The Future of Beauty - Coming up in 2011

Considering that the temperature here in TO hasn't gotten above zero all week - and let's not even discuss the wind chill factor - it seems like the perfect time to start thinking about spring.

Spring is all about renewal, so all the more reason to throw out some of your old makeup and invest in some new shades! Here's a sneak peek of what will be on offer in the months ahead.

Giorgio Armani Spring 2011

1. Candy-coloured eye shadow
Now I know declaring that colour will be big for spring is a bit like saying 'boots are gonna be hot for fall' or 'the sky is blue'. Thank you, Captain Obvious. But I'm not talking about your usual barely there blues or the ubiquitous soft pinks typical of the season - I mean in-your-face acid bright shades such as lime green or chartreuse, turquoise or aqua blue, even... dare I say it... yellow?
The key to wearing these kinds of colours is to make a statement with it; lay it on thick but blend well with a brush - this is not the time to get sloppy - as a solid colour block on your eyelids, but keep the rest of your face quite bare and neutral.

BCBG/Max Azria Spring 2011

 2. The No-Makeup Makeup Look
I feel it's important to note that this isn't the same thing as getting up in the morning, splashing some water on your face and heading out for the day. There is a subtle art to this look, and the key lies in its strategic use of mascara, concealer and foundation. And don't forget the blush. I'm not kidding when I say that blush changes everything. Your focus should be on the skin and adding a hint of colour to the cheek, but not look like you've done anything at all. It's not as easy as it sounds, but once you get it down it's a skill you'll have for life. And this seems to be one look that will never die, so it's worth it.

Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2011

 3. Hey Hot Lips
To paraphrase Vanessa Williams from her extremely brief pop music career, I've went and saved the best for last. My absolute favourite emerging trend for spring is pink lips. Not a demure baby pink lip gloss, no no... this is full-on fuchsia! If pink isn't exactly your thing, I suppose I can forgive you -- I mean, fear not, bright coral red and even orange were also making the rounds on the spring runways. Just bear in mind that the same rules apply for the strong lip as for the eyeshadow: make it the statement for your look, and remember to keep the rest of your face relatively makeup free.


Well, hopefully that has inspired you to add a little something new to your makeup bag, maybe a pop of colour for your eyes or your lips, in preparation for the year ahead.

And that spring will decide to come a little sooner this year.