Top 10 consumer trends for summer

Here’s an interesting e-mail I received from Pierce Mattie Public Relations, a New York-based company that specializes in  luxury beauty, fashion, jewelry, home and fitness brands.  These are what the firm considers the top consumer trends for summer.

1. Expensive airbrushing is out and self-tanning is in. Summer skin will be muted with self-tanners showing a softer side of bronze this year. Consumers who spent upwards of $70 a session to keep that glow for one week last summer, will find themselves at their local pharmacy getting a tube of sunless tanner from DHA, Hawaiian Tropic or Jergens for less than $10.

 2. Understated highlights will replace Versace vixen, foregoing the bold and demarcated styles of seasons past. Consumers will opt for the affordability of a subtle style’s longer lifespan versus the high upkeep of brighter looks. Teens are expected to look into classic favorites like Sun-In, with parents following the do-it-yourself trend.

 3. Costume jewelry will continue to be the rage with semi-precious stones being outside of most consumers’ price range. Look for jewelry made of acrylics and plated metals to see a growth in sales. Brands like Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz and pieces like Kate Spade’s “Mariposa Fleur” Butterfly Bangle will gain popularity. This jewelry trend is expected to last through the holiday season of 2010.