Cosmopack at Cosmoprof Asia 2017
I am back at CosmoprofAsia this year in Hong Kong! This is my second year covering the show as one of the six Official Bloggers selected to trend scout. The show has millions of people, thousands of booths and so many brands and sectors to check out. The six of us were assigned to cover specific areas of the show through the two venues.
The challenge with expos across all industries today, in general, is none other than social media. The gift and the curse of social media is a factor for attendance rates and brand participation as well. It’s the culprit of prior to release leaks, designs being copied and dupe coming out at lightning speed all cross the globe. Luckily, the beauty industry leader, Cosmoprof remains strong with millions of people attending just to touch, feel, see, smell and experience everything!
Though many of the booths were similar to last year, there are some stand out items that are worth mentioning. Here is what I found this year!
1. High Speed Technology – (Machine)
If there was a key word to summarize what Cosmopack 2017 is about it would be – TEXTURE. High speed mixers demonstrated just how this technology enabled new textures to be created in skincare and cosmetics. Using emulsifiers and standard mixers created the products we know and love. But with the new blades, speeds and digital programming, the textures created definitely inspired the marketing and the product development. Air whip, soft touch, custard, jelly, suspension, cloud like, dry foam and cooling sleeping packs is just the beginning!
2. Power Spray – (Packaging)
3. Custom Lipstick Bullets – (OEM)
One of the leading brands in the US that has experimented and invested into custom molds is Paul & Joe. With the new technology and accessibility in Korean Original Equipment Manufacturing, the cost is lowered and the production can be done much faster! First a wax mold of the custom bullet will be carved and made by a traditional sculptor (Similar to jewelry production), then a plaster mold is created. Stainless steel is poured into the plaster mold and then the last step is the creation of the silicone mold using the stainless steel bullet. Lipstick formulation is then cast by these molds and inserted into the lipstick components. Some trends we are seeing is the dual color bullets, dual formulation bullets and embossed/deboss logos and patterns and intricate designs and typography for an extra lux feel.
4. Crocodile Oil – (Ingredient)
The rise of Modern Muslim awareness in fashion and beauty has lead to the discovery of Halal ingredients. One of the many interesting oils I discovered during Cosmopack is Crocodile oil! With Halal production sourcing, creativity and resourcefulness plays a huge part. Find out more about Halal Cosmetics on Matrade’s Cosmotalk session you can find here.
5. Magnetism – Ingredient
The cosmetics world is always finding out the next way to draw you into their latest and greatest and this one is no different. Creating designs with magnetic elements were first seen in the nail polish world and now in eye shadow design and pore cleansing masks as well. Art Cosmetics – Italy demonstrated the stunning effects of this trend in fashion forward components with high pay off pigments.
6. Nano Technology – (Machine)
Beauty Device is so specific that it can be called microscopic. The Nano technology dominated the Discover Beauty sector this year at Cosmoprof. Nano Technology atomizers can disperse toner, moisture and other liquids without affecting make up application. Handy and compact, this little device surely packs a punch. Other nano technology has also been seen in sheet masks that are now 20x more absorbent and effective in staying on the face during application.
7. Ocean + Marine Everything (OEM)
If you thought the rainbow trend is over, you are wrong. It just shape shifted under the sea. The unicorn and fairy dust sprinkled into the ocean and everything marine is about to explode in 2018. Mermaid, Seashells, Dolphins, Whales, Kelp, Starfish will be the craze for this coming year.
8. Minimalist and Functional – Packaging
If you read the New Potato or Kinfolk, you will already be onto this trend. This is what COS and & Other Stories is all about, functional, arty and very minimalist with muted colors. This sub-trend is reminiscent of mid-century modernism and funky pop art shapes we all know and love.
9. Digital Natural World – Packaging
Inspiration can come from everything and this juxtaposition is topic on the minds of everyone. Using digital technology every minute of everyday yet trying to eat clean and drink green juice to detox. We see this trend packaging with rain texture with dew like effect and bionic laser engraved pressed powder compacts.
10. Patent Anti-Microbial Orange Oil – (Ingredient)
Baby products are challenging as they need to be effective, as natural as possible and also usable. Taiwan based product development company has tackled this issue head on. They have created Probo line that is both plant based and anti bacterial, anti microbial and anti fungal using their patented ingredient: Orange Oil! This special ingredient SDC is found in their laundry detergent, mosquito sticker, shampoo, wipes, bottle wash and masks.
