It’s that time of year again. No, we’re not talking about the holiday season. We’re talking about the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year. We usually look to the runways and social media for the newest fashion and makeup trends, but the color of the year announcement is really where it all starts. Without further ado, the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year is (drumroll) Ultra Violet.
The rich purple shade follows 2017’s Greenery and 2016’s Rose Quartz and Serenity. Pantone describes Ultra Violet as a “dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade. Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking that points us to the future.”
Butter London and Pantone have joined forces to co-create a collection featuring Ultra Violet, the Pantone Color of the Year 2018 and harmonizing hues.
We can expect to see a lot of the saturated purple on the runways, but one easy way to incorporate the hue now is via makeup. A swipe of rich Ultra Violet on the lips can make any makeup look evening-ready while a dab of purple eyeshadow can upgrade a smoky eye. And Ultra Violet is the perfect antidote to a neutral nail polish rut. Get ready to fall for Ultra Violet with these 12 flattering makeup products in 2018’s must-have color.
[ Next: 20 Winter Nail Colors to Inspire a Season’s Worth of Manis ]
2018 Pantone Color of the Year Ultra Violet
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Véronique Leroy Spring 2016
Image: Imaxtree
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Jeremy Scott Spring 2017
Image: Imaxtree
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Nanette Lepore Fall 2015
Image: Imaxtree
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Marchesa Spring 2014
Image: Imaxtree
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Massimo Rebecchi Fall 2013
Image: Imaxtree
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Au Jour Le Jour Fall 2015
Image: Imaxtree
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Véronique Leroy Spring 2016
Image: Imaxtree
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Emporio Armani Fall 2015
Image: Imaxtree
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Butter London
Ultra Violet Nail Polish, $10 at Butter London
If you want a proper Pantone match, look no further than Butter London. The beauty brand has partnered with Pantone to create a collection celebrating the 2018 Color of the Year. The eight-free polish delivers a glossy, rich pigment in one stroke.
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MAC Cosmetics
Glitter in Amethyst, $22 at MAC Cosmetics
Ultra Violet looks amazing in any finish, but sparkles elevate the dynamic purple for evening. Use this versatile loose glitter as a lip top coat, as an accent in a smoky eye or sprinkle a little on roots. There are no rules.
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Urban Decay
24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Psychedelic Sister, $20 at Urban Decay
Slightly intimidated by Ultra Violet? There's no need to be. Dip a toe — or make that an eye — in the trend by running this pigmented pencil along the lower lash line.
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NYX Professional Makeup
Liquid Suede Metallic Cream Lipstick in Ego, $7.49 at Ulta
Update a rainbow lipstick collection with this bright purple lippie. Unlike the majority of liquid lipsticks, this Ultra Violet one has a suede metallic effect that will make lips look twice their size.
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Tom Ford
Private Shadow in Purple Reign, $36 at Tom Ford
What's inside the luxurious golden compact is a stunning Ultra Violet shadow that will perk up eyes. Dot the pigmented purple on lids to look refreshed.
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Anastasia Beverly Hills
Eye Shadow Single in Iridescent Purple, $12 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
Put down that eyeshadow palette and pick up this vivid Ultra Violet eyeshadow. It makes enough of a statement on its own thanks to the purple with blue reflect finish.
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Sephora Collection
Colorful Eyeshadow in Place to Be, $5 at Sephora
This megawatt eyeshadow offers a prismatic finish with a high-shine effect in Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year.
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ColourPop
Super Shock Shadow in Dare, $5 at ColourPop
Neon purple with violet and hot pink glitter? Yes, please. ColourPop's eyeshadow may be low on price, but it's high on pigment and shine. The creme-powder formula glides over eyes.
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Smashbox
Always On Liquid Lipstick in Ultra-Violet, $24 at Smashbox
Frequent touch-ups are unnecessary with this moody Ultra Violet lipstick. Once it's on, it is not going anywhere. It lasts up to eight hours and has a comfortable formula that won't dry out lips.
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Natasha Denona
Eye Liner Pencil in E10 Violet, $18 at Sephora
Create a head-turning feline flick with this pretty pencil instead of the usual black. It has a very precise tip for a literal on-point look.
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Maybelline
Volum' Express The Colossal Big Shot Mascara x Shayla in Poppin' Purple, $8.49 at Ulta
A colored mascara can brighten the eye area as well as any eyeshadow. Trade in the expected black mascara for this pretty purple formula from the Maybelline x Shayla Mitchell collaboration.
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Julep
Holographic Nail Color in Christa (Bombshell), $14 at Nordstrom
Combine two trends with one dazzling nail polish. The lacquer celebrates our love of all things holographic with the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year. The five-free formula has an iridescent finish. Plus, it allows 30 percent more oxygen to permeate the nail bed compared to other polishes. The result is stronger, harder nails.
