Beauty trends evolve with the times. Since the start of the rollercoaster Covid-19 pandemic, beauty trends have echoed the lifestyle trends we saw emerge: the rise of increased hygiene practices, going back to basics and embracing self-care.
In 2021, makeup trends focused on the eyes (to stand out against our protective face masks), skincare became more important than ever before (to help treat and prevent maskne) and we saw a new acceptance (and celebration) of natural skin and hair.
But what can we expect from 2022? These are the beauty and grooming trends that global experts are forecasting for the new year:
Skincare will retain its dominance
Skincare has been the star of the beauty world throughout the pandemic. We saw a major uptake in good quality skincare regimes, and with natural skin still on-trend, it is set to remain the dominant beauty category of 2022.
We’ll see a continued focus on skin health, which will encompass everything from calming redness and irritability, to protecting against pollution and environmental aggressors and the treatment of maskne.
We’re expecting to see Salicylic acid gain a lot of momentum in the fight against breakouts and blemishes. Try: The NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix range helps control the skin’s oil production, unblock pores and reduce the occurrence and appearance of breakouts. Gently cleanse skin twice a day with NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Gel Cleanser (R219.95) to lift away impurities and follow with the spot-busting NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Night Pads (R349.95), which provide the skin with moisture and hydration while speeding up the healing time of existing blemishes.
One of the best ingredients to help fight off pollution and harmful free radicals is vitamin C. The Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits skincare range is not only effective in brightening the skin and protecting against the elements, but it’s also affordable. Creightons Vitamin C Superfruits Skin Radiance Moisturiser (R89.95) contains 2% vitamin C, natural fruit acids and enzymes to brighten, hydrate and give the skin a more even tone.
Sustainability
Increased requests from consumers for cleaner beauty products, ethically-sourced ingredients and vegan formulations has prompted beauty brands all over the world to re-think the way they manufacture their products. While we’ve already seen a major shift to more sustainable practices in 2021, this movement is predicted to boom in 2022.
Expect to see more vegan and vegetarian-friendly formulas, recycled and recyclable packaging and cleaner ingredients.
Maximalist colour
In the past two years most people found themselves moving between extremes when it came to makeup. Working from home meant there were long periods of wearing absolutely no makeup, which was in complete contrast to the Y2K and Euphoria-inspired glitter, gloss and festival makeup trends that emerged somewhere in 2021 (and which dominated a lot of summer events last year). In 2022 we’ll find ourselves somewhere in between, and makeup artists are predicting a continued explosion of bright and neon colours in makeup, but without the glitter and stick-on jewels.
Predictions say there will be a major focus on blush, abstract eye makeup, colourful eyeliner and bright lips. Makeup that mimics real skin will take centre stage to support the natural skin trend.
Makeup products to keep on-hand:
wet n wild Megalast High Shine Lipsticks (R99.95) in bright shades Tanger-Ring The Alarm and Bellini Overflow and wet n wild Megalast Stained Glass Lip Gloss (R139.95). Look out for bold shades Kiss My Glass and Heart Shattering.
wet n wild Color Icon 10 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes (R169.95) and 5 Pan Eyeshadow Palettes (R119.95) will make your rainbow eye makeup dreams come true! Look out for shades Heart and Sol, Call Me Sunshine and Petalette.
Embrace the bright makeup trend with eye-catching nails. Kiss Impress Press-On Manicure (R190.00) are hassle-free, require no glue and give you perfectly manicured gel nails that look natural. Available in a variety of bright and fun colours to suit your every mood.
A skincare approach to hair care
Experts predict that in 2022 we’ll be treating our hair more like our skin, paying closer attention to the health of our scalps, our hair growth and the ingredients in our hair care products. Throughout the pandemic there has been an increase in hair care issues stemming from the scalp, such as hair loss, flaky scalp, itchy scalp and general discomfort. Known as the “skin-ification” of hair care, this trend sees an overlap between hair care and skincare, with particular interest in the scalp.
We expect a major uptake in scalp scrubs, scalp treatments and masks. Try:
Umberto Giannini Scalp Scrub Exfoliating Anti-Dandruff Treatment (R170.00) is packed with natural exfoliants from super fruit enzymes and micro grains of natural walnut shell to remove dead skin cells, bacteria and excess oils, preventing flakes and restoring a clear and healthy scalp.
Marc Anthony Detox Scalp Roller Treatment (R180.00) is perfect for dry and irritable scalps as it has an instant cooling effect and uses peppermint oil and witch hazel to leave the scalp feeling refreshed.
Hair and beard growth
2020 and 2021 were the years of buzz cuts and shaved heads. With less frequent trips to barbers and hairdressers, a lot of men took matters into their own hands, opting for quick and easy home shaves. Experts predict that this will be the year in which men grow their hair out, wearing more carefree styles, and the same goes for beards! While so many men chose to shave because of the discomfort of having a beard while wearing a face mask, we’re now expecting a major uptake in facial hair.
If you plan on growing out your hair or beard this year, you’ll need to invest in a couple of good quality grooming products to ensure your hair stays soft, manageable and hydrated. Try this duo: Cantu Men 3 In 1 Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash (R129.95) is a multipurpose cleanser and conditioner that goes to work gently yet effectively, leaving hair and skin soft and moisturised. Cantu Men Leave In Conditioner (R129.95) contains a unique blend of caffeine, hemp seed oil and shea butter to deeply moisturize, helping prevent and repair dry, brittle hair.
Maintaining a soft and manageable beard is easy when you have the right products. Keep your beard moisturised and conditioned with Clubman Beard & Tattoo Oil (R209.95). The unique blend of oils conditions the skin beneath the beard while softening facial hair. Style your beard to perfection with Clubman’s Beard Balm (R209.95). A styling and conditioning aid, it helps control your beard without a stiff paste or heavy wax consistency.
