Want to know what is happening in the world of beauty globally?

Then check out market analyst Mintel's online Beauty Innovation service, which focuses on analysis of new product launches in the beauty and personal care industry.

It covers niche, prestige, masstige (premium brands without preminum pricing) and mass-market products in more than 50 countries, and gives a complete picture of the global beauty market.

The latest finding show that no less than a mind-boggling 57,000 new products were launched in 2008 - which equates to 156 a day, and considerably more than is used in even the most elaborate beauty regime.

The key trend has been a shift towards a more honest approach to personal care, states the report. There is a real backlash against the insincere celebrity culture, along with a desire to return to something more meaningful and pure. Proof of the pudding is that organic, ethical and all natural products accounted for 15% - or, to put it another way, one in every seven beauty product launches in 2008, up from just one in 10 in 2007.

That said, the trend has gone one step further.

According to Beauty Innovation head consultant, Nica Lewis, "Beauty products increasingly play on ancient, authentic remedies taken from traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. These ingredients are now even being used in areas that were once solely associated with science - such as anti-ageing, whitening and sun protection.

"This, combined with the fact that people are now much more aware of the social, environmental and economic impact of the products they buy, has been a key driver in new product development in 2008," she adds.   

SNAKES

ALIVE  

Ophidiophobes look away now!

Snake venom or its synthetic derivative may be hot news when it comes to skincare, but how about snake massage?

According to free London newspaper, Metro, unbelievable as it seems, it's the most in-demand, relaxing therapy at Ada Barak's spa in Talmei Elazar, northern Israel.  

The treatment consists of six non-venomous snakes massging the client's aching muscles and joints.

She uses California and Florida king snakes, corn snakes and milk snakes, with the size of the snakes depending on the type of massage: the larger ones are said to alleviate deeper muscle tensions, with the smaller ones creating a "fluttering effect". 

Cost of the massage? A mere £40.

According to Miss Barak, physical contact with the reptiles can be a relaxing experience. She was inspired by her belief that once people get over any initial misgivings, they find physical contact with snakes to be stress relieving, with one client describing the experience as "soothing, like a cold compress". 

Given it takes all sorts, but, somehow, we can't see it catching on here - or will it? 

* To see Time magazine's toe-curling video clip CLICK HERE

** PIC CREDIT: Design Pics Inc/Rex Features

CLICK TO WIN

Move over facialcare: in 2008, bodycare came into its own. 

According to a report by market analyst, Mintel, consumer demand for bodycare products has soared, and are forecast to grow 41% over the next five years to more than £400m, up from £300m in 2006. 

So, to go with the trend and keep your body smooth and moisturised, click here for a chance to win Guinot's superb, four-strong collection of bodycare products - worth more than £100.

   **Guinot Mousse de Coton (a rich, moisturising shower cream) is designed to awaken your senses in the morning, being fragranced with a blend of grapefruit, tangerine, green tea and cherry and freesia. Ingredients include cotton oil (strengthens and protects) and sacred lotus milk (soothes and calms).  

**Guinot Gommage Facile (a smoothing body scrub) is the ultimate smoothie for your body. The two-in-one product contains loofah extracts and is mild enough to be used as a daily cleanser, being formulated with extracts of coconut, corn and sunflower, and fragranced with an invigorating citrus blend of lemon, tangerine, bergamot and orange.

**Guinot Hydrazone Corps is an intensive body lotion that regenerates, repairs and rehydrates dry and dehydrated skin - so is particularly apt for use in winter. It contains argan oil, which is known for its exceptional nourishing and regenerating properties, as well as Hydrocyte, a key complex that provides immediate and long-lasting moisturisation. 

**Guinot Tropic Tonic is an energising shower gel, bursting with tropical fruit and flower extracts. A blend of mango (abundant in vitamins and minerals, it replenishes skin), guava (high in vitamin C, it stimulates and softens), and passion fruit (renews) extracts cleanse and tone skin. Meanwhile, hibiscus flower extract, rich in AHAs, exfoliates and softens skin, while the invigorating fragrance of orange and grapefruit, awaken the senses.

To be in with a chance and make the collection yours, answer a simple QUESTION: 

WHAT IS ARGAN OIL KNOWN FOR?    

Click HERE to enter, stating Guinot on the subject line, and your answer in the main body of the text. 

 Competition closes 31 December 2008

                                                           GOOD LUCK!