The Top Beauty Stories of 2014

This image is no longer available

What was trending this year in the world of beauty? For 2014 we saw the emergence of mature models fronting beauty campaigns as the industry finally wised up to the buying power of older women. This year also brought out a gentler, more subdued version of the nail art sub-culture, one that favoured neutral colours and simple negative-space patterns. And when it came to the alphabet creams (BB, CC, and DD), they went big time, finding their way into our haircare and skincare products.

Below, we look back at some of the top beauty stories of 2014.

[slideshow]

Tilda Swinton, 59, the face of NARS for spring 2015

Older Women Take Centre Stage
In a world dominated and driven by the pursuit of perpetual youth, the beauty industry turned a 180 and began hiring women over 50 to front marketing campaigns.

Read more: Grey Days Ahead – Why the Beauty Industry is Wising Up to the Spending Power of 50-Plus Women

//next page//

Ours by Cheryl Hickey 3-in-1 Cleansing Oil, $15, Rexall Pharma Plus; F. Miller Face Oil, $74, fmillerskincare.com; OGX Hydrating + De-Frizz Kukui Oil Frizz Defying Curl Cream, $10, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Target

Oil Change
Oil pulling for oral health, cleansing oils for the face, and coconut oil for the hair — 2014 brought the slick stuff to the forefront of our beauty routines.

Read more: How to Combat Frizzy Hair with Kukui Oil

//next page//

Nailing Innovation
The sub-culture that is nail art went mainstream a few years ago, but this year saw the emergence of a gentler, more accessible interpretation of the trend.

//next page//

Jergens BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream, $13, Shoppers Drug Mart; Bite Beauty BB for Lips, $28, Sephora; 9-in-1 Rimmel BB Cream Matte, $10, mass and drug stores across Canada

Alphabet Creams Go Big
From hair serums to body lotions, BB creams, CC creams and DD creams made their way from Korean cult-status products to mainstream North American skincare staples.

//next page//

Help for Hands
The fight against aging skin took a turn to the hands this year as products like Hand Chemistry Intensive Youth Complex ($20, Shoppers Drug Mart) launched as a way soften the look of wrinkles and improve elasticity.

Read more: EZ Beauty – Hand Chemistry Intensive Youth Complex

//next page//

Sally Hansen Gel Shine 3D Top Coat, $15, mass and drug retailers across Canada; Benefit They’re Real! Push Up eyeliner, $29, Sephora; Conair Infiniti Pro Curl Secret, $110, Well.ca

Go Pro
This year we were treated to a plethora of products and tools designed to give everyday women expert results, from the flawless cat eye liner to perfectly coiled curls.

[/slideshow]