We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level, from exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
I am kicking off the new year as ever with my green beauty take on one of the influential statements of the year. Now in my 6th year of Pantone colour of the year coverage (I’m sticking with the UK spelling), I think this years pick may just be my favourite so far.
A rich, dramatic colour which carries so many connotations, purple has long been symbolic of counterculture and the alternative, of mysticism and spirituality, the cosmos and other worldliness, and of course it has also long been associated in the UK with Suffrage (it’s the centenary of British women getting the vote) and also royalty – Meghan and Harry this year? Surely no coincidence?
In beauty it works on so many different levels. A colour that in one way or another works on pretty much any skin tone, it is versatile; from strong, bold mattes to eye catching metallics, purple is the colour of non-conformity, mystery and complexity. Worn on it’s own on the lip or as a liner or as added interest in a smokey eye, it can be worn in a myriad of different ways.
Here are some of my suggestions for how to wear PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet (or at least the green beauty equivalent)...
The eyes are the most obvious place to wear purple and there are great selection of shades out there in a variety of finishes. If you want a bit of shimmer then try the Lily lolo mineral eyeshadow in Deep Purple (£6.50) but on the flip side Earthnicity Mineral’s Dark Violet (£5.99) has a super matte finish.
(L-R: Inika – Pure Purple, Earthnicity Minerals – Dark Violet, Sappho – Patricia)
When it comes to stand alone colour, my favourite is Sappho’s Patricia but sadly I believe this is no longer available but Amethyst from PHB Ethical Beauty (£9.95), is a beautiful vibrant light purple and a great alternative. I also like Lavera’s Diamond Violet shadow (£10.90). Also with a mention is Pretty Purple from Kjaer Weis (£32.00), a super flattering, understated shade which looks great on all eye colours.
Mini palettes on the other hand are a great way get a selection of shades which can take you from day to night. The Organic Glam Plum Quad (£34.95) is a lovely introduction to purple eyeshadow, four safe colours which are pretty and versatile and at the other end of the market is the Benecos Beautiful Eyes Quattro (£6.95).
If you can’t face a whole eyelid of purple then maybe consider swapping your regular black or brown eye liner for it’s purple cousin? I love the rich and creamy pencil liners which go one without drag and my two favourite have to be Inika Pure Purple (£14.50) and on the other end of the spectrum the Violet Eye Pencil from Benecos (just £3.95) – both just fabulous and have real impact! For a softer, more subtle take on the purple liner try Avril’s Figure pencil (€3.00).
If you do want to go all out then try running the liner under your lower lashes creating an inverted cat eye!
(Organic Glam Plum Quad)
The recent trend for purple lipstick will surely not abait with the news of the colour of the year. Not everyone has the balls to carry it off but if you do there are some great natural and organic versions on the market and not all are as vivid as each other. Ink Pot from Ilia Beauty (£22.00) is a great violent, violet hue can been worn bold or blotted back for a berry stain. Axiology’s Desire (£25.00) is a satin purple which can be layered ups for a more dramatic finish. Finally Electric Purple from Bite Beauty’s Nearly Neon Collection ($26.00) is a fabulous cool bright purple which will probably make the biggest impact of the three.
Finally nails are probably the simplest way to wear violet. There is a myriad of colours, designs and brands to choose from (look for 3+free obviously to avoid the most offensive of the nasties) so I’ve listed a few of my favourites shades. Nightclubbing by Intensae (€16.95) is a beautiful deep but bold creamy violet which gives a lovely dense finish. Finley from the Zoya Urban Grunge collection (£9.95) is a stunning glitter packed purple which will definitely send you spinning through the cosmos and lastly the budget friendly Mavala have a show stopping glossy violet in the form of Purple Beach (£4.95).
Will you dare to go purple this year? If so what are your favourite violet products?
Images: (1) Pantone; (2,3) LJS – OMUA
.png){kind=icon}
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)