UK Edition
How to wear green make-up - and why it's the secret to even skin tone
For beauty lovers world over 2016's Pantone colour of the year was a joy. Rose Quartz in all its shimmering pink glory was complexion friendly, conducive with blush rose cheeks, muted pastel lips and an ethereal glow. This year's hue however, may take a little getting use too.
The said shade, titled 'greenery' (#15-0343) is according to the colour chart magnate,'a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew'. So far, so scary? And yet, a quick glance at the SS17 runways makes it clear that this vivid verdant can be incorporated into your wardrobe easily enough. And that there might actually be a good reason to introduce the colour to our make-up bags.
"Though Greenery may seem like an overly-energetic hue to some, I view it as more of a neutral," says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Where beauty is concerned it's the ultimate personal display of boldness and vitality. Greenery is deployed as a chic, confident punch of color for hair, lips, eyes and nails."
For those of you who were au fait with last's year cosmetic concept of colour correcting, chances are green hued palettes and pencils have already found their way into your beauty arsenal. Renowned for helping to pull off a celeb worthy complexion, green plays down ruddiness in the skin, helping to neutralise redness, creating an even base for your foundation and concealer.
Colour correctors however, when used properly, don't leave a visible trace. Yet you can harness the shade so that it becomes more of a statement look. You just need to take your skin tone into consideration warns celebrity make-up artist Tracey Gray Mann. "Pale skin compliments a cool toned green with a hint of shimmer. Yellow based complexions in the skin will bring out the gold in greens, while darker skin tones can afford to really go for it, the bolder the green the better." Keeping the rest of the face neutral is key, pair with peach toned blush and nude lips. "If you're feeling brave, pair with a bright orange matte lip," reveals Mann. "In the height of summer, it's a match made in heaven, very Erwin Blumenfeld."
Admittedly, it's unlikely you'll be opting for a green hair colour - as Kylie Jenner, Katy Perry and Lena Dunham have done in recent years in a bid to stand out from the crowd.
But perhaps the easiest way to tap into the colour is to refresh fingertips with a wash of lacquer. Butter London has teamed up with Pantone to launch Greenery Lacquer as a celebration the new power hue.
If you're really still not convinced, pay homage to the trend with clean and crisp green inspired fragrance - a much easier to pull off this trend.
Here are the Pantone beauty buys worth investing in
Best for making a bold statement: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner, £14.50
This striking liquid liner can look incredibly chic when set against a clean face and minimal make-up. Try it, you will be surprised.
Best for a sophisticated eye look: Glo & Ray Mariposa Eyeshadow Quartet, £12.50
The combination of earthy tones make the green hue easier to wear. Blend the colour lightly onto the outer corners of your eyelid for a flattering finish.
Best for evening out skin tone: Smashbox Color Correcting Primer, £26
To reduce redness before applying your foundation or concealer look no further than this lightweight fluid. The clever formula also helps to make your make-up last longer.
Best for adding a pop of colour: Ciate Paint Pot in Palm Tree, £9.90
While it's unlikely to be the first colour you reach for, Ciate's Palm Tree hue looks incredible against a tan. It's the perfect investment for the summer.
Best for the subtlest finish: Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Tarvos, £21
At first glance you might be wary of this shade of eyeshadow, but it's worth experimenting with. The lightest wash of colour over your eyelids with make you look instantly brighter-eyed and refreshed.
Best for invisibly channelling green: Tom Ford Vert De Fleur, £248
Tom Ford's green scents launched last year and have become instant favourites. The freshness of Vert De Fleur will give you an instant mood boost of the chillest of days.
