It’s only October, but we’re already looking forward to the trends that will emerge in 2014 (not to mention the product innovations that will dethrone BB and CC creams). But we’d never go about forecasting alone. We queried top bloggers, make-up artists and skincare gurus around the world to find out what will be hot — and what won’t — come January. Here are their predictions:
1. Skincare will go cellular
According to Dr. Frederic Brandt, celebrity dermatologist and founder of dr. brandt skincare, ingredients that protect the DNA of your skin and rejuvenate cells to make them act like they did when you were younger are the next big thing. His Time Arrest® line uses age reversing platinum technology – a unique delivery system that helps the product to penetrate beneath the skin’s surface – for improved elasticity and hydration.
2. Texture is the new black
Alison Raffaele (pictured), a former make-up artist for Bobbi Brown who started her own eponymous line of cosmetics, expects to see plenty of unusual textures — from crackle nail polishes to matte liquid lip colours. Janell Geason, Aveda Global Makeup Director, says to look for “metallic, shimmery finishes and bronzy shades that hint at 70’s beauty. Pink is also a major colour trend, ranging from soft, romantic pinks to full voltage, candy coloured pinks on the cheeks, lips or eyes.”
3. Glitter me up
Speaking of texture, blogger Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup predicts that “glitter won’t be going anywhere after the festivities end at New Year. It’s been spotted all over the runways at Fashion Week and Pat McGrath at Dior even bejewelled brows with the stuff.”
4. Mousse: The comeback kid
Birchbox US editor Meredith Stebbins was behind the scenes at the Spring/Summer 2014 shows and confirms that mousse is back in a big way. Great for adding volume and texture to all hair types, it’s key for getting styles like the shiny chignon at Alice + Olivia and the half-pulled-back/half-down look seen at Cynthia Rowley.
5. Matte is here to stay
Dewy, wet-finish foundation will take a back seat, says Birchbox France editor Mathilde Lacombe. But don’t expect cake-y foundations. Aveda’s Geason says it’s more about minimalist skin: breathable, not suffocated with product. “Creamy, luminous textures are the key to creating ‘real’ skin perfection. To complement minimalist skin, eyes are now taking centre stage. Once again, the 2014 version of matte will look velvety soft and feel au naturel.”
5b. But so are oils
Minneapolis-based beauty editor Elizabeth Dehn of Beauty Bets says, “Skincare will be about oil, oil, everywhere! Now that consumers have gotten more comfortable with the idea of putting oil on their faces, oil-based serums and cleansers are going to become the new normal. That’s a good thing; there seriously is nothing better for glowing, healthy skin.” We agree — and we’re especially loving Dehn’s One Love Organics Vitamin C Active Moisture Serum, a light and lovely oil loaded with healthy natural ingredients. To get your hands on something similar here on UK soil, the Absolution Addict Face Oil is a blend of 27 oils to nourish and protect against dryness and irritation.
6. Extreme nail art is out
Cristina Diaz, our Birchbox Spain editor, predicts nail-art fatigue. Instead of crazy colours and designs, expect darker, more intense hues, plus plenty of nudes and sheers. And nail art that remains well err on the grown-up side. Think colour-blocked French manis, geometrical designs or 20s-inspired looks like the perfect half moons of Ruffian manicures.
7. Make-up with benefits
With the advent of formulas with coverage and anti-ageing benefits (we’re looking at you, BB Creams) and skin-perfecting concealers like theBalm cosmetics’ TimeBalm, we’ve come to expect more from our make-up. In 2014, this will become the new normal, with companies tapping dermatologists — or even, in the case of IT Cosmetics, plastic surgeons and scientists — to develop formulas that improve your skin as they conceal.
8. Green goes gangbusters
Eco in itself may be nothing new, but Cristina Encabo, Naobay’s formulation and quality manager, says we’ll see an even bigger rise in green research. Companies are working on improving everything from efficiency to texture, and developing extra-safe products for children and babies. On Naobay’s 2014 agenda: perfecting an all-natural active that degrades the bilirubin that causes dark circles.
9. So long, Rapunzel hair
After a solid decade when “the longer, the better” was the motto of many women, the scissors are coming out, says Iván Lozano, communication manager at Salerm. Expect new cuts and revived classics — pixies and bobs, plus asymmetrical cuts and even shaved heads. Perfect example: the chic bob shown here on Birchbox Spain Editor Cristina.
10. Bath scents that linger
Perfumes that announce your presence from the minute you walk in the door? So passé. The new fragrances, says RMK Brand Ambassador Akgun Manisali, will be subtle bath scents, like Jo Loves Bath Colognes, that stay around all day.
11. Renaissance renaissance
Soft skin with a strong blush evoking the immortalised ladies of the Renaissance period (think Titian’s paintings) is the trend to watch, says Laura Mercier UK make-up artist Jo Morris.
Share what you’re excited for in the comments below!