Trends For Winter 2011.

I've just been doing some research and looking around to see what sort of make-up trends are heading our way for this winter and I just thought I would share some of the colours, tones and trends that are about to be splashed everywhere...

Its all about contradiction!

1: Nude Tones; Just like Summer, this years Winter is carrying on with the clean cut, nude and natural looking make-up. Clean skin, and simple eyes are all what its about and pale looks like its continuing taking hold as well, so calm down with the fake tan if your wanting to look bang on trend.
  - You all might be thinking but without a hint of bronzer or tan I just look dull and pale. Its actually fairly easy to make your skin glow without tan and bronzer its just all about matching the undertone to your foundation to the natural undertones of your skin. Go into a cosmetics store and ask them about it! - Are you more pinky or yellow - They'll be able to tell you.

2: As you can see and like I have just mentioned briefly, to match the cool tones of your complexion is keeping the eyes simple and clean. Heavy eye make-up is out and minimal and clean is in. Dont get me wrong this Winter isnt about putting nothing on your eyes, its just keeping it simple. Cool shades and tones are in, creams, beiges and browns, silvers and greys, light purples and blue tones are some of the shades you will see coming out in force.
  - Some people prefer simple eyes whiles others may have been use to heavy, dramatic eyes for a long time. If your looking to change but scared your eyes just wont stand out dont fear. There are loads of tutorials on You Tube which talk about cutting the crease technique, which is the best technique to add definition to anyones eyes. By using this technique but nude and natural eyeshadow tones, you'll still be perfectly in trend and fresh but with eyes that still pop. Also buy a good mascara and NON HEATED eyelash curlers to finish the job!
  - Another eye trend coming into the Winter is lightly smokey eyes, so if you cant completely bare to strip away your old ways then dont worry too much. Instead of heavy blacks, purples and other dark colours, were creating smokey eyes through more greys and lighter tones of the original. So you dont even have to go out of your way to fit in that much, just opt for a lighter shade to create a less dramatic smokey eye and you'll fit in perfectly.
  - The third eye trend to play around with this Winter is my favourite as it brings back a taste of the pin up era. Winged eyeliner! Again nothing to heavy or dramatic, were not talking Amy Winehouse, but more simple styles like you see on Marilyn Monroe etc. I find the best product to use is a really thin brush that you can get a great and very thin line out of is the way forward, allowing you build up gradually rather than having to go thick straight away. Bobbi brown and M.A.C gel pots are probably the best. Long lasting, water and smudge proof!
  - Finally the last trend I'm going to talk about is a more creative and fashion kind of trend that I wont expect to see on many normal day to day people but you never know! Pastel oranges and pinks are in and are being used to create a striking but not too bold look. This last one is probably more for the use of those in the fashion world, models, MUA's etc but if your feeling fiesty then why not. - Remember its all about softness ad blending still not block and bold colours.

3: This is where the contradiction comes in - Nude complexions and eyes matched with... Brightly coloured and full lips! Once again from Summer the coral, red and strong tones that were in this year are continuing into the Winter. However unlike summer where it was all about warm oranges and reds we are now heading into the cooler shades, with purple and blue undertones! Strong reds, browns, purples and oranges are all in this Winter, making your lips the statement feature of your face so get involved!
  - Some people say that those with smaller lips cant pull of bold colours but I disagree, experiment with different tones and shades and some will look great, slightly over draw the lip line to create a fuller looking lip. Its not hard to do and when done properly you DON'T end up looking like a drag queen. Also those with already full lips or for those who are just looking to make yourself look a little bit more sexy, emphasise your cupids bow. Again its not hard to do and subtlty goes a long way! - I do it all the time and I have never been called or referred to or reminded someone of Pete Burns.

4: Also gone are the days where barely there eyebrows where in and back are the days where everyone has thick, natural and strong eyebrows! - So think about putting the tweezers down, backing away and going and buying an eye pencil or eye shadow to fill those eyebrows in and to define them. Its all about strong eyebrows this Winter so get them growing, along with the lips its the strong definition of the eyebrows that are to be your stand out feature. This doesn't mean you forget about them entirely, they still need a good shape, its just the fullness of them that we want!
  - Its easy to give eyebrows some definition. I actually prefer to use a brown matte eye shadow to do my eyebrows with rather than pencil as it can look a little harsh and little fake, where because an eye shadow is a powder its a lot softer but still gives the added colour! Benefit do loads of eyebrow kits, or you can just opt to buy a small angled brush and a cheap and cheerful brown matte eye shadow. Job done!

BYE

-Xx