First of all, Happy New Year to everyone. When the year ends, another one begins. As we bid adieu to 2017, it is good to look forward to what 2018 has in store for us. Here’s a list to get us started in that direction.
Society and politics
One thing I realized when it comes to social issues is that after a while (of fighting and rallying for it), one day, it’ll present itself in a different light and we’d see it in all its glory (or lack thereof). Such can be said about racial equality which is IN this year. Finally, eyes are enlightened and that is something to be optimistic about. In the meantime, kneeling during the National Anthem will have to remain in, despite it being out among certain white football fans. Leaks from the White House is out but books about former White House staffers are in. Thanks to the president, national monuments and parks are out, especially if President Obama was the one who preserved them. In nature, global warming is in as well as solar eclipses.
Entertainment & celebrities
With Disney’s announcement about wanting to buy 20th Century Fox, it’s just plain obvious that “Mickey Mouse” is so in this year. Welcome back, Disney! Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown is out (of pre-puberty, at least. Oh, how fast they grow). But Storm Reid from Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” is in.
In movie theaters, Wonder Woman is in, and I don’t even wonder why (wonder – see what I did there?). Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins proved through their “Wonder Woman” movie, that audiences will flock to a strong, well-written female hero. As for the rest of the Justice League, sad to say they’re out – at least for now until they come up with a sequel (and it better be good!). Science fiction in general is on the outs.
Fashion and beauty
If 2016 was the year for stripes, then 2018 would be the year for Tartans or checkered prints to make a comeback. Jackets, oversized shirts or even a pair of trousers are in as well as taking on patterns with checkered utilitarian pieces paired with art inspired garments.
2017 and 2016 were all about Korean cosmetics. This year, we will see the return of Japanese makeup and cosmetics that offer a more natural-looking color palette. There is fascination in 2018 for labels like Shiseido, Kanebo and Kate Tokyo. Clear and polished skin is the focus for beauty looks in 2018. With Japanese cosmetic companies being masters at perfecting complexion and combating age, wrinkles and age spots can now disappear as fast as a ninja could.
Speaking of age-defying tools, cosmetic enhancements that are non-invasive are being introduced to the market and embraced by many, especially this year. Not only are they non-invasive, these procedures take up less time.
Two of the leading non-invasive procedures that help rejuvenate and restore youth to one’s appearance are Ulthera and Thermage. Ulthera utilizes ultrasound to heat the deep tissues resulting in firmer and younger-looking skin. Similarly, Thermage uses radiofrequency heat to tighten the skin. Both treatments have minimal to zero downtime and may also be used for other parts of the body that need firming or lifting.
Makeup direction for 2018 is straightforward. Achieve polished skin, well-groomed brows and punctuate the look with a glossy red lip.
Food
Who would not want to know what’s on and off the menu in 2018? I would love to know what’s trendy in the “fridge department”.
It is time to take a hiatus from your favorite burger joint because HUGE burgers, novelty milkshakes and fried chicken are off the menu for 2018, replaced by lighter salads and vegetable-based dishes.
Food experts are predicting this year will see a move away from high-fat, meat-based feasts in favor of native and plant-based ingredients.
Matt Moran said 2018 is the year that’s all about “conscious” eating.
“Consciousness about sustainability and consciousness about waste,” said Moran, who said the ABC docu-series War On Waste made a huge impact on the urban food scene. “People are far more aware of things like waste and where their food is coming from and they will make the effort to support smaller growers and producers in a way that we have never seen before.”
And there it is – a preview of what to expect this year! Although, I still think that we are entitled to our choices and can still decide on a different fashion statement (from what I just described) These are mere predictions and should not, in any way be taken as dogmatic statement. Plus, burgers are pieces of heaven. It wouldn’t be a great year without them, don’t you think?
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Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration . To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]
