Best Beauty Trends of 2013

In 2013, lips and brows are bold. Skin is glowing. Hair is any way you’d like it, as long as it’s shiny, gorgeous and healthy. Here are some beauty trends to try out for your most dazzling -- and slightly daring -- look this year!

The New Red Lip
A red pout has always been a staple of chic, and this year is no different. What is new is the finish: a soft stain instead of slick and glossy or matte.

“We saw it on Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway at the Golden Globes this year,” says Emma Willis, a makeup artist with Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge in Los Angeles. “With the rest of the face muted and natural, the total effect was soft and very feminine.” 

This year’s hues range from crimson and scarlet to cherry or pink-red, and you can find stains in balms, crayons or pots. Pat it on with your fingers, or for a crisper look, outline the outer edges of you lips with a pencil and then fill in.

Assertive Arches
Brows aren’t backing down. They’re stronger and thicker than ever. On the fashion runways, wildly exaggerated arches were created with lots of tinted brow gel, powder or pencil and a stay-put wax. You might not want to go quite that bold, but put down the tweezers for a few weeks -- except for cleaning up stray hairs well below your arch -- and see how you look with more brow-wow.

Jewel-box Eyes
This is the year you’ll want to adorn yourself in sapphire, jade, turquoise and emerald. And yes, you can afford it! We’re not talking gems, but eye shadow and liner in jewel tones.

Try a thin swipe of green or blue liner along your upper lashes and a wash of shimmery or satin shadow on your lid. Keep it simple. “We’re doing a single color on the lid instead of the multiple hues of the smoky eye,” says Willis. “It’s fresh and glamorous at the same time.”

Glowing Skin
Fresh, glowing skin is the perfect complement to dramatic brows and sparkling eyes. Here’s how to get it right:

  1. Prep your skin with a primer along the T-zone. “Most women use far too much primer,” says Willis. “You don’t need it everywhere.”
  2. Using a foundation brush, apply a slightly luminous foundation. Look for words like “radiance” or “illuminating” in the product’s name.
  3. Buff with a makeup sponge for a flawless finish, and apply a very light dusting of translucent powder to set. “Use a large round powder brush instead of a powder puff,” suggests Willis.
  4. Create beautifully flushed cheeks with cream blush. “Warm a small amount on your fingertips,” advises Willis. “Smile and then press onto the apples of your cheeks.”

Do-it-your-way Hair
Low ponytails, high top knots, loops, braids, buns and beehives. With the Hollywood awards season in full sway, hair has more turns and twists than the plot of the Twilight saga. No one look is dominating the red carpet. The trend:  try something new. Take inspiration from Michelle Obama, who got her new bangs just days before the inaurguration. Whatever 'do' you choose, remember that healthy, well-cared-for hair is always in style!

What trends are you loving this year? Tell us in the comments below or @thestyleglossy