Valentine’s Day 2025 celebrates love in every form. Around the globe, people express affection, friendship, and admiration. Some send heartfelt messages to friends, family, and partners. Others surprise loved ones with flowers, candy, or creative cards. You may consider planning a romantic dinner! Valentine’s Day highlights unique traditions that reflect the vibrant diversity of cultures worldwide.

In Estonia, friends exchange thoughtful gifts, candles, and cards. In Wales, couples honor Saint Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers, with beautifully carved wooden love spoons. South Korea shines a spotlight on singles with “Black Day,” where friends gather to enjoy black bean noodles. Ghana transforms the day into National Chocolate Day, celebrating the cocoa industry with tastings, dinners, and festive events. The Philippines hosts grand weddings, uniting hundreds of couples in love.

Across South America, couples savor the occasion with intimate romantic dinners in countries like Argentina, Peru, Russia, and Colombia. No matter where you celebrate, Valentine’s Day reminds everyone to cherish the people who matter most. How will you make February 14 memorable this year?

Bridget plays cupid globally

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy will start in theaters internationally on February 12, 2025, and in the United States on February 13, 2025. France will open on February 12, Argentina, Australia, Denmark on February 13, and the United Kingdom on February 14. The highly anticipated rom-com sequel (nine years since the third in the series) will be available to stream exclusively on Peacock in the United States. Nine previous cast members will reprise their roles in this story, which now finds Bridget widowed in her fifties, navigating the love of their child, and finding love again. Her bravery and devil-may-care attitude have inspired others before!

Rihanna sends hearts to all

The singer’s brand, Savage X Fenty, released a collection of lingerie, sleepwear, lounge, and accessories, highlighting love in all forms. The accompanying Love Your Way campaign stars the singer alongside Love Is Blind’s Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, model RJ King, and chef DeVonn Francis. It also features sisters, TikTok sensations Hayley and Jules LeBlanc, and friends and models Jade Gordon, Minami Gessel, and Noni Cyngor. The campaign’s imagery highlights romantic love, self-love, familial love, and the beauty of friendship. “Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms,” says Rihanna. “At Savage X Fenty, we’re all about embracing love in every way and creating products that let people feel confident while doing so.” Check out a few standouts from the collection and shop the full Love Your Way drop at savagex.com.

Chocolates or fragrance?

Now, we can help you with choosing the right thing! Two traditional Valentine’s gift ideas come together in Lush’s 2025 Valentine’s Day fragrance collection, which smells like chocolate. Perfume can serve as a great Valentine’s Day gift because it can connect to emotions and create memories. A fragrance that reflects the recipient’s personality and taste can be especially meaningful. Speaking of taste, Bath & Body Works announced a Valentine’s collaboration with iconic Sweethearts candy! Dior speaks to luxury packaging being the lure for their Valentine’s offerings, while Armani mesmerizes with Sì EDP Intense fragrance. The key notes of black tea, rose, vanilla, and blackcurrant come together to create a memorable Valentine’s entrance —or exit!

Symrise believes Valentine’s Day offers the perfect time to treat yourself and your loved ones. Weigh in and let us know how you plan to embrace love in all forms!

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We have entered 2025, and food has evolved into so much more than what we eat—it’s become a lifestyle, an art form, and, for some, a status symbol! Gone are the days when meals just meant nutrition or comfort. Today, every bite, sip, and snack tells a story about who we are, what we value, and how we lead our lives.

Food now stars in the stories we tell about ourselves. Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see it everywhere: from London’s @laurakhoshaba, who documents Harrods’ decadent food halls, to the US duo @sistersnacking, sampling jaw-dropping $227 Ballerina Farm pastries. These meals mean so much more than just food. They are forming memory-making moments! They’re aspirational, meticulously curated, and almost too beautiful to eat.

Even the once-humble chicken salad has experienced rebranding. Bethenny Frankel, the mastermind behind Skinnygirl, has made a project to critique this staple’s “elite” versions, diving into the fine line between simple and special. Meanwhile, everyday people are finding ways to elevate their daily meals. Office workers like @jensintec and @MeganKittyEats turn their cafeteria spreads into envy-inducing reels, while college student @gliocius transforms basic campus fare into culinary inspiration. This conveys a clear message: food serves as your canvas no matter who you are!

Erewhon: where groceries become couture

If one brand captures the spirit of food as status, then we need to talk about Erewhon. This LA-based luxury grocery chain has redefined what it means to shop for groceries. A $20 smoothie here would feel neglected if you called it a drink. It offers you a badge of belonging to a particular lifestyle. With sleek stores, meticulously curated products, and an Instagram aesthetic that screams exclusivity, Erewhon has created a place where shopping feels like an event. Even the grocer’s kraft paper tote bags have achieved cult status, becoming so coveted they’re resold on eBay and inspiring chic, eco-friendly reusable versions—reminiscent of Trader Joe’s reusable mini tote bags, which have gained similar notoriety for their practicality and collectible charm.

Surprisingly, Erewhon’s revenue per square foot achieves four times the amount of the grocery industry average. People are buying so much more than groceries. They’re buying into a story, a vibe, a community. Across the pond, the Delli app channels a similar energy, connecting people with boutique food makers and artisan brands. These platforms blur the line between food and fashion—turning dinner into a deliberate act of self-expression.

When fashion and food melt together

Luxury brands have noticed this cultural shift and are leaning into it. Louis Vuitton’s chocolate boutiques in Paris, Shanghai, and Singapore have made chocolate as desirable as their iconic handbags. Collaborations like Michael Kors x BAsDBAN or Miss Dior x Grid Coffee infuse culinary moments with high-fashion flair. Loewe’s heirloom tomato bag—a quirky and coveted accessory—proves that even vegetables can become part of a style statement.

And then let’s talk about the artistry. French floral designer @glenn.arvor adds fresh produce to his stunning arrangements, creating pieces that feel alive, organic, and earthy. New Zealand’s Amy Yip turns cakes into sculptures that look more at home in a gallery than a dessert table. Meanwhile, Japan’s @ika_miniature takes “tiny food” to new heights, crafting intricate replicas that make you pause and marvel. These playful trends remind us that food can move, surprise, and deeply connect us.

Why food matters more than ever

This obsession with food offers valuable extras to aesthetics and indulgence. It creates a connection. Food has become a way to ground ourselves in a volatile world. Whether you buy yourselves a $20 Erewhon smoothie or a homemade tomato salad, something feels comforting about the shared rituals of eating, celebrating, and creating.

This also happens with the recent rise of vegetable-inspired fragrances (tomato leaf, anyone?), which echo a similar longing for natural, nostalgic, and unexpected pleasures. Food and fragrance are merging, breaking boundaries to offer fresh ways to share our stories and connect. As food evolves into art and identity, what you put on your plate may rival what you put in your closet or on your wrist. The meals we share and the treats we post are delicious—and a way to define ourselves! Let us know about your favorite snack or meal to share with friends. Comment below! 

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A delicious shift is happening in beauty and fashion. Food-inspired products are taking over, captivating Gen-Z with scents, colors, and textures that feel as tasty as they look. Rhode Skin, Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand, sparked this wave with its Krispy Kreme strawberry-flavored lip treatment, which went viral and sold out almost instantly. Certainly, the look and scent that drew fans in. More importantly — it offers the thrill of holding an iconic treat in a surprising form. Beauty and fashion brands are weaving food-inspired elements into products that make everyday routines feel as indulgent as fun.

Beauty and food have long shared a playful link, and now brands are drawing on nostalgic flavors and favorite snacks to create visually and emotionally resonant, sensory-driven products. And with TikTok fueling the trend, we can now find these food-inspired looks everywhere, turning routines into experiences that feel almost good enough to eat. Read on to learn more!

Satisfying style cravings: food meets beauty and fashion

The new wave of food-inspired beauty looks fresh, bold, and designed for a digital audience. In 2024, the “strawberry girl” look—flushed cheeks and glossy lips—dominated social media. Meanwhile, “glazed doughnut” nails, mimicking the smooth, shiny surface of a freshly glazed treat, became a staple. Even hair trends followed suit, with shades like “cinnamon cookie butter” adding warm caramel and copper tones to create a soft, dessert-inspired glow.

These trends echo millennial nostalgia, reminiscent of early 2000s favorites like fruit-flavored Lip Smackers and classic Bath & Body Works or Victoria’s Secret body sprays, yet feel refreshed in the Gen-Z era. Thanks to TikTok’s #FoodTok, which attracts billions of views, food-inspired beauty looks have become viral sensations, drawing audiences who crave the familiar comfort and fun that these styles bring to self-expression

Marketing Gold: Food-Infused Collaborations

Brands are jumping into this culinary craze, creating limited-edition releases that Gen-Z eagerly adopts. Milk Makeup’s grape-colored Cooling Water Jelly Tint went viral on TikTok and sold out twice, thanks to its jelly-like texture and refreshing feel. Rhode Skin’s Krispy Kreme lip treatment boosted engagement by over 700%, proving how much food-inspired products resonate with young consumers. Lanolips joined the trend with a “glazed doughnut” flavor for its popular balm, quickly becoming a best-seller.

Fashion brands are also embracing the foodie influence. E.l.f. Cosmetics partnered with Chipotle to launch a makeup palette inspired by burrito ingredients like guacamole and salsa. Last year, they collaborated with Liquid Death to create a rock-inspired beauty line, blending creativity, humor, and food culture in a fresh and authentic way. Recently, Kate Spade joined M&M’s for a whimsical collaboration, adding a sweet, colorful twist to accessories. 

Snackable Style: How Food Aesthetics Are Thriving on TikTok

TikTok’s rapid-fire platform has turned food-inspired beauty trends into cultural moments. From “strawberry girl” blush to “blueberry milk” nails, each trend taps into a universal love for comfort and indulgence, transforming beauty routines into a sensory treat. Products like Sweet Tooth by Sabrina Carpenter Eau de Parfum in “Cherry Baby” and Lanolips’ flavored balms have embraced this approach, with food-inspired scents and flavors becoming significant parts of their business.

Food-inspired trends have arrived to stay. Gen-Z’s love for food culture and viral creativity gives beauty and fashion brands fresh ways to connect. By infusing products with the comforting essence of favorite snacks, brands create experiences beyond function. From jelly-textured cheek tints to Krispy Kreme lip balms and flavor-inspired makeup palettes, today’s products delight in every sense. For Gen-Z, a touch of sweetness truly elevates everything.

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Fashion, fragrance, food and more!

Are you feeling passionate about art? Then you’ve likely heard of Art Basel—the renowned art fair that’s captivated audiences since the 1970s. Art Basel Switzerland kicked off in June with over 250 premier galleries worldwide this year. And the excitement went on from there. In November, Art Week Tokyo joined forces with Art Basel to spotlight Tokyo’s unique creativity and cultural diversity.

And now, the countdown runs for the 22nd annual Art Basel Miami Beach, which will take place from December 6 through 8. Get ready for an extraordinary showcase featuring top galleries from five continents, displaying works from iconic Modern and contemporary masters alongside promising emerging talents. 

While Art Basel celebrates art across all media, expect to see an emphasis on grand-scale installations. The fair also pushes boundaries with tech-driven art, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to captivate a younger, tech-savvy audience. Art Basel Miami Beach has meanwhile gone far beyond an art fair. Art converges with luxury, fashion, fragrance, gourmet experiences, and more. Discover the event’s partners and dive into the exclusive activities and initiatives planned for this year!

Style & scents to watch

Art Basel offers more than art. It presents a a style spectacle where luxury fashion takes center stage. Iconic brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci have joined Art Basel, offering exclusive collections and immersive experiences. Dior and Prada, with boutiques in Miami’s Design District, host private events that draw A-listers, blending high fashion with high art. Attendees dress to impress, often inspired by the art around them, and even Art Basel staff uniforms are stylish, thanks to partner GOAT—a brand that’s grown from a sneaker marketplace to a global source for trendsetting fashion.

Fragrance brands are also seizing the Art Basel spotlight. At October’s Paris edition, Guerlain launched a gender-neutral fragrance with artist Julie Beaufils, capturing her abstract landscapes in amber, floral, and wood notes. Creed Fragrances teamed up with artist Shawn Kolodny for Miami installations and holiday boutique displays. With many collaborations under wraps, keep an eye out for surprises this December at Art Basel Miami Beach!

Celebrity-fueled events & food

Art Basel’s Global Patrons Council consists of 181 leading private collectors from across the world, allowing Art Basel to plan unique events to connect with that network.  For example, for Miami, Dom Pérignon will host a night to remember with Creative Director Lenny Kravitz at hotelier Alan Faena’s Penthouse. The event will celebrate the release of Kravitz’s limited-edition Dom Pérignon collection. One can also book luxury experiences such as this yacht charter for a mere £4,000 per person! In addition, Miami will attract visitors and art fans to a vibrant cuisine scene. With the Miami Beach Convention Center event, restauranteurs from LIRA Beirut Eatery to Rosetta Bakery will be offering snacks to sit-down meals. 

Sustainable thinking

At the heart of the Miami event (and Art Basel in general) are sustainably minded practices. With Sodexo Live! as the official catering service, key initiatives have focused on boosting plant-based meals, responsible and local sourcing, and waste reduction. They are also supporting communities and transitioning to biodegradable and compostable products.

Symrise drives cultural synergy forward by innovating with sustainable, creative exhibitions at top art events. Planning to attend Art Basel? Share your favorite way to join the momentum in the comments below!

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Combined symbolism and usefulness

Last autumn season highlighted ‘Apples: an autumnal wonder.’ 2024 celebrates pomegranates, also known as ‘the seeded apples.’ Interestingly, these two fruits often appear together and share a rich history of symbolic and mythological associations. Historians believe the pomegranate originated in Afghanistan and Iran before spreading to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe through trade and export. The pomegranate belongs to the “seven kinds” mentioned in Scripture, closely associated with the Land of Israel. People then considered it a blessing to offer these fruits in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Ripening at the end of summer, just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the pomegranate holds deep symbolic meaning. According to tradition, each pomegranate contains 613 seeds, representing the 613 commandments in the Torah. These vibrant fruits got enjoyed for their taste and used to decorate and bless ceremonies during New Year celebrations and other Jewish holidays. The east too embraced Pomegranates. Accordingly, they are appearing in China during the Han and Sung dynasties. Some even speculate that pomegranates could be the legendary fruit from the tree of life!

Pomegranate beauty

In 2023, Zaozhuang City in China hosted the Pomegranate Industry Development Conference, bringing together 30 companies that supply pomegranate extracts to the beauty and personal care industry. These extracts, including Ellagic Acid Powder and Seed Extract (rich in bioactive Punicic Acid), are even marketed as Kosher and Halal. As China’s pomegranate industry grows, its influence will expand in the global beauty market. Brands like Italian Perlier and Weleda are already capitalizing on pomegranate’s benefits, offering products such as Weleda’s Awakening Body Beauty Oil, praised for its nourishing qualities and uplifting fragrance.

Orchard scents

How about autumn-perfect candles that join the orchard friends? Apple and pomegranate come together in ForeverWick Candle Co’s Pomegranate Fuji Apple Surprise. Parks London artisanal candles offer Pomegranate Noir, blending the fruit with a drizzle of sweet honey for a rich and inviting top note. The scent gets further enhanced by sun-bleached woods, golden amber, and warm musks, adding a subtle intensity.

Health benefits and more

Did you know that while the ancients used pomegranate skin and bark for medicinal purposes, you can only eat the seeds? They represent a brilliantly colorful addition when tossed on a salad. In some clinical studies, pomegranate juice has been shown to offer significant benefits, especially in preventing heart disease. Preliminary studies indicate that the juice may possess almost three times the total antioxidant ability of green tea or red wine. Pomegranates also provide a substantial amount of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin.

Modern and traditional recipes

Versatile pomegranates can go into baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine! Recently the New York Times featured Yewande Komolafe’s roasted squash with turmeric-ginger chickpeas. The dish features a vibrant mix of roasted squash, marinated chickpeas, and salad greens topped with pomegranate seeds. Beautiful, healthy, and simple, consider this fall perfect carrot and cod fillet recipe. Heading into the High Holidays, consider more recipes offered in Apples and Pomegranates: A Rosh Hashanah Seder.

Symrise offers a variety of orchard fruit ingredients in their portfolio of organic and sustainably produced products. These include easily rehydrated Flakes, Appl’In, a natural apple extract that reduces glucose absorption by 30%, and Actipone^® Pomegranate Hyper GW CA.

Weigh in below with comments on your favorite orchard possibilities!

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The increase in tomato fragrances

Once a kitchen staple, tomatoes have found their place in the fragrance world. Their distinct, captivating scent has become popular in perfumes, candles, and home fragrances. Let’s explore what makes this trend so unique.

Tomato fragrances offer a savory, refreshing aroma that lifts your mood and invigorates your space. The earthy, green notes of tomato make for an appealing scent. The process involves extracting the natural oils and essences from the tomato and blending them with other complementary scents to create a unique fragrance. Perfume content creator Abby Cadet says they work perfect for those who enjoy green, earthy aromas and want something different from the usual floral or fruity perfumes.

Tomato scents can smell crisp and fresh without citrusy, earthy, and slightly bitter notes. The nostalgia of tomato leaves evokes memories of gardening and summer days. Read on to learn more!

Versatility and the connection to nature

The versatility of tomato scents has become a game-changer in the luxury market. From high-end perfumes to candles and cleaning products, tomato fragrances can smell fresh, herbal, earthy, sweet, or crisp. This balance between the fruit’s sweetness and the vine’s greenness offers a range of unique and surprising options. Experts recommend considering how the tomato scent interacts with other notes in the fragrance and its overall impact and longevity. For beginners, layering the tomato scent with a complementary fragrance can help ease into the new aroma.

Vegetal accords, such as tomatoes, bring people closer to nature. Inspired by gardening and the feelings of calm, these scents resonate with those seeking alternatives to traditional summer fragrances. The trend towards eco-elegant vegetal stories, inspired by greenhouses and pantry ingredients, is gaining traction. Brands like Diptyque are leveraging the therapeutic connection to nature and the home with products inspired by the scent of fresh vegetables and herbs, offering a sense of comfort and peace.

Garden-inspired aromas are gaining popularity as brands celebrate humble plants, creating intriguing ingredient stories and elevated sensory experiences that connect with nature. For instance, Flamingo Estate’s Tomato Collection features a candle that pays homage to fresh garden scents like tomato leaves and basil. Similarly, Brûler Candles in the UK markets the Greenhouse Collection, centered on beetroot, rosemary, and basil. High-street giant Zara’s Basilicum candle exudes a fresh aroma, while Byredo’s Sweet Grass candle combines top notes of clary sage and mirabelle with musk, ciste, and powdery orris for a verdant scent. Bistro Waters by D.S. & Durga captures fresh and savory notes with grassy green peppers, just-chopped herbs like basil and coriander, and a dash of nutmeg.

With the rise of #PerfumeTok and a growing interest in backyard beauty and homegrown ingredients, vegetable-based scents are transitioning from niche to mainstream. The hashtag #VegetableGarden has amassed millions of views on TikTok, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences. This trend extends beyond fine fragrances to personal care and home scenting, with vegetable notes appearing in haircare, deodorants, body mist, and home fragrances.

Pioneers and innovations in vegetable perfumery

In the world of perfumery, vegetables are becoming a main attraction. L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Le Potager collection and Officine Universelle Buly’s Les Jardins Français line lead the way with innovative fragrances featuring vegetables like cauliflower, fennel, and even artichoke. US-based Nette‘s second candle collaboration with Tata Harper features violet leaf and rose notes inspired by Tata Harper’s lush, ingredient-rich garden. Similarly, St Eval’s Garden Path collection captures the essence of secret gardens, while US-based Loam Candles has launched two new scents featuring fresh, earthy, and vibrant florals.

At Symrise, the Garden Lab platform marks a significant step toward sustainability. Dedicated to vegetable studies, it explores nature’s fragrances with a vast scent reservoir that connects consumers to nature. Thanks to a collaboration with the nutrition experts at the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment of Symrise, artichokes, asparagus, leeks, cauliflowers, and onions feature in perfumers’ baskets. SymTrap technology extracts perfume materials from food side streams, enabling Symrise to create a collection of fragrances from 100% natural raw materials.

A fresh future for fragrances

As vegetable-based perfumery continues to evolve, the possibilities look endless. From the nostalgic aroma of tomato leaves to the unique scent of artichokes, the future of fragrances is rooted in the garden. Incorporating vegetables into perfumes provides a refreshing twist and aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and nature-inspired products.

So, the next time you search for a new perfume, consider which vegetable appeals most to you – you might feel surprised by the fresh twist it brings to your fragrance collection. Ongoing research in vegetable-based perfumery promises new scents, offering consumers a closer connection to nature and a unique olfactory experience. Comment below which fragrance you’ll be trying!

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Harnessing the glam potential of sea-based ingredients

Ready to embark on a journey to discover the power of marine-based ingredients in your beauty regimen? The global Marine Bio Products market is set to soar, expected to reach USD 5961.3 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 4.2%. Manufacturers derive these ingredients from marine plants, making personal care and cosmetics waves. Dubbed ‘blue beauty’ in the industry, marine ingredients like microalgae and seaweed provide upcycled, practical components for topical and ingestible products. Are you feeling curious about how you can incorporate these into your routine? Read on!

Spirulina, one of the most well-known microalgae, offers various benefits for the skin, from anti-aging to sunscreen and anti-blemish effects. From its potential, we have only explored a fraction of its capabilities. Blue beauty goes beyond a trend and forms a sustainable and creative force in the industry. According to the United Nations, “Oceans feed us, regulate our climate, and generate most of the oxygen we breathe.” This movement also influences packaging, promoting recycled and microplastic-free options with marine-themed designs, blue/green palettes, and water-like finishes.

Brittany, the French flagship of blue biodiversity

According to the Blue Ingredients Trend Book released by Seppic, Brittany, France, the country houses over 800 species of algae and hundreds of maritime plant species. A true “Underwater Amazon,” the variety of algae thrives in the purity of waters and in confluence with the Gulf Stream. This might belong to the reasons why many marine-based brands come from France, including Thalgo. This brand has also been harnessing the power of the French Riviera. Their corporate video, “Let the Sea Empower Your Beauty,” speaks to the line’s potential and marine ingredients’ potential. Phytomer, another French marine-derived brand with a long history, wants its sustainably produced products to reinvigorate like “a dip in the sea” and collaborates with spa programs. Similarly, Repechage offers supercharged seaweed products and a Beauty SEAcrets Blog!

Cultivated in bio tanks, replicating the ocean’s environment

One such brand, Hungarian-based skincare line Omorovicza, offers their Queen Serum. It claims that it uses Vitamin A in the form of Mediterranean microalgae as the first cosmetic product. This ingredient is said to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

UK-based brand Beauty Kitchen recently launched a ‘beauty-from-within’ collection, including Pure Source Collagen Serum and Pure Source Collagen Gummies. The brand claims its products stimulate collagen production, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. The microalgae are cultivated in bio tanks, replicating the ocean’s natural environment without disturbing it.

Innovation in marine ingredients

One Ocean Beauty offers sustainable formulas that fuse nature with science, using Blue Biotechnology to help conserve our oceans. The collection uses natural molecules from marine microorganisms reproduced in a lab through bio-fermentation. Organic Skin Co. features a hero product named Vitamin Sea, a hydrating, brightening, and plumping vitamin C face serum. Vitamin Sea blends replenishing New Zealand Native Red Seaweed and hydrating Black Fern to give you a sea glow. For a full range of forward-thinking marine brand options, consider shopping at the UK-based Dead Sea Shop.

Symrise was early on the marine ingredients trend in 2018, launching SymControlCare, based on active sea ingredients to regulate skin’s sebum production and strengthen the skin barrier. There is so much excitement in harnessing the power of marine ingredients; share your favorite applications!

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Clinical grade Ayurvedic beauty leads past merely ‘clean’

Excited to embark on a 5,000-year journey through beauty rituals? While ‘clean’ beauty once dominated the scene, it’s now paving the way for new, exciting trends and innovations. In a recent Harris Williams Health & Beauty survey, 91.9% of beauty consumers today believe product efficacy outweighs ‘clean.’ Instead, a shift towards blending performance with ancient Ayurvedic plant-based, moving beyond just the clinical approach.

Ayurvedic holistic skincare

Imagine a significant change in the beauty industry when giants like Estée Lauder and Puig began investing heavily in Ayurvedic brands based in India. Present-day skincare advancements give a testament to the seamless blend of contemporary science with ancient wisdom. This harmonious convergence celebrates the intersection of psychodermatology and Ayurvedic principles, promising groundbreaking innovations for healthier skin.

With this in mind, learn about the idea of the intricate relationship between the mind and skin. Conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea transcend surface-level manifestations, and may serve as barometers of internal equilibrium. Ayurveda introduces the concept of doshas—three fundamental energies contributing to our physiology and skin health.

Delving into the intricacies of Ayurvedic doshas, you learn about how they can play a supporting role in skin health. Visualize the vata dosha, reminiscent of the wind, causing dryness, while the fiery pitta dosha exacerbates inflammation. An imbalance in the earthy kapha dosha, especially in harsh environmental conditions, can also lead to congestion and pore dilation. Among these doshas, fiery pitta types often grapple with skin inflammation and sensitivity, potentially compromising skin integrity and increasing vulnerability at the dermal-epidermal junction.

Transitioning to contemporary applications of Ayurveda, Puig’s Kama Ayurveda, co-founded by Vivek Sahni in 2002, entered the UK beauty market in June 2023, boasting 65 standalone stores in India and 75 concessions. Offering on-site consultations with Ayurvedic Vaidyas, including traditional pulse readings, Sahni’s brand prioritizes sustainability and leverages Ayurvedic principles to support elephant rewilding initiatives in India.

Industry experts predict the global market for Ayurveda products will reach $21.2 billion by 2028. The latest figures reveal an unprecedented surge in interest, with searches for ‘Ayurveda beauty’ skyrocketing by 213% in the UK last year. Clearly pioneering in the field, online retail giant Lookfantastic reported a remarkable 71.67% spike in ‘Ayurveda’ searches during the same period.

Mintel’s Beauty and Personal Care Research points to a burgeoning fascination with Ayurvedic solutions in mainstream beauty products. These natural compounds, often derived from herbs, work in harmony with the body’s processes. Take salicylic acid, a common ingredient found naturally in herbs.

Hair health on the rise

The rise of Indian skincare and hair products infused with Ayurvedic wisdom is making waves. In comparison to remedies that address only symptoms, Ayurveda wants to target the root cause of issues. Among the standout options for luxurious locks is Fable & Mane Ayurvedic Hair Care. 

Created by sibling founders Akash and Nikita Mehta, inspired by their grandmother applying oils, it sees a third-year expansion in 2024 to new territories. The duo focuses on creating volumizing products tailored for fine to medium hair types often weighed down by excessive hydration. After the iconic Hair Oil flanker this year, they are also launching a broader expansion into styling. The brand has garnered a massive cult following, with #fableandmane achieving over 81 million views on TikTok.

Indigenous Indian fragrances receiving recognition

The global fragrance industry enthusiastically embraces India’s exquisite scents, from the enchanting jasmine to the luxurious sandalwood and oud. Niche brands like  Call of the Valley, LilaNur, and Bombay Perfumery are ushering in a new era, elevating these exquisite fragrances onto the global stage.

According to Euromonitor International, the luxury fragrance market in India is poised for remarkable growth, projected to swell from $198.5 million to $228.2 million by 2024. 

In India, scent culture saturates daily life—from fragrant homes to bustling streets and flower-adorned hair. This sensory tapestry of spices, herbs, and intoxicating blooms steeped in tradition. Now, brands are embracing this heritage, exploring ancient beauty solutions, and honoring Ayurvedic principles. This revival empowers Indian-founded brands and enchants fragrance enthusiasts worldwide.

Share your thoughts below on the ingredients and brands that ignite your senses.

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#InspireInclusion theme for International Women’s Day – a look back and forward

Step into a century of history – the inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) unfolded in March 1911. March 8 dives into a day of global activism and celebration dedicated to uplifting women worldwide. The U.N. advocates, ‘Invest in women: Accelerate Progress.’ In 2024, embrace #InspireInclusion, is aiming for a bias-free, stereotype-free, and discrimination-free gender-equal world. Wondering how to join? Read on! Discover ways to celebrate and support through food, fragrances, fashion and resources.

Inclusion in beverages and food

Brands are breaking barriers through women-led and women-uplifting initiatives. Chikas offers a delicious range of savory West African-inspired snacks. Founder Chika, the youngest of seven, invites you to “Discover the Magic of Winter Flavours,” drawing inspiration from her family recipes that bring joy. Through her snacks, she helps to create jobs in her UK shop and her manufacturing facility in Lagos, Nigeria. You can read about Chika’s endeavors and discover recipes through her blog. 

The McBride Sisters, the largest Black-owned wine company, hail from wine regions in Monterey, California, and Marlborough, New Zealand. While located nearly 7,000 miles apart and unaware of each other for half their lives, they came together in 1999. Starting a wine company and SHE CAN fund, they offer canned wines, bottled selections, and brunch ideas). Robin McBride’s message: “Encourage women to color outside the lines, never settle, and empower each other because, as we always say, empowered women empower women.”

Chanyu Xu, CEO of her1 in Berlin, passionately supports women’s holistic well-being across all ages and life stages. Focused on women’s health, sustainability, and the food tech industry, her1 offers functional foods, medicinal plants, and natural probiotics.

Female focused fragrances

Discover a fragrant revolution: women breaking into the fragrance industry’s traditional “nose” domain! Philippa Biles, part of this change at True Grace, united with her husband Roger to celebrate their love for delicate scents. True Grace evolved from a Portobello Market stall into one of England’s premier candle makers, operating from a sustainably focused, carbon-neutral factory. Their latest collection, Essence of England, embraces forest and nature therapy, whisking fans away to mossy, moody moors reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel!

Another notable woman to watch is Amy Christiansen, the founder of Sana Jardin Paris. She transitioned from addressing inequalities at The Clinton Foundation to supporting female “micro-entrepreneurs” in developing countries through fragrance. The popular Discovery Set offers eight vials, including flowers collected by chanting Moroccan women, with a £35 voucher redeemable against purchasing a full-size fragrance.

Similarly, female-founded FrassaÏ of Argentina offers a Discovery Set with 50 € that can get fully redeemed with any 50 ml/1.7 oz fragrance purchase. Realizing that Argentina and Latin America were little recognized in fine perfumery, Natalia Outeda created sensorial journeys. For 2024, her latest fragrance story  Teisenddu, takes wearers on “a voyage on the Mimosa from Wales to Patagonia.”

Empowering Fashion

Want to show support through your clothing? Discover Eileen Fisher’s continuing collection – Love, Peru – an organic cotton fair trade project seeking to uplift the Peruvian community. Harvey Nichols offers several pieces, including the versatile knitted cotton tunic in neutral bone. 

After decades of featuring Navajo-inspired designs, Ralph Lauren recently debuted the first “Artist in Residence” collection with Naiomi Glass, a seventh-generation Diné textile artist and designer. Sales will support Change Labs, a Native-led nonprofit preserving cultural heritage and aiding Navajo and Hopi small businesses with social and educational assistance.

Inspire others to help forge an inclusive world by sharing your #InspireInclusion image across social media using #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion.

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The trend that continues

Defying the odds of most micro-trends, vanilla heads into 2024 more robust than ever. If you feel curious about the continued fascination with this global favorite, read on!

Food Ingredients First notes the versatility of this ingredient, projecting growth in various sectors, from foods and beverages to beauty. Vanilla grown in Uganda will feature more creamy notes, while Indonesian varieties offer smoky, and woody qualities. Tanzanian vanilla features more of a “savory” caramel and maple profile, while Papua New Guinea conveys long-lasting buttery, fruity, and flowery qualities. With 70-80% of the world’s vanilla, Madagascar offers producers seeking familiar bourbon, raisin, and balsamic notes a prime source.

Invoking nostalgia

Vanilla’s popularity has soared for the last two years, fueled by nostalgia for the ’90s aesthetic. Beginning in 2023, TikTok’s Vanilla Girl look ushered in gourmand scents, cozy knits, and a stealth wealth palette of shades of creamy whites and tans. From 1.9 billion views, interest currently stands at 58.1 billion and counting. During unsettling times, It Girls like Hailey Bieber and Matilda Djerf have favored cozy monochrome dressing and layers. In the beauty world, vanilla-flavored lip gloss has enjoyed popularity. According to Spate NYC (an A.I.-based trend platform), vanilla lotions and the fragrance world cover the areas to watch.

Vanilla body

Spate began citing a +29.8 year-over-year growth and 4.7k average monthly searches for vanilla lotion. To quote the service, “Vanilla may be a basic scent, but for good reason, as so many of us associate body lotion with the scent of vanilla.” They note competitors, highlighting EOS, particularly their Vanilla Cashmere Body Lotion with Shea Butter (part of the SHEA BETTER Sustainability Program). Pro tip: Enhance the experience by layering with your favorite fragrance! 

Speaking of vanilla fragrances, industry expert Olya Bar recently offered her take on new vanilla favorites on Spotify. According to Olya Bar, indie and designer fragrances jumped on the trend with key vanilla directions. “Solar Vanilla” attracts those drawn to sunny, happy vanilla with island ingredients, while “Spicy” leans towards leathery and woodsy notes. Another vanilla category entails the “milky, fluffy gourmand.” According to Bar, the latest trend comes from “savory” releases, providing a salty counterbalance to vanilla’s typical sweetness.

Noseworthy

Wondering what to look for as the vanilla fragrance trend develops? Both Vogue and expert Bar recommend Burberry Goddess, which she calls “almost a blueberry vanilla.” Bar says reviews were mixed on Tom Ford Vanilla Sex, launched late in 2023, moving into the new year. While many were anticipating the heady rush of Ford’s previous scents, she noted this was ahead of a nut trend, specifically almond used with vanilla. 

NEST NY Madagascar Vanilla Perfume Oil, also sustainably sourced, remains alcohol-free and crafted with luxurious baobab oil. Nest suggests adding drops to a scent-free body lotion to create your custom fragrance experience. In the celebrity department, Frankie Grande claims his sister Ariana Grande’s MOD Vanilla Eau de Parfum to be his favorite of all her products. He says, “I wear it everywhere and get so many compliments every time I put it on.”

Symrise’s long history in vanilla

The discovery of the vanillin synthesis from coniferin in 1874 by the founders of Symrise formed the start of everything for the company. With this year, celebrating the 150^th anniversary of a fantastic discovery, Symrise celebrates the acknowledged Queen of Spices by offering sustainable vanilla solutions.

With the nostalgia and versatility of vanilla highlighted in many lifestyle facets, do weigh in on your favorites!

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