What do dramatic kohl-rimmed eyes, illuminated skin and a pop of berry on the lips have in common? All are key looks for the season by way of beauty. New York City-based makeup artist, stylist and entrepreneur Vanessa Ungaro of Lauren+Vanessa Hair and Beauty took time to chat with Happi about the latest cosmetic trends for Fall 2016:

Happi: In regards to the marketplace, what qualities are shoppers looking for in cosmetics and where do they go to find the latest products?

Ungaro: The beauty industry is a very visual and tactile industry.  When the consumer is shopping she or he will go online to read reviews but will most probably go to the store to touch, feel and get a sample of the product first before buying.  Beauty boutiques are taking reign over department stores because the smaller brands aren’t able to manufacture the quantity that department stores require, but they are the ones who are thinking out of the box with ingredients and colors.

The shopper is definitely aware of the ingredients that are being put into all of the products she uses.  You can find coconut infused cheek stains, avocado oil in lipsticks, and camellia flower oil in face serums.  The world is becoming more aware of the effects of toxins in beauty and skin care. They want to see more natural ingredients.

Happi:  What are the hottest trends right now in beauty?

Ungaro: Women want glowing skin. Illuminators, whether it be powder or liquid are here to stay. Say goodbye to super matte complexions. Even women with oily complexions can find an illuminator that will work for them.  You can pump a drop of illuminator into your foundation or dust a powder illuminator on the high part of you cheekbones and bridge of nose. 

Lashes! Women want bold, long, voluminous lashes. There can never be enough mascaras to test.  Women want mascara that creates the faux lash look, stays put, doesn’t smudge and washes off easily; I love Benefit They’re Real mascara.

Happi: Are there any crucial components that are big right now in cosmetic products?

Ungaro: Hyaluronic acid—also known as hyaluronan—is in every foundation, tinted moisturizer and skin cream. It regenerates skin tissue and restores suppleness to the skin. Avocado oil, the new humectant for lips. It is deeply absorbed combatting any dry, chapped lips. You can find avocado oil in Lauren+Vanessa lipstick. 

Camellia flower oil nourishes the skin, is non-comedogenic, and is enriched with vitamins, phenols and omega-9 fatty acids. The best part is that it never, ever feels greasy.

Happi: What are the future trends for 2017 and beyond?

Ungaro: Contouring is very popular and I’m happy to see that women are taking their beauty routines seriously.  However, contouring is not for the everyday working women unless she has a full hour to do her hair and makeup.  Skin care is going to start to play a huge role because many women are learning that if you have great skin you don’t have to layer on foundation. A BB cream or tinted moisturizer is enough. 

When it comes to pigments, I think that the cat eye will never go out of style. The smokey eye is taking a turn as well. It’s becoming a bit more French inspired. Rather than layering and contouring four colors together, women will use a kohl liner to smudge on the lid, then define with a liner at the lashline and lots of mascara. For lipsticks, women don’t necessarily want to go as deep in color. Women will be going toward blush pinks or berry colors.