Come first week December and you know Pantone, the most popular colour authority in the world, will announce their ‘Colour Of The Year’ for the upcoming one. There’s always a deep reason behind the one they pick, and it’s safe to say that the colour goes on to influence everything from decor trends to fashion and beauty. A few days ago, Pantone announced 16-1546 Living Coral as their #COY2019,and described it as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge”. Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute elaborated on this, saying that “colour is an equalising lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities, and this is particularly true for Living Coral. With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”
When it comes to makeup, coral is one of the few colours that can be worn on the eyes, cheeks, lips and nails, and looks beautiful on every skin tone (with warm and cool variations, of course). We chatted with ace makeup artist Namrata Soni about the best ways to really own the colour of 2019.
“Coral has always been fresh and young,” says Soni. “It’s a great colour for [warm] Indian skin. Colours like corals, pinks and reds look lovely on our skin and help bring out our tone.” Here, she gives us her expert advice on how to work the colour this December and all throughout the next year.
How to wear coral on the eyes
“You can wear coral as a thin, glitter eyeliner. You can also try it as a full-on eyeshadow with nude lips and glossy skin.”
Soni’s pick: The Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Punk Rock; Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Rose Gold Retro; Huda Beauty Obsessions Palette – Coral
How to make coral work for your lips
“For those who are a little more bold, wear it as a full-on lipstick. Whether it’s in matte colours, glossy shades or even creamy formulations, they all look beautiful. Just make sure that the coral you pick is not too pasty for your skin tone. Sometimes people can mistake coral for a lighter, neon shade, which can end up making you look sallow and unwell. The shade you buy should be deep and bright, not dull.”
Soni’s pick: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Coral Red; Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl Colour Enhancing Lipstick in Corail Redoutable; Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour in Retro Coral and Benefit Cosmetics Chachabalm Coral Lip Balm
How to wear coral on your cheeks
“Pick a soft, coral blush for a little bit of colour. Instead of bronzing your face, do something called face draping, where you basically contour with a blush. You can do this with a subtle coral blush, which can accentuate your high cheekbones and also gives a beautiful, sun-kissed look.”
Soni’s pick: M.A.C Mineralize Blush in Dainty; Clinique Cheek Pop; Givenchy Prisme Blush 17
Coral as nail polish
“If you’re someone who doesn’t like too much colour, coral nails look beautiful – just try ombre nails with a peach hue or go completely glossy.
Soni’s pick: Christian Louboutin Nail Colour – The Pops in Miss Loubi; Dior Nail Lacquer in Coral Crush
While Anjan’s week is made up of writing and talking about everything from glycolic acid to the best new red lipstick, the weekends are spent testing them all, with Gossip Girl reruns on the side. When she isn’t reviewing a new face mask, you’ll find her sipping on mimosas with a side of truffle fries. Her daily essentials: Iced latte with a side of J Balvin and Prateek Kuhad.
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