From mirror manicures to brushed up brows, we've sussed out 10 of the hottest beauty trends this year
Every new year brings with it epic beauty trends. Just look at 2016: matte liquid lipsticks exploded onto the scene, strobing and baking were the biggest Instagram buzzwords, the ‘bra insert’ sponge took down the Beautyblender and rainbow anything (from highlighters to hidden dye jobs) were all we could talk about for days on end. Wondering what weird but wonderful new things 2017 will bring? Gather ’round beauty junkies, we’ve got the inside scoop on the year’s biggest beauty trends in makeup, hair, nails and skincare.
Bye bye, cat eye
Out with the ol’ cat eye and in with the underliner. Leave your upper lid bare, and line the lower lash line with a pop of colour. For maximum effect, try a glitter liner – new year, new risks.
Glossy and gleaming
This year’s all about gloss on everything, and we don’t just mean on lips. Dab gloss on lids sparingly for a subtle pearly sheen, smudge your liner for a soft finish or layer heavy-handedly for high drama. On cheeks, gloss gives skin a luminous, natural glow sans the glitter of most highlighters.
Mirror manicures
Turn your nails into mirrors with the aid of chrome pigment powder. Unashamedly shiny and eye-catching, the polished look is usually done on acrylic nails. It’s best to get this done professionally, but if you’re handy with all things nail-related, watch the above video for a full tutorial.
On one hand, there’s eyebrow microblading (or embroidery)
This one’s for ladies with sparse brows. We know the pain – filling them in everyday is a tiresome job. The solution is simple: eyebrow embroidery. Also known as microblading, it isn’t new to the beauty world but is only now picking up speed for its semi-permanent, #browsonfleek effect. Here’s how it works: coloured pigments will be added to empty spots in your brows, creating a fuller look. Approach with caution if you have a low pain threshold.
…on the other, there’s brushed-up, bushy brows
Say goodbye to drawn-to-death Instagram eyebrows; a more natural look is taking its place. Yep, you can now stop attacking your brows with your tweezers – only pluck stray hairs when necessary. To groom, all it takes is a little brow wax and a handy spoolie to brush those hairs up.
Extra long locks make a comeback
Lobs, bobs, and short crops will never run out of style, but luxuriously long locks are finally making their return. Spotted on stars like Kim K (let’s face it: one can’t deny her influence) and Chrissy Teigen, extra long lengths will soon prove to be all the rage again. Break out the flat iron for a sleek finish and never underestimate the power of ultra-long extensions.
Metallic lipstick
Metallic lippies are set to continue their reign this year thanks to their liquid metal and multidimensional finish. Try one in a deep red or purple to redefine the statement lip. Remember to prime and line lips beforehand for a cleaner and more lasting effect.
Hyaluronic acid
You’ll be sure to see plenty of the skincare star in 2017. Its ability to retain moisture is legendary, and even helps to smooth lines and plump skin. We’ve got our bets placed that it’s going to be a key ingredient in new serums and creams released this year.
Activated charcoal
Every so often, we hear of the strangest beauty ingredients, including bee venom, algae and snail mucus. So compared to those, activated charcoal ain’t that strange. This all-natural ingredient is said to detoxify, as it absorbs toxins and pollutants. We recommend starting with a face mask to help remove dirt from your pores.
Clean skin
Step away from that contouring palette; you’re going to want to let your skin breathe this year. Enough with the strobing and baking! Natural, dewy skin is the star of the year, so pamper all you want with skincare and keep it clean with a lightweight, luminous foundation.