Five Of The Weirdest (And Awesome) Beauty Trends You Need Right Now

Ok. I think we can all agree that lately, there have been some really weird beauty trends out there. From holographic nails to using a shot glass and suction to do the #KylieJennerChallenge (why, people?), we have all embraced the strange and unique in the name of looking fleeky.

I’ve been keeping my eye on these trends and compiled a list of my favourites for this year (we’ve seen some in previous seasons too). Without further ado, my list of top weirdo trends sweeping the beauty scene (and if you want to get a better sense, check out my CTV Morning Live video)…

Chrome Nails

I have a shelf in my closet devoted to the 500+ nail polishes I have. I think it’s safe to say that I’m heavily addicted to all things “nails”. In a previous life, I was a happy esthetician who loved nothing more than giving a superb mani.

You name it – nail art, nail piercings, holographic nails, acrylics, BioGel…I love it all. My current obsession is chrome nails. So, what are chrome nails, you ask? Well, they are super metallic, mirror-like, high-shine finishes for nails. They have been making waves now for a while, but I was late to jump on the band wagon.

I finally took the plunge and got an amazing two-toned chrome manicure courtesy of K Beauty Bar at Bayshore Shopping Centre. The manicure is so beautiful and deadly looking that I can’t stop staring at my hands. I haven’t noticed anyone else yet in Ottawa with these beauties, but spotted them all over during my trip to New York last week. Doesn’t surprise me. New Yorkers are bad-ass.

Chrome Lips

Chrome lips. Sigh. When I read about them, I filed this trend under “Things I Don’t Understand” along with kombucha (come on – disgusting) and oxygen bars (cash grab). I’m a trooper though and kept my eyes peeled for some to try out.

I read a bunch of reviews and Jouer’s line of chrome liquid lipsticks were highly coveted. So much so that Nordstrom and the Jouer websites were out of the immensely popular “Papaye” colour for months. I waited patiently, it was finally restocked. After paying an exorbitant amount for shipping and duties (get it together, Canada), Papaye was mine.

Intensely pigmented, this rose gold, metallic peach colour packs a punch. It’s truly metallic, shimmering in the sun like true rose gold. This colour is particularly beautiful on redheads and those with a golden glow. Those of the chocolate persuasion will want to use this more as a highlighter on the centre of lips and a light touch on the Cupid’s Bow of your top lip. Looks. So. Good. Btw, it smells so incredible. Like crème brûlée.

Snail Slime-based Skincare

All sorts of “nope”, right? Just hang on for a sec. The stuff is really good. Koreans are known for their superb skincare that is generally loaded with insane ingredients, snail slime being one of them. Snails freak me out, and I generally like them best sautéed in garlic butter, not crawling across my face.

I stumbled upon Prestige Foam D’Escargot Cleanser though and love it. Snails are covered in slime to essentially protect their bodies as they crawl around. The benefits for humans though are that it apparently heals acne more quickly, is quite efficient at fading scars and soothes angry skin.

I took a trip to T&T Supermarket which is a beauty treasure trove. I picked up the snail cleanser to try it out and have been a loyal devotee ever since. It’s thick and gooey which tested my gag reflex a little, but I powered through. Over a week of use, and so far, so good! So great, actually! It’s a super effective cleanser which removes makeup really well and my skin is baby soft. SOLD.

Bio-Cellulose Masks

I have been using bio-cellulose masks for the past year now. They are by far, my favourite sheet face masks. With their unique texture which is a bit thicker than most, they adhere to your skin much better than the rest.  As you smooth it onto your face, air bubbles are easily pushed out, therefore delivering their powerful ingredients more efficiently.

Bio-cellulose is a pretty amazing material. Retaining 100 times its dry weight in fluid, they deliver extreme hydration to parched skin. With their gel-like consistency, they fit like a second skin to your face. While you may look like an extra from Silence of the Lambs while wearing one, you’ll be happy you did. These masks are one of the most effective ways to get hydrated, bright, gleaming skin in a pinch.

My favourites? Those by Taiwanese brand For Beloved One. Excellent.

*Available at T&T Supermarkets in the Beauty Section

Black Blush

Black blushes have been stealing the show lately. The anti-highlighter, black blushes are usually creamy with a nice sheen, that don’t leave you looking like a gleaming disco ball. I love Rituel de Fille’s Eclipse Inner Glow Pigment. With just a hint of aubergine, it’s an unexpectedly beautiful contour product, delivers a sexy smoky eye and can be used for ombré lips. I pre-ordered mine back in April and I’m glad I did. They sold FAST.

Note: If you look like Snow White, use a light hand if using for contour. It can end up looking a little crazy…like you just climbed through a chimney.

What are you favourite weirdo beauty trends? Purposely grey hair? Gold leaf hair dos? Cut crease eye looks? Let me know in the comments!

*A huge thank you to 724 Clothing for the beautiful outfit I wore on CTV Morning Live!