In the beauty industry, traditionally the focus has been on the future, sometimes looking up to two years ahead trying to be the brand that sets the latest trend or creates the next “Vamp.” But taking a cue from fashion, we feel it’s important to reassess color trends in real time—to identify potential marketing and product opportunities within a current assortment or, for the agile, the ability to develop “Breakneck Beauty.” In either case, the internet has created the expectation among consumers that brands are always on trend. With this in mind, BGM reached out to strategic partner and color guru Roseanna Roberts to provide a real-time color forecast for Spring 2015.

Spring/Summer 2015 is one of experimentation! Color application is becoming more liberal and spontaneous, moving to unexpected places like the brows, earlobes and at the roots of hair.

Many of the trends from Fall/Winter 2014-15 continue into Spring/Summer 2015. In particular, fresh-faced complexions and contoured cheekbones remain a major look. Dewy skin continues to shine with the addition of glossy highlights on high points of the face.

Read on to discover the most enticing hues of the season.

HAUTE APRICOT

Peachy hues emerge as a fresh, color-tinted variety of spring neutral.

These nectar-inspired hues provide a luminous, girl-next-door glow on skin with a dash of innocence, capitalizing on a growing desire for a simple, lighthearted approach to beauty—and daily life. Cheeks and lips flush apricot with a touch of gold, while nails take on more intense tangerine hues that channel a playful, happy-go-lucky vibe.

On the runway at: Ralph Lauren, Erdem, Pascal Millet, and Nicole Miller.

SHADED PASTELS

Subtle, muted hues emerge as a counterpoint to the deep saturates of Fall/Winter 2014-15.

These nouveau pastels are not the sweet tints of seasons past. Texture is paramount, taking on chalky finishes to further update the look. This next generation of soft hues employs a dirty pretty edge, with hints of shadowy grey undertones, emphasizing the growing complexity of the modern woman’s taste. Pale dusty blue and lilac are favored varieties.

On the runway at: Dior (launching pastel eyeliner stickers for SS15), Badgley Mischka, and Sally LaPointe.

CULTU(RED)

There is an undercurrent of ’80s nostalgia this season. Leading the movement is the reemergence of red. This classic hue signals power and strength, a theme that has grown in importance over the past two decades. Nothing says bold-faced confidence and self-assurance like an almighty red.

On lips, the color takes on a slightly blue cast, evolving from warmer incarnations of seasons past. Cheeks also veer cool. Nails take on the timeless hue with a sense of novelty, after the rainbow of polishes in recent years.

On the runway at: Zac Posen, Burberry Prorsum, Versus, Dolce and Gabbana, Trussardi, and Cedric Charlier.

THE MIDAS TOUCH

Gold makes a bold statement this season, maximizing impact with considered application (location, location, location!). A little gilt goes a long way, with poignant touches of metallic shine in all the right—and unexpected—places.

The popularity of temporary metallic tattoos inspires cosmetics to follow suit, prompting an influx of jewelry-emulating makeup such as faux ear and lip rings created with metallic liquid liner. While this edgy application may not be for the faint of heart (or traditionalist), subtle touches of bronze and gold hold appeal for sophisticates, while retaining a nod to the wild side.

On the runway at: Dries Van Noten, Anthony Vaccarello, Alexis Mabille, Julien Macdonald, Barbara Bui, and Anna Sui.

CUE THE BLUE

Hues of blue continue to shine for Spring/ Summer ’15. Most coveted for their fresh cool appeal, these shades are at once tranquil and energetic. Recent seasons have seen denim-inspired tones adorning nails, using the hands as a safe zone to experiment with such an unconventional palette. As a result, blue has catapulted to popularity in other areas of beauty.

From aquamarine to deep cerulean, strong focus is on the eyes, which shimmer in a variety of smudged, smoked, winged and washed applications. The most adventurous dare to bare a moody pout—but this still remains a fringe color for lips. Matte, gloss, and pearl finishes meet in various combinations, creating diverse, dynamic textures, emulating nature’s most luminous, iridescent influences.

On the runway at: Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier, Armani, Emanuel Ungaro, Elie Saab.