Every year the Pantone colour institute comes out with their forecast of the colour trends for the year. This includes the ever so anticipated “colour of the year” which sets the tone for fashion, interior design and beauty for the year. 2015’s “it” shade is Marsala.

A robust earthy red-brown wine shade. I realize I couldn’t have used any more descriptive words to get this colour across but due to all the backlash and colour-bashing this hue has suffered, I want to defend it for one reason and one reason alone: it’s a beauty lovers dream.

The colour might not be as bright or bold as previous incarnations of the C.O.T.Y. but this robust neutral can work with SO many skin tones, it’s wild. It works as a perfect monochromatic tone for your eyes, cheeks, lips and nails. It’s spot on for the 90’s revival that is in full swing re: fashion & design. Lastly, it’s a easy. There is no guessing, no unsure, nervous questions about this shade. It might not smack you in the face but that’s what makes it so wonderful. It’s an understated elegance that is still rich and full. The other thing about Marsala’s greatness are all the colour pairings that are associated with it (yup, Pantone puts those out, too!) and this year there are khakis, nudes, pastel pinks, greens and blues. There’s even a teal shade that pairs well with this colour.

Alright. Enough with my blathering on. Let’s get to my product picks!

LIPS

CHEEKS

NAILS

EYES