Today’s color cosmetics consumers are increasingly demanding durability, multi-functionality, sensory appeal, and sustainable sourcing. At Mintel’s recent Future of Colour Cosmetics webinar, presenter Clare Hennigan, principal analyst – beauty and personal care global platform, outlined the direction the category is heading.
We spoke with Hennigan for her insights into the most important takeaways for U.S. manufacturers and suppliers.
1. Long wear is baseline, and added value is where the race is won
Durability remains essential for lips, eyes, nails, and the face, but what truly sets a product apart is what happens beyond that.
“Long‑lasting wear is a top priority across nearly every color cosmetic sub‑category,” Hennigan said. On top of that, she flagged buildable coverage, gentler formulations, and consumer appetite for hybrid performance of functional cosmetic product options.
Suppliers, she noted, are increasingly judged on how well they support that evolution. Stability, user experience, and safety (especially for sensitive skin) have to rise in priority. “These advancements should aim to improve performance and stability, ensure safety for sensitive skin, and provide a unique application experience for the consumer,” she added.
2. Sensory experience can no longer be an afterthought
Texture, scent, and the feel of the tool each influence how a product is perceived, used, and remembered.
“Ingredient suppliers can develop and offer sensorial ingredients that enhance, or change, texture and/or color upon application,” Hennigan noted.
In lip and nail formats, especially, she sees room to integrate scent as a memorable touch. “Explore ways to incorporate scent into lip and nail cosmetics that create a pleasant, memorable experience without irritating sensitive skin,” she said.
Packaging, too, is part of this sensory matrix. Consumers respond to tools that feel intuitive or visually distinct.
Hennigan mentioned ergonomic applicators and audible feedback (like clicks) as features that can reinforce a premium experience. “Packaging suppliers can develop solutions that offer visual novelty and elevate the application experience,” she said.
3. Sustainability is pushing innovation upstream
Transparency in the supply chain remains a pressing concern for consumers as well. Hennigan noted that plant-based pigments and biotech alternatives (like biotech carmine) are already gaining traction as ingredients. “These are emerging as climate‑resilient solutions that reduce exposure to volatile agricultural supply chains,” she said.
But scaling is still a challenge. She urged more collaboration across industries.
For example, she illustrated, sectors like food and agriculture generate byproducts that could be used in beauty products. “By forming strategic partnerships with industries like food and agriculture, suppliers can secure access to high-quality byproducts for upcycling,” she explained.
Shared infrastructure across sectors might accelerate the shift from lab to shelf.
4. Trend agility must not come at the cost of core products
Quick responses to micro-trends are essential in color cosmetics. But launching new SKUs for every trend is a slippery slope.
Hennigan argues for smart adaptation over reinvention. “Manufacturers can reposition existing products to deliver trending results instead of launching entirely new SKUs,” she said.
Suppliers who want to stay relevant can help by offering modular tools—formulas and packaging that are inherently flexible. “Suppliers can support this by offering ready-to-customize base formulas and adaptable packaging solutions, enabling rapid market response,” Hennigan added.
A replay of the webinar can be accessed here.
