Top beauty trends for 2019

Pastel shades have been a popular choice for hair colour and it looks like the unicorn colour trend of the past is set for a revival with lilac being a top choice. Pinterest searches were up 1077 per cent for this hue, that recently found a taker in Lady Gaga. Anisha Fernandes Tavares, Senior stylist and make-up artist, Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin Salon says lilac involves using soft tones and those who have very dark hair will need to bleach their mane more to achieve this tone. “Post-care is important to maintain the effect, with use of heat-protecting products and a colour shampoo,” says she. 

Statement lip colours will be ruling 2019, paired with minimalistic make-up on the face. Searches for standout lips increased by 467 per cent. Clint Fernandes, make-up expert says celebrities have been sporting it, so it has picked up with the masses. “One can instantly look dressed up with a red lip colour. It dramatically transforms one’s look from day to night. Pair it with a little eye make-up — mascara and a dash of kajal,” he says. 

More women are willing to embrace their ageing strands in the new year. Searches were up by 879 per cent, showing that people are not afraid of going silver. Anisha says, “Greys can come at any age and there are quite a few people who are turning to the grey look, especially those who have a higher percentage of such strands. This technique is called low lighting to introduce a base colour in the hair and create the salt and pepper effect.” 

Gloss is back in a big way, and it’s not just the pout, but also the lids that are being highlighted in this way. Searches for glossy make-up were up 89 per cent. Clint explains people are bored of the matte lip and hence going for the shiny effect. “Gloss has to be used correctly. Remember to use very little as it will spread with the heat. For the face, use a good moisturiser and primer, minimal concealer, foundation and add a highlighter for a glossy look without making it too wet. Finish with a setting spray,” he says.

Gel nails are passé. Enter powder nails, also known as SNS (Signature Nail Systems), that last for a month, without damaging the cuticles as much. Sana Dhanani, founder at The White Door spa says the powder dip trend has still not picked up here. “Although, I foresee the awareness building in early 2019 as brands are coming up with such products. The technician starts with regular buffing of the nails. It is then followed by the application of a primer coat and a base gel coat. The nails are then one by one, dipped into pigmented dip powder. This process is done twice for each nail and then sealed with a top coat,” she explains. 

Yes, you read that right, witch hazel is going to become a staple in women’s beauty cabinets as searches were up by 305 per cent. This age-old product has many uses. Dr Shuba Dharmana, Dermatologist, Lejeune Medspa, mentions that this is an extract taken from the bark, twigs and leaves of the plant. “Witch hazel is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and has antioxidant properties, hence it is useful in treating sunburn, insect bites, diaper rashes, acne, bruises and more. It can be used as an aftershave. As an astringent, it clears dirt and oil from the pores, thus preventing acne and shrinking open pores,” Dr Shuba opines. 

Scrubs may be sidelined in 2019 as liquid exfoliators and acids are being preferred for a radiant, smoother complexion.  Searches were up 58 per cent. Dr Batul Patel, medical director and dermatologist, The Bombay Skin Clinic, however, cautions that overuse use of liquid exfoliators can leave the skin dry and irritated. “I do not favour the use of such exfoliators. There are better alternatives like micellar water to cleanse the skin, remove dirt and hydrate the skin. Exfoliating products containing glycolic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid are getting popular as part of a night routine as they help to improve the skin texture and complexion,” she adds.

(iStock.com/deniskomarov)