We are now coming to the end of an unforgettable beginning to the 20’s. Many would deem 2020 as a write off, and in some ways it should be. Nonetheless, certain beauty industry trends that are predicted to splash in 2021 have been heavily inspired by the pandemic. While it has been an opportunity to plant the seed for new trends, other areas of the industry have been put on pause. This means that we can also expect to see some continuing trends from before 2020 took its unexpected turn. That being said, let’s dive into beauty movements that we foresee will flourish or continue trending in 2021!
Post Pandemic Hygiene
Few of us have escaped the side effects of washing our hands after everything we do. However, dealing with them has taught us a couple of things. The first being just how harsh and drying a typical supermarket hand soap can be. Secondly, the right products can go a long way; the industry is now working hard to further blur the line between hygiene and skincare. Gaia Olea is a good example of a brand selling an array of natural soaps that have been made with nourishing ingredients such as their Goat’s Milk Oatmeal & Honey and Gentle Baby Soap for Sensitive Skin.

Emo-Beauty
Skincare is a form of self care and should be treated as a kind of therapeutic wind down. Emo-beauty relates to engaging our emotions through texture and scent causing us to reap a wider range of benefits beyond the surface of skincare. Experiencing both the immediate and long term benefits associated with stress-relief and mindfulness is life-changing and will prevent your daily routine from ever feeling like a chore! The emo-beauty trend is much like the ayurvedic beauty scene, deriving from the Indian medical practice of Ayurveda, in terms of more attention placed on overall wellbeing. If you are interested in emo-beauty, you may want to check out some ayurvedic beauty brands such as Nao Ayurveda.

CBD Skincare
Although CBD in skincare has been around for a while, it is still predicted to trend in 2021 due to the high rate of consumer praise. This ingredient works to combat inflammation, oxidative stress, and slows ageing. When choosing a CBD oil, it’s important to look out for mentions of “cannabidiol”, “hemp extract”, “broad-spectrum CBD”, “full-spectrum CBD” or “hemp CBD”. Hemp seed oil and sativa seed oil are not the same thing and it’s common for consumers to make the mistake of confusing them. Popular beauty products with CBD oil include Ambience CBD Infused Lip Balm and the Revolution Skincare CBD Essence Spray.

Skin Minimalism
While foundation still has its role in the makeup routine of many consumers, there was a time where it seemed to be a mandatory part of even the most natural looks. With more consumers becoming conscious of skincare, it’s becoming understood that wearing foundation everyday is not always a necessary part of looking good. This has also been inspired by alternative solutions such as the glass skincare trend and the dewy minimal look achieved with beneficial products to display health. There is now more importance placed on taking care of the canvas instead of hiding it. If you are interested in products that can be used for both makeup and skincare, you may want to try out brands like Versed or Glossier.

Blue Beauty
WWF reports that 8 million tonnes of plastic are released into the ocean every year. Blue beauty is similar to green beauty in terms of reducing the damage that the industry causes to the environment. However, blue beauty differs by directing the focus to our waters. This can be done through the use of waterless products and being mindful of the synthetic ingredients in products that although may not be toxic for us, when washed down the drain could inflict damage on marine life. Jeannie Jarnot, the founder of this movement, talks about how blue beauty is not just ocean friendly, but considers environmental safety which includes being responsibly sourced and minimising carbon footprint. If you would like to be a part of this growing trend, you can check out blue beauty brands such as One Ocean Beauty and Āether Beauty.

If you were in charge of deciding the next big trend, what would you choose?