Royal Tech Beauty set to launch two vegan makeup and skincare collections

Source: Cosmoprof Asia/Royal Tech Beauty. Royal Tech Beauty’s two vegan ranges offer skin-optimising skincare and cosmetics for a growing demographic looking for cruelty-free options.

Royal Tech Beauty has chosen Cosmoprof Asia Digital Week, from 9 to 13 November 2020, to present its vegan makeup and skincare collections. Royal Tech Beauty's vegan product lines do not contain animal products and no animal testing is done, the company said. 

"For parties interested in our products and services, don't hesitate to register as a Cosmoprof Asia Digital Week buyer to schedule an online meeting with us at Royal Tech Beauty," says Teddy Huang, Sales Manager, Royal Tech Beauty. 

A professional, private label manufacturer of skincare, makeup and toiletries, Royal Tech Beauty's facilities are headquartered in Xiamen, China.

KVD Vegan Beauty names Coby the Cat as face in tattoo eyeliner campaign

Source: KVD Vegan Beauty. Coby the Cat.

KVD Vegan Beauty is featuring a feline Instagram celebrity as a global campaign face for its CAT EYES FOR ALL campaign, launching this March in honour of Tattoo Liner's 10th birthday. @CobytheCat, famous for his natural "winged eyeliner" memes, is one of five new models for the brand.

The campaign showcases KVD Vegan Beauty's waterproof, smudge-resistant, and ultra-precise liquid eyeliner, Tattoo Liner, available in both Trooper Black and Mad Max Brown along with volumising Go Big or Go Home mascara.

In addition to Coby the Cat, the brand debuts a unique mix of models including KVD Vegan Beauty International Makeup Artist Fanny Maurer (@fannymaurer), from Paris, France. Fanny was the key makeup artist on the campaign as well as a model. Fanny is the second "behind-the-brand" face in a KVD Vegan Beauty campaign, holding true to the brand's new strategy for 2020 of featuring "one of their own."

Source: KVD Vegan Beauty. Four of the five new models in the campaign. Maurer is front and centre.

Other models include Chloé Nguyen and Carmen Lee Solomons, (both wearing Tattoo Liner in Mad Max brown) as well as a senior model in Trooper Black, proving that age is certainly just a number. Together, the diverse, beautiful, bad-ass models prove that Tattoo Liner is unstoppable on all ages, eye shapes and ethnicities.

"We couldn't be more excited to kick of spring 2020 with a campaign celebrating our brand's first vegan product and our #1 SKU – Tattoo Liner, a globally award-winning liquid eyeliner - which turns 10 this year. Our product is for everyone and it has survived the toughest challenges– even car crashes!

"Over the course of the next four months of this campaign, we have many more surprises. We will be announcing a partnership with a celebrity makeup artist (known for creating one of the most famous cat eyes on the planet), a cause-marketing and limited-edition product, many new faces and advocates, social stunts, and new, cool ways to get your hands on free Tattoo Liner samples.

"This campaign is one of my all-time favorites and really represents who and what KVD Vegan Beauty in 2020 is all about. We love beauty-positive rebels, our furry friends, and believe in Cat Eyes for All!" said Kelly Coller, KVD Vegan Beauty VP of Global Marketing and PR.

KVD Vegan Beauty is a global high-performance, vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand with four high-pigment, long-wear, cruelty-free red lipsticks. Tattoo Liner was created in 2010. Today, the company offers more than 250 innovative products in every category, and is distributed in 36 countries around the world exclusively at Sephora and at www.kvdveganbeauty.com.


Details:

Join the brand's Instagram channel @KVDVeganBeauty every Tuesday for #tattoolinertuesday as they celebrate #cateyesforall with new liner looks, surprises, giveaways and more.

Explore:


Watch the associated video

Hashtag: #cateyesforall

786 Cosmetics offers halal nail polish

786 Cosmetics was established in March 2017 to provide beauty products for Muslim women, and began international shipments in August 2017. The company has come up with a halal nail polish formulation that does not contain or harm any animals, and which allows water to seep through the paint.

"Our biggest client base is international, which was a huge surprise for us. We have so many people from around the world who want colours because they're named after their homeland or their favourite city. It just gives us the motivation to keep providing more and more colour choices inspired by the places we come from and love!" says Iqra, one of the founders of the brand. 

Source: 786 Cosmetics website. Jaipur nail polish on the left, and clear top coat on the right. 

"Contrary to popular belief being water permeable does not make our nail polish chip and peel easily. Actually quite the opposite, unlike other nail polishes our non-peelable formula lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 days with just one use!" states 786 Cosmetics on their website.

Experimentally, the company has placed a nail polish film sample into a diffusion chamber such that it separates the two halves of the chamber. When oxygen flows into the top of the chamber, an oxygen-free carrier gas can be demonstrated to flow into the other half of the film. The experiment has been conducted according to ASTM D 3985 and ISO 15105-2 standards, which it says are more exacting than coffee filter paper tests. Filter paper tests have been done by competitors to demonstrate the water permeability of their nail polishes.

There are eight colours available for sale online, ranging from white, browns, mint, purple, pink and red, plus a clear top coat. Each colour is inspired by a Muslim city. Two of the colours are limited edition - Kashmir is inspired by "tea pink" Kashimiri chai, while Abu Dhabi echoes the white marble of the Grand Mosque. At the time of writing the red shade, Marrakech, was out of stock. 

The company recommends that the each painted nail be rubbed underwater at least once during wudu (الوضوء).

Details:

Watch the video demonstrating the water permeability of the nail polish

Buy 786 Cosmetics halal nail polish online. Each 12ml bottle of nail polish is made in the US and costs US$12.95.

Global halal cosmetics market to be worth over US$50 billion by 2025

The global halal cosmetics market is expected to reach US$52.02 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research. Awareness levels of Muslim populace regarding the ingredients used in cosmetic and personal care formulations will determine the industry's future growth trajectory, the research firm said.

The buying clout of the Islamic population has pushed the mainstream beauty industry to concentrate on product offerings that are halal-certified. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for these goods in keeping with their ethical beliefs, Grand View Research says.

Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia offer tremendous opportunities as a result of Islam being the predominant religion and socioeconomic growth. In fact, Malaysia and Indonesia together accounted for nearly 60% of Asia Pacific revenue in 2015, with skincare and makeup being the dominant products consumed. Malaysia is also home to brands such as SimplySiti and IVY Beauty. 

Key findings:

- Asia Pacific, accounting for nearly 45% of the global Muslim population, was the dominant region and accounted for nearly three-quarters of the overall revenue in 2015.

- Countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Maldives are characterised by considerable Muslim population and improving socioeconomic conditions.

- The Middle East is also an important consumer hub for the industry, particularly considering high income levels in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and

- The haircare segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% in terms of revenue over the forecast period.

In view these evolving consumer requirements, manufacturers are trying to comply with Islamic code of law by incorporating more ingredients that are in compliance with shari'ah law.

Major companies in the beauty space include Clara International, INIKA, Talent Cosmetic, MMA Bio Lab, The Halal Cosmetics Company, Saaf Skincare, Prolab Cosmetics, Martha Tilaar Group, and IBA Halal Care.

Interested?

Buy the Halal Cosmetics Market Analysis By Product (Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa), Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025 report

Marks & Spencer celebrates Ramadhan

Marks & Spencer's Ramadhan pages online are filled with fashion, dining and beauty items.

The exclusive Ramadhan collection for women is imbued with festive silver and gold, while iftar outfits for him are classic and subdued. Kids' formals are presented in the Ramadhan kids section.

The Ramadhan home collection comprises crockery in white as well as bath and bedlinen in pastels, neutrals and the occasional bright print.

Fragrance highlights include the Opulence OUD Eau de parfum. Other scents recommended for Ramadhan include the Butterfly Garden series and the heliotrope-gingembre (ginger), jasmin-perle de the (jasmine tea) and tilleul-cidrat (lime-citron) perfumes.

Source: Al-Futtaim Group. Marks & Spencer has sweets galore for Ramadhan.

Marks & Spencer also has a range of gifts and hampers for Ramadhan. Look out for baskets filled with Belgian chocolate biscuits and truffles, salted caramelised nuts, Swiss chocolate discs and nut and fruit mendiants*.

*Mendiants are chocolate discs with fruits and nuts on top.

*Products are available in the Middle East. Availability in other countries is not guaranteed. Facebook pages for Marks & Spencer default to the visitor's country of origin. 

Double-digit growth path for halal cosmetics

A report published by Allied Market Research, Halal Cosmetics Market by Type and Application: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022, predicts that the global market is expected to reach US$54.1 billion by 2022, up from US$20.2 billion in 2015, a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period (2014 to 2022).

The global halal cosmetics market is driven by rise in Muslim population globally and the booming halal market, which has now extended its traditional product base of food and beverages to meet the growing personal and beauty care needs of Muslim population. Halal certification enables Muslim population to identify the genuine products, thereby obeying the virtues of their religion, thereby fuelling the growth of the global halal cosmetics market.

However, rules and regulations as to whether an ingredient is halal varies across countries, which is thereby expected to hinder cosmetic companies planning to penetrate the global halal cosmetics market.

The demand for halal cosmetic products in the overall halal cosmetics industry is expected to be driven by increase in purchasing power of the growing Muslim population and significant desire among young Muslim women to associate their interest in fashion and makeup with Islamic religious loyalties. These factors also provide lucrative opportunities to the multinational cosmetic companies to enter the halal cosmetics market.

Countries such as KSA, Iran, UAE, Malaysia, and Indonesia offer potential growth opportunities for halal colour cosmetics products. The Latin America, Middle East and Africa region is expected to register the highest CAGR of 15.1% due to a larger Muslim population, especially in the Middle East; high purchasing power, and demand for personal and beauty care cosmetic products among Muslim consumers. 

The fragrance market is expected to register the top CAGR of 15.8% by segment in the halal cosmetics market, as Allied Market Research sees growing demand for attar* (عطار) sprays among Muslim consumers. The LAMEA region is expected to dominate the halal fragrance market due to growing populations in KSA, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and others; rise in purchasing power, and increased interest in personal grooming products that adhere to the Islamic virtues. The Asia Pacific region is also expected to grow significantly for halal fragrances, particularly driven by the Muslim population in nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and India.


Colour cosmetics** is the next-largest halal cosmetics market segment after fragrances. The colour cosmetics segment is expected to account for US$17.9 billion in 2022, up from US$6.6 billion in 2015, registering a CAGR of 15.3%. Halal colour cosmetics are widely adopted by Muslim women, especially the youth. The demand for halal colour cosmetics is expected to witness an upsurge due to rise in purchasing power and a desire to look trendy. Halal colour cosmetic products include lipsticks, hair colour, blushes, lip balms, and others. Muslim women are more particular about using halal colour cosmetics during Ramadhan as it is a time when people are reminded to be closer to the faith, and therefore religious rules.

Key findings include:

• The hair care segment generated the highest revenue in 2015, and is expected to grow at a  CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period.
• The personal care segment accounted for the highest revenue in 2015, and is expected to have a a CAGR of 14.6%.
• With growth in demand for e-commerce sales, the online distribution sales channel is expected to grow at the fastest rate of 18.2% by 2022.

Key players in the market include Amara Cosmetics, Iba Halal Care, Halal Cosmetics Company, Malaysia's Clara International, Inika, Wardah Cosmetics, PHB Ethical Beauty, Sampure Minerals, One Pure, Mena Cosmetics, and SaafSkinCare.

Interested?

Buy the report

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about Grand View Research's perspective on the halal cosmetics market

*Attar refers to essential oil-based fragrances which come from plants and that are made without alcohol. 

**Colour cosmetics are those which add colour to parts of the body, and include colours for hair, skin, eyes, cheeks, lips and nails.

Halal Product Certification Bill in Indonesia expected to transform markets

Source: Wardah website. How to wear red lipstick.

Close to 90% of the population in Indonesia is Muslim and thus interested in halal certified products, notes Euromonitor in a blog post.

Halal beauty products was a relatively niche area until the end of the review period, said Euromonitor, naming Paragon Technology and Innovation as the most prominent player in this area at the end of 2015. Its Wardah brand in cosmetics and skincare has allowed the company to capitalise on the growing popularity of halal beauty products in 2015, with its value share reaching 2% that year.

Things are expected to change as Indonesia passed the Halal Product Certification Bill in September 2014 that stipulates all products, including beauty brands, must be halal-certified by 2019. This requirement covers product ingredients, production machinery and equipment, as well as the entire value-chain process, with international manufacturers consequently starting to work towards halal certification, Euromonitor notes.

Some early adopters include L’Oréal Indonesia, which built a manufacturing plant in Indonesia at the end of the review period and now has around 145 of its ingredients halal-certified so as to meet the needs of Indonesian consumers. Colgate-Palmolive is another early adopter, with the company launching a halal toothpaste featuring miswak (Editor's note: miswak [مسواك] refers to twigs from a particular tree that were traditionally used for cleaning the teeth).

Unilever Indonesia also joined this trend in 2015 with the launch of Sunsilk Clean & Fresh, which is targeted at women who wear hijabs daily. The company partnered with New York based Francesca Fusco, a leading scalp treatment specialist, to launch this new variant. Incorporating citrus vitamin complex, Sunsilk Clean & Fresh nourishes hair strands while offering a clean and fresh sensation for the scalp which helps hijab-wearers feel more comfortable.

According to Euromonitor, halal beauty products are expected to gain further prominence over the forecast period as a result of the implementation of the Halal Product Certification Bill. Manufacturers will have to move quickly to ensure their existing ingredients and products are compliant in the short-term. This is especially crucial for international giants, which dominate sales in multiple beauty and personal care categories. While coping with securing halal-certification for existing ingredients, international manufacturers will place a greater emphasis on steering ongoing product innovation efforts towards halal offerings.

The blog concludes that there is a window of opportunity for local brands such as Wardah to take advantage of the gap before international manufacturers obtain halal certification and start to capture the interest of local consumers. "This will have to be done through heavy marketing campaigns, including sampling, in order to create awareness among local consumers, given that sales of local halal beauty brands remained limited over the review period," states the blog post.

Hashtag: #halaldariawal ("completely halal")

Orly introduces breathable nail polish

Orly has introduced a breathable nail polish that allows moisture to penetrate through to the nail with what the company calls advanced oxygen technology.

Source: Orly website. At the time of writing the most popular colours are pastels, other than a deep maroon - The Antidote (deep wine creme): a pale orange, Rehab (peach nude creme), two pale pinks - Pamper Me (baby pink creme) and Light as a Feather (porcelain pink creme), and a mint Fresh Start (pastel mint creme) are all sold out. This capture shows The Antidote at the bottom centre, and Rehab at the top right.

Orly Breathable Treatment + Color contains argan oil, pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin C to heal and repair. The polish is all-in-one; no base or topcoat are required, cutting manicure times in half. All shades appear to be opaque 'cremes'.

Interested?

View the collection online - Orly does not ship internationally, but has a list of international distributors.

Watch the associated video

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about Inglot, which also makes breathable nail polish

Hashtags: #ORLY, #BREATHABLE

Breathe New Life Into Your Nails! Introducing #BREATHABLE, the FIRST EVER Professional Treatment + Color! Click on bio link for more info. Available now at ORLYbeauty.com. #ORLY

A photo posted by ORLY Made In LA (@orlynails) on Jul 21, 2016 at 3:01pm PDT

Hair removal cream market to remain buoyant

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets account for majority of revenue
• Key vendors – Church & Dwight, Reckitt Benckiser, Dabur, and P&G

Technavio predicts that the global hair removal cream market will grow at a CAGR of more than 8% between 2016 and 2020. At-home hair removal treatments are popular among the younger generation due to the need to maintain physical appearances. The endorsement of hair removal creams by celebrities and the widespread availability of a large variety of hair removal creams supports growth, Technavio said. The trend is towards natural and organic creams, the company added.

“Vendors in the global hair removal cream market are diversifying their product lines to strengthen their foothold in the competitive market. These include hair removal cream solutions for the body (legs, bikini line, arms, and underarms), skin type (normal, sensitive, and dry), and the desired effect (long-lasting and quick results). Besides, vendors are also trying to create product differentiation through the addition of new products that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, papaya extract, jasmine, and almond oil to cater to the changing consumer demands,” says Abhay Sinha, Lead Analyst, New Coverage, Technavio Research.

Hair removal creams have the advantage of being cost-effective and convenient compared to procedures carried out at salons and clinics, which are more expensive and sometimes painful, notes the research firm. Hair removal creams have an average cost ranging between US$10 and US$90 per bottle and can be used up to five times. The downside is that frequent usage can increase the chances of acquiring an infection and may adversely affect the usage of such products, Technavio added.

By 2020, the supermarkets and hypermarkets segment will continue its market dominance by accounting for almost 37% of the overall market revenue. Due to the availability of different private labels brands, latest product launches, and the availability of discounts, the popularity of supermarkets have increased. Sale of private labels in such supermarkets is comparatively high due to the availability of a diverse range of variants at low prices, especially when compared to branded hair removal creams.

The key vendors in the global hair removal cream market include Church & Dwight, Reckitt Benckiser, Dabur, and P&G. The global hair removal cream market is competitive as other hair removal methods like waxing, shaving razors, and epilators are also popular. The leading vendors in this market are competing on the basis of product differentiation, line extension, and pricing to gain maximum market share during the forecast period.

Interested?

Buy Global Hair Removal Cream Market 2016-2020.

All cosmetic products in Indonesia to be halal certified in future

Source: Beauty Indonesia website. Banner for Beauty Indonesia 2017.

Lukmanul Hakim, Director of Research, Institute for Food, Drugs and Cosmetics - Indonesia Muslim Council (LPPOM MUI) shared at the launch of Beauty Indonesia, a new international trade exhibition focusing on the cosmetics industry, said that it will eventually become compulsory for all cosmetic products to be halal-certified.

Mrs Dewi Rijah Sari, L'Oreal Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Director and Vice President of Technical and Scientific Affairs of the Indonesia Cosmetics Association (Perkosmi) explained that there are challenges with halal certification today. "It is difficult to conduct halal cosmetic certifications because 90% of cosmetic raw materials are imported, for a total of more than 76.000 items. The number of products registered until June 2016 is 109m000, five times larger than drugs. Cosmetic formulas are also more complex than pharma's: one type may require 15 to 30 raw materials," she said.

Deputy Director of the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Ministry of Industry of Indonesia, Mrs Afrida Suston Niar, commented that Beauty Indonesia is expected to be the platform for the promotion and the exchange of information on the national and international cosmetics industries, as well as a catalyst to encourage investments in the production of raw cosmetic ingredients in the country.

"Indonesia offers a huge opportunity in the cosmetics industry given its vast domestic market, the availability of qualified human resources as well as the immense potential of local raw herbal ingredients. Indonesia is undeniably unique," noted Mrs Afrida in her opening remarks at the launch. "Indonesia is an enchanting country characterised by different ethnic groups, features and skin tones, which makes it very unique."

Also present was the Chairman of the Indonesia Import-Export Profession Association (Apreisindo), Mrs Bintang Retna Herawati, who declared that the value of Indonesian cosmetic exports in 2015 reached US$818 million. According to the National Industrial Development Master Plan (RIPIN) 2015 - 2035, the cosmetics industry is one of 10 industries which will play a major role in the development of economy.

Beauty Indonesia is a premier beauty trade show for industry professionals, part of UBM's portfolio of six beauty events in Southeast Asia that includes Cosmoprof HK. It is the first trade-only show in the country with a clear focus on international participation and on representing all beauty sectors: ingredients, packaging & machinery, toll manufacturing, finished cosmetics, toiletries & personal care, wellness & spa, natural health, beauty salons, professional hair, nail and accessories.

Source: Beauty Indonesia. Key spokespeople during the launch.

Interested?

Beauty Indonesia set to run from April 19 to 21, 2017 at Jakarta International Expo.

Wardah Cosmetics introduces Exclusive lipsticks

Wardah Cosmetics has introduced the Exclusive family of glossy lipsticks. Enriched with jojoba oil, squalene to moisturise, and vitamin E to nourish lips. The lipsticks are available in 27 colours.

The Exclusive family also includes powder foundation, liquid foundation and a two-way cake.

Interested?

Check the store locator

Wardah Cosmetics introduces two new two-way cakes

New at Wardah Cosmetics, which has outlets in Malaysia and Indonesia, are two two-way cakes. Unlike loose or pressed powders, two-way cakes are more versatile as they can be used damp or as dry powder to give different effects.

Source: Wardah Cosmetics website. The Exclusive Two Way Cake.

The Exclusive Two-Way Cake is a powder-and-foundation combination for a long-lasting flawless look that the company recommends for photography.

The cake is ideal for concealing blemishes, contains micro-coated particles, and is non-comedogenic. It contains a moisturiser and oil absorbers to achieve a matte result.

The product is enriched with jojoba oil, avocado oil, tocopherol and macadamia oil complex.

Source: Wardah Cosmetics website. The Lightening Two Way Cake.

 

 

Use the Lightening Two Way Cake for a brighter look. The cake is also formulated to have a soft texture and long-lasting matte effects. 

 

The non-comedogenic powder-and-foundation has micro-coated particles that absorb excess oils. It is enriched with licorice extract, vitamin E and UV protection.
Apply over a layer of foundation for better results.

Interested?

Check out the Exclusive Two Way Cake and the Lightening Two Way Cake

Saudi Arabia halal cosmetics market forecasts put CAGR at over 15% through to 2020

Research and Markets has added TechSci Research's Saudi Arabia Halal Cosmetics Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2020 report to their offering. 

The halal cosmetics market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% from 2015 to 2020 due to growing accessibility, rising consumer awareness regarding the benefits of using halal cosmetics, coupled with increasing willingness to pay more for high-quality halal cosmetics. In 2014, fragrances and skincare products accounted for a majority share in the country's halal cosmetics market.

Religious preference for halal products in Saudi Arabia is another factor driving demand. In addition, growing health concerns due to harmful effects of ingredients used in manufacturing cosmetics is increasing demand for halal cosmetics, not only among Muslims but also non-Muslim population in the country.

Halal cosmetics are skin and body care products which are free from materials forbidden by the Islamic law, such as blood, pork and pork products as well as alcoholic constituents. The increasing preference for halal cosmetics is increasing their importance in the business strategy of local as well as international players.

Key players operating in KSA include Inika, One Pure, FX Cosmetics, Clara International Beauty Group and Samina Pure Minerals Makeup. Other companies mentioned include Amara Halal Cosmetics, Miracle Halal Mineralz, Saaf Skincare, The Halal Cosmetics Company and Wardah Cosmetics.

ShadeScout Nails matches nail polish colours with pictures

Source: iTunes.

FaceCake Marketing Technologies, creator of the visual search mobile beauty app, ShadeScout, has launched ShadeScout Nails. Now available as a free download on the App Store, ShadeScout Nails combines FaceCake's proprietary colour search technology, which matches beauty products to any colour a user sees, with ShadeScout's easy-to-use format to create a unique mobile shopping experience for lacquer lovers.

"FaceCake's personalised platform makes it easy for shoppers to find exactly what they're looking for and our ShadeScout apps are a perfect example of that," said Linda Smith, Founder and CEO of FaceCake. "Users have connected with ShadeScout's visual search and product discovery, while brands have a unique forum to reach new consumers who might not be familiar with their products. ShadeScout Nails lets the user direct their own shopping experience, providing instant product matches and purchase options in the palm of their hand."

The colour-inspired ShadeScout Nails app gives consumers the ability to easily search for nail shades by drawing inspiration from objects they see, whether it's a dress on a magazine cover or a buzzworthy shade. Shoppers can "scout" a desired colour with the camera on their mobile device and instantly receive nail polishes that match. Featuring polish from more than 25 major and boutique nail brands including vegan prestige brand Londontown*, ShadeScout Nails helps users discover new looks in a rapidly evolving space.

In addition to finding corresponding nail shades without needing any product information, users can visualise different polish finishes and special effects, share snapshots with friends via social media, and purchase lacquers directly from the app. Additional features are unlocked for users who also download ShadeScout. Users can "scout" the same colour across both apps, which makes finding nail polish to match your lipstick, blush, eye shadow, brows and foundation.

Interested?

Download ShadeScout Nails for iOS on the App Store. Asian languages supported include Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Turkish.

• 
  

*Londontown is available at www.luxola.com

Halal facial cleansers hit supermarket shelves

Ginvera and Wipro Unza have created halal skincare brands for Southeast Asia, known as Syahirah and Safi respectively. I took a few of the products for a test run.

Syahirah Facial Cleanser, 100g. The packaging is in Malay. While the Syahirah brand is clearly targeted at the Malaysian market by Ginvera, and the product is made in Malaysia, it does not carry a halal logo. The Ginvera website clearly says that the Syahirah Skincare Series is halal however.

Promises: 'Bio hydration' and 'twice the hydration' with rose extract and sodium hyaluronate. According to the back of the tube, users will get fresh, healthy and radiant skin. The product is deep cleansing and will refine the pores without causing dryness.

Highlighted ingredients: The rose extract gives an astringent effect that refines pores and keeps the skin firm. Other ingredients which promise to keep the skin moist include goat's milk and biotin; thanaka* extract, licorice extract and vitamin C to lighten skin, and  a 'UV light protector', as well as witch hazel and vitamin E to tighten pores. Sodium hyaluronate* delivers sustained and lasting hydration to the skin.

Looks: White, pearlised. Although thanaka is yellowish this is completely white.
Scent: I love the rose fragrance. The rose fragrance lingers so you have to like the smell if you want to use this product.
Feel: Comes out like toothpaste, retaining its shape. Foamy layer which washes off quickly. My skin felt clean and cool afterwards, not surprising when thanaka is used as a sunscreen. 

What's in it: water, glycerin, stearic acid, myristitic acid, palmitic acid, potassium hydroxide, olive oil PEG-7 esters, lauric acid, potassium cocoyl glycinate, cocamidolpropyl betaine, PEG-7 glycaryl cocoate, propylene glycol, ethylhexyl, methoxyclinnamate, limonia acidissima (thanaka) extract, rose damascena flower water, goat's milk powder, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, hamamelis virgiana (witch hazel) extract, fragrance, hydroxyethylcellulose, tocopheryl acetate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium hyaluronate, biotin, EDTA, methylparaben, propylparaben.

While the Natural Fresh brand by Ginvera does not look like it would be a halal product, the packaging carries a halal logo. I don't normally buy scrubs but the offer was a discount if you get two so I picked this. This product is made in Malaysia and cost S$6.85 for two 100g tubes, on offer at the time.

Promises: The Moisture-Lock Formula exfoliates dead skin cells and refines pores, and is suitable for all skin types.The scrub says it will remove rough, dull skin and visibly refine pores. 

Highlighted ingredients: According to the back of the tube, apricot kernels are an excellent exfoliator and contain vitamins. Sunflower essence moisturises and conditions, while the Moisture-Lock formula hydrates and retains skin mosture. Tocotrienols contain 60 times more potent vitamin E to neutralise free radicals.

Looks: White. The exfoliator can barely be seen but feels gritty to the touch. 
Scent: Strong apricot fragrance. 
Feel:  Takes a bit of squeezing. Has very little water content. Lathers easily with a little water. Takes longer to wash off because of the exfoliator. The skin felt smoother after one application.

What's in it: deionised water, glycerin, myristic acid, oxidised polyethylene, palmitic acid, stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, lauric acid, glycol stearate, olive oil PEG-7 esters, PEG-7 glyceryl cocoate, trehalose, hydroyethylcellulose, biotin, sunflower (helanthus annuus) seed oil, red grape (vitis vinifera) seed oil, jojoba (simmondsia chinensis) seed wax, olive (olea europaea) husk oil, tocopherol, apricot (prunus armeniaca) seed powder, rice (cryza sativa) bran oil, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance, EDTA.

Safi Mengecilkan Pori, with sari mentimun (cucumber juice) and habbatus sauda* - that's the flower towards the middle of the tube. Safi, by Wipro Unza, has also got a separate cleanser which is part of the more premium Rania Gold family. The packaging carries a halal logo. A 100g tube costs S$3.85. 

Promises and highlighted ingredients: The back of the tube says that it is formulated with cucumber extract and habbatus sauda to clean skin effectively. The cucumber refines pores while the habbatus sauda nourishes and has anti-bacterial properties, leaving the skin healthier, softer, and more radiant. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types.

Looks: White.
Scent: A very strong smell of cucumber which I found unpleasant, though that might have been the habbataus sauda as well. 
Feels: Comes out like toothpaste, retaining its shape. Lathers quickly and washes off quickly.

What's in it: Water, myristic acid, palmitic acid, glycerin, potassium hydroxide, stearic acid, propylene glycol, potassium cocoyl glycinate, glyceryl stearate, cocamide methyl MEA, BHT, tetrasodium EDTA, nigella sativa (habbatus sauda) seed oil, curcumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, fragrance, methylparaben, propylparaben. 

Safi Rania Gold is also halal and costs S$5.80. It has the prettiest packaging, with a subtle glittery pattern on the gold tube, in contrast to all the others which have a white background. 

Promises and highlighted ingredients: The front of the 100g tube says this cleanser contains nano-particles of 24K gold, silk protein and vitamin C. The back of the tube promises that Safi Rania Gold will remove impurities on the skin. The gold will stimulate collagen production for more supple skin and less obvious wrinkles; the silk protein will lock in moisture, while the vitamin C is for UV protection.

Looks: Pearly pale orange, which felt unusual, as I'm used to white cleansers. 
Scent: Pleasant.
Feels:  Has very little water content. Lathers easily with a little water. According to the instructions, this cleanser has to be left on for three minutes before rinsing. Washes off easily.

What's in it: Water, palmitic acid, myristic acid, glycerin, potassium cocoyl glycinate, stearic acid, potassium hydroxide, methylpropanediol, glyceryl sterate, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, lauric acid, mica, pentasodium triphosphate, polyquarternium-10, BHT, tetrasodium EDTA, carnosine, acetyl heptapeptide-9, colloidal gold, sericin (silk), sodium ascorbyl phosphate, fragrance, methylisothiazolinone, GI 77491 (iron oxides), GI 77891 (titanium dioxide).  

*Active ingredient glossary

Habbatus sauda, also called nigella sativa, 'black cumin', or 'black seed', is famous in Islam as a cure-all recommended by the prophet Muhammad. The seeds of the plant, or an oil derived from them, have been found to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi; improve male fertility, enhance spatial memory, promote bone healing, prevent osteoporosis; eliminate depression, reduce gastrointestinal damage and promote the healing of gastric ulcers; and benefit diabetes sufferers.

Rosa damascena has been studied for aromatherapy and found to significantly reduce pain in 2015, and slowed breathing and blood pressure in a 2009 study; generic rose extract can protect against skin damage; An extract of the petals was found to have antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but no antifungal activity. Rosa damascena has also been shown to protect against memory loss, reduce mentrual pain to a degree similar to mefanemic acid (Ponstan), and to reduce stomach pain when taken orally.

Sodium hyaluronate is found naturally in the eye and is similar to the fluid in the knee joint. It can be injected into the skin to treat wrinkles. It is used topically (externally, on the skin) for pain relieving gels and in 1993 was shown to ensure that more medicine will stay on the surface of the eye than if it is absent.

The thanaka or thanakha tree bark yields a yellowish paste that people in Myanmar use as a cosmetic, skincare product and sunscreen. The tree has many names in different countries; scientifically it is known as limonia acidissima or hesperethusa crenulata. Extracts from thanaka bark showed strong anti-inflammatory and significant antioxidation properties.

Safe 'N' Beautiful reports growing interest in its wudhu-friendly nail polishes

Source: Safe 'N' Beautiful.

Safe 'N' Beautiful (S'N'B), the natural nail care beauty house, has reported a steep rise in global demand for its recently launched SʹNʹB Nail Wash Off range of wudhu-friendly premium nail polishes. The 'six-free'* formula polishes are water-based, water-permeable and removable by rubbing nails gently with soap and water. The polishes are an intelligent beauty solution for women who prefer a safe alternative to chemically based products, the company said.

"Women are more carefully considering the safety and eco-friendliness of the cosmetics they include in their beauty regimen," said Jeanette Sklivanou, founder of Safe 'N Beautiful. "And with time a precious commodity, women are also seeking ways to simplify their beauty routines. SʹNʹB Nail Wash Off provides the perfect solution and balance for natural beauty combined with minimum fuss."

According to S'N'B, this range offers a salon-quality finish and halal compliance as the polishes are free of harmful chemicals, allergens, alcohol, and animal ingredients. They have not been tested on animals.

The collection features a wide palette that ranges from rich jewel tones to vibrant summer hues and an on-trend 'Naturel' collection featuring pale buff and beige tones. For a longer lasting finish SʹNʹB provides a water-based topcoat.

As with the Snails (Safe Nails) range for children, the water-based formulation is quick-drying and easily removable from clothes and furnishings. Application touch-ups are easily achieved with water and a cotton bud.

Snails and SʹNʹB Wash Off are available online and across 40 countries in select salons, boutique stores, duty free outlets and other retail locations in Asia and the Middle East. Safe 'N Beautiful is also seeking distributors in key markets, including in the Gulf region.

*The six are: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalte (DBP), toluene, formaldehyde resin, parabens, and camphor.

Zeroing in on vegan skincare lines which ship internationally

Vegan and vegetarian skincare is common in the UK but not as easy to find elsewhere, with most vegan brands shipping within the UK or Europe only. There are a handful of such brands which have gone international, The Body Shop for instance, and LUSH Cosmetics.

Source: Natural Skincare Co. website.

There are also brands with online stores which ship internationally*; the Natural Skincare Co. is one. The company has a vegan section that features skincare, haircare, cosmetics and suncare too. The company is careful to source only ethical and where possible organic products, and lists all ingredients on the product pages. Information about international orders can be found here.

Source: DeVita website.

DeVita is a certified organic aloe vera based, 100% paraben-free, vegan, age-defying natural skincare, body care and mineral makeup line. DeVita's international shipping information is here.

Source: OSEA website.

OSEA Founder Jenefer Palmer made marine algae the foundation of her skincare line after a positive experience at a spa in Argentina. The OSEA family is vegan, organic and gluten-free, and consists of skin and body care based on 100% pure, active ingredients and nutrients from the sea. OSEA does ship internationally, according to this FAQ.

*Brands will vary in quality, price, shipping fees, services, and breadth of regions to which they ship. Please check the list of countries covered to ensure that your destination is included.

Vegetarian cosmetics maker LUSH adds third store in Lebanon

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, a manufacturer and retailer of ethical skincare, haircare, bath, and body products, officially opened a new store at ABC Achrafieh in Lebanon in early November.

Source: LUSH.

The newest LUSH store in Lebanon is the third in under three years. The other LUSH stores are at ABC Dbayeh and Beirut Souks. 

LUSH is known for its ethical and innovative approach to bath, body, haircare and skincare. LUSH pioneered beauty products such as fizzing bath bombs, bubble bars, and solid shampoo bars, and emphasises ingredients like fresh organic fruits and vegetables and the finest essential oils. LUSH produces high quality products that are vegetarian, preservative-free and free of wasteful packaging with absolutely no animal testing being done on LUSH products or ingredients. These ethics are at the heart of the brand and will remain there with every new shop that opens globally.

S'N'B unveils luxury collection of water-permeable, water-removable nail polish

Safe 'N' Beautiful (S'N'B), a natural nail care beauty house, has unveiled a new luxury collection of breathable, water-based and water-removable nail polishes and is currently seeking retailers and distributors throughout EMEA for them. S'N'B will formally debut the new product range at Beauty World Middle East, taking place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 27 through 29 May. 

Source: S'N'B.

The patented formulas, free of alcohol and animal-derived products, are also 'five-free' of the chemicals dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and its resins. Unlike traditional nail polishes, the halal S'N'B formulation is aqueous and oxygen permeable, said the company.

Said Jeanette Sklivanou, Founder of Safe 'N' Beautiful: "Years in development, the new S'N'B range is integral to our ethos of formulating beauty products that are natural, naturally safe and of the highest quality. Luxurious halal beauty products that enhance a woman's health and well-being." 

The new S'N'B line complements the flagship Snails (Safe Nails) line for children and expectant mothers currently available online and across 37 countries. Non-toxic, water-based and water-removable nail polishes and products designed especially for expectant mothers and children aged three and up, the new collection of 26 colours feature polishes with a high-gloss, salon-quality finish. The 'Natural Top coat' is also water-based for longer-lasting colour and top nail protection. 

 The new collection can be viewed at Beauty World Middle East at Stand 1G34. To register to attend Beauty World Middle East, Dubai please click here.