From astaxanthin to transformative textures, Beauty Insider decodes the latest buzzwords linked to emerging trends and technology in makeup and skin care.

Holographic Highlight
Trend Definition: Also known as lavender luminescence and unicorn glow, this light-catching makeup trend creates a surprising and otherworldly glow with iridescent, lavender-hued powders and highlighter sticks. Just a hint of holograph can brighten a dull complexion.

Seen In: Rituel de Fille’s Rare Light Luminizer collection creates a subtle, sheer shimmer in shades such as Ghost Light, Anthelion and Phosphene. Other launches include Shiseido’s 7 Lights Powder Illuminator, ‘a rainbow-colored, luminizing beauty powder’, and Milk Makeup’s Holographic Stick which takes glow to galactic levels.

Blue Zone Skincare

Trend Definition: Blue Zone skin care harnesses natural ingredients from the regions of the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives anywhere on the planet. It combines the best of nature with the latest green technologies. Blue Zones include Ikaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan and Nicoya in Costa Rica.

Seen In: The active ingredients in Chanel’s Blue Serum include green coffee from Costa Rica (anti-inflammatory properties), olive from Sardinia (skin-fortifying), and lentisk from Greece (restores skin’s regenerative abilities).

Microblading

Trend Definition: Microblading is a semi-permanent tattooing technique where tiny needles deposit hair-like strokes of ink that resemble actual eyebrow hairs. The treatment lasts up to three years and is perfect for filling in arches.

Transformative Textures

Trend Definition: What do you get when you combine Korean-inspired beauty with low-threshold attention spans? Playful and transformative textures that surprise and elate the senses, such as powder-to-liquid serums, solid balms to oil, and beads into a creamy lather.

Seen In: NMC’s Magma Bean Multi-Cleanser features four types of facial cleansers: blue for moisturizing, yellow for brightening, pink for clarifying and green for clarity. The beads transform into a creamy texture on contact with water. Mix two to three beads to create a shampoo or shower gel.

Friendly Bacteria

Trend Definition: Fans of probiotic yogurt know that ‘friendly bacteria’ is not an oxymoron. Now, probiotic skin care is promoting the beneficial effects of bacteria on skin. New research shows that certain ‘good’ bacteria, including lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, can help combat the aging process, as well as treating certain chronic skin conditions, such as rosacea and eczema.

Seen In: Probiotic skin care is already a growing category, with brands such as Gallinée featuring a patented complex of prebiotics and probiotics (‘the first brand to take care of your skin and its bacterial ecosystem, the microbiome’).

Second Skin

Trend Definition: Scientists at MIT and Harvard have developed a new material that acts as a ‘second skin’, temporarily protecting and tightening skin, smoothing over wrinkles, crow’s feet, and under-eye bags. The material is a silicone-based polymer that is applied on the skin as an invisible layer, mimicking the elasticity of youthful skin. First, a transparent cream containing the polymer is applied on skin, then a ‘catalyst’ is applied over it to bind the cream to the skin. Effects last for up to 24 hours. Scientists anticipate that the second skin cream will also be used to treat eczema and psoriasis by covering itchy patches with a film that soothes and moistens.

Seen In: Living Proof’s Strateris targets the under-eye area, specifically puffiness and dark circles, and is designed to be what Latisse is to wimpy eyelashes and Botox is to wrinkles.The proprietary technology was designed to reshape the appearance of skin and was invented by an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians at Living Proof, led by Dr. Bob Langer, award-winning MIT Institute Professor; Dr Betty Yu, an expert in trans-dermal drug delivery; and world-renowned dermatologists, Dr. Rox Anderson of Harvard University and Dr. Barbara Gilchrest of Boston University.

Sunstripping

Trend Definition: The newest way to look sun-kissed without a vacation involves sweeping a matte bronzer across nose and cheeks, then blending out, to achieve a glow on the high planes of the face.

Micro-Channeling Technology
Trend Definition: Micro-channeling technology delivers active ingredients deeper into the skin, via ‘micro-channels’ that penetrate the tissue. The treatment is a pain-free alternative to micro-needling which, as the term implies, involves puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles – a procedure that is performed in a doctor’s office to stimulate the body’s production of collagen.
Seen In: UK skin care brand Radara’s Eye Patches uses micro-channeling patches to repair and rejuvenate skin around eyes. The crescent-shaped eye patches are covered in tiny, plastic spikes and a high-purity hyaluronic acid serum. The patches can be used at home to smooth the appearance of crow’s feet. Future uses include treating crepe-y skin, dark circles and under-eye bags.

Astaxanthin

Trend Definition: Astaxanthin is hailed as one of the most potent antioxidants ever, a game-changer in high-performance skin care. Classified as a carotenoid, astaxanthin is found in marine life including wild salmon, red trout, krill and micro algae; it’s what gives flamingoes their flamboyant pink coloration. With antioxidant properties said to be 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, astaxanthin neutralizes free radicals, protects skin from oxidation and increases moisture retention and elasticity.

Seen In: DHC’s Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel is formulated with astaxanthin, in the form of a green algae complex that fights wrinkles, tones the skin and combats environmental aggressors.

Inflammaging
Trend Definition: All skin is susceptible to inflammaging, which refers to low-level inflammation that exhausts the body’s defense system, leading to a breakdown of collagen and elastin, a weakening of the skin’s barrier function, ultimately translating as cellular damage (aka aging). Essentially, anything that comes into contact with skin creates redness, irritation or skin discomfort can be termed ‘inflammaging’.

Aqua Peeling

Trend Definition: Aqua peels deliver a one-two punch by eliminating dead surface cells and infusing skin with precious moisture.
Seen In: Korea’s Yoon Dermaline’s Marine Complex Exfoliator comprises oversized cotton swabs that are pre-soaked with glycolic acid and nourishing actives for exfoliation and hydration.