Embrace the color of the year in its myriad hues .
Last week, Pantone announced Marsala the Color of the Year, 2015. Marsala what you may well ask? “It’s a naturally robust and earthy wine red” according to a company press release. While last year’s Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid, “encouraged creativity and innovation, Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. This tasteful hue, say those who know, embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while the more earthy red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural son (or daughter) of the soil vibe. “The color embodies an element of boldness and subtle eroticism, while being a fresh hue with origins of natural produce; think pomegranate and the richness of a raspberry. Its underlying brown tones add interest and fullness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universal and translates easily to fashion, beauty, design, home furnishings and interiors,” Eiseman added. She feels that in the year ahead Marsala will be used in any number of ways, from accent walls, throw pillows and exteriors of cars to a swipe of eye shadow mixed with bronze for a metallic look or a bit of jewelry evoking the 1950s.
How can you wear it?
Cut through the jargon, actually Nykaa couldn’t be happier. While Radiant Orchid was richly striking, it was a bold, daring color not easy to pull off. Meanwhile, Marsala is a more wearable hue—deep and rich—with a natural affinity to wheatish Indian complexions. In fact, maroon has been a popular strand, nail and lip color for years. So what exactly is Marsala? Think of a rich burgundy that falls somewhere between rose and brick. It’s deep enough to bring a subtle glow to darker complexions while the pink undertones can make paler skins come alive. Given our general love for vibrant colors, this is the perfect time to embrace this sophisticated hue. It looks stunning on an oversized handbag or pair of high heels; and equally good on statement sunglasses and pretty holiday party dresses. Besides, Marsala can easily be combined with gray, black, beige and other neutrals. “It’s a color that you can mix with what you already own. That’s the intent and purpose. It’s not the color that swallows the world,” says Eiseman.
Marsala makeup ideas
So how can a girl embrace Marsala in all its shades? The easiest way to sport it is as a blush, suggests Nykaa makeup artist Arshis Javeri, especially if you’re a makeup newbie. Nykaa recommends Revlon Powder Blush in Wine Not. To keep the look subtle, just dust this deep tint under cheekbones diagonally upwards towards temples. For a more ‘made-up look’, “pair it with maroon-gold eye shadow and nude lips for daywear or amp up your look for nights out by layering a deeper Marsala lipstick set off with a graphic black or dark brown eyeliner,” he says. Nykaa suggests Lakme Absolute Drama Stylist Eye Shadow Duos in Pink Wink, Lakme Absolute Color Illusion Pearl Eye Shadow in Gold Pearl, and Colorbar Extra Durable Lip Color in Wow, Hautie.
Marsala also pairs beautifully with other vibrant colors. It looks stunning with monochromatic mixes of peachy pinks, and sparkles against dull gold metallic shades, making it easy to wear with a plethora of lipstick and blush options. If Marsala tinged eye shadow seems a bit much, simply add an overlay of bronze or dull gold for a dramatic eye look that can take you from morning to night. And if a maroon pout seems a bit over the top, you can always opt for Marsala as the finishing touch on your talons. Nykaa loves Lakme Absolute Gel Stylist Nail Polish in Scarlet Red, Pink Queen, and L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Vernis in Insolent Magenta and Scarlet Vamp.
