This time of year is about gratitude, and we should be grateful that 2013 was an exciting year for beauty. There was a bumper crop of trends that were chic, wearable and won’t be embarrassing 5 years from now.
Here are some 2013 beauty trends that should make us especially thankful:
Emerald Green– Pantone’s color of the year was a much-needed shift in perspective. 2012’s orange was an infusion of brightness that was missing for some time, but it was a difficult color to pull off for a lot of complexions. Emerald’s fusion of both cool and warm was almost universally flattering. Green, smokey eyes looked, soft, edgy, and sophisticated at the same time, and grass colored nails evoke a retro-feel without being too obvious. Emerald managed to be preppy, edgy, feminine, fashion-forward and quirky all at once.
Karlie Kloss's Mussy Bob
The Long, Textured Bob– Is there a more versatile hairstyle? The look easily transitions from day to night, downtown to uptown, and supermarket to red carpet.
This year’s bob worked on a variety of hair textures and will likely become a beauty mainstay. I can’t help but think that this particular cut’s ease and grace made way for what is sure to be the trend of 2014- The Pixie.
Dark Lips 2013
(Courtesy of Beauty High)
Full Eyebrows – This is the year we learned to love our brows. After two decades of being waxed and plucked into submission, eyebrows were allowed to be full and soft. This look can erase years off of a face, and help create a polished look without a lot of make-up. Of course, a full brow is still a very groomed brow, so upkeep was a must!
Dark Lips – With darker colored lips, elegance is easy. A natural face with a wine colored pout looks effortlessly lady like and on-trend.
Not even workin’ for Lady Gaga
Of course, every year can’t be all wine and brows! 2013 had its share of turkeys (see what I did there?), as well.
Grey Hair – This is not about beautifully maintained naturally grey hair. 2013 saw young women going intentionally silver. There are very few people who can pull this look off (and they are usually our future beauty professionals!), and it can easily go disastrously unflattering.
Pointy Nails
(Courtesy of nailsmag.com)
Pointy Nails – If a trend makes you question how you are going to do necessary, every day tasks…perhaps it’s not the best idea ever. Some looks should be considered “art” and left for appreciation only.
(Courtesy of seventeen.com)
Bare Faces– When this look popped up for Fall 2013, I let out an audible groan. You know why? Bare faces aren’t actually bare faces. The look is sculpted by some of the best make-up artists in the business. If you won the genetic lottery with skin texture and bone structure, by all means, forgo the war paint. If you didn’t get the right numbers, remember what Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolias, “ There is no such thing as natural beauty.”
So, readers, what looks were you thankful for this year? What trends will make you cringe in years to come? What are your predictions for 2014?