There is no shortage of trends in the beauty industry that relate purely to looks, but for those that want a deeper understanding of the products they use, there is a new and emerging offering of unique, natural choices. Though we still tout that one of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of your skin and hair is through lifestyle choices like diet, we love the idea that you can opt for a more natural route when it comes to the products you apply to your face. Here are some of the latest developments in the beauty industry that have us really excited.
1. Fruit-Pigmented Lipstick: Naturally pigmented cosmetics have been around for years (literally thousands of years), but only recently have they begun to regain ground in a market saturated with artificial dyes. Though the variety of colors available are obviously more limited than their counterfeit counterparts, naturally pigmented products are being heralded as producing the kind of stunning hues only Mother Nature can create. An added perk? You get to enjoy the benefits of all the vitamins and antioxidants featured in the respective pigment source.
2. Bio Extract Mascara: The term “bio extract” may sound complex, but basically what we’re talking about here is all-natural mascara. The driving force behind this trend is largely your ocular health. Your eyes are one of your most precious organs, and the application of potentially harmful chemicals to their immediate area could have undesired side effects. On a purely aesthetic level, natural mascaras are fortified with vitamins and minerals designed to naturally strengthen and lengthen your lashes over time.
3. Natural Sunscreen: Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so not only is it important to keep it safe from the sun’s most harmful UVA/UVB rays, but also to be well-informed about how the products you use to do this can affect your health. Many natural sunscreens eschew manufactured chemicals for sun-reflecting elements like coconut oil and shea butter (both of which happen to be amazing for your skin). Though these products require more diligent application to ensure your skin’s safety, natural sunscreen presents a chance to greatly reduce the amount of harmful chemicals your body absorbs.
4. Waterless Products: At first it may seem counterintuitive, but many skincare products that have water as their first ingredient actually strip your skin of its natural moisturizing oil barrier. Instead of water, these products use extract-based oils that are more easily absorbed into the skin, carrying their vitamin-rich payload deep into the layers that need it most. The result is a less stressed, more youthful appearance.
5. Health Powders and Beauty Teas: They say “true beauty is on the inside,” which is exactly where the market for beauty teas and powders comes into play. These products are effectively specially designed nutrient mixes that nourish your system in a way that’s tailor made to improve the appearance of elements like skin and hair.
6. New Age Products: The jury is still largely out on this one, but so-called “New Age” products incorporate elements like minerals and rare earth crystals into everyday makeup products, with the end goal being a holistic or otherworldly health benefit. Though not backed by any formal science, we can’t deny the trend toward a New Age lifestyle and its increasingly large effect on the beauty industry.
7. Boosters: One of the coolest new trends in the beauty industry is the explosion of so-called “boosters,” designed to help people safely and confidently tailor their products to their unique needs. The basic premise behind boosters is simple: though you might love a product in your current regimen, it may not help with a unique skin issue you might have (firmness, tone, dryness, etc). Enter a booster. These hyper-concentrated extracts can be added to your favorite products to help alleviate any number of skin issues, and since they don’t alter the chemistry of the base product, you still get to enjoy the makeup you know and love (only better).
8. Calcium: Did you know that in addition to building and maintaining bone density, that calcium is also incredible for your teeth and skin? All of these benefits are incredibly important for women over the age of 40, and something that helps with health for the long term. If you don’t eat much dairy or other calcium rich foods, try some all natural calcium from algae or increase your intake of kale, broccoli or soy.
9. Facial Oils: For years, the idea of applying an oil to your skin has conjured up instant images of breakouts, but when used responsibly, they can provide a huge array of benefits to your skin naturally. Since oils are more easily absorbed into your skin, applying them before using moisturizers or anti-aging treatments will boost the retention of their active ingredients. Best of all? You don’t need to dish out for an expensive boutique product. Instead, opt for an organic, cold-pressed coconut oil.
