Latest news with #CarissaFerreri
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
This SPF-Infused Summer Cosmetic Is Sure To Break The Internet
The sun protection category has never been considered particularly sexy, but Australian sunscreen line Naked Sundays is determined to prove otherwise. Dermatologists are adamant that sunscreen is the most important skincare step when it comes to skin health, both in terms of preventing skin cancer and anti-aging concerns. Yet when it comes to applying makeup, the step is often considered secondary to ensuring seamless product application. As model and 'sunscreen influencer' Ayumi Yokoyama told me in Los Angeles, one of her top considerations when testing SPF formulas is how well they pair with cosmetics. The last thing you want is for your cosmetics to bead atop the skincare and sunscreen beneath it, while it can be a hassle to re-apply sunscreen without the makeup beneath it budging. These common concerns are all reasons why Naked Sundays has disrupted the sunscreen category, particularly in the overlap where suncare-meets-makeup. 'What sets Naked Sundays apart is their ability to create SPF products that don't feel like sunscreen,' says celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri. 'They offer real protection in formulas that glide on like skincare, enhance like makeup and layer seamlessly without feeling heavy or pilling.' Ferreri's observations provide insight as to why the Aussie line has become such a viral sensation Stateside. One of her favorite products is the brand's first viral product, the Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF50+, $35, for quick sunscreen re-applications atop makeup. She also names the Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen Perfecting Priming Base, $25, an 'ideal' priming base beneath makeup. But it is their viral line of blushing and bronzing CabanaGlow Mineral Glow Drops SPF 50, $35, that she dubs as 'staples.' These dew-enhancing complexion products have taken the brand to the next level, with over 2,479% increase in retail sales in 2024 alone. They also sold out no less than seven times when introduced exclusively at Ulta. 'When I first came up with the concept for Naked Sundays, I wanted to solve an issue that myself and so many others had: that it was impossible to reapply sunscreen over makeup,' writes Samantha Brett, CEO and founder of Naked Sundays, in an e-mail. Celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri creates a look using the new Naked Sundays SPF 50-infused balm tints. Jessica Ourisman The story behind this social media-viral brand then began when she became determined to close this gap in the market. From the cultural context of Australia's high emphasis on sun protection (the country has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world), she then set out to create skin protection with skincare benefits in cosmetics-grade formulas that even celebrity makeup artists could stand behind. Cream blush had already overtaken the beauty industry as one of the most-coveted textures for topping dewy complexions. Now, their extension of their blush category with the GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Sticks is likely to become one of Summer 2025's top launches. Able to be used atop the eyes, lips and cheeks, the multi-tasking formula relays pops of color in three different shades—Dusty Pink, Pink Pop and Bronze—that blend and imbue the skin with peptides, vitamin E, cacao seed and, of course, sun protection. 'We knew people loved the original CabanaGlow SPF50 serum blush and shimmers, but we wanted to give our customers something even easier to throw in their bags and reapply on the go,' Brett continues. 'The multi-stick format just made sense; it helps you add an extra layer of sun protection without sacrificing your makeup or glow.' Their viral growth also has to do with their business model and consistency across beauty markets. Specifically, the decision to formulate according to globally complaint regulations around SPF (as each country's market possesses distinct regulations around the labelling of sun protection) has streamlined their launch process. 'Getting a product to be SPF 50 compliant in multiple markets is a major undertaking and can take many years. It means rigorous testing for efficacy, stability and safety,' she admits. 'But it was important to me to be globally compliant from day one because we knew we wanted Naked Sundays to be able to reach people across the globe.' For reference, part of the reason that you cannot currently purchase the Chanel CC Creams in the United States is rumored to be due to this exact issue—the legality around its SPF 50 label. This struggle can also be seen with the Australian brand Ultra Violette, a buzzy sunscreen line whose launch in the United States has required re-formulations and even delays around certain of their SKUs. One skincare influencer has even helped her followers to order and import the Australian formulas of the line as opposed to the ones manufactured for the United States market. This was never an option for Brett, who wanted to ensure each product launch would be suitable for entry into all global markets from day one—even if it took extra work. Another part of the brand's DNA has been their commitment to innovating with textures. This was evident from their original viral product, the Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up Spray. While infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum, what made it extra unique was that the SPF 50 sunscreen was specifically designed to be applied over makeup like a setting spray. Again, being globally compliant also meant it was highly accessible to consumers worldwide. 'This product was the game-changer for us and our first product to go viral,' Brett explains of the sun protective mist, which is essentially a hybrid of sun protection and setting spray. 'People weren't just reapplying their sunscreen—they were excited to do it. It sparked a movement and set the tone for the multi-tasking products that followed.' There have admittedly already been spray-on sunscreens designed for use over makeup, such as the less well-known but beloved Seriously Fab Zinc It Over line. The indie brand's non-nano Zinc formula is a shoe-in for those that shop exclusive for 'clean' beauty brands. However, its SPF 25 designation falls short of Naked Sundays' SPF 50. It also comes in at a higher price point of $44.50 as opposed to $35, while being generally less accessible as a strictly direct-to-consumer line. As for the new GlowBalms, their 22.75% zinc oxide levels—the mineral sun blocker used—is also significant as the mineral is notoriously difficult to formulate with when it comes to product texture. Brett points out, these new tints took some two years to formulate—and the effort shows. In the TikTok above, Ferreri was able to blend this new category of 'functional cosmetics' into a glow-enhancing look that is as worthy of a special event as a day at the office, while affording a level of protection that is fit for the beach. 'For the look, I started with the CabanaGlow serums as a base, which I applied using my fingers to help it melt it into the skin for a seamless finish. Then I then layered the glow sticks strategically: on the high points of the cheeks, brow bones, and a touch on the bridge of the nose,' Ferreri explains. After using a brush to pick up and transfer the product onto my face, she then used a damp beauty blender to soften the pigment into my complexion. To set, she opted for powder due to my oily complexion. But for dryer skin types, this step can be skipped so the Glow Mist can easily lock everything in while keeping the skin luminous, fresh and protected throughout the day. As far as tips for using the stick format of the balm, the celebrity makeup artist shares that they are extremely convenient for 'travel, touch-ups or to simplify the kit' as well as for drier skin types for whom they can bring back glow without caking. You can also underpaint with them, applying them as a base before liquid makeup to ensure that the products blend in without lifting. If you are using the stick for touch-ups, after already applying makeup, Ferreri says to 'pat it on gently with the fingers or a sponge to avoid disrupting the makeup layers beneath.' "Don't be afraid to use these products like hybrids—SPF, skincare and makeup all in one,' Ferreri says in a final point. 'They're buildable, layer-able and skin-friendly.' With the Naked Sundays SPF50 GlowBalm Mineral Peptide Stick, $28, available to shop online, it's officially time to get your summer beauty looks ready.
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Experts Call This Brown Mascara A ‘Minimalist Staple' In Spring Beauty
Clean beauty brand Ilia launches a new brown mascara this Spring 2025. For years, a coat or two of black mascara was a non-negotiable final step in makeup regimens worldwide. Besides a handful of specific cases—on blondes, for instance, or those going for an intentionally natural aesthetic—the high contrast drama afforded by jet-black lashes was simply the most-desired look. But Spring 2025 beauty trends are changing a long-held industry status-quo as brands like Sisley, Lisa Eldridge Makeup and the clean beauty brand Ilia have all introduced brown mascaras into their lineups. The brown mascara trend is delighting beauty consumers and industry experts alike, with celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri confirming that she has been reaching for brown mascara daily. There were signs predicting that the pendulum swing in favor of the softer looks of brown mascaras and liners. After Latte Makeup swept TikTok last year, celebrity makeup artist Allen Avendaño gave the deep espresso style a gentle makeover with the shimmery browns and champagne hues of his Iced Latte makeup, notably topped by none other than brown mascara. Ilia Beauty The brown mascara trend has spread to various beauty niches, from the luxury sphere to the clean beauty sector's ingredient-conscious crowd. Back when Ilia's Limitless Lash Mascara, $29, first launched seven years ago, it was widely considered to be clean beauty's best mascara to-date—particularly for those favoring soft, fluttery lash aesthetics. The clean brand's fans were unambiguous in their desire for a clean brown mascara to launch. 'Our customers strongly expressed the need for a brown mascara, especially over the last few years,' writes Sasha Plavsic, the founder of Ilia Beauty, in an e-mail to In the last year alone, she reports receiving 'nearly 1,000 direct requests' for their cult-favorite clean mascara to launch in a brown shade. It was only natural that Ilia acquiesce with the rich brown hue, 'Before Dawn', now available and giving the 'clean girl aesthetic' a new, literal meaning. Below, learn more about the brown mascara trend and why experts call it a must-have makeup essential for Spring. On set, there have always been certain cases when brown mascara was called for as opposed to the traditional black. Makeup artist Diane Caranica explains that on blonde clients with 'softer facial features' or 'light eyebrows and lashes,' black mascara can sometimes look 'too jarring or intense.' This is especially pertinent when the brand, director or client is going for a more natural look, such as at beach shoots. 'Brown mascara doesn't look like there is so much makeup on,' Caranica says on a phone call. 'It just gives a nice, natural flow.' Occasionally, she will opt to apply black mascara at the base of the lash, but use brown mascara at the tips, in order to keep the overall look more natural. Celebrity makeup artist Natasha Denona also recently revealed that she sometimes uses black mascara only on the upper lashes when creating her iconic eye makeup looks, reserving another hue for the bottom. Ilia Beauty Celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, who works with stars like Lorde, Auli'i Cravalho and Jenny Slate, points out that brown mascara is also ideal for the daytime. She will specifically reach for Ilia's new launch when wants the eyelashes to look more subtle, or when she wants the eyeliner or shadow to stand out as opposed to the lashes. 'I also use it when I want the focal point of my makeup to be another feature, like the lips or cheeks,' Bhatty says. This has often been the case in her recent work with clients. 'The brown mascara trend really leans into the minimalist beauty trend, which we have been seeing rise for the last several seasons.' All of this speaks to an overall interest in playing with bold versus gentle eye makeup, and how this is achieved with the lashes. In the last year, some beauty trends even saw looks that forewent mascara altogether. But the bottom line is that as far as mascara goes, the color itself is only part of a winning equation. Individual preferences for relative 'tackiness,' longevity and viscosity all determine which mascara becomes regularly reached-for in your beauty kit. Those that seek lash volume, as opposed to length, might prefer tubing mascaras, like Sisley Paris Phyto-Noir Mascara, $85, in the shade 'Deep Brown'. But those in favor of soft, fanned-out lashes tend to prefer non-clumping or lengthening mascaras that can hold just the right amount of curl. Ilia Beauty 'I love a lengthening mascara that separates [the lashes],' Bhatty says, naming Ilia's Limitless Lash formulation to the the 'most versatile' in her kit. 'It's a beautiful lengthening formula that has lasting [duration]; the lashes look longer without clumping. It is a natural choice for both the red carpet and days on-set.' Ilia's formula also imparts haircare ingredients like Arginine, Biotin and ethically-sourced beeswax via a beloved applicator (they tested over a hundred wands when formulating). As for their new brown shade, Bhatty calls it 'very flattering' for all complexions in tones. As Plavsic points out, they sought a brown hue that 'was not too warm yet not too cool,' and that would suit any eye color and be suitable for sensitive eyes. With Spring's arrival and beauty's seasonal evolution underway, it remains to be seen whether consumers choose to stick with minimalist beauty's new must-have mascara. After all, the beauty industry is known for its ever-expanding options. Mascara alone has seen newcomers to promote lash growth, like Revitalash Length Define Tubing Mascara, luxury newcomers like Prada Beauty Pradascope Lash Lifting & Lengthening Mascara, as well as those that impart lash-benefitting actives, like Ilia's Limitless Lash Mascara. But while the verdict is still out, Bhatty encourages beauty-lovers to experiment using the myriad brown mascaras and liners that are emerging. She specifically suggests pairing brown mascara with makeup looks featuring 'glowing skin, a statement lip, a bright bold cheek [or] a brown winged liner—the list goes on and on,' she says. The good news is that whether you are personally a fan of volumizing or lengthening mascaras, or consider yourself to be a luxury-lover or a clean beauty purist, you now have plenty of options to choose from with even more to come.
