Category Archives: beauty products

Want to know what I love most about the start of another new year? The opportunity to reflect back on what’s passed, as well as looking forward and attempting to predict what’s to come. The world of beauty is so fluid and fast paced that it can completely change within a few months; unlike fashion that’s somewhat restricted by catwalk shows and seasons, the beauty industry can develop a new idea practically overnight and have it on the high street within a matter of weeks. Rather excitingly it’s the smaller brands that have the flexibility to create and innovate according to demand, so the tide is somewhat changing in favour of affordable and niche names – and away from big brands who (in a lot of cases) really need to up their game. Partner that with the increase in digital destinations that are making it their mission to bring new and hotly awaited brands to UK shores, and it’s a very exciting time for beauty enthusiasts. But what of the big trends, changes and new launches of 2017? What can we expect to see over the next twelve months and what innovations will become a firm fixture on our bathroom shelves? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and these may just be the big trends in beauty that you won’t be able to get enough of…

CLEANSING STICKS
Already big in Asia, solid cleansing sticks are just starting to make waves on UK shores. You can already pick up a Rose Cleansing Stick via Amazon and BeautyMart, but this year I’ve no doubt we’ll start seeing some of our favourite brands dabbling in this new format. It makes sense: a solid stick is portable, easy to use, space savvy and more hygienic than sticking your fingers in a pot at the end of every day. Cleansing has never been hotter (I like to think us bloggers are to thank for that,) so this will undoubtedly be a big focus throughout 2017 as brands strive to get us to part with more cash.

NO-MAKEUP MAKEUP
In what seems to be a backlash against the overly made-up Instagram stars and excessive contouring of the past couple of years, a more natural look is set to take centre stage. Think effortlessly dewy skin, beautifully natural cheekbones, minimal eyeshadow and mascara, a dusting of highlighter and just a touch of nude gloss. Even better, going totally makeup-free is set to be the coolest look of the season. Seen all over the catwalk (including at Isabel Marant,) this will save you time and money in the effort of being on-trend.

MICROBLADING & NATURAL BROWS
I’m a big old fan of the microblading, having had it myself a couple of times over the years (I’m in need of a top-up while I think about it!) but in 2017 it’s set to be bigger than ever. Perfectly in keeping with the ‘no-makeup makeup’ ideal, this semi-permanent procedure crafts the brows you’ve always wanted using a special blading technique – and they last for up to a year. The result is absolutely natural and perfectly crafted brows that don’t look overdone; in case you’re wondering, those super chiseled and incredibly angular eyebrows will also be making a firm exit.

FILTER CREAMS
I know we probably don’t need another step in our already expansive regime, but filter creams have got me rather excited. These moisturisers are enriched with pearl extracts to luminise the skin while blurring imperfections, leaving skin looking refreshed; they’re a combination of a great primer and luminous moisturiser, actually removing a step and aiding the practical expression of the ‘no makeup makeup’ look that’s also set to be huge. If you love the idea but loathe the thought of getting your naked face out, this could be a way to make it all the more flattering. Erborian have already got this down with their Pink Perfect Creme, but what else will we be loving in 2017?

CUT CREASE EYESHADOW
A trend that may seem old-hat to many of us that live our lives via an Instagram feed, cut crease eyeshadow has actually yet to make it into the mainstream. A counter-trend to the super understated looks that are also set to be big, this eyeshadow technique helps to create a strong angular look and a super professional finish. (For tonnes of examples, see here.) Its foundations come from the iconic 1960’s looks of Bridget Bardot and Twiggy, but with a modern twist this statement eyeshadow technique will definitely bring you bang up to date and ready for 2017. (Feeling inspired? There’s a great tutorial here which will help you give it a go.)

CHROME NAILS
We’ve already seen brands including Barry M and Models Own dabble in this trend at the end of 2016, but over the next couple of months we’ll all apparently be sporting futuristic talons. There are crazy looks all over Pinterest (and starting to trickle into my insta-feed too,) and they don’t just rely on having a nail tehcnician on speed dial. With more and more chrome polishes and false nails set to launch this spring, this super luxe look has never been more accessible. Over the last few years the nail category has been incredibly dull (if I see another nude or berry shade I’m going to scream,) so it’s refreshing to see something a little more stand-out and different. I’ve missed statement nails.

SILVER OMBRE
If you thought 2017 would see the back of ombre, then you’d be wrong. Although blonde ends may be starting to look a bit tired, there are some beautiful alternatives popping up that provide a fresh approach to the look so many of us adore. This year silver and ash blonde ombre is set to be big news, those dusty blonde and brunette locks being replaced by something a little more modern (that will certainly match your chrome nails!) I’m not surprised that our love of silver and super blonde hair is filtering into different categories; watch this space, because you’ll be seeing a lot of this across the bloggersphere this year!

TWO-TONE LIPSTICKS
Korean women have been rocking an ombre two-tone lip for a couple of years already, but with Benefit set to launch their own version this February, it’s set to become as normalised as a matte lip cream. The idea is that the bullet has features two colours that create an ombre-esque effect when applied to the lips, creating a fuller pout and a touch of intrigue that’s incredibly youthful; think lolly-stained lips on a hot summer’s day! Not for the fainthearted, this could replace our classic red lips or be seen all over the dance floor on Saturday night. Up for it?

2017 is set to be a year of extremes: apparently we’ll be sporting either a super natural look or rocking futuristic edgy tones. Which are you most excited to see, discover and play with?

PS: This new Bare Minerals Eternalixir Skin-Voluminizing Oil Serum is fab and launching this month.
More info on it soon!

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