Pantone 2018 Colour of the Year: How to wear Ultra Violet make-up

As Pantone's colour of the year, no product, from sofas to scarves, will escape the tone this year. Sarah Young rounds up the best in the beauty world

Friday 19 January 2018 18:07 GMT

Put a lid on it: Sweep the colour across eyelids and coat lashes in plenty of black mascara for a bold look (Getty)

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It’s official, ‘Ultra Violet’ has been elected as Pantone’s colour of the year for 2018.

And just as the fashion world swiftly jumps on the prismatic bandwagon, it seems only natural that the majestic hue should become part of our beauty routines too.

Described as “dramatically provocative and thoughtful”, the purple shade has been a favourite of many famous faces over the years from Queen Elizabeth and Hilary Clinton, to creative genii like David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and the late iconic superstar Prince.

But, if it’s contemporary beauty inspiration you’re after then you’re going to want to stick to those who utilise the shade not just with their wardrobes, but also on their faces.

Here, look no further than singer-songwriters Solange Knowles and Rihanna who have both accented their eyelids with pops of purple on multiple occasions. One of the best, yet completely wearable, ways to incorporate the regal hue into your make-up look, a slick of violet eyeshadow will have everyone fixated on your peepers.

A real statement, it’s best to keep application simple when it comes to your eyes so we suggest picking up a highly pigmented creamy formula that you can blend into the lids with your fingers.

Frioul Velvet Shadow Stick in Usbek, £21, Nars Cosmetics

Or, if all-over colour feels a tad harsh use a purple eyeliner to accent around the eyes.

Either way, finish with heaps of black mascara to really make your lashes stand out and take care to conceal under the eyes to counteract any dark circles.

Stila, Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Gypsy, £23, Beauty Bay

Of course, if you’re feeling really daring then flaunting purple lips will really upgrade your LBD for nights out.

From bewitching boysenberry to plum or even amethyst, it will instantly make your look a whole lot more interesting; just remember to keep the rest of your make-up simple.

Huda Beauty, Liquid Matte in Material Girl, £18, Cult Beauty

If this all sounds way to outré for your tastes though, there’s no easier way to rock the trend than with a purple manicure.

Low on effort but seriously high on style, you can choose to go for all over colour, stick to just the tips or use deep violet shades for some seriously cosmic nail art.