THE New Year is a stone?s throw away. This is a good time to re-evaluate our relationship with our skin and the way we can make the most of our assets.

Luckily, 2009?s projected trends aren?t difficult to follow. In fact, they?re easy and very ?makeup for dummies?-friendly. So before going through your kikay kit to ditch what has expired, be conscious of products you have that can still make you look great next year.

Sexy dew

Going under the sun is not fashionable anymore. So using scarlet lips and crème bronzers on the cheeks makes for a hot solution. Crème blushers give more depth and makes the skin look dewy, which is pure sexy. Korean label Andy+Debb recently made their models strut this look.

The twist

Instead of just pulling up your hair, the French twist will be making a strong comeback, so why not try it? The difference this time is, it is looser, more playful than the stiff one we?ve become familiar with. This ?do may be worn by the younger set, but will also make more mature women look softer and more feminine. This twisted-crown style was seen on Carolina Herrera?s runway!

Focus on the eyes

I?ve seen this look on the fashionable set during recent formal events; it was so refreshing to see. Gold eye shadow or eyeliners worn with barely-there makeup are a great contrast to formal get-up. The eye shadow keeps the focus on the eyes and doesn?t distract from the elaborate gowns.

Great skin

Playing up good skin is key?or at least giving the illusion that you have one. Finding the right concealer is crucial in this regard, plus a good cleansing regimen. It is not as time-consuming as you think. Cleansing takes only five minutes in the morning and before you hit the sack. It can be the most therapeutic thing you can do for yourself in a day.

Soft waves

Keeping your hair down to frame your face is possibly the easiest trend for everyone for 2009. This minimum-effort look brings maximum appeal. Have you ever heard of the term beach babe? Well, this look will give you a chance to look like one! Check out Chris Benz?s runway. If soft waves are your natural hair growth, it?s time to use your wide curling iron instead of your flat ones.

Smoky sexy

2009 will be the year of smoky eyes?a look that can be sported day or night. The trick is to use pale colored blush and nude lippies to balance the eyes. This look can be played up or down by just adding on the liner as the day progresses.

Natural brows

Be kind to your brows! The thicker the better should be your motto for 2009. Allow them to grow naturally, just plucking out stray hair. You don?t have to shape them, too, because thin brows are so out. Thick brows will also make you look younger.