SUPERPOWER SERUM

Two is better than one – the powerful and innovative Clarins Double Serum brings together two beneficial formulas packed with nature’s most effective skincare ingredients.

It’s widely recognised that serum is the hard worker of our skincare routine, delivering powerful ingredients capable of improving skin health deeper into the cellular level of skin than other products. That’s thanks in general to formulation, with a higher concentration of ingredients with smaller molecules that are able to penetrate deep into skin, and the fact it stays on our face to work its magic rather than being washed away.

That’s a simple explanation, but all serums are not created equal. One serum in particular has taken on global cult status thanks to its clever formulation approach that also makes the most of a number of skin-transforming plant extracts.

DOUBLE SERUM INNOVATION ONE STEP AHEAD

Clarins Double Serum’s anti-ageing, double-phase moisture and lipid formula was groundbreaking when it was first developed back in 1985 and it has continually remained a bestseller thanks to its unique approach and constant improvement. It works on the five vital functions of the skin to help support a more youthful, smooth and radiant appearance.

In 1985, Clarins founder Jacques Courtin-Clarins presented a previously insurmountable challenge to a formulation chemist: Combine all the potent ingredients that have an influence on the youth of the skin together, in a single product. It left the chemist scratching his head, because some beneficial ingredients are only soluble in water, others only in oil. That’s when Courtin-Clarins got the idea of offering the treatment in two separate bottles for the customer to mix together at the time of use. Double Serum was born.

Since then, the two unique formulas have undergone numerous advancements to ensure the most effective performance and are now contained in a single dual-chamber bottle.

The two key formulas remain separate, thereby preserving the effectiveness of the Hydric + Lipidic System and dispensing the perfect ratio of water-soluble (hydric) and oil-soluble (lipidic) ingredients. The formulas are blended upon application, so you get a combination of the freshest, most effective ingredients, ready to nourish and improve the appearance of your skin.

Inspired by the success of Double Serum, Clarins launched Double Serum Eye in New Zealand in August 2021. Double Serum Eye uses a similar bi-phase technology, offering two serums in one, specifically designed for the delicate eye area.

21 SKIN-TRANSFORMING PLANT EXTRACTS

Now onto its eighth iteration, Double Serum remains an innovator in natural beauty as it delivers the best of Clarins’ ongoing discoveries concerning the way skin functions and the plant extracts to support a youthful-looking complexion. Clarins has also taken into account its customers’ feedback over the years about what they want to achieve with their skin. Today it holds 21 potent plantbased ingredients within its two chambers, each carefully selected to contribute to the goals of skin regeneration, oxygenation, nutrition, hydration and protection.

Consider the hero ingredient, the bright and beautiful Turmeric extract, with powerful antioxidant properties to prevent oxidative stress from the environment as well as the ability to preserve communication between skin cells thanks to molecules called turmerones, according to Clarins research.

So effective at acting on the signs of ageing, Clarins Double Serum remains a worldwide hit, with a bottle sold every five seconds.

Among other plant extracts are vitamin C-rich Kiwifruit, hydrating Salicornia, Orthosiphon to help regulate oil production and refine skin texture, Goji Berry to improve skin’s energy, Banana to promote the synthesis of collagen, Oats for their firming benefits and Quinoa that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier.

All in all, the smart formula contributes to skin appearing firmed, wrinkles appearing visibly smoothed, pores appearing diminished, and radiance and evenness restored to the complexion.

CONSIDERED CREATION

The company has created the most natural formula possible which includes organic ingredients sourced from fair trade practices, whenever possible. The formula includes nine organic ingredients of which three are fair trade certified, so you know that choosing Double Serum is good for the planet and its people, too.

Double Serum’s eco-friendly bottle is also made from recycled materials, and now requires less packaging. The bottle delivers just the right amount of product for your skin’s needs to prevent overconsumption.

on-demand, customised hair colour. The system offers the client a virtual ‘try-on’ to preview desired shades – there are more than 1,500 possibilities – before an electronic reader analyses the client’s hair, measuring factors that influence colour’s effectiveness, including current colour, gray percentage, length, and density. A dispenser then delivers a precise mix of dye, base creams, developers and diluters relevant to the desired outcome for the stylist to apply.

Also launched at CES, Zuvi Halo is a first-of-its-kind cordless hair dryer that uses light energy to dry at top speeds while maintaining lower hair and scalp temperatures for healthier, smoother, shinier hair as well as reducing energy usage by 60 per cent.

“I think we are going to see more and more development being geared towards hair protection and prevention instead of cures for thermal and environmental damage,’’ says Joico’s Duncan Richards.

With fuss well and truly off our agenda, styling products and treatments will increasingly reflect that with leave-in products or fast-acting nourishment.

“In a time-poor society where everyone is looking for quick fixes, providing products that allow customers to achieve amazing results in a shorter time is like the grail of haircare, so the correlation between product performance and time has been a major driver for product development,” says Richards. He points to Joico’s Defy Damage Sleepover treatment that can be applied to hair at bedtime.

“It’s a bond-building treatment that does all the heavy lifting while you sleep – it helps reduce breakage and the appearance of split ends, giving you softer, shiner and healthier looking hair by morning. Rise and Shine, literally!”

Schwarzkopf’s new lightweight Extra Care 7 Seconds Express Repair Treatment helps repair strands with liquid keratin, with claims to be as effective as a regular hair mask after only seven seconds of application.

In salon, moves are being made for the same great results in less time, too. “We are excited about Joico’s brand new LumiShine professional permanent hair colour range, Lumi10,” says Richards. “It has all the features and benefits of LumiShine – rich, nourishing colour that delivers incredible shine, but the real game changer is that it offers 100% grey coverage in just 10 minutes.” Says Bruce: “Whenever I ask a client, ‘Can I provide you with the same beautiful colour and results that you regularly have, but it will only take 10 minutes, would you like that?’ The answer is always a resounding, ‘Yes please!’”

WATER WARINESS

In recognition of growing environmental challenges, the hair industry too, is considering its impact.

“Sustainability is driving the product development of our Goldwell and KMS brands,’’ says Zuban. “We’re exploring new ways to deliver great style with fewer ingredients, less water consumption, reduced energy and emissions, and recycled and recyclable materials. Expect to see sophisticated new formulas that reduce the frequency of hair washing while adding fabulous texture to the hair.”

Trend forecaster WGSN has predicted the rise of ‘splash formulas’ for haircare this year. They are lightweight, concentrated formulas with high-viscosity molecules that easily move through strands so that less water is needed to rinse.

Similarly, Garnier has just launched a ‘no rinse’ conditioner in the UK it says saves up to 100 litres of water per tube versus a traditional 200ml conditioner.

STYLES TO LOVE NOW

Bruce says “hair with movement” will trend for cuts and styling this year. “Waves and whether it’s beachy, bouncy or glam. Short or long.”

It’s an approach that also extends to the guys. “We are still seeing a lot of length and texture in men’s cuts. But for those who are ready for a change that shape has shorter sides, texture and heavier fringe lines.”

As for the top cut of 2021? It isn’t going anywhere either. From the ‘bixie’ (hybrid of a bob and a pixie cut) to the boyfriend bob to the French, or ’70s bob, you might be getting the picture – bob haircuts remain very much top of the most wanted list. In particular, the much-talked about bixie is a cut that has length between a bob and the very short pixie, but with feathered, layered ends like you would see in a pixie.

Some are worn longer at the back for a rounded shape, particularly if your hair is curly, but the key theme for this short, choppy style is tousled texture and movement.

The boyfriend bob is where natural texture can roam free – like a guy who’s grown his ’90s haircut out. The French bob is cut daringly short by the ears and accompanied by a straight, brow-skimming fringe, and the ’70s version is slightly longer with a sweeping parted fringe. These styles similarly have a wash-and-wear vibe.

Layers through your lengths are also on the agenda if your hair is longer, and similarly, seeking texture and movement is how you can update simple, short haircuts.

“VIBRANT COLOURS ARE COMING BACK.” FELICITY BRUCE

COLOUR CUES

“We are seeing a lot of warmth in blondes,’’ says Bruce. “Demipermanent lowlights of chocolate, caramel or peachy apricots are giving blondes a commitment-free change-up! Bespoke looks of freehand colouring are where we’ll see more dimension.”

Babylights – or very finely woven highlights – are subtle but brighten up a wide range of hair colours.

Golden tones have an illuminating brightness that looks slightly sunkissed and their natural appearance has been earning them the colloquial term ‘playground highlights’ for the way they hark back to the colour your hair would turn in summer naturally as a child. Warmth is also dominating bolder hues, like rich coffee browns and chocolate cherry.

“Vibrant colours are coming back,” says Bruce. “Especially richer reds, coppers and mahogany.”

If you’re non-committal, a demi-permanent glossing colour brings shine and life to your usual shade.