NYFW Spring/Summer 2026 Trends

Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2026

New York Fashion Week continues to be a mirror of the times - fluid in form, yet bold in vision. For Spring/Summer 2026, designers gravitated toward silhouettes that felt expansive and free, crafting movement into every step and cultivating an atmosphere of festivity and theatrical detail that pushed past the ordinary. Beauty mirrored this mood with experimental twists and flashes of bold creativity, while a quieter narrative unfolded backstage - an emphasis on radiant skin and thoughtful care, grounding the season’s exuberance in a natural, effortless glow.

Here are five key trends we spotted during this season’s Fashion Week presentations.

Puffed-up pants

Michael Kors / Altuzarra / Ashlyn / Adam Lippes - Spring/Summer 2026 - The Impression

Voluminous trousers are making a bold return. Once dismissed as casual weekend wear, the balloon and harem-inspired silhouettes have been redefined on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, offering a sense of ease without sacrificing elegance. Billowing fabrics, playful cinching at the waist or ankle, and exaggerated proportions transform the pants into a statement piece.

-       Michael Kors elevated the silhouette with fluid draping and sleek monochrome styling, proving the voluminous pant can move seamlessly from laid-back to refined. The look felt modern, elegant, and surprisingly sensual.

-       Brandon Maxwell & Adam Lippes refined the shape by tucking structured tops into the billowing waistline, creating a sculpted, hourglass effect. Their take balanced exaggerated volume with precision tailoring.

-       Ashlyn & Collina Strada pushed the drama further, showcasing bold colors, textures, and playful proportions. Their designs embraced the pant’s theatrical edge, capturing the season’s carefree and celebratory spirit.

-       Altuzarra embraced bold experimentation with color, material, and texture. From burgundy leather to desert taupe balloon trousers, paired with snakeskin accessories, the collection proved that taking sartorial risks can deliver striking, unforgettable results.

 

Joyous celebration

Area / Christian Siriano / Luar - Spring/Summer 2026 - The Impression

The runways shimmered with a carnival spirit, where fashion became a spectacle of color, texture, and movement. Designers embraced excess with unapologetic joy, transforming festive motifs into high-fashion statements that captured the exuberance of summer.

-       Area leaned fully into celebration, sending models down the runway with confetti-like embellishments and iridescent details that shimmered under the lights. Metallic finishes and playful textures gave the collection a sense of motion, echoing the energy of parade and performance.

-       Christian Siriano translated festivity into couture glamour, with neon-bright gowns and sculptural silhouettes that radiated optimism. His palette of hot flashes and glowing tones channeled the spirit of carnival while remaining rooted in red-carpet elegance.

-       Luar brought the carnival directly to the runway, infusing his collection with a theatrical edge. From dazzling textures to dynamic accessories, the pieces embodied community, joy, and spectacle—an ode to fashion as both celebration and cultural commentary.

 

Teal shades

Ashlyn / Laquan Smith / Zankov / Tory Burch - Spring/Summer 2026 - The Impression

A deep, aquatic teal surged across the NYFW runways, emerging as one of the season’s defining colors. Neither subdued nor overpowering, it struck a balance between elegance and vibrancy, offering designers a versatile hue to reinterpret through contrasting textures and moods. Paired with neutrals or presented in head-to-toe statements, teal brought a fresh sophistication to Spring/Summer 2026.

-       Ashlyn showcased teal in fluid, sculptural silhouettes, using the shade to emphasize form and movement. The color amplified the architectural precision of her tailoring, adding a bold yet refined edge.

-       Teal’s sultry edge came through in body-conscious cuts and glossy finishes, transforming the shade into a symbol of confidence and allure. LaQuan Smith positioned the hue as a bold alternative to the season’s neon spectrum, pairing vibrancy with unapologetic sensuality.

-       When paired with earthy browns, teal revealed a more grounded sophistication. At Tory Burch, the contrast elevated American sportswear into something both practical and chic, softening teal’s intensity while highlighting its versatility.

-       A glittering teal dress shimmered under the lights at Zankov, transforming the shade into a statement of vibrancy and joy. The sparkling finish elevated teal beyond daywear, proving its power as both playful and glamorous.

 

Colorful lashes

Ulla Johnson / Collina Strada / Eckhaus Latta - Spring/Summer 2026 - The Impression

This season, lashes became the canvas for experimentation, replacing traditional blacks and browns with flashes of unexpected color. From sky blues to frosted whites, the beauty look was playful yet subversive - equal parts whimsy and rebellion.

-       At Anna Sui, pastel-blue mascara brought a dreamy bohemian spirit to the collection, a softer nod to maximalism that brightened the gaze without overwhelming it.

-       Eckhaus Latta, working with Isamaya Ffrench, turned lashes into something ethereal. Translucent white extensions caught the light like snowfall, leaving behind only a whisper of shimmer and shape, giving models an otherworldly aura.

-       For Collina Strada, color became a clever accent, with feline-inspired eyeshadow paired with vibrant flashes at the outer lashes. The detail was playful yet symbolic, echoing the brand’s themes of sustainability and animal symbolism.

-       Meanwhile, Ulla Johnson, translated the trend with delicacy, incorporating subtle tints of yellow shade that felt modern and wearable, making the runway look accessible beyond high fashion.

 

Care radiance

Ashlyn / Eckhaus Latta / Altuzarra - Spring/Summer 2026 - The Impression

This season, radiance was redefined. Instead of glassy, high-shine skin or layers of contour, the focus shifted to thoughtful preparation - skincare as the ultimate beauty statement. The glow was born backstage, through facials, hydration masks, and partnerships with skincare houses, turning the runway into a quiet celebration of care and authenticity.  

-       At Altuzarra, the look was intimate and fluid -bare skin with the faintest hint of dew, reflecting the collection’s understated elegance. Ashlyn emphasized purity and restraint, sending out models with untouched complexions that softened the sharper edges of her architectural silhouettes.

-       Eckhaus Latta made backstage part of the spectacle itself, collaborating with Dieux to showcase under-eye patches as models walked. It was beauty in progress, an embrace of transparency that reframed skincare prep as performance.

-       At COS, minimalism took form in hair and beauty alike. Loose, barely-there ponytails paired with powdery nude lips projected a quiet nonchalance, the kind of understated chic that feels effortless yet intentional. Calvin Klein, meanwhile, stripped things back to their rawest expression: skin laid bare, matte and unadorned, lips washed in neutral tones. It was minimalism pushed to its extreme, redefining power not through excess but through restraint.

The CIC Take

Spring/Summer 2026 was defined by a spirit of liberation and play, where joy, experimentation, and care intertwined across fashion and beauty. Exaggerated silhouettes, carnival-inspired exuberance, bold splashes of color, and radiant skin all spoke to a season unafraid of contrast, where spectacle met restraint, and creativity found balance in authenticity. In a cultural moment shaped by shifting values and evolving expressions of beauty, designers used the runway not just to dress the body, but to celebrate individuality, ritual, and the sheer pleasure of self-expression.

This is just a snapshot of our analysis from Fashion Week - contact us for our latest in-depth NYFW Spring/Summer 2026 report.

Beauty's charms offensive

818 - Mini bag charms

If 2024 was our Brat summer, 2025 has undoubtedly been the summer of the Labubu. In a flash, the furry, fiendish charm from Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart has gone from cult collectible to cultural craze, adorning the bags and TikTok feeds of everyone from Blackpink’s Lisa to Marc Jacobs and Madonna.

However, Labubu’s meteoric rise on the consumer radar is down to more than just celebrity endorsement - it represents the recognition of adult play as a key source of well-being in a high-stress world. In the US, it is adults who are driving growth in the toy category, with sales to this demographic up 18% YoY (Circana, August 2025). 

While we first highlighted the charm trend last year in our What’s Up #21 report, love for accessorizing your accessories with cute collectibles continues to gain momentum as consumers look to inject their daily routines with a shot of personalized playfulness. The desire to decorate, customise and play isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about identity. Research reveals that 67% of US adults believe self-expression is important (Mintel, 2025), underscoring why customization is proving so powerful. And if recent beauty and lifestyle launches are anything to go by, we’ve still not reached peak charmcore, as brands lean further into the craze. 

Recent launches highlight the expanding scope of this dynamic. 818 Spirits is bringing the charm economy into lifestyle with its Tequila Minis Charms, reframing bottles not as pure function but as collectible accessories, complete with a wink of playful luxury. Beauty too is doubling down: Odele Beauty tapped cult accessories designer Susan Alexandra for a beaded bag charm collab that pairs clean haircare with Y2K-coded whimsy. Hourglass Cosmetics has gone more elevated with its Charms Edition palette, fusing fine jewelry design with customizable makeup, empowering consumers to curate compacts as unique as their signature looks.

Mass brands aren’t missing a beat either. H&M Beauty’s July drop with Chupa Chups fuses foodcore with charmcore in a sweetly irreverent collection, while ColourPop’s PopSockets Grip reinvents multifunctionality with a 3-in-1 lip holder, grip and phone stand.

Retail spaces are amplifying the experience too, responding to consumers' desire for more interactive and playful shopping environments (Westfield Rise, 2024). In August, Space NK joined forces with Jellycat to celebrate the opening of its new Oxford Street flagship with a limited-edition Amuseables bag charm, while Crocs’s new Icon store in Soho, NYC, features a customization playground where shoppers can curate their own Jibbitz™ charm collection, turning each purchase into a self-expression canvas.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

Charm culture is thriving in a world shaped by stress and frugality; these micro-treats bring instant joy, while allowing consumers to engage in a small act of creative self-expression. However, the next chapter for charms will head beyond cute: expect sustainability and multifunctionality to come to the fore, as brands meet the need for objects that are not only collectible but also purposeful and enduring. 

Read more about the charm trend in our latest Beauty Foresight report, The New Unfolding - Makeup.

Recession Beauty: How economic pressure is redefining beauty culture

 

Deathtostock - Photo by Shauna Summers

 

Economic uncertainty and the ongoing tariff turbulence are reshaping the beauty industry, prompting a shift toward value-driven consumer behavior. The Cosmetics IC team decodes consumers’ responses to the current economic climate and explores how financial pressure is redefining beauty culture.

As consumers watch their spending, holding back becomes more than just a financial statement - it’s an act of empowerment.
— Leila Rochet, Chief Inspiration Officer, Cosmetics IC. 

The Beauty of Less – Smart Restraint

Gone are the days of overflowing vanities and impulsive beauty splurges; today’s consumers are embracing restraint as a form of empowerment. Movements like Project Pan are leading the charge, encouraging users to use up every last drop of their products before replacing them, turning visible empties into badges of honor for social media (Google searches for these videos have surged by +91% YoY1). The trend has reached haircare too: recession blonde - a low-maintenance, budget-friendly shade - has gained popularity as people cut back on salon visits. It's a clear example of how financial caution is directly shaping beauty aesthetics.

The Value Recalibration - Dupe Economy

As cost-of-living concerns grow, consumers aren’t just spending less, they’re spending smarter. Against this backdrop, the dupe economy continues to thrive. Far from being seen as a compromise, dupes are now symbols of clever consumerism.

With a BoF x McKinsey report finding that 1 in 3 U.S. adults intentionally buy dupes, it is no wonder brands are now centering their entire identity around duping. MCoBeauty is a prime example, with its $14.99 Flawless Glow Luminous Skin Filter being a clear nod to Charlotte Tilbury’s $49 version. And it's a strategy that is paying off - the brand has experienced a +595% YoY increase on U.S. TikTok views.2 As a counterpoint, legacy brands are trying to reassert their value - Charlotte Tilbury’s Legendary. For a Reason. campaign is an open attempt to reinforce edge by emphasising expertise and innovation.

Bargain Culture – The Treasure Hunt Economy

Today’s beauty consumers aren't just looking for lower prices, they’re seeking the thrill of the find. Bargain culture has transformed beauty shopping into a treasure hunt, fueled by social media, peer recommendations, and gamified retail experiences.

TikTok’s #affordablemakeup hashtag saw a +11.4% YoY spike2, while The Ordinary’s Choose a Price campaign, letting shoppers pay what they could, earned respect for its inclusive, community-driven pricing model. In February, L’Oréal Paris sponsored multiple influencers for a campaign that championed the affordability of its products. Creator @bethennyfrankel posted a video praising the Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil as being better than expensive alternatives, generating an Earned Media Value of $185K.3

On platforms like TikTok Shop, affordability is met with immediacy, as consumers seamlessly switch from livestreams to shopping. During Black Friday 2024, TikTok Shop sales hit $100 million, overtaking platforms like Shein and Temu (Reuters). Brands like BPerfect are excelling in this social commerce space, with a record-setting livestream in March 2025 generating over $325,000 in sales (TikTok).

In today’s value-led beauty landscape, TikTok Shop is proving to be a platform with real clout - driving sales, shaping trends, and turning influencer content into powerful, purchase-ready moments.

THE CIC TAKE

Today’s beauty culture embraces strategic restraint, celebrates smart substitutes, and prizes authenticity over excess. The future of beauty isn’t necessarily less - it’s leaner, smarter, and far more intentional. Value is more than a price tag; it's a new aesthetic ideal.

Find out more about Recession Beauty in our latest What’s Up report. Join Cosmetic IC at MakeUp in New York (September 17- 18, 2025), at the agency’s booth - A48.

Sources:

1. Spate NY Tool – U.S. Google searches - from Apr 2024 to Mar 2025 vs. Apr 2023 to Mar 2024

2. Spate NY Tool – U.S. TikTok views - from Apr 21, 2024 to Apr 20, 2025 vs. Apr 23, 2023 to Apr 21, 2024

3. Tribe Dynamics – EMV (Earn Media Value) in February 2025

Beauty Rewired: Adaptive Beauty Systems

 
 

In our upcoming Beauty Talk for MakeUp in New York (September 17), Beauty Rewired: Adaptive Beauty Systems, our CIO Leila Rochet will unpack how the alliance of technology, science and beauty is reshaping the industry - from sourcing to selling.

In this era of accelerated innovation, beauty becomes a dynamic, future-ready force that combines the microscopic scale of biotechnology innovations with the expansive opportunities of virtual realities.
— Leila Rochet, Chief Inspiration Officer, Cosmetics IC

NEXT-LEVEL INTERACTIONS

As consumers increasingly embrace AI-driven creativity, with 65% believing it will enhance artistic expression and progress (Vox), beauty brands have a unique opportunity to leverage the current enthusiasm for tech-powered innovation. The consensus amongst consumers seems to be that if AI can simplify their lives, then it is worth embracing - over half of U.S. Gen Zers support brands using generative AI for personalization (Statista).

New product launches demonstrate the potential for technology to transform how consumers engage with and experience beauty, whether it is through embarking on a ChatGPT-authored glow-up, booking in for an Aescape robotic massage, or by leaning into AI-powered diagnostics with SmartSKN’s Muilli AI Dermascope and L’Oréal’s Cell BioPrint. These innovations demonstrate the power of AI to offer incredibly nuanced experiences, hyper-attuned to individual needs, from health diagnostics to skin analysis to empowering bold makeup looks.

Technology is also powering a new wave of co-created products and experiences, acting as a conduit for deepening consumer engagement and collaboration. NFC-enabled beauty brand Kiki World raised $5 million in 2024 to build on its proposition of offering a blockchain platform that allows users to vote on product designs, earn loyalty points, and unlock discounts. NFC-enabled products further enhance the engagement experience, rewarding community interaction beyond purchases.

BIOTECH FUTURES: SUSTAINABILITY MEETS SCIENCE

As beauty brands seek future resilience, biotechnology and AI-driven formulations are emerging as industry game-changers. Lab-grown ingredients and AI-enhanced product development tools, such as Debut’s BeautyORB, which utilizes AI to scan over 50 billion ingredients, are paving the way for sustainable, high-performance beauty solutions.

In this context, AI-controlled farm environments will become a critical asset to brands focused on ring-fencing their sustainability. Odacité’s Derm-Restore Super Serum (May 2024) showcases the power of AI farming, using lab-grown Edelweiss, an otherwise rare and difficult-to-source botanical ingredient. Beauty brand Jillian Dempsey works with the AI-powered platform Provenance to provide detailed information on the sourcing and composition of its products as it makes ingredient transparency a core part of the brand experience.

THE CIC TAKE

The future of beauty lies in adaptive, tech-driven innovations that merge biotechnology, AI, and self-expression. The industry must embrace this transformation to remain relevant in a world where digital and physical beauty seamlessly converge. This means prioritizing investment in AI-controlled environments or lab-grown alternatives to ensure long-term viability and differentiation; harnessing AI as a facilitator of self-expression; and investigating ways to bring hyper-personalization at scale.

To discover the latest trends shaping the future of beauty, meet the Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation team at the trends area of MakeUp in New York on September 17-18, booth A48.

Our Beauty Talk, Beauty Rewired: Adaptive Beauty Systems, will be held on September 17, 2025, 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm in The Beauty Agora, where Leila will be joined by Alex Rawitz (Director of Research and Insights of CreatorIQ) and Sarah Jindal ( Mintel). The panel will explore how new technologies, from biotech and skin diagnostics to AI and sensorial interfaces, are converging to transform beauty’s potential, fueling groundbreaking innovation, redefining performance and expectations around efficacy and personalization.

Trend Hunting at MakeUp in PARIS 2025

Photo: Cosmetics IC - Our Booth - Our Conference - Nuon

The 15th anniversary edition of MakeUp in Paris, held at the Carrousel du Louvre, set a new benchmark for inspiration, expertise, and innovation in the global beauty industry. Our team was proud to present our conference, “What’s Up in the U.S.? – The Market Shifts Redefining Global Beauty”, and delighted to connect with many of you at our booth, where we shared our expertise and highlighted our latest initiatives.

This year’s show was a celebration of creativity and collaboration, with over 145 exhibitors from more than 20 countries presenting their flagship launches and breakthrough solutions. Here are the standout innovations that captured our team’s attention on the show floor:

#1 – Nuon Medical – Compact Skin Analyzer

Nuon Medical’s Compact Skin Analyzer brings advanced diagnostic technology directly to the beauty counter, empowering both brands and consumers with real-time, actionable skin data. Equipped with detection sensors, the device provides instant feedback on skin condition (oil and hydration levels), enabling the personalization of skincare routines. It features integrated 630nm red light therapy to stimulate skin renewal and improve texture, while microcurrent technology tones facial muscles and reduces sagging - delivering a holistic approach to skin health in a compact, user-friendly format.

Why is it interesting? These diagnostic tools empower both brands and consumers to make informed decisions, enhancing skincare regimen effectiveness and supporting the trend toward hyper-personalization.

#2 – Jotim – Rose Essence Oil

Jotim’s Rose Essence Oil redefines multi-functional skincare with a formula that addresses hydration, oil balance, soothing, and repair in a single step. Featuring aromatherapy-grade rose essential oil and red myrrh, it creates a sensorial ritual while delivering targeted benefits: soothing redness, regulating sebum, and supporting all skin types - including oily skin. The innovative three-layer moisturizing technology ensures 16 hours of hydration, while a biomimetic barrier supports the skin microbiome and strengthens resilience.

Why is it interesting? This three-layer oil offers a “one bottle for total care” approach, combining sensorial pleasure with clinically relevant benefits for modern, minimalist routines.

#3 – Cosmecca Korea – Banana PDRN Eye Serum

Cosmecca Korea’s Banana PDRN Eye Serum targets dark circles in the delicate “banana zone” under the eyes with a plant-based, silicone-free formula. Leveraging banana-derived PDRN, it brightens and revitalizes tired under-eyes, providing a gentle yet effective solution for puffiness and dullness without the use of silicones.

Why is it interesting? This serum stands out for its plant-based version of the popular ingredient PDRN - offering a compelling vegan-friendly alternative.

THE CIC TAKE

The 2025 edition of MakeUp in Paris demonstrates that the future of beauty lies at the intersection of technology, multifunctionality, and ingredient innovation. From Nuon Medical’s data-driven analyzers to Jotim’s sensorial formulations and Cosmecca’s targeted clean skincare, the industry is moving decisively toward solutions that are both effective and delightful.

As MakeUp in Paris continues to serve as a “think tank” for the industry, it’s clear that the next era of beauty will be defined by personalization, science-backed efficacy, and a commitment to sustainability.

Our latest “What’s Up - U.S. Inspiration” ans “Open Horizons - Skincare & Wellness” trend reports are available now.

Contact us for more details.

Decoding the Met Gala 2025: Tailoring, Glam & Heritage

Teyana Taylor - Doechii - Zendaya - Getty Images

On May 5, 2025, the fashion world converged for the 2025 Met Gala to celebrate the opening of The Costume Institute’s new exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. This year's dress code, "Tailored for You," invited attendees to explore the rich history and artistry of Black dandyism and bespoke tailoring, resulting in a red carpet filled with bold statements and sartorial excellence. Guiding the night's festivities were co-chairs Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour.

The Cosmetics IC team turned a critical eye to the red carpet, spotlighting standout moments and the most compelling interpretations of this year’s theme:

Statement Heritage

Colman Domingo - Photo by John Shearer

Laura Harrier - Photo by Sophia Wilson

Lewis Hamilton - Photo by Miranda Barnes

Superfine: Tailoring Black Style is an appreciation, cultural critique, and reclamation of Black designers who’ve been sidelined from larger fashion conversations. Celebrities reimagined classic tailoring codes with rich cultural references, paying homage to unsung designers, historic style icons, and the radical power of dandyism. These weren’t just clothes, they were layered narratives.

Colman Domingo embodied Black elegance and cultural depth with a layered Valentino look that was both regal and radical. Draped in a cobalt blue cape embroidered with jewels and sequins, he evoked a modern-day monarch. Underneath, he revealed Zoot Suit-inspired separates, windowpane plaid, a polka-dot necktie and boutonniere, and a crisply tailored vest that paid homage to the dandy archetype and the Zoot Suit Riots. Domingo’s stylists, Wayman + Micah, cited art history and Civil Rights references, using fashion to uplift underrepresented heritage. Accessories, from his Boucheron ear cuffs to custom Persol shades, deepened the storytelling. His grooming, a dewy, glowing skin and subtle smoky eye, was a quiet nod to timeless grace.

Actress Laura Harrier delivered a romantic take on classic menswear, reinterpreted through the lens of Black dandyism. Her ensemble, crafted by Gap Studio under Zac Posen’s direction, combined a sharply cinched waistcoat with billowing sleeves and voluminous wide-leg trousers. The contrast between tailored structure and flowing silhouettes created a poetic tension, strength softened by elegance.
This look whispered royalty while nodding to Harlem style codes. Her glowing, minimalist makeup by L’Oréal Paris let the clothes speak volumes, bringing modern femininity into this conversation on gendered tailoring and power.

Lewis Hamilton collaborated with designer Grace Wales Bonner to create a look rich with symbolism and historical resonance. His ivory ensemble featuring a cropped jacket, smoking-stripe high-waist trousers, tails, and a white bow tie, was finished with a sculptural beret and a delicately embroidered waistband. Wales Bonner infused the outfit with storytelling: baobab flower patterns, cowrie shells, and mother-of-pearl buttons referenced African heritage and spiritual traditions. Artistic influences ranged from Barkley L. Hendricks to Cab Calloway, grounding Hamilton’s modern dandyism in ancestral memory and quiet defiance.

Burgundy and Gloss

Doechii - Photo by Kevin Mazur

Zendaya - Photo by Savion Washington

Teyana Taylor - Photo by Mike Coppola

While tailoring reigned supreme on the carpet, beauty looks added a layer of bold sensuality, none more striking than the return of the glossy lip. This high-shine statement wasn’t just a nostalgic nod to Y2K beauty; it became a power move, a finish that amplified confidence, femininity, and polish across diverse expressions of Black glamour.

For her first Met Gala, Doechii delivered a beauty look that was as fearless as her fashion. Styled in a Louis Vuitton short suit by Pharrell, she elevated the look with a voluminous afro, styled by Malcolm Marquez, and bold, graphic makeup by makeup artist Dee Carrion. Her lips were sharply lined in deep burgundy matching her oversized bowtie, then glossed to perfection, creating a sculptural effect that balanced precision with shine. The bold lip was paired with a cheek stamped with the LV monogram, as well as custom LV grillz designed by Gabby Elan Jewelry.

Zendaya embodied the theme in an immaculately tailored custom Louis Vuitton suit, designed by Pharrell Williams and styled by Law Roach. MUA Ernesto Casillas achieved her signature radiance using Charlotte Tilbury products, including the Sensual Sunset eye palette for a bronzed, defined eye, and the Lip Cheat Contour Duo paired with Big Lip Plumpgasm in Nudegasm Diamonds for a sculpted, glossy pout.

Teyana Taylor arrived in a custom Marc Jacobs creation, a powerful burgundy ensemble highlighting traditional men's tailoring, complete with an impactful hat and a red durag. Her beauty look featured burgundy smoky eyes, power brows, dramatic lashes, a chiseled face, and gradient glossy brown lips. Her hair, styled in glossy waves by hairstylist Chris Appleton, utilized Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and tools from Shark Beauty FlexFusion for a sleek finish.

Kiss Curls Take the Spotlight

Bad Bunny - Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris

Sydney Sweeney - Photo by John Shearer

Coco Jones - Photo by Gilbert Flores for Getty Images

Popularized in the 1920s by performers like Josephine Baker, kiss curls reemerged on the 2025 Met Gala red carpet as a subtle but intentional beauty detail. Unlike fully laid edges, kiss curls involve one or a few strands styled into delicate, sculptural shapes on the forehead. Their versatility, compatible with a wide range of hairstyles, made them a popular choice for a number of attendees, offering a refined, retro-inspired accent.

Bad Bunny walked the carpet in a chocolate Prada suit and two very meaningful accessories that honored his native Puerto Rico. One was a brown woven hat made to look like the straw pavas often worn in the PR countryside; the other was a diamond brooch shaped like his island’s national flower, the Flor de Maga. Bad Bunny paired his chocolate Prada suit with a minimalist grooming moment, yet it was a kiss curl that subtly elevated the entire look. Just one perfectly swooped strand on his forehead added softness to his sharp tailoring, echoing the vintage influences woven throughout the night.

Sydney Sweeney channeled a retro aesthetic with a look defined by sharp lines and a playful, vintage-inspired silhouette. MUA Melissa Hernandez for Armani Beauty emphasized Sweeney’s '60s style with a sharp, smoked-out cat-eye, dramatically accented by a swipe of white eyeliner (Armani Smooth Silk Eyeliner) on the waterline, and a subtle flush was achieved with Armani's Luminous Silk Cheek Tint. While her graphic white eyeliner and smoked-out cat-eye were showstoppers, two kiss curls were styled just above her browlines. Nestled against her polished updo, the curls served as a whisper of vintage coquetterie, delicate and deliberate.

Making her Met Gala debut, Coco Jones wore a cream-colored Manish Malhotra suit, dripping in pearls and lace embroidery, complemented by a slicked-back ultra-long braid nearly touching the floor, with one single kiss curl arcing gracefully onto her forehead. The contrast between the sleek styling and the softness of the curl captured the elegance and edge of this year’s glam direction.

The CIC Take

As always, the Met Gala proved a pivotal platform for beauty, where makeup and hair became powerful storytelling tools. From Doechii’s cheek monogram to the rise of sculptural circular afros, self-expression took center stage. For brands, these visual statements offer rich inspiration and reminders that beauty isn’t just about enhancement but narrative.

Superfine: Tailoring Black Style runs until October 26, 2025

Explore more fashion and social events influencing beauty trends and reshaping the future of self-expression in our latest What’s Up report.

TREND INSPIRATION: 5 FALL/WINTER 2025 FASHION WEEK TRENDS

Khaite Fall/Winter 2025 - The Impression

Fashion Week is in flux - both structurally, as calendars shift, and culturally, amid a rapidly changing political landscape. This season, designers embraced this feeling of bold contrasts: reference-heavy maximalism clashed with sharp ’90s minimalism, while fashion became a tool for resistance, with brands using the runway to make powerful political and social statements.

Here are highlighted five key trends we spotted during this season’s Fashion weeks.

Corpcore: Back in the boardroom

 

Calvin Klein Fall/Winter 2025 / Stella McCartney Fall/Winter 2025 / Jane Wade Fall/Winter 2025 - The Impression

 

Corporate dressing is making a comeback. Sharp tailoring, crisp collars, mannish overcoats and perfectly fitted trousers offer a palette cleanser to the years of work-from-home sweats. This new iteration is not just a Gen Z interpretation of corporate culture, served up in the stylised aesthetic of Severance, but a real status-defining look. In this new vision, even the humble lanyard is a coveted accessory.

  • Calvin Klein (NYFW) defined the "corporate chic" look in the ’90s, and now Veronica Leoni reinvents it for a new generation, blending sharp silhouettes with a modern, understated sensuality.

  • Gliding through the sleek corridors of "Stella Corp", models embody a modern working wardrobe that effortlessly shifts from day to night. Stella McCartney (PFW) reinvents power dressing with confidence, blending masculine precision with feminine allure.

  • At Jane Wade (NYFW), officewear is reimagined through the lens of employer-employee surveillance culture. Work badges, phones and folders become statement accessories, blurring the line between function and fashion.

 

Fur: Commanding style

 

Khaite Fall/Winter 2025 / Prada Fall/Winter 2025 / Gucci Fall/Winter 2025 - The Impression

 

In the spirit of excess, fur returned as a grand symbol of power and unapologetic luxury. Faux and vintage styles also made an appearance, as designers embraced the texture to craft looks that exude drama and confidence. 

  • Featuring 90s-style waterfall overcoats and cropped trenches, Khaite’s (NYFW) tonal, tactile collection is inspired by the aesthetic of David Lynch and the streets of New York.

  • Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons (MFW) continue their bold experimentation with fur, extending themes from the menswear collection. Oversized faux fur collars envelop structured overcoats worn as dresses, while blazers are reimagined with striking patchwork fur details across the body and lapels, blurring the line between classic tailoring and avant-garde texture play.

  • Gucci (MFW) revisits its heritage, drawing inspiration from the brand’s early ready-to-wear era with a distinctly vintage aesthetic. Paying tribute to founder Guccio Gucci, the collection embraces nostalgia through opulent, chunky faux furs, blending past elegance with a modern, theatrical edge.

 

Poppy Red: Look-at-me colour

 

Issey Miyake Fall/Winter 2025 / Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2025 / Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2025 - The Impression

 

This season, Poppy Red dominated the runways as a bold and electrifying statement colour. Designers embraced its intensity through monochromatic, head-to-toe looks, reinforcing red’s undeniable presence as both powerful and provocative. Whether in sleek tailoring, fluid gowns or avant-garde outerwear, the striking hue radiated energy and defiance. 

  • Issey Miyake (PFW) reimagines fluidity with a red-on-red knitwear set, expertly cut and knotted to shift and transform with each wear, creating an ever-evolving silhouette. An asymmetrical sculptural dress further explores movement, wrapping the body in dynamic folds.

  • Inspired by choreographer Pina Bausch, Ferragamo (MFW) designer Maximilian Davis explores the tension between romance and movement. Red takes center stage, symbolising passion, connection and the push-and-pull of relationships. Flowing silhouettes and structured tailoring mirror Bausch’s expressive choreography, blurring the lines between restraint and release, emotion and precision.

  • Tory Burch (NYFW) reinvents American sportswear with a functional yet elevated approach, punctuated with shocks of poppy red. A matching jacket and bag, accented with multi-pocket utility, embrace practicality, while a bold red hue injects energy and sophistication. 

 

Precious Stones: Heavy metal revival

 

Givenchy Fall/Winter 2025 / Maison Sara Chraibi Fall/Winter 2025 / Alice+Olivia Fall/Winter 2025 - The Impression

 

From gem-encrusted tops to rhinestone-studded faces and gem-topped nails, the season embraced opulence and craftsmanship, with designers incorporating precious elements into both clothing and beauty, making bold, baroque statements.

  • Sarah Burton’s debut at Givenchy (PFW) was defined by a kind of discipline, a discipline where her artistry still shone through. A gem-encrusted top was reminiscent of a cascading necklace, showcasing her meticulous eye for craftsmanship.

  • Maison Sara Chraibi (LFW) adorned models’ faces with crystals and rhinestones, placing them under the eyes, along the cheekbones, and on the body, matching lavishly embellished hairpieces.

  • For Alice + Olivia (NYFW), nail artist Miss Pop elevated chrome Salon Perfect press-on nails by adorning them with sparkling gemstones and pearls, adding more than a touch of decadent glamour.

 

Bedhead: Untamed beauty

 

Prada Fall/Winter 2025 / Gucci Fall/Winter 2025 / Vettese Fall/Winter 2025 - The Impression

 

Loose, tousled waves and natural textures projected a relaxed and refined look - as if models had just stepped out of bed. The look exudes freedom, celebrating a relaxed, untamed aesthetic that's polished enough for the runway but effortlessly chic.

  • Prada's collection challenges traditional notions of beauty, exploring femininity in new ways, questioning gender, appearance and mannerisms. The show, freed from the male gaze, redefines beauty with intentionally frizzy hair, blending both polished and undone looks to reflect a more liberated and fluid interpretation of femininity.

  • Loose, disheveled and artfully unkempt, Gucci models sported hairstyles with frizzy textures, embracing an effortlessly undone, carefree aesthetic that contrasted with traditional polished looks.

  • Inspired by her Romanesque culture, designer Kari Vettese (NYFW) created a sensual aesthetic that was topped off by morning-after, slept-in hairstyles.


The CIC Take

Maturity and maximalism permeated Fall/Winter 25 collections, as designers embraced the reemergence of corporate culture and “boom boom” dressing – with out-there opulence challenging the recent dominance of Quiet Luxury. In this new era, a shifting political landscape is visibly influencing consumer behavior, fueling a resurgence of extravagant, bold looks reminiscent of the '80s and '90s.

This is just a snapshot of our analysis from Fashion Week - contact us for our latest in-depth NYFW Fall/Winter 2025/2026 report.

Trend Hunting at MakeUp in Los Angeles 2025

Photo: Cosmetics IC - Innovation Awards - Venice Beach - Capsum

MakeUp in Los Angeles X LUXE Pack 2025: A Standout Year for Beauty Innovation

The Feb 2025 edition of MakeUp in Los Angeles X LUXE Pack marked a stellar year for the West Coast’s premier beauty event, drawing over 4,928 visitors and an impressive lineup of exhibitors unveiling their latest innovations.

From cutting-edge formulations to breakthrough packaging solutions, here are our “coup de cœur” innovations that caught our eye:

#1 – Formula - Over the Rainbow Lip&Cheek - ARTCOSMETICS

A breakthrough in hybrid beauty, that integrates three distinct textures—creamy blush, glossy balm, and radiant highlighter—into a single, travel-friendly tool. Engineered with advanced molding technology, it preserves the integrity of each formula, ensuring seamless application and optimal performance. Its ergonomic triangular design enhances precision, catering to the demand for intuitive, multi-functional beauty solutions. Compliant with Sephora and Ulta Beauty CLEAN standards, this innovation reflects the market shift toward high-performance, responsibly formulated products.

By combining sensorial richness with cutting-edge technology, ARTCOSMETICS delivers a versatile, on-the-go essential for modern beauty routines.

Why is it interesting?: We love the clean, visually attractive, 3-in-one formula – glossy, jelly, and creamy in a drop-shaped stick.

#2 – Formula - Moisture-Boost Splash Cream - JO COSMETICS, INC.

The Moisture-Boost Splash Cream merges Japanese skincare artistry with innovative Splash technology. This gel-cream features a unique two-layer structure, with 80% serum encapsulating potent beauty ingredients. Upon application, it bursts into a refreshing fluid, deeply hydrating while addressing dryness, dullness, acne, wrinkles, pores, and irritation. Its completely transparent formula showcases advanced fermentation science, delivering a transformative skincare experience in every jar.

Why is it interesting?: This formula embodies the Japanese art of formulation, featuring a completely transparent gel-cream made with 80% serum.

#3 – Packaging - Paperfoam Twist Up Stick - TOLY GROUP

Toly’s PaperFoam Twist Up Stick

Toly’s PaperFoam Twist Up Stick pioneers a fully paper-based retractable mechanism, a feature previously only achievable with plastic. Unlike existing options that blend paper and plastic, this innovation delivers a high-performance, user-friendly alternative without compromising functionality. By solving a key challenge in paper packaging, it offers a truly sustainable solution for eco-conscious consumers.

Why is it interesting?: A groundbreaking plastic-free design with a fully functional paper-based mechanism.

#4 – Accessory - The Dream Ring - IMEI DIVISION

The Dream Ring is a jewel-like facial massager designed for on-the-go use. This elegant ring effortlessly targets hard-to-reach areas, combining beauty and functionality in a compact accessory. Its sleek, ergonomic design allows for a soothing facial massage anytime, enhancing circulation and relaxation with a touch of style.

Why is it interesting?: Embodying our Key Prediction for 2025, The Culture of Delight, The Dream Ring combines a joyful beauty ritual with a comforting self-care moment, encapsulated in a cute wearable. 

#5 - Packaging -  Nuon – Technology-infused skincare cap 

Nuon Medical Technologies integrates clinically proven light therapy directly into skincare packaging, turning the cap itself into an active treatment tool. This smart packaging utilizes blue light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and red light to stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Designed for targeted treatment, it enhances absorption and accelerates visible results, with studies showing up to 75% acne reduction and 30% more collagen production.

Why is it interesting? This is a game-changing fusion of skincare and clinically-proven light therapy delivered in a super-convenient format.

THE CIC TAKE

The standout innovations from MakeUp in Los Angeles 2025 highlight how beauty is embracing technology, sustainability, and multifunctionality to enhance both performance and user experience. As predicted in our 2025 Key Predictions white book, The Age of Resonance, beauty is evolving with tech-infused skincare, eco-conscious packaging, and ergonomic design that simplifies routines while delivering efficacy and delight. These innovations perfectly align with the industry's shift towards practical, sensorial, and science-backed solutions.

The Age of Resonance is available now. Contact us for more details.

The Age of Resonance: 5 Key Trends for 2025 and Beyond

Credits: Nick Fancher via Deathtostock

The Age of Resonance marks a new phase for the beauty industry - one defined by curiosity, creativity, and conviction. In this emerging landscape, beauty evolves beyond aesthetics to become an immersive and emotionally charged experience, where well-being, inclusivity, and self-expression converge.

In our 2025 White Book, the Cosmetics IC team decodes the societal shifts and breakthrough beauty innovations that will transform the shape of the industry for the years ahead.

"In an era of transformation and growing societal consciousness, consumers are seeking more than just efficacy - they crave meaning, emotional engagement, and experiences that align with their evolving lifestyles. Beauty is becoming a space where science meets sensoriality, where ancestral knowledge informs innovation, and where self-expression transcends norms." Leïla Rochet, Chief Inspiration Officer of Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation

Discover 5 inspiration territories to fuel your future innovation:

1 - ADAPTIVE FUTURES: The Visionary Alignment of Technology and Beauty

Technology and biotechnology will seamlessly merge to create hyper-personalized, intelligent solutions. AI-driven tools and scientific advancements will redefine performance, pushing beauty toward a new era of adaptability and precision.

Technology is ushering in a new era of co-created products, enhancing consumer engagement through Web3, blockchain, and AI. In 2024, NFC-enabled beauty brand Kiki World raised $5 million to create a platform where users vote on designs, earn loyalty points, and unlock discounts, with NFC products driving community interaction beyond purchases.

AI is also unlocking new creative dimensions. Beauty brands are experimenting with generative AI and wearable tech to enable deeper self-expression. Studio Halia’s Alter Collection integrates NFC chips into sculptural jewelry, unlocking augmented reality beauty experiences.

In beauty, biotech advancements are transforming formulation processes. AI-powered ingredient platforms, like Debut’s BeautyORB, analyze billions of ingredient combinations to optimize both efficacy and sustainability. Lab-grown actives, such as Odacité’s AI-cultivated Edelweiss, are setting new standards for precision skincare.

In the future, beauty will evolve beyond aesthetics, meeting the needs of a dynamic, performance-driven consumer who seeks intelligent, responsive solutions.

2 - DEEP RECONNECTION: Honoring Nature, Culture, and Ancestral Roots to Redefine Sustainability

In an era of rapid change, consumers are seeking grounding experiences and ethical beauty solutions that enhance their connection to nature, heritage, and cultural traditions. Sustainability is evolving beyond environmental responsibility to incorporate ancestral wisdom and elemental purity, creating a more meaningful and holistic vision of beauty.

As awareness of climate change and biodiversity loss intensifies, brands are responding with emotionally resonant narratives. Issey Miyake’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection paid tribute to traditional papermaking, using delicate Japanese washi to reflect nature’s fragility. Meanwhile, Pavels Hedström’s Gaia Communication System translates plant signals into tactile sensations, deepening our emotional bond with the natural world.

Beauty is also turning to ancestral practices and indigenous ingredients to create authentic, culturally rich formulations. HYEJA’s Clarifying Lotus Hydrator combines Korean traditions with modern science, while Nordic and Japanese bathing rituals are inspiring self-care experiences that reconnect consumers with water’s elemental power.

Brands will also rethink materials and packaging, such as Attitude’s Oceanly Eyeshadow which introduced plastic-free, biodegradable packaging, while packaging for Credo’s new skincare line incorporates recycled ocean plastics, reinforcing the shift toward circular beauty.

In the future, beauty will not only honor nature and tradition but also inspire a deeper, more poetic connection with the world around us.

3 - LIFE IN MOVEMENT: Redefining Beauty Through Motion, Adaptability, and Strength

In a world that never stops moving, beauty is shifting to emphasize fluidity, adaptability, and strength, celebrating bodies in motion rather than static perfection. Athleticism and power become the new aesthetic ideal, redefining confidence through physical expression.

As the boundaries between fashion, sports, and beauty blur, brands are responding with designs that enhance both performance and aesthetics. Balenciaga’s collaboration with Under Armour fuses high fashion with functionality, while Loewe’s CloudTilt 2.0 sneaker merges sleek design with movement-enhancing technology. In beauty, innovation follows suit - Respire’s Solid Cleanser and NuFace’s FIX MicroWand are designed for efficiency and portability, catering to active lifestyles.

Strength and resilience will take center stage, with athletes and performers leading the way, like Ilona Maher, rugby Olympian who recently became Paula’s Choice’s first Skincare Coach. Products like Lemme Tone Gummies and Josie Maran’s Pro-Retinol Body Butter are emerging, celebrating the sculpted, powerful body.

Future beauty will be functional, empowering, and protective, designed to support movement, endurance, and self-expression in an ever-evolving world.

4 - THE CULTURE OF DELIGHT: Joyful Escapes and Sensory Delights as Anchors in a Chaotic World

In a world of constant chaos, beauty is evolving beyond appearance to become a tool for emotional well-being and joy. Delightful, sensory experiences provide a much-needed break from daily pressures. Beauty and luxury become vehicles for pleasure, engagement, and self-reconnection, turning mundane routines into moments of happiness.

Nostalgia plays a significant role in this shift, with iconic childhood figures making a comeback to evoke a sense of comfort and cultural connection. At Paris Fashion Week SS25, Coperni collaborated with Disney, creating whimsical designs that celebrate childhood magic. In beauty, collaborations like Dearcloud x Miffy reimagine beloved characters, linking nostalgia with modern self-care.

Brands will also increasingly embrace playfulness in packaging and experiences. The rise of collectible, toy-inspired products, such as Creer Beaute’s Tamagotchi Balms and Fwee's Pudding Pots, offer consumers a playful way to interact with beauty. In the realm of hedonism, consumers seek small, joyful experiences, reflected in pop-up environments like Louis Vuitton’s Murakami Wonderland, which redefines retail as a space for joyful, imaginative escape.

Beauty is now an opportunity for sensory pleasure. With an increasing demand for tactile products, brands like Pleasing and Fwee are creating beauty rituals that engage the sense of touch, turning skincare into an indulgent, playful experience.

In the future, beauty will continue to offer consumers joyful escapes, transforming everyday rituals into multisensory experiences that combine delight with connection.

5- AGELESS HORIZONS: Redefining Beauty Through Inclusivity and Longevity

Our perception of aging is transforming from a limitation to an ongoing narrative of self-expression and empowerment. The growing demand for personalized solutions, inclusive representation, and longevity-focused innovations reflects a broader, more nuanced understanding of beauty that embraces every stage of life. This trend is helping to redefine the narrative around age, celebrating wisdom, experience, and inclusivity across all generations.

In skincare and wellness, a unified language is emerging, with younger consumers adopting preventative routines and older generations focusing on well-aging. Brands are creating products and rituals that cater to diverse needs, responding to this demand for intergenerational dialogue. 

At the same time, age representation is gaining traction in fashion and media, with mature models being celebrated for their experience and confidence. Campaigns from brands like Caudalie and beauty influencers such as Grece Ghanem and Fred Mécène show that ageless beauty is no longer a distant ideal but an attainable and empowering reality.

In the future, beauty will continue to innovate, prioritizing longevity and inclusivity, with advanced skincare technologies and doctor-led brands leading the way, merging beauty and wellness into a seamless, ageless experience.

The CIC Take

For an up-close look at our 5 Key Trends for 2025 and Beyond visit our booth (K49) at the upcoming MakeUp in Los Angeles (Feb 12 & 13) where our CIO Leila Rochet will personally talk you through a selection of international products at our Inspiration Bar, curated to illustrate many of the themes above.

The full version of our 2025 White Book: The Age of Resonance is available now, contact us for more information.

TREND INSPIRATION: SS25 beauty Snapshot

Palomo Spain NYFW SS25 - Lexie Moreland WWD

Following a packed SS25 fashion week schedule, the Cosmetics IC team highlights the most inspirational beauty looks from Paris, Milan, London, and New York.

Loewe PFW SS25

Simone Rocha LFW SS25

Loewe (PFW) went futuristic with oversized, silver cat eyes, giving the models an otherworldly and avant-garde appeal. There was a dramatic touch of nature at Simone Rocha (LFW), where floral masks made of carnation petals mirrored the collection for a breathtaking runway look.

Area NYFW Fall 2024

Chopova Lowena LFW SS25 - @laurenfreynolds

Area (NYFW) marked its 10th anniversary with a striking, all-over beauty statement. Tattoo-like stencils across models’ faces and bodies echoed the fingerprint-like patterns on the garments. Colourful clusters of gems framed the eyes in a sharp, wing-like design at Chopova Lowena (LFW), adding charm and sparkle to a standout beauty look.

Marni MFW SS25

Palomo Spain NYFW SS25

Marni (MFW) made waves with ultra-arched, pencil-thin eyebrows, blending old-school glamour with avant-garde beauty. Palomo Spain (NYFW) stunned with slicked-back hair and bleached brows, paired with bold orange accents for an avant-garde finish.

Diesel MFW SS25

Mugler PFW SS25

Diesel’s models (MFW) stunned with colored contact lenses, pushing fashion into sci-fi territory with a look straight out of Dune. Known for their bold designs, Mugler (PFW) pushed boundaries with sharp, V-cut bangs that covered the models’ faces, adding an ultra-edgy vibe.

The CIC Take

This is just a snapshot of our analysis from Fashion Week - contact us for our latest in-depth report.

Credits:
@theimpression_
Loewe
Simone Rocha
Area
@laurenfreynolds
Marni
Palomo Spain
Diesel
Mugler





I Feel Good 2024: Innovations in Wellness

Death to Stock - Photo Shauna Summers_

The latest advancements in clean formulations and natural beauty resources were showcased over two days at the recent I Feel Good event in Paris (September 17- 18, 2024). Ingredient and product innovations underscored the growing alignment between the worlds of beauty and wellness. Trend and Digital Assistant Anna shares her top 5 discoveries from the event, where award-winning innovations signalled the dominant role biotechnology would play in the future of clean beauty.

OUR TOP 5 INNOVATIONS:

Lutein-Fortified Beverage - Eye health support drink by Azelis

Winner of the Public Acclaim Achievement Award, the Lutein-Fortified Beverage is formulated to support eye health with three clinically-researched ingredients: lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. These compounds are known for protecting against blue light and supporting visual function. The drink is flavoured with mandarin and features an innovative formula that keeps the active ingredients suspended in the liquid, ensuring consistent delivery. Consuming 2 to 3 mL daily for optimal eye support is recommended. 

Vecollage Fortify L - Biomimetic vegan collagen by Adara

Vecollage Fortify L, winner of the Best Innovation Award, is a skin-identical collagen obtained via biotechnology through yeast fermentation. As a biomimetic collagen, it allows for improved skin penetration and effective action. Moreover, it is highly effective in protecting the skin's network and preventing degradation. The increasing demand for collagen in skincare stands out as it aligns with the current market trend. Additionally, it has a solid ecological advantage, neither synthetic nor derived from animal sources.

Charcoal scrub - 100% upcycled exfoliating treatment by Laboratoire LBP 

This scrub, awarded Best Formulation this year, uses 100% natural, upcycled ingredients for sensitive skin. It includes charcoal from the food industry, rose water from Damask rose distillation, and a moisturizing agent derived from gin distillation with barley ferment. The treatment is applied in a thick layer and offers a pleasant sensory experience while being eco-friendly and completely clean.

Pschiit Beauté - Innovative nutri-cosmetics spray by Kares-Up

Aiming to simplify beauty routines, Pschiit Beauté is a nutri-cosmetics anti-ageing buccal spray that competed in the Public Acclaim Achievement category. Unlike traditional nutri-cosmetics, which often come in capsule formats that can feel too medicinal, this innovative spray offers a more approachable alternative. With just two sprays, it delivers a potent dose of anti-ageing ingredients, making it both practical and user-friendly. Its concentrated formula provides visible results with minimal effort. The sugar-free composition and pleasant rose flavour enhance the experience, encouraging seamless integration into daily habits.

Sensol 100 - Sustainable innovation in cosmetics by GreenTech

Sensol100, a functional ingredient that competed in the Innovation category, is derived from the refinement of upcycled avocado oil. A process of decolourization and deodorization transforms the oil into a light beige, butter-like texture. Rich in essential fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, Sensol 100 plays a vital role in skin regeneration without relying on palm oil. Suitable for all types of emulsions, it is also ideal for tinted lip balms, providing excellent pigment dispersion and a silky texture similar to silicone, allowing for the replacement of silicones and mineral oils. Additionally, Sensol 100 has a coating effect on hair fibers, ensuring easy incorporation while offering beneficial biological properties. Its 100% natural composition features a simple and effective INCI.

THE CIC TAKE

Exhibitors demonstrated how beauty and wellness are increasingly interconnected as consumers’ well-being ambitions are closely tied to their relation to beauty. The event underscored the opportunity in targeted inner-outer solutions, while the realization of exciting new formats (beverages, buccal sprays) shows the potential to unlock new beauty rituals.

Our trend research and innovation consultancy is informed by our many visits to industry exhibitions and events, where our team tracks fresh-from-the-lab innovations and ingredients. Further insight and inspiration are available in the agency’s latest trend report, Higher Perspectives: Makeup Inspiration from the U.S.

Contact the team today for more information!

Sporting BEAUTY: Expanding the codes of luxury

Credits: Getty Images/Christian Petersen/ Shacarri Richardson

As the dust settles after the spectacular closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, the intersection of two powerful cultural forces—luxury and sports—comes into sharp focus. In recent years, the worlds of sports and fashion have converged in unexpected ways, with athletes transforming from mere sports icons into fashion and beauty trendsetters. This evolution redefines luxury perception, moving it beyond the confines of traditional elegance and into the realm of strength, resilience, and aspirational living.

The Olympics have accelerated this trend, solidifying the connection between sports, luxury, and beauty like never before. As luxury strategist Eric Briones aptly puts it, "As luxury Maisons seek new avenues of influence, aligning with sports movements—particularly the Olympics—means becoming part of a broader cultural shift." For fashion and beauty brands, this is an opportunity to redefine female beauty as not just glamorous but also powerful and healthy—a vision that resonates deeply with a Millennial audience increasingly devoted to fitness and wellness as a lifestyle.

In this article, we explore how the codes of luxury and beauty are being expanded through the lens of sports culture, and what this means for brands looking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Luxury meets Sports – Fostering common values

Credits: Louis Vuitton/LVMH

LVMH made a culture-changing move when it became the first luxury brand to sponsor the Olympic Games, with a partnership valued at 150 million euros (accounting for nearly 1% of the conglomerate’s 2023 profits). The investment reflects LVMH's commitment to expanding its influence far beyond athlete endorsements and its desire to align itself with the aspirations and ideals of athletes and sports fans alike. 

The premiumization of the Olympics signals a clear shift in power dynamics and is part of the wider "luxuryfication" of sports, which sees brands increasingly targeting middle-class consumers seeking to emulate the lifestyles of elite athletes. What unites these, apparently distant, universes is the pursuit of excellence and quality.

From Chaumet-designed medals to French athletes wearing Berluti-designed outfits at the opening ceremony, and medal bearers donning vintage-style, distinctly French LVMH uniforms, the House’s influence has been evident. And LVMH's investment has already yielded impressive results. The brand has dominated social media conversations surrounding the Games, generating significantly more value than its competitors.

Connecting Beauty, Athletes, and Volunteers – A new era of influencers

The Olympics have always been a platform for showcasing athletic excellence, but today, they're also playing a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of influencers. With gender parity achieved for the first time and the rising influence of Gen Z, beauty culture is becoming an integral part of the sporting landscape.

Gen Z’s seamless integration of beauty into their everyday lives has led to a surge in sports and beauty partnerships, with brands like Glossier and Fenty Beauty leaning into the global exposure of the Olympics to extend their influence with this cohort. 

Glossier's ongoing partnership with the US women's basketball team not only provides athletes with beauty products but also leverages their massive social media following to propel the brand even further in the minds of consumers. As the popularity of the sport, and the individual profile of its star players, continues to soar, Glossier becomes intertwined with a powerful projection of style, success, and excellence. It’s a magnetic mix, and we can expect to see more of these types of collaborations in the future. 

Always a brand taking the most inclusive approach, Fenty Beauty brought another type of influencer to global attention during the Games - the volunteer. Over 600 of them, aged 18 to 21,  received Fenty Beauty makeup kits and tutorials, which allowed them to create “designated looks” with guidance from an on-site MUA (Source: Forbes). The global TV exposure of volunteers during the medal ceremonies ensured Fenty products were consistently on show. 

Beauty - An empowering medium in sports 

Credits: Getty Images/Sam Barnes / Sha'Carri Richardson (left) and Noah Lyles (right)

Forget race times, this year, the Olympics was captivated by a new kind of performance: beauty. Athletes like Sha'Carri Richardson used bold nails, expressive hairstyles, and tattoos to tell their personal stories of resilience and self-belief. From Richardson's Olympic-themed nail gems, emblazoned with her iconic "I'm not back. I'm better" message, to Noah Lyles' electric blue "icon" nails, beauty became a platform for self-expression and empowerment.

It was evident that beauty is increasingly being embraced by athletes as a means of amplifying their stories and achievements on a global stage. In this way, beauty has become an effective medium for connecting supreme health with personal identity.  This taps into a powerful cultural shift: 70% of consumers now prioritize health and appearance, and athletes embody that perfect blend (Source: McKinsey & Co - The top wellness trends in 2024 - January 2024). Beauty brands are taking notice, integrating with sports to connect with an audience where fitness is a core part of their self-identity. 


The Cosmetics IC Take

In this evolving landscape, luxury brands are venturing into the sports arena, aligning their ambitions with a new cultural movement and embracing values of resilience, health, and elevated performance. 

The Olympics have helped to propel a new vision of femininity, one where beauty is intrinsically linked to success. And brands are already adapting to this cultural shift by forging targeted partnerships with sports stars. Serena Williams’ Wyn Beauty, launched in April 2024, exemplifies this integration. Marketed as “makeup you can move in,” Wyn Beauty combines clean, high-performing ingredients with innovative textures designed for active lifestyles. This approach underscores a growing focus on sweat and smudge-proof formulas, addressing the needs of consumers who value both performance and aesthetics.

Similarly, the Athletic Cosmetic Company’s water-resistant mascara, The G.O.A.T. The Greatest of All Time (January 2024), highlights the shift towards cosmetics that withstand rigorous activity. These developments reflect the broader trend of blending beauty with sports, catering to the evolving demands of an active and style-conscious audience.

Further insight and inspiration on the new perceptions of luxury and the links between sport and beauty is available in the agency’s latest trend reports: Higher Perspectives: Makeup Inspiration from the U.S.

Contact the team today for more information!

Gen Alpha – Next Gen Power

Photo: Indu - source Instagram

Generation Alpha is making waves in the beauty industry as indirect purchasers but also as a major influence over other generations. However, the #SephoraKids phenomenon – young skintellectuals buying into adult-skewed beauty brands - has raised concerns regarding marketing to minors and has triggered a wave of scrutiny into beauty brand ethics. Now, this cohort of 2 billion is being catered to by a new wave of brands that speak directly to their needs. 

Who is Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha is the generation born from 2010 (to 2025), totaling over 2 billion people worldwide - making them the largest generational cohort. More than digital natives, they are also the first generation to experience remote services - from streamed entertainment to virtual classrooms.

Beauty addicts

Gen Alpha is a generation of beauty addicts, with teens now spending an average of $324 annually on core beauty products, up +23% YoY (Source: US - Piper Sander). Gen A’s projected combined spending power in 2024 exceeds $5.39 trillion, surpassing Millennials and outpacing Gen Z. It is clear that there is a huge opportunity for brands to capture the imaginations of this highly engaged demographic.

Major household influencers

Gen Alpha exert more influence over their parents than any other generation that has preceded them - 92% of Gen Alpha parents say their children regularly introduce them to products, services, or brands (Source: DKC’s analytics group). This influence extends over nearly every product category, including Prestige beauty, where spending in households with children outpaces those without (16% vs 6%, Source: Circana). Prestige fragrance sales among higher-income households (over $100,000) with children also grew at twice the rate compared to households without children (Source: Circana Q1, 2024). 

Creating a new Eldorado

Progressive brands are beginning to walk the tightrope between appealing to Gen Alpha skintellectuals while mitigating the ethical dilemma of promoting responsible skincare usage. 

These include brands like Indu (UK), which has just secured $5.1M in seed funding (led by Unilever Ventures) and will launch into US stores in 2025. Formulated for and by teens, Indu works with a community of over 250 young consumers to develop its product range and marketing campaigns. In June, the brand launched the Indu 101 blog - a content platform designed to educate teens about skincare and provide a safe space for experimenting with new makeup trends. Also taking an educational approach, teen skincare brand Byoma (UK) has created the “MiSKINformed” campaign to highlight misinformation in the skincare space.  Bubble (US) recently collaborated with the Pixar movie Inside Out 2 (a movie about the mental health experiences of a pre-teen) to create a three-step barrier-boosting routine designed to address “your days’ ups and downs”. 

The Cosmetics IC Take

Between business opportunities and ethical dilemmas, brands must consider this generation with caution. Successful brands already operating in this space (outlined above) not only share an affordable and accessible price point but also share a transparent approach that appeals to both Alphas and their parents.  Brands must propose age-appropriate answers to young consumers’ needs and take on the role of educators and myth-busters (as we’ve seen Dove and Kiehl’s do to great effect recently).

As Alphas exert their influence over the industry, the agency continues to pay close attention to their behaviors and needs. To understand the specificities of this fascinating new generation of beauty consumers and explore new business opportunities, contact us today for your Gen Alpha Beauty report. In the meantime, you can explore our latest trend report, Makeup Inspiration from the USA: Higher Perspectives, where we dive into the current dynamics shaping the makeup sector.

Inspiration Tours: Introducing Berlin

Art Museum - Berlin - Copyright - Cosmetics IC / Pic by Solène Albecq

Renowned for its avant-garde art scene, cutting-edge nightlife and conceptual retail, Berlin never fails to inspire. Cosmetics IC recently visited the cultural capital to discover how one of Europe’s most vibrant cities is becoming a key hub for Beauty inspiration. Art Director Solène Albecq reveals her three must-visit stores.

1- HIGHSNOBIETY

Highsnobiety - Copyright - Cosmetics IC / Pic by Solène Albecq

Unter den Linden 40

10117 Berlin

Open: Monday to Saturday 11am-7pm 

www.highsnobiety.com

ID Sheet

Purveyor of street and sneaker culture Highsnobiety has opened a new flagship store in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte district.  With a raw, industrial aesthetic, the store’s interior embraces the type of utilitarian aesthetic synonymous with 20th-century Berlin architecture. The material palette includes concrete, styrofoam, glass and stainless steel, which provides the ideal minimalistic backdrop to the meticulously curated collection of menswear, womenswear, accessories, sneaker, lifestyle and beauty brands. 

Inspiration Seeds

Agility is a key component of the store experience - the vast space is designed for flexibility, and will become a space for community interactions and brand activations. The aim is to build a real-life cultural hub on par with Highsnobiety’s online profile. 

2- LAUNDROMAT

Laundromat - Copyright - Cosmetics IC / Pic by Solène Albecq

Stargarder Strasse 74

10437 Berlin

Open: Tuesday to Friday 2pm-8pm, Saturday 11am-8pm

ID Sheet

Laundromat is a new store concept from Adidas that offers clothing rentals, curated second-hand items and collaborations with local artists. Adidas branding is kept to a discreet minimum - the aim here is to emphasise sustainability through rentals and by extending clothing lifespans. Local rental platform Pool offers a hand-picked selection of Adidas items, while the Berlin-based Westend Vintage provides an edit of cult retro streetwear and sneakers (collaborators will change regularly). 

Inspiration Seeds

This is a bold concept from Adidas, which leverages Gen Z’s appetite for re-sell and second-hand clothing to elevate its sustainability message. The store, designed to resemble a laundromat, is a constantly evolving space that is intended to platform local creatives, artists and brands that share a community-centric, planet-friendly approach.


3- FRAU-TONIS PARFUME

Frau-Tonis Parfume - Copyright - Cosmetics IC / Pic by Solène Albecq

Zimmerstraße 13

10969 Berlin

Open: Monday to Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 7pm

www.frau-tonis-parfum.com

ID Sheet

A must-visit for fragrance buffs, Frau-Tonis Parfume produces contemporary, unisex scents inspired by nature and the city itself. The minimalistic philosophy extends to the brand’s marketing (there is none) and their sales approach is one of customer-led exploration. All scents are made in Berlin. 

Inspiration Seeds 

Customers are invited to create their own perfumes, assisted by brand scent experts, and made at the in-store workshop. Everything here is about clarity and transparency - of ingredients and process.




INSPIRATION TOURS

Our Inspiration Tours are individually tailored guides to the world’s best beauty cities. From the K-beauty capital of Seoul to the laid-back cool of Los Angeles - we know where to shop and what to see to inspire your next innovation. Contact the team today for more information.


CONTACT US

For more information, email the team at contact@inspiration-creation.com or visit the website at www.inspiration-creation.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn (Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation) and on X, Instagram and TikTok (@cosmeticseeds)

Key Skincare Trends on Social Media

Deathtostock – Photography by Shauna Summers

Social media’s role in beauty continues to expand and evolve from a place of inspiration to a source of innovation. New trends, techniques, and semantics cascade from the online universes of TikTok and IG to the offline world, changing the very culture of skincare and makeup. With the power to create new narratives that alter consumer behaviors, social media is more than just a playground – it’s an essential insight tool.

Every month, the Cosmetics IC team works alongside social media data analysts (Spate and Tribe Dynamics) to decipher the latest beauty trends, identify the most inspiring influencers and spotlight the buzzing products that are shifting the dial on beauty.

Here is a snapshot from our latest skincare social analysis, taken from March 2024:

Top 3 Skincare Brands March 2024(1) – Propelled by Younger Generations.

N° 1. (in EMV) Summer Fridays: +140% YoY

Summer Fridays celebrated its 6th birthday in March with the launch of the Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum, building on the success of its original hero product – the Jet Lag Mask. Every birthday deserves a good party, and the brand hosted its own at The Grove Los Angeles, with a travel-inspired pop-up called “In The Clouds”. Customers could sample the new products and shop limited edition merch in a dreamy, minimalist setting.

N° 2. (in EMV) Glow Recipe: +141% YoY

The Korean-inspired brand is one of Gen Alpha’s favorite skincare brands, boosted by Tiktok (representing 33% of their EMV). It was also boosted by the launch of the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops at the end of February, which was promoted with a number of viral activations, including “The Dewy World of Glow Recipe” pop-up at Times Square on the 22nd of March. Customers received a complimentary engraving on a full-size purchase of Watermelon Glow Hue Drops or Dew Drops.

N° 3. (in EMV) Sol de Janeiro: +114% YoY

Always a much-talked-about brand on TikTok, Sol de Janeiro is adored by Gen Z (and increasingly by Gen Alpha), tapping the algorithm with videos that explore their product’s more playful and sensorial aspects. The new Rio Radiance SPF 50 collection (sunscreen spray, oil and lotion) was launched in March with a video starring celebrity influencer Sofia Richie Grainge.


Top TikTok Skincare Trends March 2024 – Savvy consumers find new paths for skin solutions adapted to their needs and wallets.

Skin Streaming – Simplified Skincare Routines

#skinstreaming (51.3M views)(2)– Influencer to watch: @dermguru

Skin Streaming is a trend focused on simplifying skincare routines by using fewer products that serve multiple purposes, rather than relying on a multitude of single-use products. “Skin Streaming” achieves a +34460% MoM and a +16660% YoY increase.(3)

Matte Sunscreens – Shine-Free Protection

#softmattesunscreen (13.1M views)(2) – Influencer to watch: @paularmzz

Matte sunscreen offers sun protection while avoiding a greasy or shiny finish. Trending products include Bubble’s Solar Mate and Joseon’s Matte Sun Stick. “Matte Sunscreen” achieves a +2533% MoM and a +507% YoY increase.(3)

Turmeric Masks – Homemade Radiance Remedies

#turmericfacemask (42.9M views)(2) – Influencer to watch: @anci.social

In March, Turmeric Masks experienced a surge in popularity as internet users crafted their own glow-inducing topical remedies. Turmeric’s rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to bring brightening and radiance to the skin. “Turmeric Mask” achieves a +92% MoM and a +222% YoY increase.(3)

Buzzing products on TikTok – Highlights the ever-growing interest in K-Beauty and porcelain skin.

Cosrx – The 6 Peptide Skin Booster

#skinflooding (265.9M views)(2)

COSRX’s 6 Peptide Skin Booster, introduced in August 2023, is gaining visibility thanks to the growing interest in the skin flooding trend. Skin flooding, akin to moisture sandwiching, hydrates by layering products with diverse ingredients and delivery methods, with Hyaluronic Acid as a key player. “Skin Flooding” has surged by +2292% MoM.(3)

I’m From – Rice Toner

#ricetoner (93M views)(2)

I’m From’s Rice Toner has been instrumental in shaping the rice toner trend, alongside brands like Tirtir, amid a growing interest in K-beauty. Rice toner, infused with rice extracts, aims to hydrate, brighten, and refine the complexion. “Rice Toner” has surged by +2955% YoY.(3)

SKNBODY – Hair Identifier Spray

#sknbodysprayfacialhairshavekit (159M views)(2)

Launched in February 2024, the Sknbody Hair Identifier Spray aims to simplify dermaplaning by coloring hairs white, making them more visible for precise shaving. When influencers began testing the product in March, it caused a big buzz on social media, with some videos clocking up over 15 million views.(2)

Learn more

For more information on our Social Books, Inspiration Reports and consultancy services, contact us.

A special thank you to our data partners Tribe Dynamics and Spate.

About Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation

Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation is an international trend forecasting and consulting agency founded in Paris in 2007. The agency is dedicated to driving beauty and wellness innovation, helping brands identify new pathways and realize long-term growth through strategic foresight and trend inspiration. The agency regularly delivers in-depth trend reports covering the global beauty markets, decoding the latest inspirations and market data, and deciphering the latest product releases to feed your brand’s innovation process. We convert insights and inspiration into bespoke leverages, tailored to specific goals and ambitions.

In a consultancy capacity, our global team of industry experts, cultural strategists, product developers and beauty chemists work closely with brands to inspire new product directions and build innovative concepts. We have worked alongside the R&D departments of some of the world’s leading makeup and skincare brands to elevate their scientific message and inspire future-proofed innovation.

Contact

For more information, email the team at contact@inspiration-creation.com or visit the website at www.inspiration-creation.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn (Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation) and on X, Instagram and TikTok (@cosmeticseeds).

(1) Tribe Dynamics USA – March 2024 – All social media: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, Blog – Progression Month over Month (Mar 2024 vs Feb 2024) – EMV: Earn Media Value
(2) Cosmetics IC Manual Count – TikTok – March 2024
(3) Spate – US TikTok searches – Month over Month (Mar 2024 vs Feb 2024) & Year over Year (from Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 vs Apr 2022 to Mar 2023)

HIGHER FUTURES: Decoding the science & tech Beauty revolution

Source: DeathtotheStock: Photography by Nick Fancher

The pandemic propelled the dynamic digitalisation of our lives; we invited new technologies and scientific solutions into our homes (and bodies) as we sought new approaches and answers to rapidly emerging challenges. In the interim years we have seen the propulsion of Artificial Intelligence further expand our expectations and experience of the world, its capabilities presenting enticing opportunities for brands to develop truly amazing new products and services.

As consumers recognise that science and technology hold the keys to the quest for heightened efficacy, performance, and pleasure, investment in science-led beauty brands is exceeding that in nature-led brands by 2.5x.(1) Within this context, Cosmetics IC developed the strategic perspective of Higher Futures—a call for brands to lead with technology, leverage consumer trust in science, and address the demand for STEM-based beauty solutions while solving humanity’s major challenges.

At a special conference for MakeUp in Paris 2024, Cosmetics IC invited attendees to discover the transformative impact of a science-centric approach to beauty. Read on for an extract of our presentation, where we highlighted three strategic territories for investigation: Augmented Science, Amplified Reality and Post-natural Future, representing the opportunities that await those brands open to leading with science.

Augmented Science: Next-level efficiency

Traditional categories are being redefined by heightened expectations for performance and perfection, influenced by the ubiquity of derma procedures and the growing emphasis on well-being. This compels brands to investigate hyper-personalised solutions and at-home experiences, leaning into the latest technologies to biohack the body, boost longevity, and elevate the daily beauty ritual. AI-powered devices, smart materials and precision-personalized formulas will blur the lines between clinical and convenience.  

  • STEM-symbiotic solutions are infiltrating all categories as society awakens to the transformative potential of new technologies. At New York Fashion Week, designer Christian Cowan collaborated with Adobe to produce an electronically activated dress meticulously crafted from hundreds of laser-cut polymer liquid crystals. The dress becomes a “dynamic canvas,” intuitively shifting in color and tone several times a second.

  • At VivaTech 2024, L'Oréal unveiled Cutaneous Technology, a revolutionary bioprinting process that recreates human skin in its full complexity. This breakthrough allows for inclusive and realistic testing across all skin types, paving the way for personalized beauty products and potentially accelerating advancements in dermatological research and burn treatment.

Amplified Reality: Interversal senses

Defying physical boundaries, human-tech symbiosis is creating "intraversal" realities - universal experiences that bridge the digital and physical worlds. This union opens up new possibilities, evoking joy through immersive encounters and the integration of phygital realms. These advancements not only enhance our capacity for interconnectedness but also introduce novel sensations. A new dimension of sensory experience, characterised by tactile hedonism, is emerging, enriching our perception and engagement with the world. This level of intense immersion is being adapted into the retail experience as brands re-imagine physical stores as sensory playgrounds primed for consumer engagement.

  • Across all categories and industries, technology is being used as a conduit to amplify sensation. At Milan Design Week 2024, Samsung Design's "Newfound Equilibrium" exhibition took visitors on a multi-sensory journey through five spaces, each exploring a different aspect of a harmonious future where technology seamlessly blends with humanity. The exhibit showcased the promise and potential of technology in enriching our lives. 

  • At VivaTech 2024, Guerlain pushed the boundaries of fragrance with an olfactory VR experience. Visitors donned a custom headset and entered a world where iconic Guerlain scents were paired with AI-generated landscapes and the perfumer's creative whispers, showcasing the growing interplay of technology and emotion in art and design. 

Post-natural Future: Deep engagement

In the future, a new intelligence will emerge to respond to the need to create sustainable models that prioritize both survival and empathy for our planet and nature. In this context, technology must be used with intention and functionality, focusing on delivering outcomes that benefit people and the environment. This vision of the future will require combining efficiency, aesthetics, and pleasure while keeping sustainability a central mission. Brands should be encouraged by growing consumer support for synthetics - 20% of  U.S. consumers recognize lab-grown, natural-identical ingredients as effective and safe (22%). (2)

  • Forward-thinking solutions are redefining how we source, create, and utilise resources across different sectors. As one of the major polluters of drinking water across the globe, the textile industry is leading the way in eco-friendly innovation. UK brand Normal Phenomena of Life is pioneering “grown-to-order” lifestyle products, combining the expertise of a design research laboratory and a biotechnology company. The first launch includes clothing dyed with bacteria, prints made with algae ink and objects made with bio-concrete designed by microbes.

  •  Equally in the world of beauty, science and technology are allowing for the development of sustainable, vegan solutions that offer an alternative to chemicals. Always leading with innovation, The Unseen Beauty has developed The ABSORPTION collection featuring Algae Black™, the world's first non-toxic and sustainable black pigment for beauty products.  

The COSMETICS IC Take

  • Brands must embrace radical innovation that delivers effectiveness,  sensorial pleasure and sustainability. 

  • Imagine modular textures and fragrances adapting to climate or thermal conditions alongside multi-level experiences that engage touch, smell, and sight. 

  • The fusion of technology with the body is taken to extremes by billionaire biohackers, but despite the sci-fi ramifications, “longevity” has quickly become a mainstream pursuit. This should inspire brands to develop new products, treatments, and rituals that promote hyper-health. 

  • Inspiration from the advancements in sustainable sourcing and production within the fashion and textile industries can provide valuable insights for the beauty sector's journey towards a more responsible future.

Dive Deeper

 

Further insight and inspiration on the rise of science and technology in beauty is available in the agency’s latest trend reports: Beauty Protopia: Skincare Inspiration from the US . Contact the team today for more information!

Contact us

For more information, email the team at contact@inspiration-creation.com or visit the website at www.inspiration-creation.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn (Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation) and on X, Instagram and TikTok (@cosmeticseeds)


Sources:

(1). Accenture - The reinvention of beauty - 2023

(2). Mintel- Beauty and Personal Care Trends - 2023

THE RISE OF PRO-AGING: TRANSFORMING THE NARRATIVES AROUND AGE

Source: Haus Labs

The relation to aging is in deep metamorphosis, and the Beauty industry needs to adapt to this evolution. With Gen X and Boomers living longer and looking to age gracefully, and Gen Z undertaking preventive measures like Botox, the “anti-aging” market is shifting toward a well-aging movement. The longevity narrative infuses all categories, from skincare to makeup, transforming the conversation around “anti-aging beauty” (a taboo word since 2017 in Allure USA magazine). 

In its latest Inspiration Report: Beauty Protopia, Cosmetics Inspirations & Creation explores the trend for Pro-Aging Solutions and spotlights the demand for products that empower healthier (not younger) aging. 

The tide is turning on anti-agism. From the success of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor (#TheGoldenBachelor hashtag has been viewed 148.4M times on TikTok – April 2024) to 88-year-old Dame Maggie Smith’s star turn in Loewe’s Spring 24 campaign, there is a groundswell of positive sentiment (and coolness) towards diverse age representations in fashion and media. 

Aging Positively – The new cool mindset 

Cultural momentum has been fuelled by TikTok, where a new wave of age-positive influencers, filters and viral challenges are helping to build a positive discourse around aging. 

The #TurningMyMomInToMe TikTok trend (460.7M views – April 2024) joyfully sees Gen Z daughters dress like their mothers and vice-versa, while the Age Progression Filter shows users smiling as their face changes over 50 years. On TikTok, makeup for #matureskin (576.7M views - April 2024) is also gaining momentum, propelled by a new generation of "maturetokkers", such as @collen_heidemann (383.6K followers – April 2024) who started her influencer journey at age 69. 

These gestures are reinforcing #agepositivity (27.8M views on TikTok – April 2024) at a time when the world must learn to adjust to the needs of an aging population. By 2050, there will be 2.1 billion people aged 60 and over, and consumers are taking control now to ensure live better for longer. Most Americans (76% according to Ipsos - American affluents spending $200B on wellness annually - July 19, 2023) actively do things to maintain or improve their health, with 92% of consumers believing the best approach to healthy aging focuses on inside-out well-being. 

This mindset shift creates an opportunity for brands to inspire consumers with solutions that support and enhance healthy aging, through every life stage. 

Mature Skin Makeup 

With a sharp rise in searches for mature makeup (+30.3% on Google in the USA - Spate Tool - US Google Search - from Apr 2023 to Mar 2024 vs. Apr 2022 to Mar 2023), brands are stepping up to cater to this demographic. Offering "skinified" formulas, they enhance luminosity and combat signs of aging with youth-boosting ingredients. 

The age-positive beauty brand Flyte.70 targets specifically the mature skin market with age-appropriate formulations that address specific issues of mature skin. The brand opened a flagship store in October 2023 in Massachusetts, with not only their brand but also 14 other brands. 

At the same time, we witness a growing number of beauty brands showcasing their products' efficacy on mature skin, not only meeting consumer needs but also fostering inclusivity and authenticity. This strategic move not only boosts brand image but also sets new standards for beauty. 

Here are some interesting examples from our inspiration basket from our last Makeup-Up report. The Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + Depuffing Concealer (September 2023) is demonstrated on both young and mature models. It is powered with 20+ skincare ingredients including the brand’s patent-pending Fermented Arnica. Flexible pigments allow the concealer to adhere and adapt to the skin, making it comfortable for all skin ages. 

Lifting and brightening results have become desired features of the healthy aging aesthetic, and will become important elements for brands to consider in their innovation. Like, Physician Formula Eye Booster Eye Lifter (October 2023) - a 2-in-1 eyeshadow that delivers an instant lift thanks to its Tri-Peptide blend. 

Interest in Peptide-packed products that boost Collagen and Elastin while beautifying will continue to gain traction and become key to the “pro-aging” makeup kit. Reeson’s Lid Elixir (July 2023 - new brand) is a Peptide-rich tinted lifting serum developed for the eyelids. The brand positions itself as age-inclusive, its tagline, "Glow isn't just for 20-somethings”, actively encourages older consumers to embrace their mature skin. 

Learn more

For more information on The Rise of Pro-Aging, and for details on how to obtain a copy of Beauty Protopia: Makeup or Skincare Inspiration from the US, find the Cosmetics IC team at the MakeUp in Paris Trends Space - Booth T4, May 29th & 30th 2024. 

Beauty Soundbites: Higher Futures, MakeUp in Los Angeles 2024

For MakeUp in Los Angeles 2024, Cosmetics IC hosted a series of four Beauty Talks to highlight the agency’s predictions for the year ahead. We will be highlighting the key talking points from some of our sessions and sharing a snapshot of the interviews that took place with a panel of top industry players, here on the Cosmetic Seeds blog. A full summary of all four talks, including in-depth interviews, key products and takeaways, is available now.

Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation - Leila Rochet / Capsum - Sébastien Bardon / Haus Labs by Lady Gaga - Gloria Ryu

The Beauty Talk: Higher Futures - The transformative impact of a science-centric approach to beauty

Exploring the axis of artistry and science, performance and sensation, Higher Futures represents the agency’s analysis of the transformative power of a science-centric approach to beauty. The arrival of new technologies presents brands with bold opportunities to innovate and meet the rising expectations for exceptional solutions and elevated experiences. 

“There is a growing demand for very emotionally compelling and liberating physical experiences. Consumers are looking for groundbreaking experiences, groundbreaking innovation, extraordinary performance levels. It is beyond what they were looking for in the past, especially in the performance arena, but also in sensoriality.”  Leila Rochet, Chief Inspiration Officer, Cosmetics IC

This desire for elevated experiences has been building since COVID, and in today’s polycrisis era, it has become an even more essential facet of the beauty routine. Consumers’ need for enhanced performance inspired a refocus of Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs in 2020, as the brand switched to a science-led innovation strategy. Critically, Haus Lab’s shift also introduced a new level of sensoriality into the beauty experience. This is a key facet of the work of Capsum - a contract manufacturer that specializes in microfluidic encapsulation technology, which makes it possible to assemble ingredients in a radically new way, controlling stability and heightening the sensory effect.  Joining Leila to discuss how a science-centric approach is transforming the world of beauty was Sebastien Bardon, CEO and co-founder of Capsum and Gloria Ryu, Chief Product Officer at Haus Labs By Lady Gaga.

Read on for a snapshot of Leila’s wide-ranging interview with Sebastien and Gloria from February 2024:

Leïla Rochet: Gloria, can you tell us about the decision to relaunch Haus Labs with a scientific approach?

Gloria Ryu: Our patented Fermented Arnica was born while experimenting with one of our R&D partners. Sarah Tanno, who is our Global Artistry Director, Lady Gaga, and the rest of the team were in the lab brainstorming on what we could do from a material perspective, and how to build products from the inside out - very much starting from the raw material phase. With our foundation, it's been marketed that we spent 10,000 hours in the lab, developing that product, an insane number of hours! It's very interesting because our pillars are artistry, science, and inclusivity and for us, it's about the intersection of those three. 

Leïla: Sébastien, you introduced microfluidic technology to the Beauty industry. Can you explain what that is?

Sébastien Bardon: When you develop custom products you use between 10 and 50 ingredients, and as you do in your kitchen, you mix them all together, right? But what we do is that we separate them into different phases, which can be up to five different phases, and then we produce the product one drop at a time. So we're making millimeter-sized drops of oil, containing the perfume and actives, that are going to be dropped into the hydrophilic formula. 

The reason we decided to apply microfluidics to Beauty is because you can bring multiple benefits. I think the simplest benefit is the visual aspect - we create products that are beautiful, and that helps brands differentiate one from the other. 

Leïla: Gloria, how do you see the skinification shift in relation to Haus Labs?

Gloria: I love the fact that our consumers and our community are so much more savvy, and really push brands to elevate from a higher standard of quality, execution, and performance. So it challenges us to push our partners to figure out that delicate balance between artistry, and performance.

Leïla: And what does skinification mean to Capsum?

Sébastien: It is obviously about adding active ingredients to your makeup, but it's also about bringing a new skin feel to makeup. We have achieved this with some brands, making makeup products that have a really nice skin feel, and freshness. They also speak for themselves because they have encapsulated pigments, and as a consumer, you understand very clearly this product is going to give you a makeup effect.

Leïla: Gloria, as head of PD, can you tell us a little more about the challenges in creating makeup that is both artistic and skincare-driven?

Gloria: Lady Gaga is an incredible futurist and visionary and her team has such a high standard of excellence in terms of performance. It’s got to withstand her dancing and performing two hours on stage, and when she takes it off her skin shouldn’t be red or irritated. It's a very fluid approach, it's the art and science synergy.

The Cosmetics IC Take

Haus Labs and Capsum demonstrate how science and technology can be applied beyond performance to elevate the artistry and sensoriality of a product, placing innovation at the heart of product storytelling. A science-centric approach is now an essential strategy for brands to meet consumers’ ever-evolving expectations for sustainability, performance and sensoriality.

Contact the team today for a full summary and transcript of our session with Gloria and Sebastian, and all of the Beauty Talks presented exclusively at MakeUp in Los Angeles, available as one comprehensive report. Our 2024 trend white book, The Age of Thrill, is also available now.

MEET THE FOUNDER - Talking Clean Beauty with Annie Jackson, CEO and Co-Founder of Credo

Annie Jackson is one of the most influential female leaders in the US, she has been a key player in the beauty space since her early career with Estee Lauder before becoming part of the team that launched Sephora USA. Just over a decade ago, Annie co-founded the clean beauty retailer Credo, which is now firmly established as one of America’s top sustainable beauty champions. 

“Annie Jackson is one of the leading voices in the clean beauty and sustainability movement. As co-founder and now CEO of Credo, Annie is uniquely positioned to offer insight into the evolution of the clean beauty space and share her thoughts on how the industry must adapt to ensure a better tomorrow. With value being rapidly redefined by consumers who are demanding greater environmental responsibility, brands are being driven to consider the future implications of products. Credo is a pro-active steward of progress, working alongside brands to evolve sustainability standards that go far beyond current consumer expectations.” Leila Rochet – Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation.

At the recent MakeUp in Los Angeles event, Annie joined our Chief Innovation Officer, Leila Rochet, to discuss one of the agency’s key trends for 2024 - Symbiotic Progress: Adapting for a better future.

Read on for an exclusive extract of Leila and Annie’s Beauty Talk, where Annie shares her vision for the future of clean beauty and reveals the shifting priorities of Credo consumers.


Leila Rochet: How did your journey into Beauty unfold, leading to your role today as CEO of Credo? 

Annie Jackson: We started on the concept for Credo back in 2013 and opened our first store in 2015. We just opened our 16th location. We are a physical retail concept. While digital is very important to any business today, meeting the customers where they are in neighborhoods, where people are living a healthy lifestyle, exercising, and investing in their health, is where you will find a Credo. We want people to be able to explore and find new brands, try the products, and work with our estheticians and makeup artists. And that's our continued focus. 

Back in 2013 we really wanted to see if you could make a brand that was as efficacious as a conventional beauty brand in formula and packaging but with primarily plant ingredients in more sustainable options. We took the cue from the organic food movement and realized that people were investing in healthier options and educating themselves on what products they wanted to buy.  So we were curious, could we find enough brands to fill this store? We opened our first store in San Francisco, going head to head-with conventional beauty brands. We started with about 60 brands and we have 105 today. About a quarter of those brands we started with are still with us a decade later. 

Leila: There must have been a lot of challenges when you started. How do they compare to the challenges you face today? 

Annie:  Well, I think I can safely say for any entrepreneur or any founder out there, it's never a straight line. We had the COVID crisis in the middle of trying to grow a physical retail business, which is extremely capital-intensive.  Also, when we started we had this ecosystem of brands which were really celebrating finding a retail partner and wanted to grow alongside us.  The customer base has now grown so much that these brands are scaling and growing into bigger retailers, which is amazing. The fact that retailers with a larger footprint than Credo are committed to putting safer products on their shelves is an amazing thing. But from a business standpoint, it becomes quite challenging because that hurts our market share. It's a tricky one.

Yet, it hasn't made us any less passionate about what we do. We are striving to make a positive impact in the beauty industry and so we're often shoulder to shoulder with our competitors - Sephora, Ulta, Detox Market, and others. But you know, we're all in this together. And I think the more we can band together to make better choices for human health, it's a good thing.

Leila: How do you make sure that the products that you sell in your retailers are the safest ones? 

Annie: Before, we were manually checking products against our standard, but today we use a technology platform called Novi. We've also invested in a rock star team of impact specialists who come from environmental, toxicology, and science backgrounds, to help guide us. Today,  what we're doing as an organization is questioning if there could be a better way. For us, the secret sauce is finding brands that are not just meeting our standards, they're exceeding them, or they have a path to exceed. What makes me so proud of the brand community that we have is that these people have rolled up their sleeves and done the hard work - they're paying more money, and they're taking more time to bring products to market. And they're challenging the contract manufacturing community to look at other ingredients and explore other options. 

Leila: How do you help your consumers navigate all these changes and what are you seeing as their priority? 

Annie: From the outset, our customers have always been concerned about packaging. In the early days, while we vetted brands against a restricted substance list,  consumers were always saying, “I hate all this plastic!”. Customers are absolutely invested in being part of the solution. We co-founded the packaging collection program Pact Collective along with other stakeholders, but we also have the conversation on the selling floor about what is recyclable. The next thing that's top of mind for us is looking at ingredients that have no data and examining the assumption that they're safe or good for you. So we're starting to dig into that with Chem Forward, who are a nonprofit partner. It may mean that some products at Credo go away, but, you know, that's why we're here and that's the work that we're doing today.

Leila: According to Nielsen IQ - 61% of US consumers associate sustainability with benefiting the planet, while just 26% associate it with societal contributions. Credo has been active on matters like ethical sourcing of Mica, do you see ethical transparency as the next step for the industry?

Annie: Yes, I do. I think whether people are buying beauty products, or beer, or cars, they are much more invested in finding out information before they choose a product. And so it could be a source of ingredients, it could be packaging, it could be what a founder says on social media… it could be all of those pieces together. Gen Z has the highest bar of any customer out there, and they expect you to have all these things in place. They want the product to be all those things, with an entry-level price point, and a cool look and feel. They want it all. And that generation is growing up, they've got more spending power, and those are the brands that they're looking for. So I think it's a super exciting time. 

Leila: Education is one of Credo's core pillars - what tools and techniques do you use to educate consumers?

Annie: We have an education team and we invest most of our time in terms of associated selling preparation on training. Our dream is to have our brands be as well known on the selling floor as the brand founders themselves know them. We want our sales associates to know our brands intimately, so we spend most of our time on education, in terms of brand product knowledge, but also on what our standards are. I would say probably the most engaged customer that we have at Credo is someone who's expecting a child. These people are typically really invested in the choices they're making. 

Leila: In a previous interview in Vogue Business, you talked about moving “beyond clean beauty”, can you explain what you mean by this? 

Annie: It's really about moving beyond the restricted substance list, and understanding that the customer has embraced a much more holistic view of what clean or green beauty means to them. It involves packaging, people, ethics… just real transparency. I can say from experience that Beauty is a pretty opaque industry, and it’s not inherently forthcoming about what's in products, and who the people are that these brands are working with. By no means does Credo have everything figured out perfectly, but we're digging into things that should be very transparent to the customer. That's what people expect today. 

When I was talking about going beyond clean, it is because people tend to hear “clean beauty”, and they just think of ingredients, and that's it. But we're embarking on meeting our first sustainable packaging milestone this year, where our brand partners needed to reach 50% or greater PCR content. We put that out in the universe in 2020 and that's where we've been spending most of our time. From an ingredients standpoint, it's much more cut and dry, like, do you have these ingredients, or don't you? But on the packaging front, it's really been us linking arms with our brand partners and saying, we got to do better. We have to at the end of the day. The reality is we're in an industry where we sell products, and so if you're going to do that then let's invest in things that are just better for people and the planet.


KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Consumers want increasingly healthier options that align with their healthy lifestyles and are educating themselves before making purchase decisions.

  • Brands must be prepared to pay more and work harder to achieve outstanding results and push the culture of clean beauty forward. Dig deeper, and engage with technology platforms to help validate ingredients and materials.

  • Packaging remains a key sticking point for the beauty industry and is a top concern for sustainably-motivated consumers. 

  • Young consumers have a much wider definition of clean beauty that encompasses ingredient safety, packaging, ethical sourcing, and social purpose.

  • Retailers should center education in staff training and services to meet the consumer’s level of knowledge and enhance the product discovery experience on the shop floor.


To discover more about our key territory for 2024, Symbiotic Progress: Adapting for a better future, contact the Cosmetics IC team today for your copy of our 2024 White Book: The Age of Thrill. Many thanks to the wonderful Annie Jackson, and all of our brilliant guest speakers at MakeUp in Los Angeles 2024!

Ingredient Inspiration: Cosmet’Agora 2024

Arthur Mazi via Unsplash

The 16th edition of Cosmet’agora was held in Paris on 16 - 17 January 2024, showcasing the latest ingredient and formulation innovations. Fresh from the event, our Scientific & Product Expert, Enora Le Roux, deciphers the emerging ingredient trends that will impact tomorrow’s beauty. Below, discover 3 fields of innovation to inspire your future product creation.

This year saw the influx of technology and science as the answer to tomorrow’s primary concerns around issues of sustainability, innocuity, and wellness.”  Scientific & Product Expert at Cosmetics IC, Enora Le Roux. 


1. Biotech - When nature meets new extraction technologies

Google search data reveals there is still high demand for biotech ingredients (+7.5% YoY, with a forecast increase of +24.3% over the next 12 months, according to Spate), as consumers lean into the possibilities of tech-enhanced nature to support their high-performance expectations. 

Provital – CircanblueTM (July 2023)

As the conversation around cyclical biorhythms gains traction in the wellness space (#circadianrhythm – 116.6M views on TikTok, January 2024) Provital demonstrates how overexposure to digital technology disrupts the peripheral circadian clocks in the skin, which play a key role in regulating its physiological metabolism. 

In response, Provital developed Circanblue™,  a vegan postbiotic active obtained via a plant-based fermentation of Lactococcus lactis. It re-synchronizes the skin’s natural circadian cycle after this has been altered by excessive Blue Light exposure - a concern growing amongst consumers on social media (#bluelight – 471.8M views on TikTok, January 2024) as they align their wellness and skincare goals.

Key Assets:

Vegan postbiotic / Obtained through biotechnology from cabbage (fermentation) / Regulates the skin’s circadian clock 🡪 “circabiology – science of resynchronization” / Regulates the impact of Blue Light on the circadian cycle

Lipotrue – Calisensix (January 2024)

Addressing rising cases of skin sensitivity, Lipotrue has developed Calisensix, a unique solution that resolves neurogenic inflammation while at the same time enhancing pleasant sensations in the skin.

Calisensix™ targets sensitive skin from both a holistic (sensorial) and biological approach, using plant stem cell technology obtained from the bark of white willow and tomato plants. There is growing interest in the potential regenerative benefits of stem cells for skincare - Spate reports a +27% increase in Google searches YoY( 2022 vs 20223), while TikTok views of #stemcells have clocked over 231.7M (January 2024).

Key Assets:

Resolves neurogenic inflammation / Targets nociception in keratinocytes / Boosts PIEZO1 to enhance pleasant sensations in sensitive skin

Biolie – Garnet Red (January 2024)

Meeting the continued demand for ultra-healthy cosmetics ingredients, Biolie has developed a solvent and water-free enzymatic extraction process - a zero-waste, 100% green technology. This bio-based enzymatic extraction method enables the creation of natural actives from plant-based raw materials, such as microalgae, beechnut, chicory seed, and lettuce. The lab’s latest ingredient, launched at the show, is Garnet Red - a natural lipophilic red dye for makeup and skincare applications.

Key Assets:

Natural antioxidant / Stable to heat and UV / Sustainable, 100% natural / Vegan alternative to Carmin

 
 

2. Longevity - Answering pro-aging/pre-aging concerns

The science and semantics of longevity are entering the skincare conversation, as the desire to live longer and healthier impacts consumers’ expectations of skincare performance. Biohacking culture, spurred by outrageously ambitious procedures undertaken by Silicon Valley billionaires, is taking over TikTok, with views of #reverseaging videos clocking over 180.7M views (January 2024).

In skincare, “anti-aging” ingredients are now “pro-longevity” ingredients. 

Lubrizol – Uplevity e-Lift Peptide (September 2023)

Tapping into the rising interest in Microcurrent Facials (+27% increase in Google searches in 2023 vs 2022, according to Spate), Lubrizol has captured the uplifting and firming results of microcurrent devices into a sustainable and naturally derived tetrapeptide. The powerful active mimics the benefits of electrical stimulation on the skin, increasing collagen production and improving mitochondrial function for an anti-aging effect. 

Key Assets:

Peptidic active / For lifting and firming effect / Focus on the up of the face (eye contour) / Inspired by the effect of the microcurrent tools: stimulate an electric stimulation of the derma (cell contraction) / Results at 7 and 28 days

Mibelle – RejuveNAD (November 2023) 

The role of NAD+ in cellular processes continues to gather interest, with consumer searches for NAD up +24.2% YoY (2023 vs 2022, Spate), as they investigate ways of boosting regeneration for anti-aging results. 

RejuveNAD™from Mibelle introduces the possibility of boosting NAD+ levels in the skin through cosmetic applications (rather than via supplements). The ingredient, derived from indoor-farmed sunflower sprouts,  targets age-related processes by optimizing cellular functions, and revitalizing the skin by naturally boosting levels of NAD+. According to Mibelle, the skin looks eight years younger in 42 days. Google searches for NAD have increased +24.2% YoY 

Key Assets:

NAD booster / For skin longevity / Obtained from sunflower sprouts from indoor farming / Acts on 5 of the 9 pillars of skin aging

3. Adaptive: Formulating for climate-adaptive freshness 

The post-pandemic revenge travel surge is set to continue, with 54% of respondents saying they’ll take even more international trips in 2024 than they did in 2023 (Going – The State of Travel – 2024). A culture of nomadism is fuelling a new category of Flexcare - beauty adapted for the unique specificities of travel, which prioritizes convenience and freshness. In this context, we noted several key innovations that center claims of climate-adaptiveness and refreshing sensations. 

The return of travel and rising global temperatures are driving consumers to search out cooling and refreshing sensations - TikTok views of the hashtags #skincarecooling and #skincooling are at 280.1M and 43.8M, respectively ( January 2024).

Unipex – Frozen Glow - Meeting this rising demand is Unipex’s Frozen Glow, which is formulated for a deeply refreshing effect. Frozen Glow contains peppermint leaf water, which stimulates blood circulation to restore the skin’s radiance and impart cooling and toning benefits. 

Key Assets:

Solid emulsion water/wax / Contains H2Olixir Peppermint from Berkem for purifying, toning, and refreshing / A combination of two inverse emulsifiers: Evicare® PGPR from Evident & GlucateTMDO from Lubrizol / Using a new brand’s technology to add hydrophilic actives

PolymerExpert – AquaStick

Combining the need for a convenient format with refreshing effects, the AquaStick is formulated to deliver the fresh feeling of water on the skin, with the soothing sensation of a cream. There is huge interest in on-the-go suncare formats - TikTok views of the hashtag #skincarestick are at 277.8B (January 2024) - presenting a huge opportunity for innovation.

Key Assets: 

Innovating galenic: solid format with 50% of aqueous phase / 100% natural fragrance with aquatic notes that enhance the sensation of freshness


Roelmi France - Ready Stick Go

Designed specifically to combat the effects of sports on the skin, the water-free stick contains microbiota actives that impart a cooling effect while keeping the skin hydrated during activities.

Key Assets:

Water-free / Fast hydration / Cooling effect / Multitasking functionality 

 
 

Special thanks to all the exhibitors for taking the time to explain their new ingredients.

The Cosmetics IC Take

In our latest Skincare Inspiration from the US report – Transformative Beauty - we explore the product and ingredient innovations impacting the US market and decipher the implications for future innovations.

Contact us today for your copy, and for details of our upcoming animations at MakeUp in Los Angeles (Feb 14/15 2024). Find us at booth L36, where we will host our signature Inspiration Bar and Beauty Talks, highlighting our future predictions for 2024 and beyond.