IT’S ‘VERY PERI’

beauty

Every year there is a hue that rules the fashion scene. Fashion enthusiasts’ and beauty gurus eagerly look forward to what ‘global colour authority’ Pantone will dub the ‘Colour of the Year’, as it will majorly influence a lot of trends in the industry. For 2022, we have a “colour whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity.”

It’s the first time that this hue has debuted as it was especially created as the colour of the year. According to Pantone Color Institute, “As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of ‘Very Peri’ brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue colour family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet red undertone, encourages creativity and imaginative expressions.”

Last year’s ‘Ultimate Gray’ and ‘Illuminating’, expressed a message of positivity supported by fortitude, this year’s hue will delve into a lot of versatility in your closets and makeup in many unique ways...

Makeup Galore

With tons of vivacious makeup options everywhere, what better way to explore this exciting hue than through makeup? Although, you may think that this shade might not be for everyone. Don’t be fooled by its appearance as a cool colour as along with the blue, it also has a red undertone to it, which makes it suitable for all skin colours.

If you are into makeup, this year’s shade will garner tonnes of inspiration that you can try out. And honestly, it’s really easy to work with if you know the right techniques.

But first things first, where can you find this hue? There are a number of beauty products that offer this hue. Starting from eyeshadow palettes: Huda Beauty Mercury Retrograde Eyeshadow Palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eye Shadow Palette, Juvia’s Place The Violet’s Eyeshadow palette. For the perfect liner: NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Brights Eyeliner, Sephora Collection Colorful Shadow & Liner in Lilc Shimmer and Max Factor Color X-Pert Waterproof Eyeliner in ‘03 Metallic Lilac’. For the lips, we have CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick in ‘Cosmo Kitty’, Tarte Tarteist Creamy Matte Lip Paint in ‘Yaassss’, M.A.C. ‘Dew’ and Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in ‘Diamond’.

Keeping it simple: If you prefer a minimalist look, a simple wash of the colour will work for you. As Gigi Hadid demonstrated at the 2021 Met Gala, blue-leaning eye shadow shades with a polite pinch of purple are always going to turn heads on a red carpet. But this periwinkle hue would be just as cute with a light lick of mascara and some lip gloss.

Cat-eye glam: A simple Very Peri liner would also work on top of a slim black liner as it will help accentuate the look. It’s simple and it can be done in under 5 minutes. Or you can use the traditional black liner and just line your lower lash with the periwinkle shade.

Smokey blues: Playing to its undertones, you can create an illuminating cat-eye glam. Start by using ‘Very Peri’ on the lid and brush a burgundy shade close to your lash line and blend it in the outer corner. You can also use a royal blue for the same effect.

Just the lips: Soft but captivating, you can have a light pink smokey on the eyes and instead use the colour for your lips. You can either go for something glossy or glittery or something matte, depending on what you favour more that day. And in case you cannot find the perfect shade, you can mix and match your lipsticks and eyeshadow to create that perfect hue.

For your hair & nails

“A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” We all have heard, read and devoured the infamous words of Coco Chanel, because Coco knew the kind of power changing your hair has on you. And what better way to have a fresh start for the new year, then with amazingly gorgeous hair. This periwinkle hue is absolutely gorgeous as a hair colour. If you were looking to get something fun, we highly recommend it. Whether you are going to get your whole mane dyed, a balayage or just get a slight ombre halfway, either way, it is going to look fabulous.

As for your nails, there is so much you can do with this colour – nail art, simple manicure or French tips, you name it. This trendy colour is quickly going to become a fave and some shades that you can already find are as follows: OPI ‘Show Us Your Tips’, OPI Nail Lacquer in ‘You're Such a BudaPest’ and ‘Oh You Sing, Dance, Act’ which is a slightly darker version of the colour; Essie’s ‘as if!’ and ‘Wink of Sleep’.

Colour your wardrobe

This hue is exciting and for the wardrobe, it is giving off floral kind of vibes. In fact, the lilacy-blue colour is bursting with good vibes, one that looks good on everything. Designer, Natasha Kamal, translates this in one of her collections where she pairs this beautiful pastel with some dark pink family hues. Whether it was in the form of a flowy dress or a smart cut, it all worked en point!

When it comes to casual looks, a dress will be cute. It will be flattering whether you get a plain shalwaar kameez or a simple shirt paired with white or black trouser. For a smart casual, loose fit ‘Very Peri’ pants will get you the right kind of attention. It’s not too in your face but it’s fashionable enough to get you noticed.

As for fancy evening wear, pastels have been a hit choice among many brides and her bridesmaids. The versatility of this hue is it will work on any kind of undertone, whether you want to pair it with gold, silver, or rose gold, it exudes a kind of elegance that is perfect for evening wears.

Accessorise & accentuate

If you are not willing to full-on embrace this colour, you can still get on-board with some accessories, like shoes, bags or sunglasses into a casual, everyday look. All you have to do is find the right pieces and voila, you can sneak the trendy combo into your overall ensemble. Since this hue is more or less in the pastel family, it’s best to pair it with something dark and contrasting like a magenta, burgundy, red or black will work really well; especially if you are looking into formal or office wear.

During winters, you can pair a periwinkle cardigan on top of some black jeans. Or if you could get your hands on one, a shawl will add oomph to any plain outfit. During summers, you can style your attire with some amazing stone jewellery. It looks elegant for any formal occasion as well.

For some pretty trinkets, chunky jewellery, you can delve into statement earrings. You’ll find a variety of gorgeous jewellery from neck pieces to earrings which will add subtle touches of the colour to your neutral ensemble. Another great way to embrace this shade is with a handbag. It can lend elegance to an even casual dress.