Whether you want to be on trend or are simply looking for a new royal hue to add to your beauty arsenal, ultra violet is the way to go. The shade, that’s been named Pantone’s colour of 2018, is a perfect millennial twist to the ’80s inspired trends that have been making a comeback. When worn, it lends the wearer an elegant, almost luxurious and mysterious look and is ideal for spring too. A number of cosmetic brands have already added this to their collections whether in the form of ultra violet lip colours, eyeshadow, liner, or nail polish. It was spotted on the catwalk at Anna Sui’s FW18 show at NYFW. Off the runway too, celebrities have been adorning their eyes with this statement hue. Kerry Washington lined her upper and lower lash line with violet at the recent Golden Globe awards. Rihanna went all out with the hue on her lids at the Grammys 2018, while Demi Lovato matched her eye make-up to her lavender dress for another event.
Out of the box
A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, ultra violet is a colour out of the box. The millennial shade is for the ones who dare, says Renuka Pillai, celebrity make-up expert, Avon India. “It is not an everyday colour and is not meant for all. The hue is a bold expression of today’s young generation hence it is gaining popularity. Going monochrome with ultra violet is not suggested. Always pair this colour with nude shades. For example, with purple lips always keep eyes clean, and with smokey purple eyes use lipsticks in nude hues. Even if you wish to add a pop of another tone, choose a subtle pink for your lips and cheeks, it complements ultra violet with both being from the same colour family,” she adds.
Stick to richer hues
Purple/violet is definitely the colour of this season. Richer hues work better for Indian skin tones than paler ones, opines Kapil Bhalla, make-up expert. “Nails and lips can carry off these colours more than the eyes. Instead of an eyeshadow, try working the colour as an eyeliner. Fair skin tones can opt for the lighter version of the same hue. It is also popular because of the intensity and richness it offers without looking too stark,” explains Kapil.
Highlight a feature
Violet started gaining popularity at the beginning of the last decade in the beauty world, it’s quickly becoming an expression of bold and strong career women. “Since it’s a vibrant colour I would recommend using it only on your best feature. Either your eyes or lips, whichever you are most confident about. Use this as a kajal or a liner to be on the safer side,” advises Berzin Irani, make-up artist, BeYu.
