trends for 2012

2012 is in full swing and thanks to my futuristic orb ball, I'm ready to woo you with some slammin' beauty predictions that foresee high-impact eyes, take-your-breath-away skin and big, bold hair. So throw the rule book out the window, this will be one beauty-roller-coaster of a year!

lady gaga grey hair trend




Trend 1: Grey Tresses

Once upon a time, women would do anything to battle the greys out of their hair. Now, with the likes of celebs like Ruby Rose, Kelly Osbourne and Lady Gaga sporting the same look, grey hair is fast becoming a smoking hot trend. Truth be told, it may have started with a few botched home dye jobs which eventuated into something a bit more, er, permanent. But either way, this growing trend is fast becoming the shiznit and it won't be long until YOU, yes YOU start joining the 'Granny Chic Movement'. But remember, this trend is strictly for the young. Sorry Nan.

Trend 2: Heavy Metal


No we're not asking you to sport the long-unwashed hair look circa early 90s but we are suggesting you invest in some seriously shimmery dark shades for your lids. Severely smoky eyes pepped up with a healthy dose of shine will make make eyes pop and hearts stop this year. But we're not talking about any old smoky, stand-out eye makeup. We're talking full blown, metallic lids that extend to the tips of your eyebrows and include a sultry cat eye shape. In other words, eye makeup that has the WOW effect set to blow minds. This can be best achieved with a blend of dark, vixen shades with Bobbi Brown Onyx Silver Eye Paint Palette. Perfect by rimming the eyes with Napoloen Perdis Cake Eyeliner which will take your eyes from smoky to smoldering! (Image by Sam Hessamian via thecoolist.com).



Trend 3: Fierce Eyebrows


Bold eyebrows are back with a vengeance, recalling sixties-era icons like Liz Taylor. Those of us with bushy brows couldn't be happier about it (just try not to go all Hairy McClairy on us). Runways shows, like Derek Lam's SS12, were loving the dramatic eyebrow, and this year it's your turn to aim for a sharply groomed style paired with a bright or nude lippy. But, if the thought of a stray eyebrow hair makes you quiver with fear, try penciling or powdering them several shades darker instead of growing them out. Go dark and a little devilish with MAC Penultimate Brow Marker to achieve optimum oomph. (Image courtesy of Vogue.com)




Trend 4: The Feature Nail


From backstage to the runways, there's some mega-amazing manis out there (our fav being the movember nail art of course). This year, it looks like the feature nail is the trends that will, well, 'nail it'. It started with celebrities, like Vanessa Hudgens and Rihanna, painting one nail an eye catching hue while leaving the other nine a muted color but now innumerable bloggers on weheartit.com (yes, we stalk) are crazy about it! Here's to getting our lacquer on! (Image courtesy of clarebear.com).



Trend 5: High-colour hues


If ever there was a more perfect time to invest in vibrant eye makeup in fresh, seasonal shades tis' now. While some whispers claim this trend will soon be as passe as Corey Worthington's party stint, I predict it'll be totally cool enough to last the full year round - if you work it the right way. Paint your peepers with playful neon tones in yellow, orange, turquoise and (a little bit outside the box) red hues. Snazz it up with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in an array of luminous, metallic colours for your underliner. Finish by dabbing on some pastel eyeshadow and keep you skin flawless. Just try to avoid going all clown-face on us, that can get a tad bit scary. (Image courtesy of image.net)

Trend 6: Tangerine Lips


So before you dismiss the orange lip trend as too out-there, made just for the models, or just plain fug, hear me out! Tangerine lips are taking the beauty world (and the runways!) by storm. Most recently seen worn by models strutting down the catwalk at the Alexander McQueen RTW SS12 show at Paris Fashion Week, this lippy not only instantly warms the features, but it transforms an outfit from boring to bold in mere seconds. The flaming, lip-smacking burst of bright is best matched with a flawless face, pale shimmery eye lids and a confident, sizzling attitude. Get the look with NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave and perfect your pout! (Image courtesy of vogue.com)


Trend 7: Sporty Cheeks


Athleticism inspired dewy, sun-splashed cheeks that channel the "just-back-from-the-gym" look are a must this year in smooth, silky and matte textures. The trend is becoming hyped up in the fashion world, with models sporting peachy flushed cheeks backstage at Christopher Kane's SS12 show. You can change it up with a bronzed blush or a pink carefree glow, but for the current season, try to aim for light peach hues to achieve a perfect summery and sporty blush. Swipe some of Bobbi Brown's Apricot Blush on the apples of your cheeks and strike a pose for the papz. (Image courtesy of