Color Make Up Trends (2005-2006)

Abstract

This essay report aims to discuss the different make up trends introduced for this year until 2006. This paper is done in order to bring about awareness on how cosmetic trends are made. This aim was achieved through the collation of resource from periodicals and the internet. Based from the research conducted, color and versatility were found to be the most important aspect of the current make up trend. Through various make up techniques, new looks were introduced. The wide array of options for make up colors and styles gave women much versatility. In general, dark and light colors with shimmer were the color make up trend for 2005.

Through trend forecasting, the color make up trend for 2006 has been developed. Using various forecasting factors and the study by the Color Marketing Group, research showed that it is likely that the trend will still be dominated by the use of dark and light colors. However, much emphasis was given to the use of uplifting colors. The shade of these make up colors ranges from blue to green and yellow. Orange and gold colors will also be in trend. Research noted that such colors will be in demand as people try to cope with current life challenges, both in personal and in general. Through this report, the ability of people to cope with daily challenges through color trends has been stressed. Hence, changes in color make up trends will still continue for years to come.

Introduction

It was the Egyptians who had discovered color make up back in 4000 BC. Over time, make up production have gone through modern technologies, resulting to a more versatile health product. Make up is actually used for a number of purposes. Stage actors for instance, use make up in plays or theatrical performances. The application of make up helps in emphasizing the personalities of the characters they are playing; it also help in enhancing facial expression as well as adding color to the overall performance. In medicine, color cosmetics are also used in order to conceal surgical or injury marks or scars. However, in general, color make up has been produced and applied for consumers to enhance their physical appearances. This is attributed to the make up’s ability to make people look younger and healthier (Wikipedia, 2005).

According to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics refers to articles that are applied to the human body for the purpose of cleansing, promoting attractiveness, beautifying or changing a person’s appearance without the alteration of the structure or function of the body. Hence, cosmetics are not similar to plastic surgery where a person’s original body features are surgically altered in order to look more pleasant. Cosmetics is a broad terms which include shampoos, deodorants, colognes, toothpastes and mouthwash, lotions, bath oils and hair coloring agents. Make up is also under the cosmetic product line (Bardbard, 1993).

Various ingredients are used in manufacturing cosmetic products. Alcohol and mineral oil are some of the most common materials used for cosmetics production. In general, the ingredients used for cosmetics are made from herbal materials that are subjected to laboratory analysis and experimentation. There are some other ingredients used that are not as common as other cosmetic materials. Liposomes and aloe vera are some examples of these ingredients. Manufacturer claim that liposomes act as delivery systems of the other ingredients contained in the cosmetic product. In a lotion with liposomes for instance, once the liposome has dissolved other ingredients of the lotion, like moisturizers, are then released to the skin (Bardbard, 1993).

An ingredient that originated from the lily plant family, aloe vera is one of the main ingredients used for some shampoos and lotions. It is also said that aloe vera has anti-irritant properties; however, a large amount of aloe vera are needed in order for these properties to take into effect. In some products vitamins that are typically taken in the diet or as medications are also added to cosmetics products (Bardbard, 1993). Though some chemicals are also added to these products, most of the beautifying and cleansing properties of cosmetics are derived from its herbal ingredients.

Color cosmetic use has grown considerably among consumers. This in turn led to the significant growth of the cosmetics industry. Several brands and types of color make up have been introduced, increasing the options available to the consumers. One of the reasons that caused this significant growth is the full recognition of the people to the purpose of make up application. At present, women going to work and attending major events tend to put make up on so as to look more presentable or pleasing.

The growing importance of overall physical appearance is perhaps another factor that led to increase make up use. Moreover, means of advertising have grown considerably over the years. Attractive models and artists are being used by cosmetic manufacturers as effective marketing tools. Magazines discussing how to achieve a certain look are also found in various lifestyle periodicals. As a result, people have become more aware on the latest make up trends as well as how to apply these trends on their own.

Due to the increasing use of color make up worldwide, annual make up trends are often developed and introduced. Models as well as famous actresses and female artists are the most common marketing vehicle for popularizing these make up trends. Some of these trends have stayed up to the present, while others were replaced totally by new ones. In this essay, the main aim is to discuss the different color make up trends for 2005.

Make up techniques used by artists for the different parts of the face will be described. Hairstyles appropriate for certain make up applications will also be included. In addition, methods on forecasting the next year’s make up trends will also be discussed. In this part, forecasts of some artists will be cited. Awareness for social trends is the primary purpose of this essay. The contents of this paper aim to inform the readers on how a certain social matter changes over time due to several influences.

Color Make Up Trend (2005)

Various make up trends had been introduced in the market in 2005. Colors and techniques had been introduced by world-renowned make up artists as well as color make up manufacturers. In this section, various color make up styles applicable to specific parts of the face will be discussed.

Eyes

Among other make up applied in the face, the eye color perhaps is the most varied. Several dominant colors for the eyes, particularly blue, green and purple, are being used this year (See Appendix 1). While smoky eyes were introduced for the past years, dark colors that emphasize the eyes are the latest eye make up trend today. According to Advertus.com (2005), dark green and purple are the colors that are typically used to accentuate the eyes. While the smoky technique makes the eyes bigger and rounder, the dark color trend makes the eyes more elongated, producing a more cat-eye look.

The use of dark colors for shaping the eyes is actually a variant of the smoky technique. The dark color for the eyes typically uses the smudging technique along with the use of long lashes. By means of smudging, a shadow effect is made, creating a softer look. In some cases, colored mascara was also used along with dark-colored eyeliner. Dark colors are again used for this make up technique. Colors like brown and plum were the ones that are commonly used. This in particular, is used effectively to enhance brown eyes (Go, 2005).

Make up and skin care expert John Gustafson (2005a) noted that color is indeed one of the main aspects of this year’s eye make up. In addition to dark colors, pastels and cool colors are among the most popularly used by artists. Examples of which include the shades of pink, aqua, coral, lilac and yellow. These colors are often used either in their palest shades or at their boldest hues. These colors have been mainly used to coordinate with the season as well as the fabric colors produced for summer. Similar to the dark colors, summer shades for the eyes also helps in bringing out the colors of ones eye. While the dark colors create a more sultry appeal, the summer colors create a brighter and happier look.

From these eye make up trends for 2005, it is apparent that colors help in making a more appropriate look depending on the occasion or the character of the person using them. Various color combinations for the eyes are useful in enhancing or bringing out their natural color. Seasonal changes appear to be the main driver of trend for eye make up.

Lips

Two dominant colors for the lips have been used for this year. These could either be the pale color or the bright color shades (See Appendix 2). The pale or nude look is one of the make up design introduced for this year. In order to create this look, pale rose shades, mat lipsticks or almost colorless tones are used for the lips. Various catwalks including those of max mara, etro, lancetti, laura biagiotti and cavalli have shown how to use this make up technique. Other designers however have used the bright colored-lip trend as evidenced by paola frani, rocco barocco and trend les copains. Colors such as orange-red, bright pink and cherry red are the ones that are typically used (Adversus.com, 2005).

Gustafson (2005b) noted that one of the distinct characteristics of the 2005 make up trend for the lips is the increased use of gloss. Some well-known manufacturers are even producing lipsticks with gloss as their latest product lines. Some of these manufacturers include YSL, Chanel, Dior, Sisley, Kanebo and Shiseido. Lipstick color produced with gloss is usually pink of different shades, from fuchsia to plum to softer shades. Other colors include orange, beige, coral and peach.

Lip color trend for 2005 is as versatile as the eye color make up trend. Moreover, both trends can actually be used in order to enhance a specific part of the face. For instance, light colored lips with gloss are typically paired with dark colored eyes. Through this make up technique, make up artists are able to emphasize the eyes more. Moreover, combining light colored makeup with dark ones help in establishing balance in the overall look.

Skin and Cheeks

Similar to eye color, seasons play a significant role in setting skin make up trends. For instance in summer, the “healthy look” has been introduced by the artists. In order to create this look, golden shade and honey colors are used. Honey-colored blushes are also applied on the temples and cheeks in order to make the glowing effect. Shiny or shimmering base is typically used for this look as well. This healthy look has been created in the catwalks of Lancetti, Borbones and Alberta Ferretti (Adversus.com, 2005).

Indeed, the glowing look is the latest make up trend for 2005. Women are no longer after multiple color make up and heavy foundation. At present, make up consumers go for simple looks and make up products that does the work with minimal application time required. This is particularly in demand among working women. Peach-colored skinned is one way of achieving the glowing look, which is applicable for all skin tones especially the lightly tanned ones (See Appendix 3). The peach color can be used along with sheer bronzer in order to maximize the effect (Merryfield, 2005).

Another famous make up design for this year is the nude or natural look. At times, this look is also called as the “barely-there” design. This is very different from the healthy look as this make up design use paler color tones (See Appendix 3). In this design, the skin is made softer and smoother through lighter make up colors. Light colors for the eyes and lips are also used. In general, the natural look enables the creation of a younger and fresher appeal. Cividini and Byblos are among those that made use of the natural look design (Adversus.com, 2005).

The natural or nude look actually uses the monochromatic make up technique (Metro, 2005), wherein the same color shades is used for the eyes, lips and cheeks. During the Fall Collections of Carolina Herrera, the monochromatic make up technique was used along with the models’ all-black ensemble. Using this make up designs is very versatile as it is applicable to all skin tones. Moreover, as similar colors are used for the natural look, appropriate color combinations are no longer necessary.

Aside from the fact that natural colors needs less application time, the nude look also looks good for dark-colored clothes as well as embellished fabrics. With the natural look, selecting outfits will be less difficult. It is however important that the skin and lips are well-exfoliated and moisturized in order to keep them at their finest. Conditioners or moisturizers are the latest cosmetic products that are used for this purpose (Merryfield, 2005).

Colors that are typically used for the monochromatic technique include pink, orange and bronze. All of these colors have neutral brown undertones making them applicable to any skin color. The finishing touches for this look are dependent on the intensity of color that has been applied. For pastel colors, fingers may be use to dab color in the eyes, cheeks and lips. More control is necessary when darker colors are applied. Eye shadow and lip brushed are then used. For the final touches, a brush of mascara, lip gloss and application of loose powder are done (Metro, 2005).

Hairstyles

Hairstyles during the past years are typically made with highlights. Layered hairstyles were also the trend in the past. However, at present, lighters colors are the ones that are commonly used by most make up artists. This makes long hair with softer curls more applicable to today’s make up trend. Hair fringes are no longer used. As seen on current catwalks, hairstyles range between straight and slightly curled. Ruffled, wind-blown look for the hair is also used by today’s artists. This hairstyle helps accentuate the light and vibrant colors for facial make up (Adversus.com, 2005).

Wavy, ruffled and fluffed air is the hairstyle trend for 2005. This trend is attributable to Western influences, particularly Hollywood. A concrete example of this hairdo was the one worn by actress Kate Blanchett in the recent movie The Aviator. This trend is very much in contrast straight bobs as well as chignons. With the rise of vibrant and light make up colors, hair color should also match with these current trends. Amber, red, copper and strawberry blonde are some of the dominant colors for hair this year. These hair shades are even the ones used by Revlon model Julianne Moore as well as Nicole Kidman for Chanel. Considering the investment Chanel has made for this advertisement, it is likely that this hair color will remain in trend for years to come (Thomas, 2005).

Analysis of Current Color Make Up Trend

Based from the online and periodical research done for this year’s color make up trend, two important factors have been identified. One of which is the increased use of color, and the other is the emphasis of cosmetic versatility. From the make up used for the eyes, lips and skin, color appears to be an important aspect. Both dark and light shades of different colors are being used by artists in order to enhance individual looks. Through color combinations and make up techniques, artists are able to introduce various new looks for 2005. These include the natural look, the healthy or glowing look as well as the sultry look.

In addition to color, shimmer or gloss is also a trend nowadays. Lipsticks are manufactured with natural gloss. Some eye make ups are also manufactured with shimmering effects. Gloss on the skin, which is typically applied on the cheeks are also commonly used. Through this new make up techniques, the color of the make up is enhanced. Moreover, a healthier and brighter look is emphasized through this technique.

As mentioned, colors of the make up used range from dark to light tones. This stresses the second factor identified in today’s color make up trends, and that, versatility. Make up designs introduced for this year can be worn at almost any type of event. The natural look can be worn not only for casual events but even for formal gatherings. Dark colors can be matched with lighter shades in order to balance out the overall look as well as to emphasize certain parts of the face. Women going to work can easily mix matched their outfits without worrying which color of make up is more appropriate. Now that most women are working, this versatility factor of color make ups helps them cope with busy lifestyles.

Color Make Up Trend (2006)

Now that the 2005 color make up trend has been discussed more in detail, some would probably anticipate next year’s make up trend. What will be the color trend for 2006? Will gloss still be used by artists? Will there be past make up styles that will be reintroduced? These perhaps, are some of the questions that will come to mind when forecasting the make up trends for 2006. Trend forecasting has been a common practice (Rao, 2004); however, it is seldom that such is used for the make up industry. Nonetheless, businesses within the cosmetics industry benefit from trend forecasting as this helps them identify the next make up product that will make it big in the market. This section then creates a 2006 color make up trend forecast based on this year’s make up trend as well as some techniques used for color trend forecasting.

Forecasting Factors

Forecasting trends is not actually a type of study or a science. However, certain benefits are gained out of forecasting. In the make up industry, the advantage of forecasting is similar to other businesses. Trends are those that make it big in the market, and the ones that businesses are after. In order to forecast these trends, entrepreneurs typically consider a number of factors such as market needs, sales reports and consumer preferences. Interestingly, trends for make up colors can also be forecasted through the consideration of various factors.

According to the Dulux website (2005), these factors include the economic status, environmental influences and current events. These are not the only ones that contribute to make up color trend forecasting. Nonetheless, these are the main factors that most industries use for this purpose. Below is a brief discussion of these forecasting factors.

The economic status is one of the known forecasting factors for color make up trends. With the unpredictable status of economies worldwide, consumers have become more practical and selective of the items that they purchase. Hence, expensive as well as limited functions of make up items are not considered a trend by the market. This is an important forecasting signal for the make up manufacturer – that the market is after a more versatile color trend. Indeed, Dulux (2005) had noted that flexibility in color make up is an important consumer preference.

The Color Marketing Group (CMG) (2005), an international nonprofit association of color designers, had already forecasted a number of make up color trends for 2006. In general, colors that will make a trend for next year are uplifting and independent. These colors can be used as they are but can also work in combination of other colors. This is why versatility, as indicated by the economic forecasting factor, will truly make a trend for 2006.

Another important factor that contributes to color make up trends is the environment. Women at present have grown more independent and exposed to the workplace setting. In terms of societal function, women have grown more flexible. Thus, working women can also be a mother, athlete or entertainer. As women need to play different roles, colors should be diverse as well. This has been indicated in CMG’s color selection for next year, where light, dark and neutral colors are included (See Appendix 4). With these make up color trends, women can create sweet, assertive or intelligent looks as the situation requires it. The color make trend for 2006 will then be about diversity due to broadened environmental needs and influences.

Current issues and events are also important forecasting factors for color make up trends. Though world issues cannot be regulated by each individual, people typically adapt in their own little ways. One of which is through color and design. Through colors, people can create a more pleasant and peaceful environment that they want. As the world goes through a number of challenges, cool colors are the ones in trend. This is why the use of various shades of blue has increased significantly. In the study done by the Color Marketing Group, the research concluded the increased used of the color blue in most sectors (Dulux, 2005).

CMG explained that the use of various blue shades such as glass and sea blues are typically used in recreating peaceful locations like beaches and mountains. Other color likes deeper shades of blue with a touch of gray exhibits calmness whereas denim colors connote free will (Dulux, 2005). This in turn makes an efficient remedy for hectic work schedules, financial problems, political issues and other current events. For 2006, CMG also noted that people prefer color of calmness and peacefulness. Thus, colors like yellow and blue are forecasted to be a color trend for make up for 2006. Considering that many problems are being encountered by people, uplifting colors like orange, green and pink will be used highly by next year. These colors will be in trend as they can help people adapt to various world changes and crisis (CMG, 2005).

Based from these factors and forecasts, it is apparent that most of the color trends for make up for this year will be carried over for 2006. People still goes through multiple issues and challenges; roles of women are still evolving; and economic issues still arise. Because of these reasons, people, particularly women, need flexibility and freedom. Thus, dark and light colors will still be a in use.

Conclusion

Since it was first discovered, make up has been used by people in order to look more presentable and pleasing. Various manufacturers all over the world had introduced different color shades for make up. These trends had even made it into catwalks and had been used by world-renowned artists. For 2005, in addition to the increased use of dark and light colors, gloss appeared to be part of the trend as well. By means of these color designs, various looks have been created as well.

One of which is the sultry look, which is created through the use of dark colors in the eyes and dark glossy lip color. For more casual events, the healthy look has been recommended. This make up design is used in order to make the person look younger. Colors that suggest health like peach, pink, orange and bronze are the colors that dominate this design. On the other hand, a more versatile design called the nude look can be used in either formal or casual events. The monochromatic technique is the style used for creating this look. This design helps in making the user look younger. As this uses simple make up applications, busy working women can easily create this look on their own. Moreover, this design is applicable to all types of skin tones, making it highly flexible.

However, trends do pass. Trends for make up colors continue to evolve and change due to various factors. As mentioned in the discussion, certain external aspects influence market preferences which in turn become the basis of trend. In summary, the present world condition as well as color designer experts that trend for color make up for 2006 will focus on flexibility. These will be achieved through the introduction of uplifting colors. Colors that can help bring about calmness and peace will dominate the trend for the coming year.

In conclusion, it is interesting to know that businesses are not the only ones that benefit from trend forecasting. People involved in the cosmetics industry, particularly those that create and introduce make up designs, are also using various forecasting factors in order to introduce new trends. This essay report had clearly shown how social aspects in life continue to change over time. Perhaps, among other things, the most important aspect of this essay is that it was able to show how resilient people are towards changes as well as how simple things like colors can be utilized to overcome current life challenges.

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