Want to know what is happening in the world of beauty globally?

Then check out market analyst Mintel's online Beauty Innovation service, which focuses on analysis of new product launches in the beauty and personal care industry.

It covers niche, prestige, masstige (premium brands without preminum pricing) and mass-market products in more than 50 countries, and gives a complete picture of the global beauty market.

The latest finding show that no less than a mind-boggling 57,000 new products were launched in 2008 - which equates to 156 a day, and considerably more than is used in even the most elaborate beauty regime.

The key trend has been a shift towards a more honest approach to personal care, states the report. There is a real backlash against the insincere celebrity culture, along with a desire to return to something more meaningful and pure. Proof of the pudding is that organic, ethical and all natural products accounted for 15% - or, to put it another way, one in every seven beauty product launches in 2008, up from just one in 10 in 2007.

That said, the trend has gone one step further.

According to Beauty Innovation head consultant, Nica Lewis, "Beauty products increasingly play on ancient, authentic remedies taken from traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. These ingredients are now even being used in areas that were once solely associated with science - such as anti-ageing, whitening and sun protection.

"This, combined with the fact that people are now much more aware of the social, environmental and economic impact of the products they buy, has been a key driver in new product development in 2008," she adds.   

   ...AND MANSCARA?

Yep, that's what I thought when leafing through the Metro half asleep this morning.

The paper detailed the story that Superdrug is selling a male eyeliner -- known as Guy Liner -- under the Taxi Man label.

Previously a long-standing accessory for punks, goths and now emos -- it is the first time the store has sold colour cosmetics for men.

Futher investigation shows that The Mirror also runs the story about the range -- which also includes Manscara -- which goes on sale in stores next week.

It reads: "The Taxi Man range includes Manscara, mascara for men, and Guy-Liner, for men which chunkier fingers, to use.

Superdrug which launches the range on 6 August, said sales of male grooming items had doubled since 2005.

Men now spend £700million a year on trying to look good.

Superdrug's Jeff Wemyss said: "Men are more obsessed with their appearance than ever,"

Celebrities Russel Brand, Alex Zane and Robbie Williams all admit using eyeliner.

Taxi Man creator Peter Kelly said: "It all about subtle makeup rather than wanting to create the drag queen look".

 

PICTURES: JOHNNY DEPP AND RUSSELL BRAND HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR! PIC COURTESY OF REX FEATURES