After the year 2000, I envision a change from clear tones, which are clean colors, towards more muddies tones.

For example, consider the manner in which TV and film makeup is applied in North America compared to the way it is used in Mexico City. The differences are dynamic. What is considered to be natural makeup there would be considered exotic here. So it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what the colors will be in for the entire world, since the so-called 'this year's colors" differ from country to country.

Natural vs. exoticOne thing is clear though: right now there's a universal tendency to divide everything in half. For instance, there are women who gravitate toward a natural look versus those who lean toward an exotic look. We are going in two directions at the same time. As a result, cosmetic companies have chosen to cater to one group or the other, not both.
My feeling has always been that if you only cater to one preference, then you are eliminating sales from other one. And, let's face it, the keyword is selling. This is why we should not neglect women who still enjoy a more natural, light, clean and airy look, even though the majority of our new millennium colors are going to be deep, dark, grayed tones.

Makeup, "Outside the lines"Until now, makeup applications have been clean, balanced and neatly done. Eyeliner is normally a fine line slightly blended so that it appears to be an equally balanced line of smoky shadow around the eyes. However, what I see in the next millennium is less care given to whether or not the makeup looks neat or balanced. I also see makeup being put on with the pads of one's fingers rather than the specialized brushes and applicators women are using because life is moving faster than ever and time is going to be a major factor in how makeup is applied in the next millennium. I think this will happen around the world. People are moving faster, yet they have increasingly less free time.
I also see the use of artificial eyelashes returning, but strangely, I don't see them being applied to the upper lid. I only see lower lashes being extended. I have a feeling that the fashion world is going to begin to see a lot of lower lash and lower mascara application and lower drop shadow application, which is a more piercing look, a more rebellious I'm-seeing- right-through-you or a don't-screw-with-me kind of appearance. I'm not saying women won't be using mascara on their upper lashes, but I do see greater concentration on the lower line, which is interesting because this application technique can take a woman in any direction she chooses. It can make her look more acceptable in a conservative way or it can be done more extravagantly to create a more exotic appearance. Accompanying this trend, eye shadows are going to be darker and harsher in appearance. Again, this is for women drawn to a more exotic looking makeup.
What we've seen in the past is exotic makeup applications that have been bold, strong, and highly contrasted. They've been perfectly balanced and have followed specific lines. Now, I believe women are going to be smudging makeup onto their faces and working more quickly. I don't think that natural looks will feature obvious demarcation lines. However, within the group of women who prefer the look of black lips and very pale faces-I call it the vampire strata of trendy-there will be a lot of demarcation lines. The same will be true of older women who prefer a trendier look. Makeup application will be blended out with the fingers, rather than brushes, for a more balanced look. The same will be true of eyeliner, which is going to be a little thicker. I also believe there will be a tendency to move away from a very matte, powdered look toward increased coverage, and perfection, but not a heavy look.