Disposable sheets containing the products for a specific look, such as Marilyn Monroe style, are one of the intriguing innovations under development in the cosmetics industry. Ditto an app that tells you when your skin is dehydrated or you need to reapply sunscreen.
These and other scoops were shared on a steamy evening in July when the Fashion Group International of Dallas gathered local entrepreneurs to discuss “The Future of Beauty.”
Dallas boasts the largest and most active branch of FGI outside New York City, and the event attracted dozens of fashion types to Ese Azenabor’s fashion atelier in the Design District.
The panel consisted of Terri Tomlinson, who runs a school for makeup artists, cosmetics entrepreneur Susan Posnick, makeup artist and consultant Joanna Hathcock, hair salon owner and stylist Gary Walden, and moderator Melissa Rountree, an FGI Dallas board member.
Dior at Sephora, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Spectacular Volume Mascara in Over Blue ($29.50)
Among their favorite products: blue mascara, which makes the whites of the eyes appear brighter; Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer and Sunscreen, which can substitute for foundation; and Verb Ghost Oil for hair nourishment and shine. All are available at Sephora.
Tarte at Sephora, Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($36)
Authentic style is in, the experts agreed, and that starts with skin.
“Natural, healthy skin has really emerged as the texture,” Hathcock pointed out. “I’m tired of excessive contouring. Letting go of so much artifice is a good movement. Makeup is about ‘This is who I am and I’m proud of it, and how can I share that with the world?’”
Tomlinson, who worked the fall runway shows at New York Fashion Week, said the strong lip is a key trend along with the mixing shimmer, sheer and matte finishes to create dimension.
She noted that women often adapt “pieces and parts” of runway trends, such as a brick or burgundy lipstick instead of the nearly black hues that were so prevalent on the catwalk.
Likewise, while social media has exposed makeup artistry, it’s not necessarily presenting looks to replicate.
“Stage or drag queen makeup is trending on social media, but it hasn’t moved forward from there,” Tomlinson pointed out. “Social media doesn’t look to fashion for trends, they look to themselves.”
Verb at Sephora, Ghost Oil ($14)
As for hair, all of the print and embellishment in fall fashion calls for textured hair, including curls, waves and braids, Walden said.
“Women’s empowerment is reflected in the updos, braids and twists that reflect this woman warrior,” Walden observed. “It’s a real changeover from forced straight hair.”
Women over 50, the biggest spenders on beauty products, have confidence, money, and a willingness to change and try new things, Walden observed.
The industry is addressing them by developing products to stem hair loss and boost the luster and silkiness of aging tresses.
“I’m confident in the next decade we’ll have some things that really do work,” he said.
“It’s about taking care of the skin,” Posnick added. “Women over 50 — their lives are still busy. They want products that feel good, look good and are portable. You’ll see more single use products, especially in skin care.”