10 beauty technology launches
Sophisticated hi-tech beauty products have claimed to change our lives during the past decade, but it's often the low-key innovations that have really made an impact. We've chosen the 10 we think have had a transformational effect.
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Vibrating mascara launches from Estée Lauder and LancômeMascara mania
It's not just the black stuff that darkens eyelashes any more. In the last decade, special brushes have curled our lashes, silicone gels have thickened them, and double applicators have given them lasting staying power. We're even seeing the dawn of vibrating mascara from Estée Lauder and Lancôme, which the companies claim stops clumping and allows for a more-even application.
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New technology: when skincare met suncareInvisible SPFs
In the last 10 years, sunscreens and make-up have collided - moisturisers, base coats and powders promote their inclusion of invisible SPFs, as consumers demand protection from harmful rays. At the same time, these lightweight alternatives to sunscreens have allowed for no-fuss spray-on suntan lotions and even powder formulations.
Suncare 2008 -
Anti-ageing skincare in the USAnti-wrinkle creams
Anti-wrinkle, specialist creams are continually pushing technological boundaries. Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus (with co-enzyme Q10) launched in 1998 and is still dominating the market in 2008, as is Olay's Regenerist and L'Oréal's Age Perfect.
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Antiperspirant deodorants: new developmentsDynamic deos
Modern deodorants keep us dry, but, almost as important, they also care for our skin – and our clothes. Crystal and nano-emulsion technology have revolutionised the category, meaning no more white marks on clothes. What's more, minerals are now being used to help absorb sweat.
Nivea revamps deodorant range -
The gradual tan phenomenonGradual tanners
Sometimes a product is launched that creates a whole new market sector. In 2005, Johnson & Johnson introduced Holiday Skin, a body lotion with a touch of self-tanning agent. The lotion sold millions of bottles, launched a bidding war on eBay, and even created its own market category. Now skin can look moisturised and lightly tanned all year long.
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Mineral make-up trendsMineral make-up
Mineral formulas have been around for years, but as cosmetics made from crushed mineral pigments do not need preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance or other chemicals, companies have reinvented the mineral make-up category as a no-compromise green option and also refined the technology to improve colour, durability and comfort.
Maybelline launches mineral make-up -
Cosmoprof 2004Natural ingredients
The natural world has been a beauty product treasure chest for centuries, but this decade's cosmetics scientists have figured how to tap into even newer properties in natural ingredients, They've plundered the forest, the kitchen and the ocean to bring us hi-tech-but-natural products based on plankton, green tea, sea fennel, royal jelly, nettles, marigold, chocolate, milk and fruit.
New skincare from Higher Nature, Collistar and Biotherm -
Allergan gets FDA approval for Botox as anti-wrinkle remedyBotox
Love it or loathe it, you can't ignore it. After being approved for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox smoothed the foreheads of millions of women, while, at the same time, caused a dermatological and social uproar.
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Scent slimming: Shiseido Body CreatorCellulite solutions
In the past decade, much emphasis has been put on diminishing the appearance of cellulite, an annoying and often ugly problem that can occur on even the skinniest and fittest of women. From slimming hosiery to jeans with micro-encapsulated ingredients to special massages, the cellulite-fighting market has grown into a multimillion dollar industry.
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Wellbeing and beautyWellness
Throughout WGSN's evolution, much emphasis has been placed on the importance of wellness in consumer behaviour and society. Current cosmetics firms have discovered sciences that can not only enhance the look and feel of the skin, but also enhance the mood of the consumer.
Naturopathica new spa treatments: summer 2007
