First Blush
Drum roll, please … Pantone, the world-renowned color authority, has officially selected Radiant Orchid as 2014’s Color of the Year. Every January beauty and fashion junkies alike eagerly await the unveiling of the highly anticipated Color of the Year so they can get to brainstorming on how to incorporate the hot new hue into their everyday looks. I know what you’re probably thinking but trust me, this is totally not a Barney look. The ever-exotic Radiant Orchid is easier to incorporate into your beauty routine than you think. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, this fresh, enchanting combination of fuchsia, pink, and purple works as a surprisingly versatile flush for eyes, lips, nails, and even cheeks, and universally complements all hair, eye, and skin tones.
Believe it or not, this vibrant shade enlivens the skin by blending both cool and warm undertones. It provides a refreshingly modern, feminine shade while its rosy undertones will make your complexion luminescent. Whether you’re experimenting with a Radiant Orchid Color of the Year product that’s vividly intense, petal soft, saturated, or sheer, this is one shade everyone ought to give a go this winter and coming spring.
As per tradition, Sephora teams up with Pantone to create a beauty collection inspired by the Color of the Year which is scheduled to launch this spring. Until then delight in discovering many of the vivid products already available in this captivating punch of purple. Be prepared to clue everyone in with your dazzling, attention-grabbing, on-trend look that re-energizes any look.
Laura Mercier Stick Gloss in ‘Black Orchid’
This hyper-moisturizing cross between lip balm and lip stain cares for lips while providing the perfect swipe of color in a sheer black cherry finish.
NARS Guy Bourdin Holiday Collection Limited Edition Cinematic Eye Shadow in ‘Rage’
This limited edition eye shadow offers a velvety soft texture that provides high-impact color with a dazzling metallic finish. This electric orchid shade formula is inspired by legendary fashion photographer Guy Bourdin.
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Matte Lip Tar in ‘Hoochie’
Not one for shy girls, this extreme magenta shade of long-wearing matte lip formula offers unprecedented longevity and a stunning splash of rich, pigmented, opaque color. Long lasting like a liptstick with the easy application of a gloss.
Lancôme Vernis In Love Nail Polish in ‘Violet Coquette’
Inspired by the Lancome’s bold In Love lip collection, this intense pastel nail color looks stunning and unexpected against both light and dark complexions.
Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Waterproof Kohl Liner in ‘Orchid’
This eyeliner contains reflective, three-dimensional pearls that provide dazzling, luminescent color in rich pigmented hues. Best part? This liner comes with a handy sharpener built right into the cap so you’ll always be sure to achieve a crisp, clean, precise line.
Lancome Color Design 5 Shadow & Liner Palette in ‘Orchid Splendor’
This all-in-one, 5 shadow palette features silky, lustrous, long-wearing powders that can be applied in five steps—all over, lid, crease, highlighter, and liner—perfect for creating a purple smoky eye that’s as unexpected as it is gorgeous. Mix and match to create your own look that’s soft for day or intense and dramatic for evening.
Written by: Genevieve LeFranc