Rose Quartz and Serenity for 2016
As 2015 draws to its close, the color authorities at the Pantone Color Institute have announced the Color of the Year selection for 2016. Or I should say, selections, as there are not one, but two colors for the forthcoming year: Rose Quartz (powder pink) and Serenity (sky blue).
These two soft, gentle hues were selected for their soothing, restful qualities. According to executive director of the Pantone Institute Leatrice Eiseman, the pastel blue evokes “a trip to the beach under a Serenity blue sky that seems to go on forever. It seems weightless and airy, imbuing in you a sense of the same carefree feeling.” And she describes Rose Quartz as “a color that is almost always associated with a gentle, tactile touch. There is also a healthy glow that is attached to the color. Together, they are perceived as soothing.”
Although I’m not generally a huge fan of pastels, I do find this particular combination to exert a calming effect — perfect for countering one’s stress-filled urban existence here in the DMV. But now for the important information you’ve been patiently awaiting: how do these two shades translate into makeup?
Rose Quartz is obviously the easier of the two colors to incorporate into one’s makeup bag — soft pink lips are on-trend for spring and flatter just about every complexion. Serenity might cause a bit more trepidation, since many of us harbor serious doubts about pulling off blue eyeshadow, but once again, pastel blue eye accents are au courant for spring 2016. This color looks particularly fresh and has an eye-brightening effect when applied to the inner corner of the eyelid or brushed along the lash line.
One of the most versatile eye color palettes that combines these two soft pastels with earthier colors is Maybelline Expertwear Eyeshadow 8 Pan in Hushed Tints.
To add a whisper of Rose Quartz to your cheeks, try Benefit Dandelion Box O’ Powder blush. This delicate powder will give your cheeks a realistic flush with a hint of radiance that’s just right for spring.
Finish the look with a touch of pink on your lips; Anastasia Beverly Hills lip gloss in Pastel Pink provides the perfect tint. If you’re endowed with greater beauty derring-do than me, you might be tempted to try NYX Macaroon Lippies in Earl Grey for a head-turning pastel blue lip.
When it comes to nail color, I always count on one of my favorite 5-free brands, Zoya to have the right shades, and Dot and Jo from their collection fit the bill nicely for 2016.
For the definitive makeup collection I always look to the annual limited Sephora + Pantone Universe collection that’s currently available at Sephora. The eyeshadow palette is stunning and combines pastels with brights and neutrals that allow for an endless variety of looks.
The lipsticks are full-coverage pastels, which can be worn individually or together for a chic, ombré effect. The lip glosses are especially superb, with a beautiful range of unique colors delivered in a sheer, moisturizing finish that’s luxurious and flattering.
The packaging is especially gorgeous this year; the cases were designed to evoke the sleek modern lines of the classic Pantone color chip and are adorned with a watercolor pattern inspired by abstract art. This collection truly exemplifies beauty within and without, so I suggest that you pick up yours before it’s gone!
A native Washingtonian, Beauty Blogger Lia Phipps is an interior designer with an irrepressible, life-long fascination with health and beauty. When she is not selecting fabrics and paint colors for clients, she occupies herself with trying new products and dispensing beauty advice to friends, acquaintances and anyone who is willing to listen to “Tips from Phipps”.