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A nail polish that goes on like spray paint. A laser that eliminates fine lines with almost zero downtime. The world’s most coveted eyeshadow. And the hairstyling line that might actually break the internet. No, we’re not dreaming. These are just a few of the innovations that are poised to transform the beauty landscape — and your daily routines — in 2016.
We realize that making predictions is a dicey game (one person’s miracle-in-a-jar is another’s flash-in-the-pan), but we’re not just going out on a limb here. These game-changing products have the science, research, and cultish devotion to back them up. Here, a list of 2016's biggest players — and stay tuned 'til June, when we reveal the winners of our
Beauty Innovator Awards. (What a time to be alive!)
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Spray-On Nail Polish
Turns out, people really love to phone it in with their manicures. When Nails Inc. released Paint Can nail polish in the U.K. last November, it sold out in one week. Now, there’s a waiting list for U.S. fans hoping to nab a bottle of the spray-paint-like lacquer when it lands stateside in March.
And we get the appeal. Although the process isn’t totally hands-free (it requires a carefully applied basecoat, topcoat, and a hasty trip to the bathroom sink), there is something enormously satisfying about blasting pigment all over your hands. A splash of warm, soapy water removes the excess and leaves behind a shiny, smudge-free manicure. Although the product only comes in two shades, Shoreditch Lane (metallic silver) and Hoxton Market (hot pink), the company promises that more colors are on the way, soon.
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Instagram-Worthy Hair Products
Here are the long-awaited images of hairstylist Jen Atkin’s new product line, Ouai (pronounced “way”). For those of you who haven’t heard of it, we admire the work you do on that wildlife reserve in Antarctica. Everyone else, feast your eyes.
The 13-piece collection, painstakingly developed by Atkin over two years, includes four shampoo-and-conditioners, three oral supplements, individually wrapped treatment masks, a creamy mousse, dry shampoo, flexible hairspray, and texturizing spray. Atkin, who works with celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Gigi Hadid, and the Kardashian-Jenner clan, received input from her famous clients while she was designing the line. (Kylie Jenner even chimed in, calling one design element “dope.”)
One of Atkin's goals? To achieve a modern, streamlined aesthetic so that the products would look sharp on a bathroom shelf. Mission accomplished. The ingredients inside the bottles, however, are a touch more extravagant. Amino acids, keratin, and fatty oils produce smoothness and volume, while hibiscus and jasmine extracts smell like the world’s most expensive blowout. The collection will be available for online purchase on February 1, and you can visit theouai.com for a series of hair tutorials from Atkin.
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Mongongo Oil
Anything you can do, mongongo oil can do better. The fatty emulsion, derived from the fruit of a South African tree, has been on everyone's radar lately, and is poised to replace both argan and coconut oils as the hot new ingredient of the moment. (Sorry to those who just bought stock in either.)
Among its many key attributes: vitamin E (an antioxidant that nourishes hair and skin while locking in moisture), polyunsaturated fatty acids (which provide a protective layer to the skin), and alpha-eleostearic acid (which gives some sun protection).
Many have already incorporated it into their brands' formulas — including Oprah's hairstylist, Andre Walker, who recently added it to his new line of hair-care products. P.S. We dare you to find a single frizz-busting, moisture-boosting ingredient that’s more fun to say. Because “dimethiconol” doesn’t cut it.
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Halal Cosmetics
Muslim consumers are projected to spend $73 billion on cosmetics (8% of the global market) by the year 2019, according to The Business of Fashion. Shiseido and Estée Lauder (as well as several K-beauty brands) are attempting to keep up by offering halal-certified beauty products.
That’s no easy task. Halal formulas must meet strict handling and ingredient guidelines that can be challenging and expensive for some beauty companies. Right now, most halal-certified products are manufactured by niche companies such as Iba Halal Care, based in India, and Amara Cosmetics, the first North American brand to produce halal cosmetics in the U.S. But as people become more aware of what’s in their beauty products and begin to demand ethically sourced ingredients, experts believe that halal cosmetics will grow in popularity and flood mainstream markets as well.
Amara Cosmetics Press Eye Shadow Color Palette, $20, available at Amara Cosmetics.
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The Rise Of Pat McGrath's Beauty Empire...
“When Pat’s first product [Gold 001] launched, I had every intern in my office sitting at their computers, ready to hit the ‘buy’ button,” says makeup artist Troy Surratt. “We got exactly one kit.” That’s exactly one more than most people were able to score. McGrath, who is widely hailed as the beauty industry’s most sought-after and influential makeup artist, debuted Gold 001 (a versatile gold pigment) backstage at the spring Prada show. It went viral, and McGrath made the formula available on her site, where it sold out immediately.
Last month, she launched Phantom 002, a collection that includes inky-black cream and liner, four vivid pigments, and two makeup brushes. And guess what? Those sold out, too. We reached out to Pat McGrath Labs for the scoop on what’s coming next, but couldn’t coax any information out of her people. (Although we’ve heard rumors about some big meetings taking place over there.) We'll be exercising our trigger finger just in case.
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...& Kylie Jenner's
When the social media star released her collection of Kylie Lip Kits, the liquid, matte lipsticks and matching liners sold out in minutes, prompting internet Armageddon. And she's about to do it all over again.
Kylie recently announced several upcoming colors (in the least helpful black-and-white Instagram post, ever), as well as a Valentine's Day collection, which she sought help in naming. To up the intrigue, Kylie has announced plans to expand her makeup line to include eyeshadows, an eyebrow kit, and a contouring kit, according to Teen Vogue. She’s keeping tight-lipped (no pun intended) for now, but whatever it is — brace for a frenzy.
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Color-Correcting Taking Over Contouring
Although makeup artists have long employed color-correcting tricks, a more user-friendly wave of products is about to hit the market this year. Lancôme is releasing a quartet of pastel CC creams, Becca just dropped brightly pigmented balms, and Algenist’s Concentrated Color Correcting Drops have the delicate, soft-hued appeal of Jordan almonds.
These unconventional shades are designed to neutralize certain skin discolorations and eliminate dullness. Red and peach, for example, offset undereye circles while green cancels out any hint of redness. The trick is not to go overboard or obsess over the shades. “I saw a girl slick orange lipstick on her dark circles, and I was like, How the hell is she going to undo that?” says makeup artist Troy Surratt, who recommends a far more moderate approach. “It’s fine to apply a peachy hue to dark shadows, or wear a yellow CC cream if you want a balanced effect, but you shouldn’t stand at your bathroom sink wondering if you should wear green or purple today,” he says. Smooth on a shade, tap on some concealer, and head out the door. "That’s how to keep this thing modern,” he says. Color us informed.
Becca Backlight Colour Corrector in Papaya, $30, available at Sephora.
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Microalgae Oil
Another day, another algae. Right? Not exactly. Although the use of algae in cosmetics is nothing new, microalgae is experiencing a major moment— and not just in beauty. Scientists are eyeing it as an alternative biofuel, nutritionists believe it’s the next soy (it’s made up of 50 to 60% protein), and cosmetic chemists have tapped it as a natural, sudsy alternative to chemical surfactants. So, basically, microalgae might just save the world.
At the very least, it will rescue your face from dryness and free radicals. “Microalgae provides hyper-hydration and a concentration of vitamins and antioxidants," says dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD. Prepare to see an influx of products featuring the super-ingredient, as well as novel uses for it. "The research is moving really quickly and biotech companies are continuing to discover more active ingredients and uses, including treating hair loss," says Dr. Graf.
Algenist Concentrated Color Correcting Drops, $38, available March 4 at Sephora.
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A Serious Volume Breakthrough
Don’t challenge hairstylist Orlando Pita in the prediction department. You’ll get served. The hair guru, who works with Madonna and creates looks for major fashion shows and ad campaigns, can see a hair trend coming a mile away. And right now, that trend is volume. With women wearing their hair longer, the need for lift and fullness is at an all-time high.
That’s the thinking behind Pita’s new line of products, Play, hitting QVC in February (and Ulta in March). The eight-piece collection is specifically formulated to inflate strands thanks to a blend of proteins and thermal polymers, which deliver bounce and shine without weighing down the hair the way clingy silicones and crunchy fixatives do. The products are so lightweight, they can even beef up the wispiest of strands. Looks like we all just hit the product jackpot.
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More Insta-Famous Products
When beauty superstore Ricky’s NYC opened its concept shop # (pronounced “hashtag”), we raised our praise-hands emoji in appreciation. The Soho boutique only sells products that are famous on Instagram, creating a haven for diehard beauty fans who want to purchase (and test-drive) indie favorites.
Right now, # carries top sellers from about 20 brands, including Coloured Raine, Dose of Colors, L.A. Girl, and Morphe Brushes. Collectively boasting millions of followers, these “Instabrands” generate widespread devotion, and we expect to see more of them going viral as the year progresses. Refresh your feeds.
Morphe Brushes E1 Deluxe Powder Brush, $22.99, available at Morphe Brushes.
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Conditioning Before Shampooing
Not to burst your bubble, but you’ve probably been washing your hair wrong your whole life. That "lather, rinse, and repeat" rule? A web of lies. For years, pros have insisted that the best way to cleanse hair and boost volume is to condition before shampooing, and now beauty companies are starting to get behind the message.
Last year, Kérastase launched a line of products built around the concept, and Tresemmé is following suit with its Beauty-Full Volume collection. Why the switch? “Women of all ages are wearing their hair longer, so volume and lift are more essential than ever,” says New York hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins, who’s a big proponent of the reverse approach. “Shampooing after you condition removes the heavy residue (silicones, oils) that weighs hair down and flattens the roots,” he says. “Washing it out adds immediate body.”
While you can easily practice this trick with the products you already have in your shower, make sure to use a conditioning treatment that “delivers benefits into your hair such as proteins, to improve hair quality,” says Hawkins. Catch you on the flip side.
Tresemmé Beauty-Full Volume Reverse System Pre-Wash Conditioner, $4.99, available at Target.
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Scandinavia Mania
Chic beauty products with the minimalist leanings of an Arne Jacobsen chair are emerging from Scandinavia. Sleek packaging, spare formulas, and ingredients such as spring water and Arctic berries offer a brisk alternative to the colorful, cheeky products coming out of, say, South Korea.
To get that sluggish circulation humming, we love Finland-based Lumene as well as Skyn Iceland products, which are rich in mineral water, algae, and moss. & Other Stories Cotton Care Flannel Body Lotion smells like fresh laundry, while Denmark’s Kjaer Weis has achieved the impossible — producing sustainable, organic products that would hold their own at the fanciest beauty counter. We’re obsessed with Lip Tint in Lover’s Choice, a ripe lingonberry shade housed in a cool silver compact.
Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Lover's Choice, $49, available at Kjaer Weis.
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Synthetic Fragrances
Aroma chemicals, those synthetic notes developed in fragrance labs (as opposed to gathered from a flowery field), are finally getting their due. Although they’ve been around for decades, they've always been treated like perfume’s dirty little secret, buried at the bottom of a label while natural oils and absolutes are permitted to shine.
“There’s been a misperception that natural notes are more pure and superior to synthetic ones,” says chemist and fragrance blogger Mark Behnke, of The Colognoisseur. “But that’s all changing.” The shift started in the early 2000s, when indie brand Escentric Molecules developed a collection of fragrances built around synthetics. Now, a new line called Nomenclature is poised to blow the aroma-chemical trend wide open.
Conceived and developed by Aedes de Venustas owner Karl Bradl and his creative partner Carlos Quintero, the line includes four modern scents, each showcasing a single molecule. There’s Urban Iris, which features iris aldehyde (first used in Chanel No. 5). The scent Flower of Angels features Hedione, a creamy floral note that debuted in Dior Eau Sauvage 50 years ago. Wood in Orbit highlights the sharp note Iso E Super, and Zero Gravity Musk accents Helvetolide, a weightless musk molecule that’s reminiscent of fresh linen. Each of these scents has a simplicity that appeals to modern consumers, especially millennials. “They expect fresh ideas and innovations, which is why we can take risks and reimagine traditional structures,” says Bradl. “It’s an exciting time.” No kidding.
Nomenclature Zero Gravity Musk, $165, available at Aedes.
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No More Grays
Your root cover-up may not be the sexiest thing in your hair arsenal, but it's definitely the most useful. New formulas from companies like Madison Reed follow in the great Color Wow tradition, using mineral pigment particles that attach to grays and regrowth like tiny magnets and hold fast until your next shampoo. (They’re so stubborn, they won’t even wash out in the rain.) We especially love the tidy compacts that you can whip out on the sly; this is stealth beauty at its best.
Madison Reed Root Touch Up, $30, available at Madison Reed.
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Aqua Peels
Moisturizing peels (not the misnomer you’d imagine) are yet another Korean beauty trend poised to flood the U.S. market this year. Based on a professional treatment that uses a device to dislodge deep-seated grime while providing a surge of hydration, the new at-home versions are just as refreshing and viscerally satisfying as traditional peels.
Each treatment contains a blend of glycolic acid and cushy botanicals that brighten skin without leaving it tight, dry, or prickly. The DIY peels come with a giant, pre-soaked cotton swab that distributes the formula evenly over your face, allowing you to target problem areas that require extra purging, such as the nose and chin.
Having tried a few of these peels (our favorites: Yoon Dermaline and Reme+G), we can say without any wishy-washiness that they’re definitely a standout. Our skin felt soft and dewy, and didn’t sting or turn red. With results this sublime, expect a deluge of similar products coming your way in 2016.
Yoon Dermaline Marine Complex Exfoliator, $6, available at Glow Recipe.
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Super-Lasers
Dermatologists are now using “picosecond” lasers — originally created to remove tattoos— to treat dark spots, diminish wrinkles, erase scars, boost collagen, and improve elasticity.
The device delivers laser beams onto the skin at the rate of a picosecond. That’s about 1,000 times quicker than traditional fractional lasers, which emit light at the oh-so-sluggish speed of a nanosecond. The increased pace yields major benefits. “Picosecond laser treatments require very little downtime,” says dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, who uses the PicoSure laser at his New York City practice. (It's similar to the new PicoWay laser, pioneered by Beverly Hills dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD.) “Following treatment, a patient can expect to look mildly pink for about one to six hours. A Fraxel laser requires a longer recovery period, ranging from five days to a few weeks,” says Dr. Anolik.
Another advantage? Less pain. “I don’t have to apply a numbing cream before using the PicoSure or PicoWay,” says Dr. Anolik. While fractional laser resurfacing is preferable for treating pronounced lines or deep scars, picosecond lasers effectively promote collagen growth and improve the elastic quality of the skin, which helps to treat wrinkles and improve texture, he says. “It’s a significant tool. And companies are racing to produce more picosecond devices, so we know this is big.” Buckle up.
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Target As The New Beauty Mecca
Target has just launched a line of nail polishes called Defy & Inspire, and the formulas hit all the right marks. Long-lasting, glassy, and positively ding-proof, the collection of 42 shades satisfies every conceivable manicure and pedicure craving, as well as every budget.
There are milky neutrals, opaque pastels, deep wine tones, edgy gunmetals, and one crackling rose hue that actually made us squeal. Rumor has it, this is just one of many new beauty offerings coming to the superstore in 2016 (fingers crossed!).
Defy & Inspire Wear Resistant Nail Lacquer in Toddlers and Tiaras, $7.49, available at Target.
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Better Implants
Until this year, women considering breast-augmentation surgery faced two choices: 1) silicone implants, which look and feel like natural tissue, but can rupture and leak, or 2) saline-filled implants, which pose no apparent health risks, but can shift and bounce like a pair of water balloons.
A new innovation may solve these drawbacks in a single swoop. The Ideal Implant, created by Dallas-based plastic surgeon Robert S. Hamas, MD, is a more natural-feeling saline implant. Immodestly (but perhaps accurately) named, the Ideal features a series of squishy shells that nest together, preventing the saline inside from sloshing around for a firmer, fuller, more believable — and safer — effect.
But there is a catch or two. For one thing, Ideal implants will set you back a cool $1,500 (not including surgical costs). Secondly, they're not readily available. The only people with access to them are shareholders and the team of 45 doctors that took part in the initial FDA investigation. Still, demand seems to be high, and we anticipate that more doctors will be trained in implementing the procedure in 2016.
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More Beauty Imports
Among the many overseas beauty brands landing stateside this year, Kiko Milano is arguably the most prolific. Last year alone, the Italian company released 500 new products, inspired by the latest fashion collections.
That’s one fast turnaround, but absolutely nothing about these formulas looks or feels slap-dash. The Glossy Dream Sheer Lipstick (available in 15 shades) delivers the same transparent tint and moisturizing feel as an expensive balm, while the Water Eyeshadow (available in 32 shades) has an extravagant consistency that you can apply wet or dry.
The brand recently opened 24 North American retail locations, and we have a feeling it will soon be winning a die-hard following over here. Honestly, we’re just psyched to see what Kiko cooks up next.
Kiko Milano Ultra Glossy Stylo in Soft Red, $8, available at Kiko Milano.
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Makeup Artist Hung Vanngo
Not all game-changers come in a box or bottle. Some are artists, whose cool new aesthetics are shaking up the beauty space in 2016. Take Hung Vanngo, for example. The CK One Color global makeup artist (and all-around genius) keeps a low profile, but all of that modesty has only added to his shadowy mystique.
Vanngo is thisclose to becoming a household name — and his clients, such as Julianne Moore and Selena Gomez, can’t stop singing his praises. Even industry leaders, like celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend, call him “Van Glow” (because he’s that good at illuminating complexions).
But it’s Vanngo’s knack for subtlety that’s generating all the noise. He blends makeup without a trace, diffuses lines into hazy obscurity, and dusts on eyeshadow so skillfully that even wild hues have a seamless, natural quality.
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Hairstylist Riawna Capri
First of all, Riawna Capri's name alone is intoxicating. (Doesn't it sound like the sort of fizzy aperitif you'd order on an Italian getaway?) More importantly is the flirty, flippy, irregular genius that is her textured bob.
Every time Capri posts a selfie, her 233,000 Instagram followers collectively lose their minds. And they get just as excited over the sexy, offhand styles that she creates for her celebrity clients, such as Julianne Hough, Nina Dobrev, and Vanessa Hudgens.
Then, just when we thought she couldn’t get any cooler, she went and gave Jennifer Lawrence a platinum bob. Our goal for 2016 is to land an appointment at Nine Zero One, her Los Angeles salon. Fingers crossed she has an opening this year.
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Hair Colorist Danny Moon
Even if his name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll almost certainly recognize Daniel Moon's work — because it’s pretty much impossible to ignore. The Los Angeles colorist created Madonna’s hot-pink mid-lengths and dyed Kylie Jenner’s espresso strands a vibrant teal.
Not to be outdone in the creativity department by, well, himself, Moon has developed a product that delivers so much color and shine, you can practically see it from space (or, at least, from across a crowded room). Major Moonshine is a cross between styling gel and stardust. The glittery goop comes in 10 punky shades (from moonbeam silver to electric violet), and adds glinting color wherever you apply it — though it looks especially awesome on roots. We have a feeling we’ll be spotting this shimmery trend on even more runways soon.
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Snapchat Beauty Stars
First there were YouTube stars, then Instagram stars, and 2016 brings with it the rise of Snapchat stars. Tips if you want to become one: Self-effacing humor helps. So do puppy cameos. And, of course, an ability to offer up genius makeup tutorials, product reviews, and beauty hacks in 10 seconds flat.
A couple of our favorites, right this minute? Teni Panosian (@tenipanosian), whose easy-to-follow tutorials and snaps of her dogs Bambi and Keiko feel laid-back and best friend-y; and Jackie Aina (@jackieaina), who goes by La Bronze James on the app, and whose hilarious posts have us wiping actual tears from our eyes (good thing for waterproof mascara).
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A nail polish that goes on like spray paint. A laser that eliminates fine lines with almost zero downtime. The world’s most coveted eyeshadow. And the hairstyling line that might actually break the internet. No, we’re not dreaming. These are just a few of the innovations that are poised to transform the beauty landscape — and your daily routines — in 2016. 
