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Make sure you step out in style this summer. Alex Gorton sums up the big beauty trends straight from the catwalk
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1. Great skin is always in fashion
Cold weather, wind and rain aren't your skin's worst enemies - get rid of that dull winter pallor by booking a facial. Japanese skincare company SKII have just launched their most deluxe treatment to date. The SKII "Sai Chohwa" facial at Harrods is a re-balancing and cleansing treatment that uses hot stone therapy with elements of acupressure massage to eliminate toxins from the skin leaving it re-hydrated and glowing.
£90 for 1hour 15 minutes. Exclusive to Harrods
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2. Luscious lips are big for spring
Everyone knows about Lancome's juicy tubes, but it's worth checking out a new gloss on the block - Aveda's lip shine. A translucent, shiny gloss made from plant-derived ingredients such as organically grown cranberries and blueberries, which contain anti-oxidants that help protect lips from free radical damage. In addition plant lipids and jojoba oil will moisturise your lips whilst the tinted shades will leave them looking luscious.
£11.50. Call 01730 232 380 for stockists.
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3. 2004 is the year of the brunette
Style icon Sarah Jessica Parker and starlet Sienna Miller have both dyed their blonde locks brown, whilst natural brunettes Liv Tyler, Sofia Coppola and Jade Jagger are all at the top of the style tree. On the spring/summer 2004 catwalks brunette was the sleekest shade - either dead straight at Chanel and Calvin Klein or wavy at Missoni and Versace. Following on from his successful Sheer Blonde range, John Frieda has produced the Brilliant Brunette line, which includes shampoos, conditioners and styling products aimed at those who know that it's not only blondes who have fun.
John Frieda launches in March from Boots
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4. Packaging is everything
Cult French fashion label Paul & Joe successfully launched a range of beautifully packaged make-up last year. For 2004, Paul & Joe (who is in fact one woman) has turned her sights to skincare. Formulated by leading Japanese company Albion Cosmetics, there are four products in the range - facial soap, cleansing milk, serum and moisture lotion. Scientifically researched and beautifully presented in ivory-white bottles with pearlised and antique gold caps - this range will take pride of place on any dressing table.
From £10 - available from branches of Harvey Nichols 0870 873 3833
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5. New ranges are all the rage
New York designer Diane von Furstenburg has become a fashion legend with her beautifully cut wrap dresses. She's now hoping to achieve equal success with her new cosmetics, skincare and fragrance ranges. Still under wraps, you won't be able to get your hands on the products until summer. However, for those who can't wait, you can get a quick preview at www.dvfbeauty.com . Also look out for Givenchy's new cosmetics range, Le Makeup, in April. With Liv Tyler as the face of the collection, there are 151 gorgeous products to look forward to.
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6. Faking it is in
As temperatures rise and we roll into spring and summertime, we'll be finding that we need those big winter coats and scarves less and less. Whilst warmer weather is a blessing, it also means less clothes and more skin on display. This is where fake tan comes in. These days fake tan is less orange and more natural than ever before. Turn yourself into a lightly bronzed goddess with the Sun FX tanning system from Australia. A favourite of Kylie and Elle Macpherson, Sun FX is a spray on treatment that takes 5-10 minutes to apply and creates an even, natural and healthy-looking glow.
From £25 - available from beauty salons nationwide, for stockists call 01322 290101.
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More beauty trends
1. Facial cleansing from Japan
2. Luscious lips are big for spring
3. 2004 is the year of the brunette
4. Packaging is everything
5. New ranges are all the rage
6. Faking it is in
7. Pink is the only colour for lips
8. Big hair is back
9. Brightly coloured eyeshadow
10. Matching bright nails
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7. Pink is the lip colour for spring/summer
From sugary shades to a deeper, darker fuchsia (as per Narciso Rodriguez's catwalk show), the hottest lips will be pink this summer. Cult Japanese brand RMK (created by top make-up artist Rumiko) has produced four different textures for lips - from a wet-look gloss to a moisturising lipstick in a variety of shades - just remember, go for pink.
Call 020 7259 5669 for stockists.
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8. Big hair is back
A scary thought, but big hair is back. At Louis Vuitton and Versace's catwalk shows, hair was full of bouncing body. Recreate that 80s look with Oomf Booster from Fudge (£7.25) or Tecni.art Airpump Energy Mousse Spray (£7.75) from L'Oreal Professional - both will provide volume and give the illusion of thickness to even the thinnest of hair. For big, soft curls try using Expert's Lightweight Rollers (£27) by BaByliss.
Call 01282 683 100 for Fudge details. Call 0800 072 6699 for L'Oreal stockists.
Call 0870 513 3191 for BaByliss details.
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9. Brightly coloured eyeshadow
One of the big trends on the spring/summer catwalks was brightly coloured eyeshadow (also seen on BAFTA-winning actress Scarlett Johannsen at the Brit Awards). MAC's new Hipnotique range is great for gorgeous bright eye colours such as deep blues, bright pinks and light mints (£9). Also try Hard Candy's Drama Queen Eye Shadow Quad (£19.50) with a mix of purple, lilac, green and beige.
Call 020 7534 9222 for MAC. Hard Candy is available from larger Boots.
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10. Matching bright nails
Hot new brand OPI has come up with a great range of nail colours for the spring. The Summer Splash Collection (£8 a bottle) comes in bright colours including lilac, lime and pearlescent lime. Fast-drying, long-lasting and chip-resistant, the colours also come in a gift set that includes three mini versions of the bright lacquers (£11.25).
For OPI salons and stockists call 01923 240 010.
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More beauty trends
1. Facial cleansing from Japan
2. Luscious lips are big for spring
3. 2004 is the year of the brunette
4. Packaging is everything
5. New ranges are all the rage
6. Faking it is in
7. Pink is the only colour for lips
8. Big hair is back
9. Brightly coloured eyeshadow
10. Matching bright nails
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