The beginning of 2012 marks the end of a fabulous era for beauty. From nail art to dip-dyes, the resurgence of lipstick to bold brows, 2011 changed the beauty world, bringing back some forgotten fads while also bringing others to life. While some crazes will stay strong in 2012, others may fade or make you ask “What was I thinking?!”. As for now, we have only the fondest memories of the trends and the year we’re leaving behind.

Many people are currently blogging about what happened in 2011 in terms of fashion, beauty, and the boring stuff like politics or world events. We, however, don’t want to talk about what happened but rather who influenced us. There are certain people out there, celebrities, bloggers, stylists, etc. who have the power to change the way we see things. Who says hair should be blonde, brown, or red? Who says nails have to be a solid color? Who says braids are for little girls? These people make us question whether or not the way things are is the way they should be. Here is our list of the top beauty-influencers of 2011.

Although LC's dip-dye didn't last long, it was certainly one of the most talked about beauty trends of 2011

Lauren Conrad

After launching her beauty website, this California girl became one of the biggest influences in the beauty industry. There isn’t a trend that Lauren didn’t try. From her short-lived teal and pink dip-dye to her fabulous manicures and signature braids, LC showed women how to change it up. Her website is one of my personal beauty go-to’s, with new trends and instructions on how to do the look yourself. On TheBeautyDepartment.com, I learned how to create a half-moon manicure, any type of braid I ever wanted to learn how to make, what shade of red lipstick is right for me, and everything in between. On her personal website, LaurenConrad.com, she also gives great beauty advice, including an article on office supplies that double as beauty supplies (thanks for that!). All in all, LC is the top person to watch for beauty trends and our Most Influential Beauty Guide.

Who else could pull off pink hair and Oscar de la Renta?

Nicki Minaj

This girl from Queens knows exactly who she is in terms of her goals, music, and her style. While she’s known for crazy colorful hair and garments, Nicki is also someone who’s influenced the beauty world. Nicki is almost as famous for her many wigs (which this year included dip-dyes, hot pink, green, checkered, blonde, and blue hair) as she is her music. Aside from her wigs, Nicki has also gained fame for her makeup and nail art. She’s dabbled with double eyeliner (a hot trend), bold colorful eyeshadows, and never goes out without her signature pink lips. On top of her own beauty image, she also collaborated with OPI to create her own collection, which is amazing. The world is being taken over by Nicki, making her our Person to Watch for 2012.

This modern-day princess is a gem. No wonder William fell for her.

Kate Middleton

The Duchess of Cambridge has had quite the year. After getting married in April, Kate has remained in the spotlight and her appearance always seems to garner attention (but I guess that’s what happens when you marry a prince). Her classic style and simplicity are a refreshing break from our “more is better” culture. Kate is responsible for bringing back the half-up hairstyle, one that I personally find beautiful. Her clean face and minimal makeup is also a great influence. In our minds, Kate Middleton wins the Most Radiant Beauty award.

Katy really committed and changed her look by dying her hair pink this year.

Katy Perry

Although Katy’s marriage may be ruining the beginning of her 2012, she had an amazing 2011. Somehow while making a multi-platinum album and going on a world tour, Katy managed to be completely unique in her fashions and kept us on our toes. Her nail art is something that will go down in history: sushi nails, Prince William nails (Kate better watch her man), rhinestones, you name it and Katy did it. Not only were her nails fabulous, but her hair changed as well. Known for her jet black locks, the singer went pink in August and then chopped her hair and went to her natural blonde with lavender highlights in December. Katy is someone who makes us question why we never had food on our nails or dyed our hair crazy colors. We predict that this is only the beginning of her beauty evolution, naming her the Ever-Changing Beauty Guru.

While these are our favorite people to look to for beauty trends, there are obviously many others who are just as influencing (hello, Lady Gaga). We look forward to seeing how these women grow and what new crazes they cause in 2012.