Winter may still be upon us but the spring shoots are appearing – and so are the biggest beauty trends for the new season
Jelly masques and gel moisturisers
After a year of sheet masques and super-light lotions, 2018 is all about a new beauty texture: this year’s answer to intensive skin treatments is decidedly different. Jelly masques, with a hydrating gel base, give a silky-smooth texture that’s light and gentle on skin. Cooling and moisturising, the gel consistency is ideal for dehydrated skins that don’t react well to heavy products. And the same benefits apply to gel moisturisers, with a refreshing formula that transforms into a skin-quenching fluid upon application. If you’re ready to intro this trend to your beauty regime, try Dermalogica’s new Calm Water Gel. Ideal for dehydrated, irritated and sensitive skin it locks in moisture and defends skin against dryness, forming a weightless barrier against environmental assault.
Multi-purpose products
A rise in the global popularity of K-beauty (Korean beauty products and regimes) has resulted in extensive beauty routines which use a huge selection of products. This spring, J-beauty (Japanese beauty) is on the up – and with it comes a new quest for a natural looking finish and a simplified daily regime. To get into the ethos, try simple, multitasking products that streamline your daily beauty plan: Dermalogica Multi Active Toner, Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion, Decleor My First Facial and Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream are great choices.
Perfect primer
Primer used to be seen as an add-on but now it’s a must-have: without it, your make-up can just slide off by the end of the day, and a great primer guarantees a soft, non-greasy finish. For skin as smooth as silk, Amazing Cosmetics Anti-Ageing Face Primer is an oil-free primer that leaves your face perfectly prepped for make-up application. A lightweight gel-silk formula, it eliminates the appearance of pores, so make-up glides on effortlessly for a porcelain-smooth application that lasts all day. Infused with vitamins and nourishing plant extracts, the ultra-hydrating formula helps to fill-in lines and wrinkles, maintaining a flawless complexion. If you want a primer with a 2-in-1 effect, there are three, brand-new priming products, also from Amazing Cosmetics, sure to dazzle you: Amazing Cosmetics Illuminate Primer and Highlighter in Glow, Bronze and Rose.
Brushed out curls
Hollywood waves have been resurgent over the last few seasons, but the glam factor is being turned down a notch or two as brushed out curls come into vogue. To get the look, prep and define your curls using Redken Curvaceous Ringlet when your hair is towel dry. Once your curls are set, immediately smooth them out using a soft, flat brush and spritz with Sebastian Professional Flaunt Shine Define.
All over bronze
Forget the “slick of bronze” on your cheekbones; this spring, a bronze palette is set to take centre stage with matching cheeks, eyes and lips. This isn’t a harsh, contoured look so stay away from the cheek sculpting brushes. Instead, keep it expertly blended and aim for an “enhanced natural glow” effect. If you’re looking for a hero product, try New CiD Bronze, a unique marbelised bronzer with swirls of bronze, gold, pink and chocolate brown to give the perfect colour for practically all skin tones.
Chunky eyeliner
Cat eye flicks are still cool, but fashionistas will be experimenting with different eyeliner shapes this season. Take a leaf out of Tom Ford’s book with “thumbprint” eyes, or test-out lightning shapes and geometric designs. Using a range of colour-ways for your flicks is another way to look on-trend. If you tend to struggle with your eyeliner, flicks or otherwise, check out Beauty Blender’s Liner Designer – suitable for use with eyeliners, pencils, pens, gel creams, liquid and powder, it becomes your steady hand and symmetry expert when applying liner.
