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We attended the 17th annual International Beauty Show (IBS) and International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) in New York City this week, and brought back the buzziest trends from the floor.
CBD-infused health and beauty aids are beginning to break into the mainstream. What’s more, the goods are made right here in the U.S., with manufacturers like Medterra CBD sourcing their star ingredient from hemp grown under the Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Research Pilot Program. Other companies touting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties included Premium Wellness Product (hair masks) and S.O.L – Strains of Life (infused water).
Demand for other plant-based skincare is growing out of increasing awareness about sustainability. It’s not only about natural or organic ingredients—consumers are also thinking about the long-term impact of the ingredients on themselves as well as the environment. Brands encompassing this movement on the floor included Repêchage, Nelly De Vuyst, Farmhouse Fresh, and Eminence.
Just because ingredients are going natural doesn’t mean that the actual hair, makeup, and nails are neutral. Particularly trending was rainbow, stacked, and paired tones. Bright, bold colors in glitter, matte, and (to a lesser extent) gloss made waves on the floor from brands like Manic Panic!, TK Hair Group, and Gelish.
Men’s grooming continues to be a growing area in HBA. Live demos and competitions between barbers showed off the trending art of fine lines and fades. But it wasn’t only the traditional area of haircare that got attention, with new skincare products on offer. Top trending brands included Reuzel, BabyLiss Pro, Elegance USA, and PIBBS.
Korean beauty staples like face masks and skin serums had a strong, if limited, presence on the floor, but there were also exhibitors showing off technological advanced in LEDs and micro-currents. Brands included LeBody, Amarte, and Uaru.
In spa news, LED kits both at home and in the doctor’s office are being used to treat and correct skin issues such as redness, acne scarring, fine lines, and even pain management. In the spotlight were brands like LightStim, Celluma, and Zero Gravity Skin.