Photo courtesy of Butter London
Remember millennial pink, the rosy beige that was everywhere? Well, Ultra Violet is in the process of kicking its bootay. Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year is a symbolic pick, based on cultural moods, global trends, and color psychology.
“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,” said Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman of Pantone 18-3838 in a statement. Indeed, the likes of Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix expressed their individuality through shades of Ultra Violet.
What does all this mean to you, dear beauty maven? Unlike previous Pantone picks (did someone say Greenery?), Ultra Violet is “universally flattering,” Glamsquad’s Director of Artistry, Kelli J. Bartlett, told Beauty News NYC. Here’s what to try if you’re tempted to rock the dreamy purple hue on your face, lips, nails, and maybe even your hair.
Butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss in Ultra Violet
Take the trendy color onto lids with this wet-effect sparkling eye shadow gel. “Purple can give all eye colors a pop,” says Bartlett. “For a modern look, blend and pull out the color towards the temples for a cat-like effect.” Buy it at butterLONDON.com and Nordstrom stores.
Revlon Holochrome Nail Enamel in Unicornicopia
A mani is probably the easiest way to dip your toe, er, finger in the Ultra Violet waters. So get the party started by coating your nails with this chip-resistant formula with “ShadeLock” technology, which basically does what its name announces. The mirrored, metallic finish is locked in, so to speak, to keep the dazzling effect from fading. It’s sold at CVS stores and Walgreens stores.
Milk Makeup Glitter Stick in New Wave
It’s sparkle on a stick! “Purple highlighters can be tricky, but look very beautiful,” Eddie Giron, Ardell Educator and Makeup Artist, told Beauty News NYC. “I definitely recommend using these on a fun night out, or with an edgy bright makeup look.” Giron suggests applying to the highest point of cheekbones and the inner corner of the eye, so color is cohesive throughout makeup application. Mango butter and avocado oil account for the silky application, but this product won’t clog pores. This shade is available only until March 14, so get it while it’s hot at MilkMakeup.com and Sephora.com. Hurry! You don’t want to get stuck bidding on a third party site to try and score this beautiful product!
ULTA Automatic Eye Liner in Black Plum
You need a waterproof, gluten-free liner in a deep matte purple that it glides on super smoothly. This liner is exactly that. Bonus: It never needs sharpening. For those who don’t normally wear purple and aren’t sure where to start, Giron has a tip. “Pull off a purple makeup look by picking one focus feature,” he says. “Wear a purple lipstick with a neutral eyeshadow look, or an edgy purple eye with a subtle lip.” Find this liner at ULTA stores and ULTA.com.
Urban Decay Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara in Vice
Amp up your lashes with this new take on colored mascara. Wende Zomnir, one of the founding partners of Urban Decay, announced it with a February 19 Instagram post, captioned: “It’s National Lash Day, so I cooked up something for you: Double Team Special Effect Colored Mascara. One side has a cream shade and the other a coordinating shimmer shade. Dimensional! Love it on my brows too!” You’ll have to wait a little while for lashes (or brows, if you’re up for it) that are plum perfect. It won’t be available on UrbanDecay.com until March 15. But it’s so beyond worth the wait.
Joica InstaTint in Periwinkle
Ultra Violet happens to be a Color of the Year that’s both pretty and wearable — which isn’t always the case. It’s so wearable, in fact, that it might convince you to go all out with purple hair. Enter this spray-in, wash-out color that lasts as long as three days, and leaves hair easily brushable. It’s available at LoxaBeauty.com and select New York City salons.
Smashbox Always on Liquid Lipstick in Ultra Violet
Glide this long-lasting lip color on for some serious pretty-in-purple. It only takes one dunk to cover your lips in smooth, matte color. Thinking maybe a matte, full-on purple lip is a bit more pow than you need? The layer this with a lighter hue in the center of your lips, which will also make your pout look fuller. Snap it up at Smashbox.com.
CHANEL Le Vernis in Violet Piquant
The iconic luxury polish is now enriched with bioceramics and ceramides to strengthen nails. The formula is pigmented in such a way that application is smooth and even every time, leaving you with a dramatic, lacquered look. Start your posh pedi at Macy’s stores and Bloomingdale’s stores. This is one shade you will want to wear through summer.
So…what if you love these pretty products so much you feel like wearing purple eyeshadow and a purple lip and a purple highlighter? Giron has three words for you: Go. For. It. “Just make sure you wear that makeup; don’t let it wear you,” he says.
