“As much as I try to keep up with hair and makeup trends, there is too much out there every season and I can’t process. Can you share with me your favorite trends?”

It seems a new season brings about the same dilemma: Which beauty trends do we pick up, and which ones do we leave to the models and celebrities?

While our tried-and-tested everyday makeup does the trick most of the time, there are days when we feel like trying out something new. This is a good thing, because naturally we want to look (and feel) young, fresh and on-trend.

You wouldn’t want to be stuck wearing the same makeup until you’re 80—that would be boring!

Updating your makeup kit is just as important as buying key pieces for your wardrobe each season. These go hand in hand, as makeup trends are made to complement fashion.

You don’t need to follow everything that walks down the runway. You can choose carefully and stringently, and incorporate these to your own personal style.

I like following trends because it’s fun, something new and, most of the time, so simple. Like how wearing a particular lipstick shade can immediately look cool, or how drawing eyeliner in a different way can lend a modern feel.

My only rule for following trends is that if you feel it complements your style, then by all means do it—no matter what your age is.

I’ve listed my personal favorites (as you have requested), hoping that these will inspire you to experiment and try something new and different.

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun because this is what trends are all about. It’s all about personal expression, so yes, you are allowed to have fun!

Bright, super matte lipstick. Not only is matte lipstick super flattering, it can also make your skin look good.

Since a matte texture absorbs light, the skin’s natural sheen reflects light in contrast. This gives the face a fresh, gorgeous highlight, without having to pile on the shimmer. Plus, a bright pop of color in a matte texture looks super modern, and is just the right punctuation for spring’s minimalist trend.

I love brick red, tangerine and purplish pink tones; they look fresh worn with just a hint of makeup (a little concealer, beige shadow and contour powder go a long way). Makeup inspiration: Chanel.

Electric blue liner. Instead of using a go-to black gel liner, why not try a bright cobalt blue?

Applying this color is just as easy as the black liner we are used to, but it makes a gorgeous statement, especially when worn with a thick line and slightly rounded edges.

The trick to wearing electric blue liner is to top the liner with an equally bright eye shadow powder. This seals the eyeliner in place, and intensifies the color, making it perfect for all-day makeup. Makeup inspiration: Hugo Boss.

Gorgeous skin sheen. There is a way to achieve this, even if you don’t have an ideal skin. You will need to invest in a good foundation, concealer and a skin highlighter. The idea is to hide blemishes and use a light-reflecting powder to highlight the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and chin.

Just remember, you are going for a natural skin sheen and not an oily, shimmery face, so go easy on the highlighter. If you have great skin, show it off by using an illuminating moisturizer. This way, you have less makeup on your face and you get all that beautiful sheen you want. Makeup inspiration: Tanya Taylor.

Architectural braids. As much as I struggle with braids, this has always been one of my favorite hair trends because it looks good during summer. Of course, I don’t mean cornrows or beach braids, but more like Dutch braids, which is the classic French braid turned inside out.

I prefer to have someone do this for me, so I go to my favorite hairstylist for it.

But in case you want to attempt to do it yourself, you can follow the hundreds of hair tutorials online. These give you easy, step-by-step instructions on how to get it right. Makeup inspiration: Herve Leger.