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Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:48 pm  |
The Next Big Things that will make a difference to your skin, your hair and your life
By Nicole Wraight
We know what you're thinking: "revolutionary" beauty products are introduced about as often as drunk NRL players are caught doing stupid things. But we've done our research and spoken to the experts to find the top 10 look-great breakthroughs that are making their way onto the shop's shelves.
1 Long-lasting technology
Why waste your moolah on fancy perfumed body lotions that only last a few hours before they vapourise away? The brainiacs at Thierry Mugler agree; they've developed molecular IDS - the Intense Diffusion System. Translation? The molecular structure of the perfume is modified so it lasts throughout the day, reactivating when skin is touched or your body heat rises. Our pick is Angel Body Oil. And as much as we love the juggernaut of breakthroughs - mineral make-up - we still want it to last. Now you can wear it for up to 16 hours. The founder of long-wearing make-up, Revlon, has created Colorstay Minerals, a blend of rose quartz, mother of pearl and topaz to give you a natural, seamless look that's also good for your skin.
2 Healthy blows
Forget the high-octane scorchers of yore. New generation hairdryers from T3 actually improve the condition of your hair. These techo-guns use tourmaline - gemstones known to generate frizz-fighting negative ions. "Hair looks smooth and shiny because the negative ions smooth down the cuticle," says Steve Corthine, owner of Stevie English Hair in Sydney. "They also dry hair quicker, so use less power." And compared to the wieldy blowers of old, these weigh a mere 300 grams.
3 A thicker mane with minerals
In the past few years, mineral make-up has gone completely nuts. Now hair-care companies are covering the same territory. And why wouldn't they? Recently L'Oréal launched its Professionnel Serie Expert Volume Expand line. These shampoos use calcium to strengthen your hair and silica to smooth cuticles. The result: volume and shine. "Depositing these minerals on hair increases each strand's diameter and ‘adds space' between hair fibres," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson.
4 DIY dermatology treat
Forget blowing thousands on microdermabrasion treatments in salons. The next generation of devices to diminish fine lines and uneven pigmentation are handheld LED (light-emitting diode-based) therapy systems that you can use at home. These treatments claim to help skin generate collagen, reduce skin spots and redness, and even clear up acne. "You just need to use them over a longer period," explains Joely Kaufman, director of lasers at the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami, US. New models, such as the Omnilux New-U, are available now.
5 Wrinkle-preventing protein
"Groundbreaking" anti-ageing agents seem to launch as often as Australian Idols turn up on Ramsay Street. But one to take note of is sirtuin. Experts believe this protein could prove to be even more effective than antioxidants. "Antioxidants eat up free radicals, which accelerate ageing. But sirtuin actually protects the cells from ageing altogether," says Dr Katie Rodan, dermatologist and co-founder of the Proactiv skincare line. How to get your hands on the goods? Check out Clinique Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturizer, packed with sirtuin to help slow down the signs of ageing while promoting cellular repair. All of which equals a soap star-worthy complexion (Logie not included).
6 Modified genes
You have around 20 million cells in your facial skin and they're all told what to do by your genes - kind of like your body's own personal trainer. Genes give all the directions for building proteins in your body, including the ones that make you look younger. Scientists have known for decades that the body contains genes that influence its circadian rhythms, but recently they discovered these "clock genes" are found in every cell of the body, including our facial skin. White coats at Estée Lauder are among the first in skincare to understand the role of clock genes and how we can maximise our skins' natural repairing process overnight - when our skin rejuvenates itself. Its new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex works with your body rhythms, increasing your skin's ability to repair itself while you snooze. Lancôme scientists have also been busy developing Genifique , which boosts gene activity to stimulate skin proteins. Gene-ius.
7 Ten-minute dye job
In less time than it takes to warm down from a spin class, you can change the colour and condition of your hair. "L'Oréal Excell 10 uses a lower pH, making it gentler than other permanents," says Bronwyn Fraser, national education manager for L'Oréal Australia. "A lower pH limits the release of volatile ammonia (a necessary active ingredient in hair dyes) so the colour molecules can work quicker." Some dye can make your hair weaker than a punchline on Two and a Half Men, but not this one. "Ceramides, just like the ones in your own hair, are included to strengthen the hair as it colours," says Fraser.
8 Longer lashes, minus the mascara
Until now, your best bet for thick, fluttery lashes was a set of $200 salon extensions. A prostaglandin-based product that enhanced eyelash growth was recalled last year because it contained prescription-only ingredients. But Jan Marini Skin Research has come up with a non-prostaglandin formulation that uses peptides to boost lash density and length. Marini Lash eyelash conditionerneeds to be used nightly for up to eight weeks to see results. Aussie company Mirenesse has launched the 4D Secret Lash Evolution System, which uses apple stem cells to promote longer, thicker lashes. Butterfly kisses, anyone?
9 Eco-friendly tanning
Now you can go green when you bronze. Organic spray tans have taken top billing this year in luxe salons like Joh Bailey in Sydney. "We use organic ingredients that darken skin for seven to 10 days," says Katrina Brown, creator of The Bronzing Boutique. Regular formulas darken skin with potentially harmful parabens, which is why the Melanoma Awareness Foundation endorses Brown's chemical-free tans. "Organic tanning is a healthy alternative, replacing chemicals with natural ingredients derived from glycerin that fade naturally rather than coming off patchy," says Brown.
10 Anti-ageing stem cells
In skincare as in politics, stem cells are a hot topic. In the past, brands like Dior and Amatokin offered creams that stimulated stem-cell regeneration to make skin look smoother and younger. Now scientists are infusing products with stem cells from plants and fruits. A study published last year in the International Journal for Applied Science found that PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica - an extract made from cultured apple stems - reduced crow's feet by 15 per cent in 20 subjects after four weeks. The ingredient also won a 2008 Innovation Award for Most Innovative Raw Material Concept from the European Cosmetic Academy Association. Products now in development are tipped for release in Oz later this year. |
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