Trend Hunting at MakeUp in PARIS 2025

Photo: Cosmetics IC - Our Booth - Our Conference - Nuon

The 15th anniversary edition of MakeUp in Paris, held at the Carrousel du Louvre, set a new benchmark for inspiration, expertise, and innovation in the global beauty industry. Our team was proud to present our conference, “What’s Up in the U.S.? – The Market Shifts Redefining Global Beauty”, and delighted to connect with many of you at our booth, where we shared our expertise and highlighted our latest initiatives.

This year’s show was a celebration of creativity and collaboration, with over 145 exhibitors from more than 20 countries presenting their flagship launches and breakthrough solutions. Here are the standout innovations that captured our team’s attention on the show floor:

#1 – Nuon Medical – Compact Skin Analyzer

Nuon Medical’s Compact Skin Analyzer brings advanced diagnostic technology directly to the beauty counter, empowering both brands and consumers with real-time, actionable skin data. Equipped with detection sensors, the device provides instant feedback on skin condition (oil and hydration levels), enabling the personalization of skincare routines. It features integrated 630nm red light therapy to stimulate skin renewal and improve texture, while microcurrent technology tones facial muscles and reduces sagging - delivering a holistic approach to skin health in a compact, user-friendly format.

Why is it interesting? These diagnostic tools empower both brands and consumers to make informed decisions, enhancing skincare regimen effectiveness and supporting the trend toward hyper-personalization.

#2 – Jotim – Rose Essence Oil

Jotim’s Rose Essence Oil redefines multi-functional skincare with a formula that addresses hydration, oil balance, soothing, and repair in a single step. Featuring aromatherapy-grade rose essential oil and red myrrh, it creates a sensorial ritual while delivering targeted benefits: soothing redness, regulating sebum, and supporting all skin types - including oily skin. The innovative three-layer moisturizing technology ensures 16 hours of hydration, while a biomimetic barrier supports the skin microbiome and strengthens resilience.

Why is it interesting? This three-layer oil offers a “one bottle for total care” approach, combining sensorial pleasure with clinically relevant benefits for modern, minimalist routines.

#3 – Cosmecca Korea – Banana PDRN Eye Serum

Cosmecca Korea’s Banana PDRN Eye Serum targets dark circles in the delicate “banana zone” under the eyes with a plant-based, silicone-free formula. Leveraging banana-derived PDRN, it brightens and revitalizes tired under-eyes, providing a gentle yet effective solution for puffiness and dullness without the use of silicones.

Why is it interesting? This serum stands out for its plant-based version of the popular ingredient PDRN - offering a compelling vegan-friendly alternative.

THE CIC TAKE

The 2025 edition of MakeUp in Paris demonstrates that the future of beauty lies at the intersection of technology, multifunctionality, and ingredient innovation. From Nuon Medical’s data-driven analyzers to Jotim’s sensorial formulations and Cosmecca’s targeted clean skincare, the industry is moving decisively toward solutions that are both effective and delightful.

As MakeUp in Paris continues to serve as a “think tank” for the industry, it’s clear that the next era of beauty will be defined by personalization, science-backed efficacy, and a commitment to sustainability.

Our latest “What’s Up - U.S. Inspiration” ans “Open Horizons - Skincare & Wellness” trend reports are available now.

Contact us for more details.

INNOVATION AT VIVATECH 2025

Sources: Cosmetics IC / LVMH / Cosmetics IC

Chief Inspiration Officer Leila Rochet reports from the floor of VivaTech 2025 (June 11–14, Paris), where global tech leaders gathered to explore the theme New Frontiers of Innovation.

With AI leading as the most impactful technology for 65% of surveyed business leaders, and 85% planning increased AI investment, the show confirmed how innovation is privileging processes designed to enhance daily life, support long-term wellbeing, and drive smarter, more sustainable success across industries. 

Over the course of four days, the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles transformed into a dynamic showcase of innovation. Discover the visionary brands and breakthrough conversations set to redefine the future of health and beauty:

L’Oréal -  New Frontiers of Longevity

L’Oréal unveiled a cutting-edge portfolio of tech-enhanced innovations, spotlighting the transformative role of AI in the future of beauty. Centering longevity as its primary focus, L’Oréal blends biology, technology, and personalized insights to empower consumers to take proactive control of their skin’s future through several key innovations:

  • Longevity Integrative Science is L’Oréal’s pioneering approach to redefining beauty through the lens of health and prevention. By combining advanced tech with skin biology, it targets the root causes of aging to extend cellular healthspan. Using its Longevity AI Cloud and Wheel of Longevity, L’Oréal enables personalized, proactive journeys toward lifelong skin vitality.

  • The Cell BioPrint is a lab-on-a-chip device that delivers a personalized skin health assessment in just five minutes. Using Longevity Science, powered by NanoEnTek, it calculates biological skin age, predicts future concerns, and guides proactive care, shifting skincare from reactive to preventative, for longer-lasting cellular youth (launching March 2026).

  • The Rénergie Nano-Resurfacer 400 Booster is a next-generation at-home skincare device inspired by professional micro-needling techniques. Featuring 484 ultra-fine nano-tips, it enhances serum absorption and gently resurfaces skin. Designed to amplify Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum, it delivers clinical-grade results on wrinkles, dark spots, and texture, without pain, downtime, or compromising sensitive skin.

LVMH - Optimized Luxury

Far from shying away from showcasing technology’s role in crafting luxury products, LVMH shared stories of how technology is being used to enhance the savoir-faire of its iconic Maisons. Through 15 novel innovations, the presentation demonstrated how the presence of science and AI does not have to be at the sacrifice of soul or artistry. Standout activations from the LVMH Dreamscape also revealed compelling applications for the beauty industry:

  • Merging signature elegance with traceable, tech-powered personalization, Bulgari showcased connected jewelry, produced in collaboration with Dev4Side. A micro-engraved serial number, scanned via an app, unlocks a digital passport detailing each stone’s origin, rarity, and craftsmanship.

  • Moët & Chandon highlighted its use of Hiphen technology to analyze 16,000 grape batches in under three weeks. This tech-guided approach ensures only the finest grapes are used in each vintage - true luxury, rooted in data. 

  • Guerlain unveiled a multisensory experience to celebrate its Shalimar fragrance, utilizing technology from startups Olfy and IRCAM Amplify to translate the scent’s six core ingredients - jasmine, bergamot, rose, vanilla, tonka bean, and iris - into sound and visuals. The immersive installation showed how retail and marketing experiences can be elevated into artistic, emotion-driven journeys.

Retro Bioscience - Reverse Aging

Retro Bioscience presented a bold vision: extending human lifespan by 10 years through the use of advanced cellular therapeutics. The company’s CEO, Joe Betts-LaCroix, shared that 80% of our suffering in old age is linked to age-related diseases, and the solution is not to combat diseases one by one, but to take a holistic, scaled approach. To achieve this, the Sam Altman-backed startup is pioneering two key strategies: replacing aged cells and rejuvenating existing ones. 

With automation and AI-driven gene analysis, Retro is developing affordable therapies that target the root causes of age-related diseases. Their work on blood stem cell replacement and custom protein design highlights a shift from treating symptoms to modifying cellular predispositions. Phase 1 clinical trials are scheduled to commence this year, with the first therapies anticipated by the end of the decade.

Oura - The Quantified Self

Holly Shelton, Oura’s Chief Product Officer, explored the concept of The Quantified Self - a better, biometrically optimized version of ourselves, aided by a constant stream of health data (50+ daily markers) fed to us via the Oura ring. The brand’s “health sensing” technology - a gentle explanation for the ring’s intricate AI feedback system - enables the wearer to make minor adjustments to improve their day in the moment, as well as for the long term. Shelton emphasized the ring’s ability to restore balance to wearers’ lives—a constant quest for today’s over-stretched, overstimulated consumers. 

Oura’s next phase will involve a shift towards active care: expanding from personal wellness into connected healthcare. Upcoming features include blood sugar insights, meal tracking, and enhanced women’s health tools - from cycle tracking to pregnancy support. Crucially, users will soon be able to export health reports, enabling data-driven clinical conversations and empowering earlier, more informed healthcare decisions. 

The CIC Take

New technologies are accelerating the shift from correction to prevention, reframing aging as a solvable biological challenge rather than an inevitable decline. This year’s innovations signal beauty’s evolution into a field driven by deep science, where scalable biohacking and cellular age-reversal technologies hold visionary potential to transform both personal care and public health.

VivaTech 2025’s call to explore New Frontiers of Innovation echoes the theme of our latest U.S. Trend Books, Open Horizons, where we urge brands to embrace the future of beauty with an open mind and bold outlook. Contact us for more information.

Trend Hunting at MakeUp in Los Angeles 2025

Photo: Cosmetics IC - Innovation Awards - Venice Beach - Capsum

MakeUp in Los Angeles X LUXE Pack 2025: A Standout Year for Beauty Innovation

The Feb 2025 edition of MakeUp in Los Angeles X LUXE Pack marked a stellar year for the West Coast’s premier beauty event, drawing over 4,928 visitors and an impressive lineup of exhibitors unveiling their latest innovations.

From cutting-edge formulations to breakthrough packaging solutions, here are our “coup de cœur” innovations that caught our eye:

#1 – Formula - Over the Rainbow Lip&Cheek - ARTCOSMETICS

A breakthrough in hybrid beauty, that integrates three distinct textures—creamy blush, glossy balm, and radiant highlighter—into a single, travel-friendly tool. Engineered with advanced molding technology, it preserves the integrity of each formula, ensuring seamless application and optimal performance. Its ergonomic triangular design enhances precision, catering to the demand for intuitive, multi-functional beauty solutions. Compliant with Sephora and Ulta Beauty CLEAN standards, this innovation reflects the market shift toward high-performance, responsibly formulated products.

By combining sensorial richness with cutting-edge technology, ARTCOSMETICS delivers a versatile, on-the-go essential for modern beauty routines.

Why is it interesting?: We love the clean, visually attractive, 3-in-one formula – glossy, jelly, and creamy in a drop-shaped stick.

#2 – Formula - Moisture-Boost Splash Cream - JO COSMETICS, INC.

The Moisture-Boost Splash Cream merges Japanese skincare artistry with innovative Splash technology. This gel-cream features a unique two-layer structure, with 80% serum encapsulating potent beauty ingredients. Upon application, it bursts into a refreshing fluid, deeply hydrating while addressing dryness, dullness, acne, wrinkles, pores, and irritation. Its completely transparent formula showcases advanced fermentation science, delivering a transformative skincare experience in every jar.

Why is it interesting?: This formula embodies the Japanese art of formulation, featuring a completely transparent gel-cream made with 80% serum.

#3 – Packaging - Paperfoam Twist Up Stick - TOLY GROUP

Toly’s PaperFoam Twist Up Stick

Toly’s PaperFoam Twist Up Stick pioneers a fully paper-based retractable mechanism, a feature previously only achievable with plastic. Unlike existing options that blend paper and plastic, this innovation delivers a high-performance, user-friendly alternative without compromising functionality. By solving a key challenge in paper packaging, it offers a truly sustainable solution for eco-conscious consumers.

Why is it interesting?: A groundbreaking plastic-free design with a fully functional paper-based mechanism.

#4 – Accessory - The Dream Ring - IMEI DIVISION

The Dream Ring is a jewel-like facial massager designed for on-the-go use. This elegant ring effortlessly targets hard-to-reach areas, combining beauty and functionality in a compact accessory. Its sleek, ergonomic design allows for a soothing facial massage anytime, enhancing circulation and relaxation with a touch of style.

Why is it interesting?: Embodying our Key Prediction for 2025, The Culture of Delight, The Dream Ring combines a joyful beauty ritual with a comforting self-care moment, encapsulated in a cute wearable. 

#5 - Packaging -  Nuon – Technology-infused skincare cap 

Nuon Medical Technologies integrates clinically proven light therapy directly into skincare packaging, turning the cap itself into an active treatment tool. This smart packaging utilizes blue light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and red light to stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Designed for targeted treatment, it enhances absorption and accelerates visible results, with studies showing up to 75% acne reduction and 30% more collagen production.

Why is it interesting? This is a game-changing fusion of skincare and clinically-proven light therapy delivered in a super-convenient format.

THE CIC TAKE

The standout innovations from MakeUp in Los Angeles 2025 highlight how beauty is embracing technology, sustainability, and multifunctionality to enhance both performance and user experience. As predicted in our 2025 Key Predictions white book, The Age of Resonance, beauty is evolving with tech-infused skincare, eco-conscious packaging, and ergonomic design that simplifies routines while delivering efficacy and delight. These innovations perfectly align with the industry's shift towards practical, sensorial, and science-backed solutions.

The Age of Resonance is available now. Contact us for more details.

LONDON INSPIRATION TOUR

The team recently went to London, seeking inspiration in the most innovative retail spaces and product innovations. Along the way, we discovered captivating concepts that merge creativity and commerce, from immersive pop-ups to thoughtfully designed flagship stores.

Discover four of our favorite finds from London:

Beauty Pie London - Photo Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation

 

Beauty Pie

Pop up in Mayfair (November 22 to December 1, 2024)

With its Mayfair’s pop up, Beauty Pies introduced a tactile way to explore its online offerings. Situated at 35 Brook Street, the space featured the brand’s 2024 gifting collection and hero products across skincare, makeup, fragrance, and body care.

Visitors could test products, attend workshops with industry experts, and place online orders with complimentary express shipping. A dedicated photo booth added an interactive touch, encouraging social media engagement and amplifying the brand’s festive presence.

 

Benefit - The Benemart

Carnaby Street (since November 13, 2024)

Benefit has opened a fourth Benemart pop-up installation, reimagining its Carnaby Street boutique with a playful grocery store-inspired theme. Visitors can grab a shopping cart and wander through aisles where iconic products like the POREfessional Primer and Precisely, My Brow Pencil are reimagined in nostalgic packaging, including "Peas, Love & Pores" cans and "Whole Latte Lashes" coffee cups. This playful design adds a storytelling element to the shopping experience.

In November, Benefit expanded the concept with its first virtual 3D shopping experience, offering an immersive online shopping experience.

The Benemart by Benefit - Photo by Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation

IKEA’s Hus of FRAKTA - Photo by Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation

 

Ikea - Hus of Frakta

Pop up on Oxford Street (November 28, 2024 to March 2025)

IKEA’s Hus of FRAKTA reimagines its iconic blue bag as the centerpiece of a conceptual pop-up on Oxford Street. The space features a gallery-style display celebrating the FRAKTA bag’s cultural significance and a curated collection of products inspired by its signature blue. Visitors can personalize their FRAKTA bags with bespoke lettering at the in-store atelier or immerse themselves in an experience that evokes stepping inside the bag, complete with ASMR soundscapes, mirrored walls, and 3D lighting. The visit concludes with a playful “press for candyfloss” wall offering blue candy floss.

Located next to the upcoming IKEA Oxford Street store, the pop-up highlights democratic design while elevating an everyday essential to a design icon.

 

Pureseoul

Westfield, London

As K-Beauty continues to influence the global beauty market, PureSeoul offers a curated experience celebrating over 60 Korean brands, including viral favorites like Medicube and Aprilskin.

Opened in December 2023, the Westfield store features highlights such as a dedicated sheet mask wall and TikTok sensations like Laka’s Soul Vegan Lip Balm. Positioned as a hub for K-beauty enthusiasts, PureSeoul’s strategic partnerships with leading brands enrich London’s dynamic beauty scene, bringing the best of Korean innovation to a wider audience.

PureSeoul at Westfield - Photo by Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation

INSPIRATION TOURS

Our Inspiration Tours are individually tailored guides to the world’s best beauty cities. From the K-beauty capital of Seoul to the laid-back cool of Los Angeles - we know where to shop and what to see to inspire your next innovation.

Contact the team today for more information.

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