That question could take us straight down the rabbit hole, couldn't it? But let me be clear, this is all about beauty and skin so there's no politics to be found here.
2021 is being branded as the year of skincare and there's an awful lot to read about on the net and in the glossies so I've done the research for you and here's what to look out for this year.
It looks like we're all going to be in masks for a good while yet and as the only place on the face not covered, there's a lot of attention on the eye area. Skincare companies are developing eye products that are lightyears ahead of products from just 2 years ago, for example.
Take the new Elemis Ultra Smart Pro Collagen Eye Duo for example; two highly intelligent treatments that visibly brighten dark circles and smooth deep set lines. The cooling Morning Eye Balm helps target the appearance of puffiness whilst brightening dark circles and tightening skin for a lifted look. At the other end of the day the Evening Eye Cream melts into the skin to deeply hydrate and plump the delicate eye area for a more youthful appearance. Designed to target deep set lines and loss of elasticity, this powerful duo is a perfect anti-ageing solution and smoother eye contour.
Brow Lamination, Lash Lifts and regular brow maintainance will become even more popular when the salons can reopen. Lifting the contour of the eye even before any makeup is applied can give a real boost in confidence and cut down the time it takes to get ready for your day.
Subtle is the keyword for 2021 and the overly "done" look of the past few years is over. Before you line up for 'tweakments' look to see if your local salon does CACI treatments. Skincare specialists can now harness the power of LED light therapy at the same time as using microcurrent. The dual action of simultaneous LED and microcurrent energy stimulates tissue regeneration and helps in the production of collagen. The synergy of these two technologies provides more visible and longer lasting results. CACI Synergy offers: new S.P.E.D™ microcurrent LED technology, orbital dermabrasion, ultrasonic peeling and CACI’s unique Wrinkle Comb (a non-invasive alternative to dermal fillers).
CACI used to be all about muscle tone and it still is but they've taken their technology and made it more skincentric too. It really is a full facial experience now, as long as you don't mind missing out on a hands on massage.
Body treatments are making a huge comeback. Over the past few years the trends have all been about facial care but here's a real up turn in body products and bodycare to come. We'll be on the lookout for high performance products to use at home to extend the benefits of in salon treatments.
Look out for in-salon body scrubs, there's no feeling like it and paired with a massage afterwards the benefits are incredible. Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow is a firm favorite. Mineral-rich Sea Salt and Lime Peel cleanse and exfoliate, whilst an infusion of Bergamot, Coconut and Sweet Almond Oils seal in moisture. Follow this with a massage using warmed essential oils and there could be Armageddon outside and it would pass you by.
Launched at the end of last year Elemis Warm-Up Massage balm is designed for home use. Comfort and relaxation in an easily absorbed balm and full of essential oils to ensure the effects are lasting.
Less face, more feet. Until we're all feeling a lot more confident about being back out in the big wide world and in salon, there's going to be many of us that prefer to give facials a miss for a while but we'll still need our relaxation time. Reflexology is a great way to get back into salon if you're a little nervous. Perfect for dealing with anxiety and stress, insomnia, pain and headaches; it's a pretty perfect post-lockdown treatment.
We'll want more from our homecare because we haven't been able to get into salon. I don't think any of us have been wearing makeup as much over the past 12 months and skincare buys have reflected that. We're more aware of how our skin looks without a little help and the products we use need to be working hard. Multi-tasking products like Medik8s Press and Glow are perfect to boost your homecare and theres a definite surge in face masks and acids available just now.
It's worth dropping your therapist a message before you go crazy on beauty websites as there are definitely products that you don't need to use at the same time. Your therapist can guide you through the potential minefield to make sure your first trip back in to salon isn't spent undoing some expensive damage.
2021 may not have got off to the start we wanted, especially in the beauty industry, but it definitley doesn't mean we can't still be here to help and support you all. If there's anything you need, please dont hesitate to get in touch.