So we've shared our predictions on the biggest beauty trends of the year, but now we have some hard and fast facts for you, gleaned at a recent meeting with the awesome Lesley Keane, Senior Artist at MAC. This woman REALLY knows her stuff - the MAC trends forecast for SS13 is based on backstage observations from more than 100 international fashion shows for the coming season.
Pic from Margaret Howell Show
Layer up
Well, no sooner had we got to grips with the fact that it's A-OK to pile the slap on to both eyes and lips (a lesson Kristen Stewart took closely to heart) then BAM! The beauty world seems to have done a complete 180 and ushered in an utterly minimal aesthetic.
If you're breathing a sigh of relief and thinking a blob of BB cream will have you bang on trend, FUHGEDDABOUDIT! This look is all about clever execution and layering lots of products to achieve a healthy, radiant sheen. Concealers, correctors, skin perfectors, balmy highlighters and radiance creams will all play their part - and luckily we've reviewed and recommended loads on the site.
New MAC Brow collection - out mid February
Advertised
Brows and cheekbones stay strong
If you prefer a stronger look, no worries - two places you can still use a (comparatively) heavy hand are yer brows and yer cheekbones. Defining both to shape the face is MASSIVE this year (which thrills me, I'm totally obsessed with both) so get ready to experiment with contouring and brow fillers galore. Check out MAC's extended range of brow products, including brow duos (€26), pencils and Fluidline Brow Gelcremes (€17.50, available in three shades: deep dark brunette, dirty blonde, and redhead).
New Paint Pots
Eye countouring is dead
But while cheek contouring is big, brace yourselves: the eye contour is dead! Faffing about with shading the socket and a million different blending brushes is so last year - for a modern look, what you want is a soft wash of colour or a graphic or coloured line.
Flat, matte eye colours are out - just as I've fallen for the UD Naked Basics palette, sob! - and in comes sludgy pastels and metallic sheens. MAC's new Paint Pots (€19) are perfect to achieve the look - they're absolutely gorgeous, with a lustrous, pearlised finish - and they're out next month. Clinique's lovely new additions to the Chubby family would also do the trick.
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So there you have it, but what I really want to know is this: do we normal women actually care about these trends? Do you pay them any mind, stick to what works for you or try a little of both? Quick, to the comments!
