The Next Big Things.(Product/service evaluation)

Byline: Jolene Edgar

Blue nail polish, mineral makeup, lip plumpers...behind every great trend is a person who championed it. The women who know the best of the best before anyone else reveal their predictions for this year's biggest hits.

Nostradamus relied on astrology when making his 6,000-plus predictions. We look to a different set of stars: visionary beauty experts who make a living forecasting future hits--the next coveted nail color or exclusive fragrance headed for the bidding wars of eBay, exorbitant price tag attached. Each one, whether for a boutique or drugstore, has her own methods of prognosticating. Some scour the globe for rare and remarkable finds, others befriend omniscient insiders--and all know immediately when they've glimpsed the divine. "It's a very visceral thing," says Robin Coe-Hutshing, founder and creative director of Studio at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. "When all the forces align, the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up--that's a magic moment." So what's in the cards for 2008? The answers lie ahead.

Robin Coe-Hutshing, Studio at Fred Segal

DISCOVERY METHOD: "I try to explore every little hamlet or burg when traveling--notion shops, under-the-radar apothecaries, even hardware stores. About five years ago, I spotted a lone tube of L'Annine Avocado Hand & Body Cream on the bottom shelf of a hardware store in New Mexico. It was winter, and my hands were beat, so I tried it--it's extraordinary stuff and works so fast! I bought it right then and there, so I could track down the makers. Whatever it takes--I'll smuggle stuff through customs if I have to!"

PERSONAL FAVORITES: "I love Ole Henriksen Express the Truth Facial Creme with antioxidants Ester-C and African Red Tea. It calms my dry, sensitive skin and doesn't make me look shiny even though it's super-rich. And John Barrett Be Healed Styling Masque is amazing! Even when I'm long overdue for a cut, it makes my hair smooth and silky."

GREATEST HIT: "One of my best scores was also one of my first: Comptoir Sud Pacifique. I loved the fragrances, so I brought the line in from St. Bart's myself, which, let me tell you, is a real pain in the ass--and not very profitable. I stored hundreds of bottles in the tiny apartment I shared with my sister and business partner, Jennifer Coe-Bakewell. But now the brand is a huge success!"