The future's bright

If beauty is a barometer of our times, the good news is that things are looking up. This year we'll emerge from the washed-out "neutrals" that defined recessionary chic in 2010 in fighting form — with eye-poppingly brave colour. Think tropical, think neon — just think bright.

"Colour cosmetics will be this year's big sellers," says David Walker-Smith, Selfridges' director of beauty. "Women will brave bold new lip and nail shades as a way of updating their look without overspending."

Anti-ageing technology progresses further into the world of stem cells while gadgets come in sleeker, more masculine designs that prioritise function over frippery. If the recession has proved anything, it's that we're still willing to pay for beauty. But whether it be skincare, make-up or hair products, we want brands that are transparent, add a hint of luxury and fun to our daily lives, and deliver exactly what they say on their eco-friendly packaging.

MAKE-UP
Posh sweat: Say hello to skin that's clean rather than heavily bronzed and comes in a balmy texture to look as if you've spent the day in the tropics. With a built-in sponge applicator, Maybelline's The Eraser foundation, (£9.99, maybelline.co.uk from Feb) provides hydration and coverage.

Bright eyes: Come spring, the catwalks' super-charged shades — from the candyfloss pink eyes at Jean-Pierre Braganza to the fluoro-orange lips at Marni — will prove surprisingly flattering on you too. Try Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill silk shimmer pots (£24.50; from Feb) or L'Oréal Paris's Color Riche Lipstick in Magnetic Coral (£7.99; nationwide) — even colour sceptics will be converts.

Look out for: The Regard Signe de Chanel precious metal eye palette (over £100) and Paloma Faith's limited edition lashes for Shu Uemura (exclusively in Selfridges from Feb), the collectors' items of the year.

HAIR
New waves: 2011 is the year of the curl — Revolver tongs by Windle and Moodie with a self-spinning barrel do the work for you (windleandmoodie.com from Feb).

Pony club: If your disco days are over, retreat to the safety of the new ponytail. According to stylist Luke Hersheson (danielhersheson.com), it should have clean, slicked-back sides, a square shape on top and a hint of androgyny.

Look out for: Styling products with added benefits. Try Redken's new antioxidant-rich Fashion Work 12 spray (£11.50; redken.co.uk) for health and hold.

SKIN
Magic potions: Dior's Capture Totale utilises stem cell technology to encourage skin regeneration — but the Multi-Perfection Concentrate will set you back £110.50 (from Jan 15). Dr Sebagh is launching a Cream Cleanser (£30; drsebagh.com from Feb) based on the one used in his famous facials — and this year the antioxidant glutathione will enter your vocabulary. Dr Perricone's Acyl-Glutathione Cream (£138; perriconemd.co.uk from April) replenishes its levels in order to decelerate the ageing process.