‘New year, new you’ may be a little cliché, but it is a mantra that embodies the spirit of fresh starts - which is something the brains of the beauty industry embrace year after year. So, alongside your resolutions to become a better/thinner/more well-rounded version of your 2014 self, why not also make an effort to experiment with the latest beauty discoveries?
With that in mind, here are the international beauty trends that are set to make waves in 2015.
Cushion make-up
Hot on the trail of BB cream is Korea’s latest cosmetic invention, cushion make-up. The cosmetic technique involves the use of a sponge that is conveniently pre-loaded with a mixture of SPF and CC cream to dispense the right amount of required coverage on your face. The key is layering, which helps to hide blemishes and even out mottled complexions while leaving skin glowing and (most importantly) hydrated.
Face shavers
While a morning shave is traditionally a manly beauty duty, recent research has proven the practice has plenty of benefits for women - should they choose to take it on. According to studies, shaving your face regularly not only removes unwanted hair but also exfoliates skin, stimulates collagen production and staves off wrinkles. If you’re willing to give it a go, use a specifically designed facial razor - their slim holders and single blades make the job much easier.
Ice rollers
For those who have used the old trick of placing a cold spoon on puffy eyelids, ice rollers won’t seem too strange. Growing in popularity in Asia, the ice roller is a simple handheld device that is filled with a mixture of water and gel. After allowing it to cool in the fridge, just roll it gently across the face to reduce puffiness, calm redness and blotchy patches and even firm the skin.
Emu oil
Emu oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Though it’s extracted from a less-than-appealing part of the bird (the fat), it contains high levels of skin-saving vitamins A and E, as well as omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids. Indigenous Australians are credited with first discovering the medicinal qualities of the oil, which helps to ease conditions such as eczema, burns and acne and can help to prevent wrinkles. Emu oil is currently available in capsule, liquid and cream form.
Dry brushes
If endorsement by Miranda Kerr isn’t enough to make you jump aboard the dry brushing bandwagon, then its health benefits will. By running a large brush all over the body using circular strokes, the practice stimulates the body’s biggest organ, the skin. It also acts as an exfoliator, increasing circulation, detoxing the body, removing dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of cellulite (yay!). Cheap, simple and effective, dry brushing is easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Konjac sponges
The konnyaki plant grows way up in the mountains of Asia. Made up of 97 per cent water and boasting a neutral pH, the plant has been used for the past 1,500 years in Korea, Japan and China for both medicinal and beauty purposes. Thanks to its mineral goodness, the plant is perhaps most popular in its sponge form. Konjac sponges are sculpted from the konnyaki plant and free from chemicals, colouring, additives and irritants. As a tool, they deeply cleanse, exfoliate and detoxify skin, and are gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and babies.
Snail slime
More often associated with gardens rather than bathrooms, snails are now proving their worth in the beauty world. It turns out that the mucus secreted by snails is full of compounds that are essential in regenerating skin cells and healing cuts. Packed with collagen, glycolic acid and antibiotics, slime has the ability to reduce acne scarring, dryness, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It was first embraced by the ancient Greeks and is now back in a big way, appearing on the ingredient list of many skincare products.
