Bold Strokes

When it comes to cosmetic trends, traditional looks such as bobs, red lips and ’60s-style winged eyeliner are taking a backseat to hair, nails and eyes that are decidedly far out. Apparently, with all the time young people are not spending shopping, they’re getting creative in front of the mirror, and their eyes may be just the start of it.

Feather Hair Extensions: While clipping synthetic hair to one’s mane may seem foul to some, the latest hair phenomenon is all about the fowl. Feather hair extensions, made from elegant rooster plumes and dyed a myriad of colors, are gaining buzz as quirky hair accessories that are both subtle and salient. Surprisingly, they don’t require too much upkeep. Feather hair extensions can be washed, blow dried and curled, and can remain in place for up to six weeks. Feather extensions from LoveChild, Makeup&GO, and handbag and jewelry designer Wendy Nichol—who sources her feathers from free-range birds—cost between $10 and $50 and take only 10 minutes to secure to one’s tresses. That said, this is one trend that’s not for the birds.

Beaded Nails: Nearly everything is getting a 3-D update these days, and nail art is no exception, as the sparkly nail polish style that Gen Ys have sported since middle school is getting a glam makeover. As reported by StyleList, celebrity manicurist Patricia Yankee outfitted models’ digits at the Cushnie et Ochs Fall 2011 fashion show with black seed beads. Dubbed “caviar nails,” the beads were glued to a base of jet black polish. While there are plenty of new DIY manicure tutorials online, some salons have been offering similar options for years. And for those who don’t favor the beluga aesthetic but still want to display edible imagery on their nails, there’s always the junk food manicure as an alternative.

Raver Eyes: Understated smoky eyes may always be seductive, but those who want the latest knockout look aren’t bothering with subtlety. The newest eye makeup to hit the runway this year evokes the crowd at Limelight circa 1991. For the runway presentation of his ’90s club kid-inspired Candyflip collection, outlandish fashion designer Jeremy Scott created a look complete with mismatched fluorescent orange, acid green and neon blue eyelids. Meanwhile, makeup artist Christian McCulloch gave models at Vena Cava a decidedly more discofied look by mixing clear MAC gloss with old school art store glitter. Though their Ecstasy-fueled nights may be behind them, nostalgic former ravers are understandably amused that this look is now seeing the light of day.