Clean beauty
This trend has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
This year, we are seeing not only skincare but makeup and hair products. It’s actually a broad term (there’s no official definition), but clean brands are typically formulated with ingredients that are non-toxic to human health.
Some only use organic and/or nature-derived ingredients while others might choose to avoid a list of chemicals. They are often ethically and mindfully created without harming the environment.
Helping shoppers spot such brands is the Clean @ Sephora seal. From Apr, products that have been formulated without formaldehydes, oxybenzone and sulphates and other potentially harmful ingredients will have this seal.
Serums like Tatcha’s The Dewy Serum has Hadasei-3—a trinity of anti-ageing superfoods comprising double fermented Uji green tea, Akita rice and Okinawa red algae—for dewier, plumper and softer skin. Dr Dennis Gross’ B3 Adaptive Superfoods Rescue Super Serum (to be launched in Apr) has microcapsules of superfoods, adaptogens, and niacinamide to reduce signs of stress.
Further protect your skin with Everyday Humans’ Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum. Not only does this cruelty-free and vegan suncreen shield your skin from UVA/UVB rays and environmental damage, it also has hydrating and plumping properties thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and supergreens.
Makeup brand Tarte offers cruelty-free and vegan-friendly products, and its latest range does not disappoint. The Tartelette Juicy Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette is a XL palette with 20 juicy rosy, bronze and neutral shades that are nutrient-rich and powered by Amazonian clay.
Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner has ingredients such as micro-encapsulated argan oil, algae extract and essential vitamin panthenol to strengthen damaged hair and prevent future breakage.
Multitaskers
Who needs layers of makeup when you work from home and appear only on Zoom calls? More people are embracing simplicity and stability in this uncertain environment, and opting for fuss-free options and easy-to-use products that can achieve maximal results with minimal effort.
Sephora’s own Best Skin Ever Liquid Foundation (to be launched in Apr) is skincare and foundation in a bottle. It has a lightweight, gel-like texture for a natural finish, as well as moisture-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane.
Huda Beauty’s #FauxFilter Foundation Stick can be used as a regular foundation or as a contour, depending on the shade. Wishful’s Thirst Trap Juice—a serum packed with three types of hyaluronic acid and firming peptides—can be dabbed on the high points of your cheeks for extra dewiness.
If you are a fan of 2-in-1 makeup, try Wander Beauty’s Double Date Eyeshadow Duo (to be launched in Apr), a handy multitasker with a cream base and shimmer powder, and Too Faced’s Peach Bloom Color Blossoming Lip & Cheek Tint, a colour-adapting, lighter-than-air gel blush and lip tint.
For a long-lasting natural glow, mix One/Size’s Secure the Blur Makeup Magnet Primer (to be launched on Feb 25) with Becca’s Light Shifter Dewing Tint (to be launched in Mar). The latter is a sheer tinted moisturiser that illuminates skin with an ultra-dewy finish.
As for skincare, the team behind Nudestix has unveiled Nudeskin, a range of products comprising cleansing balm, gel cleanser, micro-peel, toner and moisturiser. They provide a straightforward skincare routine and are said to be suitable for every skin type.
Hair Heroes
Expect a wider range of hair care products from Sephora this season, which will meet the demand for healthy-looking, salon-grade tresses in the comfort of our homes.
Scalp exfoliators (like a face scrub, but for your scalp) are big these days. Virtue Labs’ Exfoliating Scalp Treatment offers dual action exfoliation using both rice beads and fruit enzymes. Oh, and it conditions the hair too.
Hair masks provide extra TLC and deep conditioning for silky soft locks. Ouai’s Fine/Medium Treatment Masque instantly restores hydration, calms frizz, and strengthens hair, while Percy & Reed’s Bye Bye Dry Hydrating TLC Mask is a pampering treatment that rehydrates and soothes. These will be available in stores from Feb 18 onwards.
