What’s trending: Top stories on APAC beauty market and consumer insights

Younger consumers drawn to lip, cheek makeup for self-expression - Chioture​

C-beauty brand Chioture is seeing growing demand for lip and cheek makeup which it believes is driving by the younger consumers’ desire for experimentation and self-expression.

The brand’s biggest sellers today are its many lip and cheek makeup products.

“The biggest trend today among younger consumers is that they want to do things for themselves. Putting on makeup is not for anyone else, and they are not pursuing it to be beautiful. Makeup is for their own self-expression, to show their moods and attitudes,” said Susie Jiang, head of overseas marketing, Chioture.

Hong Kong beauty sales at risk as shoppers flock to Shenzhen warehouse stores​​

Beauty retailer Sa Sa says spending in Hong Kong, especially on during weekends and public holidays, is being impacted as locals flock to Shenzhen in search of bulk deals.

Hong Kong residents are now making increasing trips to their locations in Shenzhen, which is a mere 15 to 20 minutes away by high-speed rail.

While the firm believes this new consumer behaviour is not impacting Hong Kong’s beauty market directly so far, it noted that impact is felt as locals are not spending time or money in the city.

Psychodermatology will play key role in tackling oily skin, scalp health concerns in APAC​

Asia Pacific will see the emerging concept of psychodermatology play a larger role in tackling oily skin and scalp health concerns, according to a leading formulation expert.

When we are under stress, our bodies release cortisol, one of the stress hormones. The overproduction of cortisol can impact our mental health and skin greatly.

With an increased interest in mental health, the connection between our psychological well-being and skin health – psychodermatology – is emerging as a compelling concept.

Can luxury niche beauty brands crack brick-and-mortar retail Vietnam?​​

Luxury niche beauty brands have significant potential in physical retail in Vietnam as incomes steadily rise, and despite the strength of e-commerce.

Vietnam's rapidly growing middle-class and even faster-growing affluent population are eager to splurge on luxury beauty products, reflecting their rising social status and increased disposable income.

“In comparison to other developed luxury markets in South East Asia, Vietnamese consumers are more brand conscious and actively seek out international, especially European and American brands,” said Nguyen Ngoc Phong Dinh, country manager, Vietnam, LUXASIA, which recently launched its escentials store in the country.

Karmart to launch two new derma beauty brands in expansion and premiumisation effort​​

Thai beauty conglomerate Karmart will launch two derma skin care brands later this year as part of plans to expand and premiumise its beauty portfolio.

ACCA was developed in collaboration with dermatologists from Thailand and Japan, while Dr NIKS was created in collaboration with Thai dermatologists. 

Dr. NIKS will focus on sheet masks while ACCA will focus on acne care but have other ranges as well. The brands are set to launch sometime in August this year.