In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby dives into Kobo’s 2026 Global Self Expressions, a forward-looking exploration of how consumers around the world are redefining beauty through emotion, texture, and innovation. She’s joined by Marie Hansell, Technical Marketing and Account Manager at Kobo Products, who breaks down why the conversation has shifted beyond trends into authentic self expressions, where beauty becomes personal, sensory, and deeply connected to wellbeing and identity.

Marie walks us through the five key expressions shaping2026: All the Feels, Waterless Wave, Barrier First, Geo-Responsive, and Lessentials, exploring how each reflects evolving consumer values around sensorial experience, sustainability, environmental adaptation, and minimalistroutines. She also highlights the formulations that bring these expressions to life and a behind-the-scenes look at the trend development process, offering insight into how cultural shifts, ingredient innovation, and artistic experimentation inspire future-facing product creation.

Whether you’re a formulation chemist, brand strategist, orbeauty lover fascinated by where the industry is headed, this episode uncovers how science, emotion, and self-expression will shape beauty in 2026 and beyond.

Want to learn more about Kobo’s 2026 Self Expression?Request a recording of the 2026 Global Self Expressions Webinar by clicking this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0g_VwXVtw0enrQnXWGJAhVipw50oG3lMoQj9mzweNghUMU1JNDNQVERGSkpKSE83TkZGWExYQktJNS4u

ABOUT US:

Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and Delivery Systems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents.

Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby dives into the colorful world of eye makeup, from lashes to lids and brows. She’s joined by Maria Alvarez, Chemist from Kobo’s European Applications Lab, who breaks down the key ingredients and formulation strategies that bring eye products to life. From long-wear performance powered by film formers to the volumizing magic of silica and fibers, this episode shares insights into how chemists balance innovation, texture, and wearability across mascaras, eyeliners, eyeshadows, and brow products.

Later, Elsie chats with Urmi Dhamnaskar, Chemist from Kobo’sUK Application Lab, about KMA-113C-EU Electric Blue Lash Building Mascara, a bold, trend-forward formula that delivers high-impact color, volume, and curl while remaining microplastic-free. Urmi reveals the science behind its vibrantultramarine shade, lash-building fibers, and stable oil-in-water system, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.

Whether you’re formulating the next standout mascara orsimply fascinated by the chemistry behind expressive eye looks, this episode explores how color, texture, and emotion intersect in modern makeup innovation.

To learn more about KMA-113C-EU, visit this link: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KMA-113C-EU.pdf

Interested in learning about Kobo’s Global Self Expressionsfor 2026? Request the webinar recording by vising this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0g_VwXVtw0enrQnXWGJAhVipw50oG3lMoQj9mzweNghUMU1JNDNQVERGSkpKSE83TkZGWExYQktJNS4u

ABOUT US:

Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents.

Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Elsie explores thescience of face makeup—from foundation to blush and everything in between. She’s joined by Nick Quinteros, Senior Chemist from Kobo’s US Applications Lab, who breaks down what makes a standout face product, including tips forbalancing texture, coverage, and comfort, plus how evolving consumer expectations are influencing ingredient choices, multifunctionality, and inclusive shade ranges.

Later, Elsie chats with Urmi Dhamnaskar, Chemist from Kobo’s UK Applications Lab about KBL-045-EU Squishy Putty Blush, the Formula of the Month inspired by playful textures and soft-focus finishes. Urmi shares the ingredient strategies that give this blush its bouncy, sensorial texture and blur effect—all while maintaining color payoff and batch consistency.

Whether you’re a cosmetic chemist or just fascinated by facemakeup innovation, this episode unpacks the formulation decisions that shape skin feel, performance, and creativity across face products.

To learn more about KBL-045-EU Squishy Putty Blush, checkout the link below:

https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KBL-045-EU.pdf

Prefer to tune in on YouTube? Visit No Filter with Kobo onYouTube now:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmdzjWT5sg37duFECVplihSJNEs58UcGS

ABOUT US:

Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents.

Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com