & Strategic Synthesis

An overarching assessment of how consumer-centric product ergonomics, sub-RM30 accessibility, and TikTok viral marketing established Cubremi as a powerhouse in Malaysia's competitive cosmetic sector.

Nationwide Growth

100%
Malaysian Reach

Expanded across all Malaysian states through dedicated local stockist networks.

Price Benchmark

< RM30
Accessible Beauty

Strict pocket-friendly price threshold maintaining high cosmetic formulation quality.

TikTok Engagement

Millions+
Organic Views

Viral live selling, user-generated tutorials, and hashtag challenges.

Customer Loyalty

High
Repeat Purchases

Formulations tailored specifically for tropical climates and Southeast Asian skin tones.

Design & Product Strategy

Product Innovation & Ergonomics

Cubremi's product trajectory shifted from standard liquid tubes to intuitive, on-the-go beauty formats designed for modern Gen Z and mobile consumer lifestyles.

Key Academic Findings:

  • Transitioned from classic tube packaging to the viral Camera Stick with built-in blending sponges.
  • Introduced Pocket Foundation & Jelly Blush lines for convenient, compact daily touch-ups.
  • Maintained climate-resilient, sweat-resistant formulas specifically calibrated for tropical conditions.
Key Strategic Outcome: Enhanced portability reduced friction and unlocked rapid adoption.
Marketing & Community Dynamics

Real-Time Social Agility & Agentry

Agile social commerce on TikTok paired with a robust micro-entrepreneur reseller model transformed Cubremi from a boutique label into a national cosmetic staple.

Key Academic Findings:

  • Leveraged real-time TikTok Live demonstrations to visually validate product coverage and dewy finish.
  • Built an empowering Bumiputera reseller ecosystem driving localized organic sales nationwide.
  • Iterated product shades rapidly based on dynamic direct consumer feedback in live comments.
Key Strategic Outcome: High-frequency community interaction forged resilient brand trust.
Academic Attribution & Course Submission

Final Assessment Submission Note

This comprehensive e-Portfolio analyzes the creative processes, organizational resilience, and consumer-focused innovations of Cubremi. Prepared by NUR UMAIRA' BINTI MAZLAN (Matric No: 251570020) for course SMM10703 – CREATIVE & INNOVATIVE SKILLS, under the guidance of lecturer MUHAMMAD FANDY BIN FAUZI.