As 2021 fades further into the distance, we can’t help but look forward to everything 2022 has to offer. In addition to being cautiously optimistic about nearing the end of the pandemic, there are a slew of beauty trends we have to look forward to. Of course, many of the 2021 trends will carry over but trust me, you’ll want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to what’s new and hot.
Skincare will still reign supreme
One of the most popular beauty trends from 2021 was skincare and good news! It’s trailing into 2022 as well. Due to the pandemic, we were working from home and not going out as often. This meant that we had more time for skincare like face masks and at-home facials. Moving into the new year, we’re still keeping a focus on skincare and skin health which means that our hard work will not have gone to waste.
sexual wellness is ‘coming’ to the forefront
What was once kept secret in our bedside drawers is now becoming a topic of conversation. Sexual wellness is another taboo trend that’s not so taboo anymore. If facts and figures are your thing, according to BusinessWire, the global sexual wellness market is forecasted to reach $125 billion by 2026. And no, this trend didn’t “come” out of nowhere, either. A summer 2020 report found that 84% of Americans view masturbation as a form of self-care and for the record, so do I. After countless lockdowns, quarantines and unknowns due to the pandemmy, a little “self-care” might be exactly what the doctor ordered.
the grooming industry will flourish
Male-focused beauty and grooming are on the rise with the industry expected to generate global sales of $81.2 billion by 2024. Nowadays, skincare and beauty products are being geared towards men and the trend is showing no sign of slowing down, especially with the launch of many celebrity beauty brands being launched by male celebs like Harry Styles, Machine Gun Kelly, A-Rod, and many more.
medi is the new norm
While your run-of-the-mill facial is always a good idea, moving into 2022 we’ll notice that these simple treatments are falling down the wayside. What’s replacing them are more medi spa-style procedures that include microcurrents, micro-needling, lasers, and more. It might sound intense, but if it’s noticeable results you’re after, the medi route is the way to go.
science in skincare
While we’re on the topic of skincare, the industry is climbing to new heights. For so long, the conversation around skincare was to “cure” wrinkles but moving forward, the topic is switching to hormones and the effects that estrogen has on the skin. According to a skin pro over at Paula’s Choice, “[Estrogen loss] impacts skin’s firmness, thickness, hydration, and ability to repair damage from environmental stressors.” To help with this, many brands are looking into the use of phytoestrogens which are plant-derived compounds with immense antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. OK — science class is over!
Maximalist colour
Since we’re hopefully nearing the end of the pandemic, it’s time to finally get back to our pre-COVID makeup routines. You know, like wear lipstick again and not be worried about maskne. The past two years have had us pare down our beauty routines and amp up the skincare to keep our complexions happy under masks. Plus, having nowhere to go had us keep our makeup application pretty natural. Now that we’re on the tail end, we can start layering high-impact colours, glitters, and bright lippies like we never stopped. However, many folks have been pleased with the natural makeup trend and see it carrying over into 2022 as well as the demand for transfer-resistant liquid lipsticks.
fermented beauty
We all know that fermented foods and drinks like kombucha are good for your gut and digestive system but did you know that fermented beauty products are actually good for your skin? Fermented skincare has the ability to boost the barrier of the skin and since it contains natural bacteria, it works to prolong the product’s shelf life.
waterless washing
Did you know that so many of your fave beauty products actually contain quite a bit of water? Moving into the new year you’ll notice that a demand for more ec0-conscious products that contain zero water. What you get is a much more concentrated product that you’ll mix with water from your own sink and the result is less product waste. There are a handful of waterless products already on the market but just wait, more will be coming.
Featured image via @poosh