New Report Shows How Beauty is Getting More Connected

Digital tools for consumers to manage their beauty and hygiene are heating up, according to a new analysis from Canadean, "Top Trends in Toiletries and Hygiene." Recent innovations have included Shiseido's beauty consultation app, the OKU skin scanner and Perfect Corp.'s virtual makeover app.

"The boom in smartphones has ... led to greater interest in more intelligent and integrated solutions, which can monitor and better manage specific facets surrounding personal hygiene, and well-being more generally," according to an official announcement.

These solutions will appeal to tech-savvy millennials, as well as any consumer seeking a more proactive diagnostic solution for personalized health, hygiene and general wellness. This appetite for innovation can create new space for apps (like YouCam Makeup), smartphone-compatible tools (like OKU) and outright partnerships with technology brands.

"Untangle's goal is to increase conversation between appointments. It equips professionals with a tool that helps them create genuine connections with their clients while also empowering consumers to work confidently towards their own beauty and wellness goals."

One such example is Untangle, a mobile app "gives consumers the opportunity to have one-on-one communication with their stylists, beauty, spa, and wellness professionals" through the sharing of regimens, calendar alerts, messaging for real-time communication, video tutorials and even mobile-optimized e-commerce. Untangle is currently prepping for a 2017 mass-market launch.

"I'm thrilled that Untangle has been validated by an award as reputable as the 2016 International Business Awards," said Untangle founder and CEO Jēnna Reese. "Instead of using technology to reduce human interaction, Untangle's goal is to increase conversation between appointments. It equips professionals with a tool that helps them create genuine connections with their clients while also empowering consumers to work confidently towards their own beauty and wellness goals."