Pantone's 2019 Color of the Year Is Living Coral, a Shade Practically Made for Makeup
The Pantone Color of the Year has become one of the most anticipated annual announcements in the beauty world. As soon as the shade is revealed, it's immediately scrutinized for wearability and versatility. Some have been instantly acclaimed, like 2015's deep burgundy shade, Marsala, which obviously belonged on lips and nails. Others, like 2017's pea-like Greenery, presented a bigger challenge for those who stick to more classic makeup colors. But Living Coral, the 2019 Color of the Year, is sure to please the broadest beauty base yet.
When I say Living Coral is a wear-anywhere kind of color, I mean that in two ways. You can wear the not-quite-orange, not-quite-pink shade anywhere you go; you can also wear it anywhere on your face without stepping outside of your comfort zone. Becca Cosmetics' style director, Kerry Cole, has told Allure that with peachy hues like Living Coral, "you get a shade that neutralizes your skin's own undertones, which are usually some combination of yellow and pink, and warms up your complexion," even adapting to your skin tone. And it should come as no surprise that Pantone's official beauty partner, Butter London, has created three nail polishes the easily prove how gorgeous Living Coral looks on fingertips.
Coral has long been one of the most popular makeup colors because it's flattering and easy to wear, but it also lends itself to bolder looks. And while lots of Living Coral-inspired products are bound to launch in 2019, there are also plenty of already-available items that can help you incorporate the Color of the Year into your beauty look. Here are some of our favorites.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Sexy Sienna
Literally everyone looks incredible in a matte coral lip, and that's exactly what Charlotte Tilbury's Sexy Sienna delivers. It's super long-lasting, yet incredibly soft and comfortable for a matte.
$34 (Shop Now)
Glossier Cloud Paint in Dawn
One of the latest shades of Glossier's liquid blush, Dawn is described by our digital makeup editor, Sable Yong, as "a bright, sunny coral" with a beachy vibe. If you need any convincing that this vibrant shade looks amazing, just look at it on her.
$18 (Shop Now)
Flower Beauty Flower Pots Powder Blush in Warm Hibiscus
Prefer powder blushes over creams and liquids? You can't lose with this two-time Allure Best of Beauty winner, which gives cheeks a golden apricot glow with its silky formula.
$10 (Shop Now)
Nars Sheer Lipstick in Barbarella
As beautiful as coral looks as a bold lip, it's equally enchanting in a sheer finish. Barbarella by Nars delivers the color you want with less intensity and just the right amount of shine.
$28 (Shop Now)
Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Lip Balm in Passion Flower
Even more sheer than Barbarella, this new shade from Pat McGrath gives lips a hint of glossy color with the super-comfortable feel of a moisturizing balm.
$38 (Shop Now)
Almay Shadow Squad Eyeshadow in Unapologetic
Coral can be surprisingly easy to wear on the eyelids, as proven by Emily Ratajkowski, who's frequently seen in the look. It's especially wearable with options like this affordable eye shadow quad. Whether the four finishes — matte, metallic, satin, and glitter — are worn individually or in tandem, they create an irresistibly tawny look.
$5 (Shop Now)
Manic Panic Creamtone Perfect Pastel Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream in Dreamsicle
Makeup isn't the only way to wear Living Coral. If you're willing to commit to the color for a while, coral hair is one way to show you how happy you are about the new Color of the Year.
$14 (Shop Now)
More ways to wear coral:
Now watch Cara Delevingne's makeup artist break down some of her best looks:
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