SKIN RESEARCH
Whether just-landed or arriving imminently, this year’s beauty launches are set to revolutionise our routines with new trends, formulations and technologies all on the horizon.
Accessing high-tech treatments for your skin need not be overwhelming.
Aworld first, Ethique’s new concentrate range, from $13, is so genius we’re surprised it hasn’t been done before. Each item comes in a solid bar packed full of naturally derived and sustainably sourced active ingredients. Add hot water and pour into your own vessel before using.
Years of research has gone into
La Prairie’s latest innovation, the Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Protocol ($3,140). It’s a 30-day seasonal reset for skin with the brand’s most advanced and powerful formulation yet, said to reinvigorate skin by encouraging cellular renewal to combat the signs of ageing.
Like a handheld inkjet printer that dispenses makeup, The Opte Precision system (US$599) is scanned over the face and a sensor detects discolouration in the skin. It then deposits microscopic droplets of a tinted serum only where dark spots occur, instantly camouflaging them for an even, fresh-faced appearance without the sometimes cakey look of a full-coverage foundation. As well as other beneficial ingredients, the serum contains brightening niacinamide to fade dark spots over time. Available now in the US, we’re biding our time until it arrives here.
SPF innovation, too, will develop as protection remains of utmost importance for maintaining healthy skin. Jane Iredale’s Powder Me ($115), is a refillable brush that dispenses mineral powder with SPF 30 that’s easy to reapply over makeup.
Bottle design has always been key for perfumes, but this year we’ll see creative and portable new application options such as Issey Miyake’s fragrance ‘pens’ ($49 each), with their sponge tips for dabbing on alcoholfree, gel scent.
Metallic makeup gets an upgrade as trio-chrome – an effect that reflects at least three hues – gains popularity, as seen in Ciate London’s Shadow Flip Liquid Eye Shadow ($35).
Manime is a made-to-order manicure where users upload photos of their nails to the company’s website, which then uses 3D modeling technology to create gel-polish stickers in solid colours or with subtle nail art, that perfectly fit your nail beds. Expected to start shipping here shortly, it’s an idea sure to excite those not able to get to a salon currently.
The benefits of extreme cold will be another hot topic this year, with the use of ‘cryo globes’ for at-home facials. When used to provide a gentle facial massage, Ginger&Me’s Skin Chill Globes ($69) are said to increase blood flow and reduce puffiness as well as increase product penetration
And as awareness around ‘techneck’, or wrinkles exacerbated by looking down at our devices increases, so, too, do solutions to treat it. We love Dermalogica’s Roll-On Neck Fit Contour Serum ($159), which contains peptides and plant antioxidants as well as polymers said to visibly smooth, firm, tighten and tone skin.