Put these on your radar
Some beauty trends — such as sustainability, clean formulations, streamlined routines, clinically-proven actives, and diversity — define the trajectory of the industry. But thanks to TikTok, Instagram, ingredient innovations, and the constant influx of new and exciting brands, other micro trends crop up frequently, satiating our appetite for newness.
Spring is the season for new beginnings: it’s an opportunity to explore new hair, makeup, and skincare trends through fresh eyes. From mood-centric fragrances to a renewed perspective on the importance of the skin barrier, we’ve hand-picked four niche beauty trends that are piquing our interest right now.
MOOD - CENTRIC FRAGRANCES
For so long, specific notes — whether floral, aquatic, green, or amber — have been used to describe, market, and ultimately sell fragrance. But there’s a new wave of scents cropping up that focus on moods, memories, and places instead. Whether it’s a specific city, natural wonder, or emotion, perfumers are switching gears, moving the focus from raw materials and categories to the feeling a fragrance evokes. Some brands are even taking it a step further, carving out entire new categories for unique, gender-neutral fragrances that convey a story (rather than top, middle, and base notes). If you find yourself emotionally attached to certain scents, you’ll love this approach.
THE POWER OF PEPTIDES
Peptides have always been used in skincare, but they’ve been receiving a lot more recognition as of late, especially when it comes to repairing and replenishing the skin. Peptides are essentially short chains of amino acids that act as protein building blocks (think collagen, elastin, and keratin). When applied topically and in the right concentration, they work like messengers, causing cells to perform certain functions at an optimal level for healthy, resilient skin.
What’s also great about peptides is that they’re not overly aggressive like retinoids or chemical exfoliants, so they work well to support most complexions and skin concerns (such as fine lines, pigmentation, and loss of firmness).
RESPECT YOUR (SKIN) BARRIER
In a similar vein, barrier care is a skincare sub-category that’s having a moment. For a while now — and especially in the wake of the pandemic — the industry has been obsessed with active ingredients. But we’re seeing a shift toward a gentler approach, and products that are specifically designed to soothe, protect, and reinforce our barrier (because a healthy barrier means healthy skin).
Look for balms, serums, and creams that contain replenishing ingredients like centella, ceramides, squalane, and plant oils. And rather than using them to course-correct when you’re experiencing redness or irritation, include them daily to maintain your skin’s integrity. In time, you should notice smoother texture, increased moisture, and a much calmer complexion.
LUXURIOUS BODY CARE
Body care is almost always an afterthought, but things are slowly changing. Serums, exfoliants, oils, emulsions, and dedicated treatments are cropping up everywhere, designed to not only give us baby-soft skin, but also target certain conditions like keratosis pilaris, acne, discoloration, and severe dryness. Try incorporating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs into your routine, or layer serums, lotions, and oils for silken limbs (think of it as a skin care routine below the neck). You could also look at upgrading your shower gel for something more luxurious — because why should your face have all the fun?
