In Focus: Opportunities in Beauty & Wellness

Natural runway looks and hues that pack a punch

Chris Coffee, Founder, Coffeeface: 

“People are very focused on luxury and simplicity. They want something that gives you a natural runway look in an effortless way and they also want something that caters to everyone.”  

"I’m noticing a lot of bold red and shocking blue eyeshadows/eyeliners on the runway, and I am so here for it." 

- Karuna Chani, Founder and Makeup Artist, KC Makeup

Karuna Chani, Founder and Makeup Artist, KC Makeup:

“Retro red lips are all the rage… but then again, when is red not on trend? Shades of coffee/cocoa lips are everywhere these days too, and they’re absolutely stunning for FW 24/25. I’m noticing a lot of bold red and shocking blue eyeshadows/eyeliners on the runway, and I am so here for it. Sheer shimmers and metallic eyeshadows, like Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyeshadow Palette are huge bestsellers.” 

Retailers commit to responsible brands

Dillon Peña, Founder and Makeup Artist, Leland Francis:

“Retailers will prioritize brands with strong values, such as a commitment to social and environmental causes. They’ll expect brands to show a commitment to sustainability in product formulation and packaging. I believe plastic-free and vegan products will lead the way.”

“Retailers will prioritize brands with strong values, such as a commitment to social and environmental causes."

- Dillon Peña, Founder and Makeup Artist, Leland Francis

Better beauty and wellness — for all

”Dillon Peña, Founder and Makeup Artist, Leland Francis:

“Retailers will look for brands that provide products for a broad spectrum of consumers, ensuring inclusivity. Brands are expected to offer a wider range of products catering to diverse skin tones, hair types, and beauty needs.”

Karuna Chani, Founder and Makeup Artist, KC Makeup:

“We have come a long way, however, I still think there’s a lot of room for improvement and attention for the women-of-color (WOC) category — especially for the female in her 40s, 50s, and 60s. It’s a huge, gaping hole despite massive demand and some serious spending power. RMS Beauty is killing the game with beauty products created for mature women.”  

The power and simplicity of cleaner beauty

Dillon Peña, Founder and Makeup Artist, Leland Francis:

“The demand for clean, non-toxic beauty, personal fragrance, and home products will continue to grow as consumers become increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their everyday products. There is a rising preference for products that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives.”

Chris Coffee, Founder, Coffeeface:

“We believe in products that are clean-beauty focused. In addition to that, decluttering and simplifying your skincare routine, and having products that are portable and travel well are important.”

"There is a rising preference for products that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives.”

- Dillon Peña, Founder and Makeup Artist, Leland Francis

Karuna Chani, Founder and Makeup Artist, KC Makeup:

“Some large beauty brands have not responded well to the shift to clean beauty, and they’ve lost momentum. This has allowed many new, small, indie brands to rise and be in the limelight thanks to their attention to consumer demand.”

Skincare masquerades as makeup

Karuna Chani, Founder and Makeup Artist, KC Makeup:

“On a deeper makeup level, there’s a huge uptick in brands incorporating skincare for multi-functional, multi-layered products with more benefits than just color. For example, there are concealers with serums, foundations with hydration and hyaluronic acid, lipsticks with vitamin E and C and peptides, mascaras with growth-enhancing serum, and so much more.”