With warmer days ahead and sunglasses in hand, sun protection is top of mind. But here’s what’s changing: sun care is no longer just a seasonal essential. It’s becoming a daily performance step. The category is evolving fast, with lightweight formulas and hybrid SPF products that compete with skincare and complexion makeup. This shift, often called sunification, seamlessly blends SPF into skincare and beauty routines and is expected to drive an 8.6% CAGR. The real question? Where sun care innovation is heading next. Keep reading to find out.

Seasonal to daily performance

The future of sun care innovation? Brands completely rethink how SPF performs. As sun care becomes embedded in everyday routines, companies engineer SPF for diverse environments and activities. Business of Fashion reports that sunscreen branding breaks free from traditional beach and pool imagery. Today, SPF functions as performance protection for year-round outdoor activities. Hiking, cycling, and snow sports become the new reference points for sun care marketing.

Meet Utu, a sun-care label that demonstrates this shift perfectly. The brand spotted consumers craving mineral sunscreens that defend against both intense sun and harsh wind. During avalanche safety training, founder Richard Welch and mountain guide Barbara Wanner engineered a sunscreen for extreme alpine conditions. The result: an SPF 50 formula featuring occlusive ingredients that shield skin from wind exposure. In 2024, the brand launched its Hydrating Sun Balm. Designed for real-world use, the thin aluminum disc nestles easily inside a snow athlete’s jacket pocket.

Wearability reshapes sunscreen innovation.

Sun care transcends seasonal boundaries. Consumers now evaluate sunscreen through an entirely new lens. Protection remains non-negotiable. Yet texture, tone accuracy, and compatibility with skincare or makeup routines now drive purchasing decisions.

Social media conversations accelerate innovation across the category. Research from SPATE’s 2026 Sun Care & Tanning Landscape report confirms this shift. Wearability now determines repeat purchases, particularly for hybrid formats like tinted sunscreen. Searches for tinted sunscreen surged 23.9% year-over-year. Many consumers position the product as a replacement for foundation. On Reddit, users managing rosacea or hyperpigmentation describe tinted SPF as a way to merge coverage with daily sun protection. Yet these same conversations expose frustration around shade accuracy and undertone inclusivity. Brands now spot clear opportunities to strengthen cosmetic performance.

Which products dominate these discussions?  Elta MD UV Clear Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46 and  Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Tinted Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen are frequently praised for balancing coverage with protection. Dermatologists highlight a key insight: iron oxides in tinted formulas reduce the white or bluish cast that plagues some mineral sunscreens. Cosmetic chemist Dr. Ron Robinson champions brands like Black Girl Sunscreen,, which engineers formulas that perform on deeper skin tones. SPATE data reinforces this demand. Searches for “no white cast sunscreen” jumped 83.7% year-over-year.

Innovation now extends far beyond tint. Sunscreen formats prioritize convenience and sensory appeal. SPATE tracks surging interest in portable and reapplication-friendly options: sunscreen cushions, matte sun sticks, and tanning waters. Milk-texture sunscreens command particular attention. Searches exploded 849.5% year-over-year. Products like Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk demonstrate how lightweight formulas merge humidity resistance with a smooth, matte finish.

Online communities reveal another emerging demand: “comfortable matte” sunscreens. Users hunt for formulas that control oil and humidity without triggering dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Emerging formats, such as blurring sunscreens, tackle this need head-on. South Korea’s  Sungboon Editor Daily Invisible Blurring Sunscreen combines sun protection with complexion-smoothing effects. Climate-adaptive and sensitive-skin formulations gain momentum, reflecting the industry’s commitment to creating sunscreens that perform reliably across environments and skin types.

The rise of hybrid SPF

As sunscreen formats evolve and wearability becomes non-negotiable, SPF enters a new hybrid era. The category now merges protection credibility with aesthetic performance. Dermatologist-backed formulas, mineral filters, and sensitive-skin positioning build trust. Glow, tint, shimmer, and finish drive discovery on social platforms. Consumers no longer choose between protection and cosmetic appeal. They now demand both in a single product. Format and sensory innovation make this possible. Lightweight textures like milk sunscreens deliver high protection with a smooth, comfortable finish. Products that eliminate greasy texture, pilling, stinging, white cast, or shade mismatch gain recognition as more reliable and wearable.

UV protection innovation fuels this transformation. Symrise recently unveiled Neo Heliopan® 310 UVB, featuring an excellent solubilization profile. This breakthrough expands formulator flexibility while maintaining strong protection performance. With more than 80 years of expertise in sun protection, Symrise continues to pioneer high-performing, globally relevant sunscreen solutions.

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Somewhere between a spa treatment and a sleep hack, a quietly alternative idea started spreading on TikTok: turn the lights off before you shower. Creators across the platform describe showering in near- or complete darkness as one of the most effective ways to decompress after a long, screen-heavy day, calling it a full nervous system reset. The #nervoussystemreset hashtag has surpassed 55,000 posts, with candlelit bathrooms and steam-filled showers filling the feed. Viewers desiring to sleep better and feel calmer are taking notice. The science behind why it works might surprise you. Interested in learning more? Read on!

Why the lights in your bathroom matter more than you think

Picture stepping into a warm, steamy shower with the overhead turned off and a single candle flickering on the shelf. Just warmth, steam, and quiet instead of harsh glares or blue glow from a screen.

The reason this feels so different links to biology. Harvard Medical School researchers found that blue light suppresses melatonin for roughly twice as long as other wavelengths, pushing sleep readiness later into the night. Cool-white bathroom LEDs arrive at the exact moment the body tries to wind down. According to Frontiers in Neurology, evening blue light signals the pineal gland to halt melatonin secretion entirely.

Dark showering removes that disruption. Something as simple as a soy wax candle placed on a stable shelf keeps the body on its natural wind-down track without sacrificing your routine.

The warm water effect

While lights-out matters, warm water brings its own benefits. Research shows that warm water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body from “fight-or-flight” to “rest and digest” mode while lowering cortisol levels.

A meta-analysis in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that a warm shower taken one to two hours before bed significantly shortened the time people needed to fall asleep. Even 10 minutes produces measurable results. Warm water draws heat toward the skin’s surface, triggering a slight drop in core body temperature that tells the brain it can finally stand down for the night.

Keep water pleasantly warm rather than scalding. Water that runs too hot raises heart rate and works against everything you just built.

Set the mood

The beauty of dark showering lies in how little it requires: just a few intentional choices about light, scent, and sound. Forget new gadgets, supplements, or extra time.

• Lighting: Light a Paddywax soy candle in eucalyptus or lavender, placed on a stable surface well away from textiles. For a flame-free alternative, a WBM Himalayan Salt Lamp emits a warm amber glow that falls well outside the blue-light range.
• Scent: A few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil on the shower floor connect directly to the brain’s calming pathways. The Maison Louis Marie Antidris Lavender candle, grounded in lavender and eucalyptus with warm amber undertones, brings that same meditative quality to any nearby shelf.
• Sound: Leave the bathroom fan off and let the water fill the space with sound. Many creators on TikTok’s #darkshowering thread layer in soft ambient or nature sounds played quietly from just outside the door, for a deep sensory shift.
• After your dark shower: Step out into a dimly lit room, resist the phone, and carry the wind-down forward with herbal tea or light stretching. The ritual works best when it connects to a broader screen-free window before bed.

Make it a ritual

Warm water opens the senses, making fragrance more immediate and skin more receptive. A body wash or shower oil in a calming scent, think lavender, sandalwood, or eucalyptus, turns the routine into something genuinely restorative. A fragrant body lotion, perhaps with a Symrise perfume oil, applied after stepping out carries that calm beyond the bathroom door.

While 2023’s Everything Shower pampers every inch, a dark shower helps the body genuinely unwind. Both remind us that slowing down deserves as much intention as speeding up. Even five minutes makes a real difference.

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WGSN and Coloro have officially named Radiant Earth (Coloro 017-42-31) Color of the Year for 2028: a clay-warm, burnt red-orange they describe as a “reliable yet assertive new neutral.” The shade signals a collective turn toward resilience, stability, and what the forecasters call “inspired flourishing.” Carrying the warmth of sun-baked earth and the confidence of a color that doesn’t chase trends but anchors them, Radiant Earth arrives as something rarer than a forecast. With 94% accuracy two years ahead of markets, WGSN and Coloro make a statement where culture goes. Read on to learn how to get there first.

Warmth in disruption

Luminous Blue (2027) electrified the mood of a season. Radiant Earth takes a quieter, more enduring path. Where the predecessor energized, this shade settles in like a “steady, lingering glow,” the kind of warmth that outlasts the moment. The WGSN and Coloro partnership grounded their 2028 choice in something deeply human: the need for reassurance against “prolonged global disruption.” By 2028, they predict a decisive shift from surviving to thriving, driven by intimate environments that prioritize depth over noise.

Stephanie Barnscher, senior color forecaster at WGSN, puts it plainly: “In a world that often feels chaotic, we’re seeing a shift toward emotions like resilience and flourishing. Radiant Earth perfectly anchors this emotional mindset, offering a grounded, reliable neutral that fosters deep-seated trust. For brands, this color helps to create products and environments that feel both reassuringly nostalgic and confidently future-ready.” Earthy in spirit, sophisticated in warmth, and assertive with a calm voice, Radiant Earth resists chasing attention. The shade earns trust slowly, then holds it completely.

A recent WGSN Podcast explored how color moves beyond aesthetics, reflecting and communicating the emotions shaping our world. Host Cassandra Napoli (Head of Consumer Forecasting) invited Senior CMF Strategist Jennifer Birch to discuss the 2028 choice in this episode. Birch describes Radiant Earth as a shade that “has the personality of red,” resonating across industries from consumer tech to aerospace, beauty to interiors.

Grounding the future of design

Design culture shifts away from “fast” colors toward permanent, stable ones, and Radiant Earth steps naturally into that role. The shade anchors textures, raw ceramics, and materials that reward touch. From fashion textiles and apparel to interior spaces, grounded warmth translates across every surface. A cushion cover, a wool throw, or an earthenware fish platter each delivers the warmth and foresight of a color ahead of the curve.

Radiant Earth rarely travels alone. TheLos Angeles Olympics 2028 directly inspired WGSN’s global team with optimistic, bright graphics, and that energy flows through the surrounding palette: Offline Blue for calm and focus, Serene Green for soft botanical restoration, Positively Yellow for optimism and rule-breaking energy, and Flourish Pink where nature meets digital. Together, the palette maps the full emotional spectrum of Spring/Summer 2028.

The takeaway

Spring/Summer 2028 designs for intentionality: emotional connection, material honesty, and spaces built to help people thrive. In a recent Earth Day post, Symrise spotlighted Radiant Earth-toned nature scenes, threading that same “thriving over survival” spirit through fragrance and beauty. Radiant Earth arrives as a color to live beyond the moment, and as an invitation to slow down, warm up, and build something that lasts.

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Run clubs are becoming social lifelines. In a world that feels increasingly digital, they bring people together with movement. According to the Strava Year in Sport report, 58% of runners say they’ve made new friends through fitness groups. One in five Gen Z participants has even dated someone they met through a run club.

Across North America and Europe, collectives like Slow Girl Run Club and No More Lonely Runs in New York are reframing running as a social outlet. Slow Girl Run Club welcomes women of all abilities to relaxed 5 K runs followed by casual hangouts. In Germany, Laufklub Berlin e.V. builds community for runners at every level. The Rolling Mile in Berlin focuses on inclusivity and genuine connection. In São Paulo, Inner Circle’s Run in Love initiative encourages single runners to wear blue socks as a signal of openness to friendship or dating. This gives proof that modern run clubs care as much about connection as they do about cardio.

In Asia, running is blending with nightlife and mindfulness to attract younger audiences. No Rules Run Club in Seoul hosts post-run DJ sets, while Wyrd Running in Hong Kong uses Celtic symbolism and mindfulness to reconnect runners with nature. In the UK, Ravers2Runners organizes 5K “festival runs” around Glastonbury, merging club culture with wellness. Together, they show how running has evolved from a solitary pursuit into a shared social scene. Care to join the movement? Read on!

A global movement, locally grounded

Run clubs thrive because they build hyperlocal belonging within global networks. In Japan, university running circles and campus-based clubs continue to play a central role in student life, blending wellness, teamwork, and self-expression with sport. Universities like Waseda and Tokyo Tech highlight the growing popularity of track-and-field clubs that welcome both competitive and recreational runners. These spaces foster friendship and creative collaboration as much as athletic achievement.

In Kenya, youth athletics programs are evolving into community enterprises that pair training with mentorship and social entrepreneurship. Programs like Kijana Ajibika have grown from 30 to 58 clubs, engaging over 1,300 youth through running and mentorship. Organizations such as Athletics Kenya and Kea Jenga Athletics Club are building similar pathways, using sport as a platform for empowerment and inclusion.

In Mexico, cult brand Hermanos Koumori has turned running into a creative, nature-connected lifestyle, partnering with adidas on mountain-inspired apparel. In Australia, Fractel Community Mission links running with environmental action, encouraging participants to collect litter or plant native seeds after every run. These initiatives show how, for the next generation, running goes beyond workout: it offers a way to give back.

Inclusivity is another major driver. Nike’s After Dark Tour, held in London, Mumbai, and Los Angeles, invites women to run safely after sunset with female coaches and reflective gear. ASICS’ NAGINO campaign reframes running as collective wellness with the tagline “Move your body and mind in harmony.” Meanwhile, PUMA’s Go Wild and On Running’s Soft Wins celebrate joy and community over speed, encouraging what runners affectionately call “smiles over miles.”

The road ahead

As youth running evolves, its real power lies in belonging over performance. Run clubs form the new social hubs: places where wellness, creativity, and culture intersect. From Mexico City to Manchester, Tokyo to Toronto, running is transforming from a solitary ritual into a shared identity.

For innovators and brands, the opportunity runs deeper than sport. These communities channel energy, motion, and emotion into new ideas. Think scent and skincare that move with the body, or hydration and recovery rituals that extend the post-run high. Running is reshaping fitness and it is shaping the next wave of lifestyle innovation.

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Have you participated in a “watch party” lately? The term first gained traction during the pandemic, when friends tuned in together over Zoom or Teams. Now, the trend has moved offline, bringing people together for season finales, awards shows and big game nights. On TikTok, #watchparty has reached nearly 50,000 posts, showing that shared viewing has become a social event worth celebrating once again. As the watch party momentum grows, it’s expanding beyond entertainment. These gatherings are influencing how consumers host, shop, and share experiences, creating new opportunities for brands and communities alike.

Causing cultural shifts – from hosting to shopping

For those looking for connection and community, discovery around Watch Party and at-Home Watch Party has been growing in popularity. Even “How to do a Watch Party” has found momentum, with individuals posting videos offering entertaining advice, from recipes to décor ideas. Throughout the summer, fans convened over themed food and drink, elaborate decor, and shared giggles galore to watch new episodes of their favorite new series. The long-running dance competition series Dancing With the Stars inspires similar gatherings around the world.

A watch party can technically work for any kind of viewing event. Very often, it relates to live broadcasts and especially sports fans gather in front of a big screen. Recently, content beyond sports has been drawing primarily female audiences. These viewers are embracing the same kind of social, community-driven gatherings. This creates a strong marketing opportunity for brands whose audiences align closely with these viewers. From Swoon beverages to fragrance brand Candier, these events create connection and community. Both consumers and marketers feel eager to join in.

Another offshoot of the watch party boom comes from the growing obsession with TV and runway fashion. Viewers are just watching — and increasingly they are recreating the looks they see on screen. Websites like Worn on TV and ShopYourTV make it easy, linking directly to outfits worn by characters and celebrities.

Fashion critic and influencer Elias Medini (known online as Lyas) took the idea global during the last fashion week season. In June, he went viral after transforming a cozy Paris bar into a Dior fashion show watch party that drew nearly 300 guests. The concept spread quickly. The first events launched in London, backed by sponsors such as the British Fashion Council, Meta, Whoopsee, MAC Cosmetics, and Vestiaire Collective. Milan followed. In Paris, Medini hosted an eight-day festival at La Caserne, a former fire station turned fashion hub accommodates 1,000 guests. The event featured three daily runway streams, games, drinks, installations, and exclusive merch. The only price of entry? A bold red lip — Medini’s signature style.

Evolving for worthy causes

While watch parties to date have primarily happened around shows, movies, and sports viewings, they are now entering the scientific, academic, and even advocacy and social conferences sphere. For example, The Rubin Observatory organized “First Look Watch Parties” for their 2025 events, inviting partner institutions, universities, and museums around the world to stream the unveiling of astronomical images. This interpretation was focused on educational and scientific exchange.

Similarly, the Inclusive Africa Conference held “watch parties” in 2025 to connect participants across countries. These events allowed people to join virtual discussions on digital accessibility for people with disabilities. This use emphasizes building community and providing visibility for important causes. A video captures the powerful feedback from the Inclusive Africa Conference 2025 watch parties held across the continent, showcasing participants and partners in Botswana, Cameroon, DRC, Ghana, Nigeria, and more. In 2025, NATO also promoted the idea of organizing a cause-driven watch party.

As the holiday season approaches, Symriser gather in their spare time for collective experiences in watch parties, whether cheering on a team or sharing important information. With food and snacks bringing all together, Symrise offers advice on crowd-pleasing favorites and hosting ideas to fuel any event!

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Did you realize the role collagen plays in everything from structure to stamina?

Grand View Research projects the global collagen market to reach $18.7 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 11.3%. Collagen has been trending in food, beverage, and beauty products. Tastewise reported that social conversations about collagen have increased by 7% over the past year. Curious about the latest collagen applications to support your health? Read on!

Collagen & protein hand-in-hand

The collagen market brims with activity. Vital Proteins recently decided to serve up collagen at the U.S. Open! The Nestlé Health Science-owned brand showcased a Collagen & Protein Shake as the tennis championship’s first-ever “Official Collagen Partner.” With 30 grams of protein and 10 grams of collagen peptides per serving, the shake demonstrates the complementary relationship between collagen and protein. In fact, the latest collagen launches feature protein. Urban Remedy introduced two organic, high-protein collagen meal-replacement shakes formulated with organic bovine grass-fed collagen peptides. While both the Chocolate and Vanilla Organic Protein Collagen Shakes include 10 g of organic collagen, they also offer 30 and 28 g of protein, respectively. Refuel Protein Bar has joined the LTH portfolio of collagen-rich products. Per the brand, this “replenishing and energizing bar” provides 15 g of protein, dairy-free grass-fed collagen, and pea protein, with no added sugar!

Unique sources of collagen

Collagen finds its way into novel delivery systems and emerges from unique sources. Post-surgery-like Skims Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap was made with a signature fabric of “collagen yarns.” Recently, Canada-based biopolymer maker 3DBioFibR Inc. closed a $3m round of equity financing for the company’s production of collagen fibers. Ashland has recently launched Collapeptyl, which reportedly offers a new chapter in collagen science by delivering a biomimetic solution that harmonizes with the skin’s natural structure. Symrise offers a selection of unique, collagen-rich ingredients for joint health, carefully produced in a French facility focused on chicken. All-in-one solutions include different types of collagen peptides, combined with chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid from select edible chicken parts. These Symrise raw materials are 2.5% less carbon-emissive than those sourced from beef.

Beauty benefits and beyond

Collagen in skincare continues to capture consumer attention, both for its association with beauty benefits and also for the broader experience it offers. For example,  Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask gets praised for its moisturizing and calming properties, with studies suggesting it may help support the skin barrier. Collagen formats are also gaining traction—sheet masks, eye patches, and creams are spotlighted across beauty media. Vogue Business’ Beauty Tracker names Collagen eye patches a leading trend. Elle spotlights the “11 Best Collagen Face Creams for Plumping Fine Lines in 2025.” Meanwhile, Harper’s Bazaar dives into the efficacy debate, featuring dermatologist insights from TikTok’s @dr.mamima on how to choose safe, effective products. To support skin condition & anti-aging, and nail beauty from within, Symrise designed Collachic. This versatile hydrolyzed chicken extract powder is composed of type I collagen peptides and can be used in many beauty formats, including capsules, hot drinks, and shots!

Joint health and mobility

According to Mintel, 64% of UK Baby Boomers (57-75) are interested and willing to pay more for functional foods and beverages that improve muscle and joint health. Symrise recently launched Chondractiv Move, a 4-in-1 collagen and rosehip formula designed for active women over 40, clinically shown to deliver significant results in menopausal women. Symrise continues to expand its science-backed collagen range, offering natural solutions that support daily wellness and the growing collagen hydration trend.

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Ever wonder why Jacksonville gets called the “the “Flip Side of Florida”? Because it surprises—with miles of beaches, creative neighborhoods, and a pulse all its own. Southern warmth meets coastal cool, giving it an easy energy that feels instantly inviting. From art walks to riverfront adventures, every corner tells a new story. As the largest city by land area in the continental U.S., Jacksonville gives you all the space you need to explore freely.

Read on to plan your visit accordingly!

Natural attractions as far as the eye can see

Dubbed “nature’s theme park,” Jacksonville invites exploration across 80,000 acres of parks, waterways, and 22 miles of beaches. This includes the unique Boneyard Beach, which offers a visually and ecologically spectacular wonderland of driftwood on the shore. To view the beautiful coastline by air, consider the free Sea and Sky Air Show (October 25-26, 2025), featuring an over-the-ocean sky show with performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Nearby beach communities include Ponte Vedra Beach and Fernandina Beach, along with historic St. Augustine, which offers a holiday-driven Night of Lights.

For arts and culture, explore Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens or the historic Riverside Avondale district. Jacksonville offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from strolling the beautiful beaches to enjoying the vibrant arts scene. Nature abounds, with Congaree and Penn taking farm-to-table to a new level. While dining outside, you can see their farm from your table. Tour the farm, then relax over hard cider and a dinner of Roasted Local Mushrooms.

For sports fans, no mention of Jacksonville is complete without celebrating its beloved NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Each season, fans pack EverBank Stadium on the St. Johns River, filling the city with energy and team spirit. Just south of the city, TPC Sawgrass hosts THE PLAYERS Championship, one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events that draws visitors from around the world.

Stay & dine

Jacksonville highlights its “Southern rock n’ roll” food culture with craft breweries, eclectic restaurants, and unique neighborhoods. Breweries stand out with the “Jax Ale Trail,” offering a curated taste of Jacksonville’s scene. Southern comfort breakfasts often feature biscuits and gravy, with Maple Street Biscuits serving up one of the best-loved versions in town. For lunch, tray a Fried Green Tomato Sandwich at Bellwether. The house pickle relish and spicy vegan aioli really take this sandwich to the next level. An aquatic location brings expertly prepared fish from Palms Fish Camp, or blackened fresh catch from North Beach Fish Camp, one of Jacksonville’s best seafood restaurants. Their signature dish: fresh blackened Mahi with ham gravy, collards, and creamy grits—offers a perfect example of southern beach cuisine.

Jacksonville offers a relaxed travel experience, where wide-open spaces and welcoming energy set the pace for a truly easygoing escape. One Ocean Resort offers the perfect location to unwind. The spa has been undergoing renovations, with an anticipated reopening in Spring 2026. They look forward to welcoming visitors back to enjoy refreshed facilities and enhanced experiences. For an all-inclusive Jax experience, Norwegian Cruise Line will begin operating sailings from Jacksonville in November 2025. Cruises will run seasonally through April, with both short and long itineraries available.

Building on Jacksonville’s local flavors, Symrise also calls the city home with a manufacturing plant dedicated to sustainable innovation. Using byproducts like orange peel oils and paper-industry side streams, the facility produces flavor and fragrance ingredients. Consider a visit to the Flip Side of Florida, and start planning your own nature-filled itinerary!

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From vanities to TikTok feeds, body mists are taking center stage. The category is delivering major growth in 2025, with Data Insights Market projected to reach a value of $4.8 billion by 2025, and Free Yourself estimating  $7.93 billion. Both forecast steady expansion at a 5.2%–5.3% CAGR through 2033. What’s driving demand? A renewed focus on personal hygiene. and a desire for multi-purpose products at accessible price points. TikTok has amplified the craze, fueled by Y2K nostalgia and playful scent experimentation. Gourmand and floral profiles dominate, while brands add skincare benefits for an extra layer of appeal. The movement towards mist is redefining how consumers wear fragrance. Ready to mist your way in? Read on!

Fragrance therapy

Affordable wellness formats are gaining popularity, with fragrance as a coping experiential escape. Accessible categories, such as body mists, have made a comeback, thanks to brands developing more sophisticated scents. Easier-to-try mist formats allow Gen Z to experiment with new scent profiles instead of buying an eau de parfum. The dominance of indulgent and mood-enhancing gourmand and floral notes is gaining popularity, as seen in coconut cream and pistachio gelato. Personal care brand Evereden has launched a line of fragrance mists designed for teens, centered on fresh floral and vibrant gourmand notes, with timely names like Main Character. Speaking of mood-lifting scents, Clinique has been increasingly trying to connect with Gen Z, releasing a body spritz version of its ’90s citrus bestseller, Happy!

Elsewhere, body mists are launching in droves, like Smooch Body from Australia. Glossier has created buzz globally with new fragrance mists. Nineties classic Calvin Klein has rebooted their fragrance know-how with nostalgic Hair and Body Perfume Mists. Brazil-inspired Sol de Janeiro lets consumers behind the scenes of the naming processes behind their cult mists!

Benefits beyond

The integration of added skincare and haircare benefits are increasingly entering into body mist formulas. Salt & Stone Body Mists have positioned themselves as an extension of the brand’s body care line, featuring ingredients like hydrating glycerin alongside notes of saffron, cedar, vetiver, and hinoki. Rare Beauty blends niacinamide, biotin, and peach flower extracts. Niche global hair and body sprays with commercial reach include those from Latinx start-up Ceremonia, Noyz, Scents of Pluto, and Daise Beauty.

Layering opportunities

The movement towards fragrance mists offers endless layering opportunities. For example, Snif’s Layering Bundle, with hot cakes and toppings, reminds users to think of nostalgia in a different light, perhaps evoking a childhood stack of pancakes. Phlur takes three best-selling products with multiple layers and combines them in the Phlur Decadent Layering Set of Travel-Size Body Mists. As the holidays approach, these also make perfect hostess and gifting options

Symrise supports this forward fragrance movement, with elements of sustainability, note sourcing, and personalization with layering. Watch the use of AI in the future to create personalized fragrance blends. Mists also offer the entry of high-end premium brands into a more accessible realm, benefiting everyone!

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In a year when food TikTok has taken us from butter boards to cottage cheese ice cream, one surprising dish has claimed the spotlight: sticky cherry chicken. Sweet, tangy, and glossy, this viral recipe proves once again that comfort food with a twist wins hearts and algorithms. The dish leans on pantry staples and feels elevated. A quick cherry glaze transforms everyday chicken thighs into a craveable main course, hitting that sweet-savory balance beloved in Asian-inspired cooking. TikTok creators like @charisma.renee and @haileecatalano have shown how easy one can make it at home, while food blogs like Simply Recipes are backing up the hype with tested variations.

Why now?

Consumers are craving bold flavor payoffs and short prep times. Sticky cherry chicken checks both boxes: minimal ingredients, maximum wow factor. It also reflects a larger flavor trend; fruit-forward sauces and glazes are breaking out of the dessert aisle and onto the dinner table.

It tells a familiar flavor story: hot honey went from niche condiment to mainstream menu must-have, while mango chili and pineapple salsas have surged in both retail and restaurant formats. Cherries perfectly align with this wave of fruit-first flavor innovation, delivering natural tartness that pairs beautifully with umami and spice.

The dish taps into today’s “visual dining” culture. Its lacquered, ruby-red glaze looks made for posting and saving. On Pinterest, boards highlight photogenic takes of sticky cherry chicken with glossy finishes and vibrant garnishes. The recipe also works well in casual dining, with preparation both easy enough for a weeknight dinner and striking enough to feature on a menu. High-color foods, from ube lattes to pink sauces, continue to trend because they deliver on both taste and shareability.

Recipe: sticky cherry chicken (serves 4)

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup cherry preserves (or frozen cherries, thawed and mashed)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp honey
• two cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: sliced scallions, sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred, like this method). Sear chicken skin-side down until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in cherry preserves, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. Simmer until glossy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Return chicken to skillet, spooning glaze over pieces. Transfer pan to oven and roast 20–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp.
5. Remove, rest 5 minutes, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Flavor in focus

Sticky cherry chicken may sound like viral recipe; actually, it reflects how home cooks are rethinking the role of fruit in savory dishes. By pairing cherries with soy and ginger, the dish bridges comfort and novelty, offering something approachable and new. It mirrors a broader shift toward playful experimentation in home kitchens, where TikTok creators double as flavor innovators. Expect to see cherry-inspired sauces pop up in meal kits, fast-casual menus, and even snack formats as brands take cues from what’s trending online. As with Spaghett Season’s beer cocktail moment, sticky cherry chicken shows how digital virality can accelerate flavor adoption—from TikTok swipe to grocery aisle.

Whether you’re chasing likes or just craving a sticky, satisfying dinner, this dish proves one thing: cherries are more versatile and more irresistible than you think!

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Coffee reflects the world we live in, and each era brings a new favorite. Cold brew made coffee feel artisanal. Dalgona, whipped instant coffee, sugar, and hot water beaten into a fluffy foam, went viral during the pandemic. Now Cloud Coffee, espresso poured over coconut water and topped with frothy milk, pushes the ritual forward. The drink delivers refreshment and visual drama, turning the cup into a shareable spectacle. The craze around Cloud Coffee reflects a wider shift already reshaping coffee culture worldwide.

Globally, consumers are rethinking when, where, and how they drink coffee. The move away from hot drinks feels especially striking. Iced and cold formats have now entered mainstream, with the global cold coffee market projected to grow 22% annually and reach $1.4 billion by 2027. In the UK, cold coffee already outranks cappuccinos and flat whites among under-35s. Even cafés are innovating, with Dubai’s The Pods serving iced lattes inside hollowed-out ice blocks and turning coffee into a spectacle.

Economics shape coffee habits, too. Rising café prices push consumers to explore at-home alternatives. Instant coffee plays an outsized role here. It still trails drip and single-cup brewers in the U.S.. At the same time, the National Coffee Association reports that instant coffee jumped 31% in 2024 compared to 2023. And they expect growth to continue over the next three years. Nestlé points to similar momentum, noting how instant formats have expanded among younger American drinkers. Once seen as old-fashioned, instant coffee now fits into Gen Z’s search for affordable, customizable hacks that bring café culture home. This movement stretches across markets, from North America to Asia.

Australia also offers a telling snapshot. Coffee ranks as the number one way to spend morning “me-time,” chosen by 54.5% of adults. More than 11 million Australians (65%) now brew at home to save money. Gen Z leads this shift, with 85.6% making their coffee at home, yet still valuing quality—nearly 58% call themselves coffee snobs. Preferences are shifting too: 41% of Gen Z choose iced coffee over hot, compared to much lower rates in older generations.

The cloud coffee effect

These drivers, from a tilt toward iced formats to cost-sensitive creativity and more personalized rituals, set the stage for Cloud Coffee. At its core, the drink blends espresso poured over ice and coconut water with a frothy milk foam, creating a visual “cloud” above a golden base. Beyond aesthetics, coconut water adds hydration, with one cup potentially providing around 600 mg of potassium and other electrolytes.

Cloud Coffee combines coconut water, espresso, and cream in layered form, creating a refreshing cold drink with visual drama. The recipe draws inspiration from existing favorites like the iced Americano, the Viennese Einspänner, and whipped Dalgona coffee. First gaining traction on TikTok in 2024, the drink quickly evolved into a tropical remix with coconut water at its base.

Versatility fuels the appeal. Flavored syrups add playful twists. Ube or matcha transform it into a colorful, wellness-leaning statement drink. The versions swapping the espresso for matcha or chai show how easily the format adapts. For Gen Z, Cloud Coffee feels less like a recipe and more like a platform — something to remix, share, and personalize!

Make cloud coffee at home

Part of Cloud Coffee’s appeal comes from how simple you can whip it up in your own kitchen. No barista training required, just a few pantry staples and a frother (or whisk). The result? A drink that feels café-level, minus the price tag.

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or 2 tsp instant coffee + 2 tbsp hot water, whipped with sugar)
• ¾ cup chilled coconut water
• 2 tbsp milk or plant milk
• 1 tsp sweetener (maple, agave, or syrup)
• Ice

Method

1. Fill a tall glass with ice and coconut water.
2. Pour in the espresso.
3. Froth the milk with sweetener until foamy.
4. Spoon the foam on top to form the “cloud.”
5. Garnish with cinnamon, cocoa, or spirulina.

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