NYC's Designers and Store Owners Talk 2015 Beauty Hits and Misses

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Alicia Yoon, owner, Peach & Lily: "There were so many beauty trends that I loved in 2015. My top three favorites: one, lobs — I ended up chopping off my waves that reached the bottom of my back and going for a light, bouncy angled lob and I love it; two, glass nails; and three, using rubber masks for at-home spa treatments."

"My least favorite beauty trend was hands down bubble nails. Not only does it look bad in my honest opinion, but it also seems really cumbersome to have on. Like, how would you button your jeans?"

Desiree Verdejo, owner, Vivrant Beauty: "Dread locks have always been this gorgeous option reserved for the truly committed, so faux locs a la Zendaya Coleman made me smile every time I saw them in 2015."

"I'm over the harsh Youtube-style contouring that was everywhere this year. I love a good highlighter and killer cheekbones just like the next girl, but with a more subtle touch."

Cynthia Sakai, jewelry designer, Vita Fede: "I love going to Skin Laundry, they have a new laser facial that takes a New York minute!"

Amy Yee, owner, Maeven Vintage: "Indulging in almost nightly soaks before bed, usually with Dr. Singha's mustard or epsom salts depending on what kind of day I've had. My beauty discoveries this year include Surratt matte lip crayons, natural products from CAP Beauty, and finally adding a daily SPF to my routine."

Jessica Schiffer, senior online editor, V magazine: "I'm not an avid beauty follower and the trends always seem pretty similar to me, year-in and year-out. That said, I would love to see the death of nail art once and for all (because I have a black heart, but also, it's just ugly)."

Karen Lord, Pilates instructor and owner, Karen Lord Pilates Movement: "The natural no-makeup makeup look — pretty ideal for someone who is training clients and running a studio all day! I'm becoming a lip balm and eyelash curler-only girl. Focusing on healthy skin. Plus, people are getting more hip to the no-chemical thing, which is so important."

"Those waist trainers are the worst! Please don't scrunch your precious vital organs up like that — I can train you to train your rib cage and muscles with Pilates — ask me how, results guaranteed. I'm happy to show you if you promise never to do that to yourself. We all need to breathe. Pilates can help you look like an hourglass and breathe like a champion."

Michelle Smith, fashion designer, Milly: "Favorite trend — short hair, don't care. I chopped my own hair in May and haven't used a hair dryer since. I don't miss it. My least favorite is nail art. I don't have the patience."

Whitney Pozgay, fashion designer, Whit: "I love a slight cat eye — it looks great on everyone and adds a little perk to tired eyes. My least favorite trend was flash tattoos."

Kai Avent-deLeon, owner, Sincerely, Tommy: "I love a good blunt haircut. My
least favorite would maybe be ombre hair — like the blonde tips."

Shira Suveyke, co-president and chief merchant, The Outnet: "I've really embraced the 'no-makeup' trend this year more than ever. Glowing, natural skin is the foundation of a successful beauty look. Contouring and bronzer are two things I shied away from this year. Who has the time?!"