Uplink Expo, presented by Beauty Independent, is the premier gathering place for beauty, wellness, innovation and visionary ideas. This dynamic expo is the home of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, beauty and wellness enthusiasts and curious minds united by a shared passion for the future of health and wellness. The event, which begins June 20 in New York City, will bring together founders, CEOs, suppliers, retailers and investors to drive tomorrow's leading beauty brands and collectively move the industry forward. Here are six trends to watch.
1) Native Education
Ingredients from indigenous lands are gaining traction in the skincare and beauty industry due to their natural efficacy and sustainably sourced methods. Traditional ingredients derived from plants, minerals, and other natural sources have been used by indigenous communities for centuries for their healing and nourishing properties. Modern skincare brands are tapping into this rich tradition and incorporating these materials into their products to provide consumers with natural alternatives free of synthetic chemicals. This trend not only promotes healthier skin, it also protects indigenous knowledge and sustainable harvesting methods, benefiting both beauty enthusiasts and the environment.
On the show floor: N8iV Beauty is a pioneer in the use of acorn oil in skin care, drawing on founder Ruth Ann Thorne's ancestral Native American wisdom. Harvested annually from tribal lands, acorn oil has been used for 23,000 years to repair, rejuvenate and give skin a natural glow. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, tocopherols, polyphenols and sterols that improve skin health, reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, repair and regenerate cells, and deeply nourish and hydrate. Trace amounts of tannic acid enhance the absorption of these beneficial properties for better, more lasting results.
2. Uncompromising scent
Clean and natural fragrances are on the rise as consumers become more mindful of what they put on their skin and inhale every day. These perfumes are made from pure plant-based ingredients, emphasize transparency and simplicity, and eschew synthetic chemicals and artificial additives. The result is healthier, more environmentally friendly alternatives, often featuring essential oils and botanicals that not only smell great but also boast therapeutic properties. The growing preference for clean and natural scents reflects broader trends towards health and sustainability, as people seek products that align with their health values ​​and environmental concerns.
On the show floor: Rosy & Earnest is setting new standards in the fragrance industry with its clean, luxurious perfumes. Partnering with award-winning perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer, the brand has achieved EWG certification for the second time in the Edu parfum category. The products are non-toxic, chemical-free, vegan and have a transparent ingredients list. This allows consumers to enjoy unique, sophisticated scents without any negative impacts on their health or the environment.
3. Embrace your age
We live in a time when older women are challenging society's expectations of aging. New, innovative treatments are being developed to rejuvenate and revitalize sensitive skin that has endured decades of wear and tear. This trend celebrates the beauty of aging and promotes products that enhance, rather than hide, natural features.
A look at the show floor: Prime Prometics is a family-owned brand that focuses on makeup and skincare for mature women. Initially targeting women undergoing chemotherapy, the brand has expanded to serve all women over 50 by using bioactive nutrients in its cosmetics to heal and rejuvenate the skin. Developed with input from a database of 10,000 mature women, the products include mascaras, lipsticks and brow tints that not only enhance beauty but also repair cellular damage caused by aging. Additionally, Prime Prometics supports breast cancer survivors and frontline medical workers, and fights misinformation about older women.
4. Sunburn will be plant-based
Plant-based tanning products are becoming increasingly important for skin health and environmental sustainability. While traditional tanning solutions often contain harsh chemicals, plant-based alternatives use natural ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. These products are suitable for sensitive skin as they minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, they often contain antioxidants and vitamins that promote skin health and help you achieve a sun-kissed glow in a safer, healthier way. As consumers become more aware of the benefits of natural ingredients, plant-based tanning products are becoming more popular for their effectiveness and gentleness.
Showroom: Ella & Jo Cosmetics was founded by makeup artist Charlene Flanagan and makeup artist and skin therapist Niamh Ryan. The duo fills a gap in the market for fun, functional products that make women's everyday lives easier. Get glowing skin from head to toe with this collection of tanning essentials that will elevate your skincare routine. Their products are plant-inspired, multi-tasking and science-based wellness products. And with their products at the heart of your morning and evening skincare routine, their products have their own USP (amazing ingredients that push the boundaries of versatility and amazing skin benefits) while also providing a unique sensory experience of relaxation, self-care and calm.
5. No more synthetic fibers
Plant-based skincare is essential for maintaining healthy skin and promoting overall wellness. Unlike synthetic products that may contain harmful chemicals and artificial additives, plant-based skincare harnesses the power of natural ingredients, such as plant extracts, essential oils, and vitamins. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin. They are also gentler and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Additionally, plant-based skincare is consistent with environmentally sustainable practices, reducing the ecological footprint and promoting a greener beauty routine. As awareness of holistic health increases, the demand for plant-based skincare continues to grow, highlighting its importance in achieving glowing, healthy skin naturally.
About the exhibit: R&R Luxury is an all-natural, plant-based skincare brand from Africa, founded on the philosophy of transforming one of nature's purest and most abundant gifts, shea butter, into elegant beauty products that hydrate and regenerate the skin. The brand offers luxurious products at affordable prices, preaching ancient African beauty secrets for ageless skin, while empowering hundreds of rural Ghanaian women through its supply chain.
5. Improves hormonal health
Improving hormone health is essential to a woman's overall health. Hormones regulate numerous bodily functions, including mood, energy levels, metabolism, and reproductive health. Balanced hormones contribute to physical and emotional stability and reduce the risk of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, and menstrual irregularities. Unfortunately, there is still much research to be done and not enough resources available for women to incorporate into their daily lives. Addressing hormone imbalances through a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements can help women live more energized and balanced lives. Prioritizing hormone health can help women have more energy and resilience to thrive in all areas of life.
On the show floor: Hormone University was founded as an educational platform with a mission to improve hormonal health including menopause, PMS, fertility and menstruation. The brand exists for all women to break the silence and find peace. The founder was diagnosed with endometriosis stage IV in her mid-twenties, and the disease brought unimaginable pain to her life, resulting in five surgeries, infertility, surgical menopause and many other difficult consequences. Frustrated by the lack of concrete research, clear information and natural products that could be applied in daily life, she decided to embark on a new path. She began speaking to hundreds of women and learned that many women shared a common craving for knowledge and reliable products, but didn't know where to start. After two years of research and hard work, thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Poinar, Chief Scientific Advisor of Hormone University and Gynecologic Oncologist and Pelvic Surgeon, she successfully developed a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy and Glow by HU was born. The company's products achieve natural hormone balance through the skin.
