2008 brings make-up trends back a step in time, with a focus on subtly and slight exotic touches of color. If you’re a believer in out with the old and in with the new, be prepared for a new blend of rich, vibrant color and soft, barely-there make-up!

No more contrast!

In the past, we’ve seen a contrast between lip and eye color, with emphasis placed on both areas. This year, however, the trend is to choose to either play up eyes or lips, but not both. A smooth face with one main focal point makes it important to properly play up eyes or lips, while using make up colors that match, not contrast. No more blue eye shadow and purple lipstick! A movement towards polished and refined make-up is leading the way for a natural face with bold highlights.

And because your skin is your canvas for this year’s top trends, skincare is as important as ever. Stay well moisturized and toned so these new makeup tricks look even more smooth and exciting!

Matte foundation & bold, cherry lips bring back the 30’s

The 1930’s make a sneak-peak comeback in this combination of subtle matte foundation and bold, deeply rich lips.

Matte Face

Matte foundations and powders are offering a polished, professional look over the shimmering glow of last year. Opt for mineral makeup with setting spray, or matte foundations and powders that offer a barely-there result. Pancake foundation take a big back seat to this more refined approach to natural beauty.

With so many bold color patterns for 2008, it’s important to add a natural looking balance to your make up routine. Using a soft pink, or pale blush over your matte foundation will help balance your deep set eyes, or alternate cherry red lips. Because the focus is on either eyes or lips, keeping your foundation and blush neutral and soft will really bring out the color of your focal area.

Bold Lips

In addition, super deep, rich lip color is making a bold statement! Shades of coffee brown, orange and brilliant red are entering our pallets this year. Like the ultra chic ladies of the 30’s, pretty, dark lips will create a beautiful focal point. Lipstick is being applied straight from the tube versus using a lip brush, so color is as strong as possible. Add a touch of gloss over your color for a finished appearance.

While traditional red many not be your style, you can easily wear bold lips by finding the perfect deep hue to match your skin tone. Experiment a bit until you find the perfect rich shade for you!

Eyes have never had so many options

Smokey, vibrant crayon box, and bronze shades offer exotic touches to make your eyes look brilliant!

Say 'Meow'

Wear the perfect ultra thin cat’s eye look, achieved by lining the entire eye with dark liquid liner, extending to the outer edge of the eye and slightly upward. Add a sweep of neutral or bronzed color to the lids, and keep other facial makeup to a minimum to make your eyes pop!

Deep set, smoldering eyes!

Smokey, bronzed and even pastel eyes are still strong this year, and offer a wonderful blend with dark lips. Colors from black, purple, bronzed oranges, lavender and dark gray can all be worked in with a touch of smudged eyeliner on the lid for a hazy glow.

Shady purple and deep, dark blue are colors to be watched, as they blend easily with a cat’s eye look, and mixed with a dark shade of charcoal or gray, can produce a smoldering deep set eye. Line your eyes with slightly smudged dark liner for a finished, not-over done look.

Crayons for your face

If you’d rather be a bit more colorful, try this bold option: ‘Crayola Colored’ eye shadow. Bright, vivid shades of green, blue and yellow look like you pulled them right out the crayon box! Not for the timid, these shades can be toned down with a brown or black eyeliner. Be sure to leave the rest of the face subtle for an eye popping look! Using your fingertips to apply these<