Featuring: Jane Palmer, CEO, Nature Coatings; Elodie Carpentier, General Manager & Co-Founder, Le Rouge Français; and Shiyan Zering, Senior Research Analyst, Mintel

The color cosmetics sector is entering a new phase of transformation. While creativity, self-expression and trend-led innovation remain central to the category, brands are increasingly navigating economic uncertainty, changing consumer expectations, sustainability demands and evolving regulations.

In this episode of In Conversation With, industry experts discuss how value, trust, ingredient transparency, artificial intelligence and regulatory change are reshaping the future of makeup and creating new opportunities for brands that can successfully balance performance, sustainability and consumer confidence.

Consumers remain engaged with color cosmetics, but purchasing decisions are becoming increasingly selective.

According to Mintel's Shiyan Zering, value today extends far beyond price. Consumers are evaluating products based on:

As beauty routines become more streamlined, consumers are less willing to experiment with products that fail to deliver immediate results.

Pull quote: “Growth will come from solving everyday frustrations rather than chasing trends.” — Shiyan Zering

For brands, this creates opportunities to focus on wear performance, comfort, shade matching and products that simplify daily routines.

Demand for natural, transparent and non-toxic formulations continues to grow, particularly among younger consumers who are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about ingredients.

Jane Palmer believes sustainability and safety are no longer premium differentiators but baseline expectations.

Consumers increasingly expect:

Pull quote: “Consumers want proof, not promises.” — Jane Palmer

Elodie Carpentier adds that color cosmetics still lags behind skincare when it comes to certified natural and organic formulations, creating opportunities for further innovation.

Artificial intelligence is transforming both the consumer experience and product development process.

On the consumer side, technologies such as:

are helping reduce purchasing uncertainty and improve confidence.

Behind the scenes, AI is accelerating innovation by helping brands:

Pull quote: “Technology works best when it removes friction and helps consumers make confident decisions.” — Shiyan Zering

While sustainability remains important, consumers increasingly view it as an expectation rather than a differentiator.

The panel agrees that performance remains the primary driver of purchase decisions.

Poor-performing products that are abandoned before use create unnecessary waste and undermine sustainability efforts.

For ingredient suppliers, this means delivering sustainable alternatives that match or exceed conventional performance standards.

Jane Palmer highlights growing interest in:

Pull quote: “Price, performance and transparency have to work together.” — Jane Palmer

The industry continues to adapt to increasing scrutiny around:

Rather than slowing innovation, the panel views regulation as a catalyst for change.

New regulatory requirements are encouraging suppliers and brands to develop safer, more sustainable alternatives while improving transparency across the value chain.

Pull quote: “Regulatory pressure is forcing the industry to innovate faster and more responsibly.” — Elodie Carpentier

The panel identified several themes likely to shape the category in 2026 and beyond:

Together, these trends point towards a color cosmetics market where trust, performance and sustainability must work hand in hand.

This discussion explores how the color cosmetics industry is evolving beyond trends, with expert insights into consumer behaviour, clean beauty, artificial intelligence, sustainable innovation and regulatory change. For brands, suppliers and formulators, it offers a valuable look at the forces shaping the category in 2026.