Each year, the Pantone Color Institute names one stand-out shade as the ‘Color of the Year’. From fashion to beauty and architecture, the Pantone Color of the Year helps dictate the year’s major trends. In 2020, it was the Classic Blue — a subtle, soft hue that reminded us of clear, beautiful skies for days on end. And while 2020 but anything but beautiful, the good people over at Pantone are pretty hopeful for 2021, which is why they chose not one, but two colours this year. Termed as ‘Illuminating’ and ‘Ultimate Gray’, this year’s colours resemble optimism and reliability, and are such stunning choices to incorporate in your glam game!
“Practical and rock-solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit”, read an official statement by Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. We believe that is an excellent message to start the new year with and can’t wait to walk around with bright yellow and grey hues on our eyes. Here are some looks to inspire you as well…
- 01. Sun-kissed
- 02. All about the metallics
- 03. An ode to bumblebees
- 04. Soft 60s shadow
- 05. Floating half-ring
01. Sun-kissed
Image courtesy: @lupemoreno_mua
With the colour yellow at your disposal, it is the perfect opportunity to create a sun-kissed moment. Keep the rest of your face muted, but dewy, and draw focus on the eyes with a bold, winged colour fill. This striking eye look has been created by using illuminating yellow kohl as a base, enhanced by topping up with a neon yellow and champagne gold shadow.
02. All about the metallics
Image courtesy: @lapetitevengeance
The 2020 party season saw a lot of metallics taking centre stage, and we think the trend is going to bleed into 2021 as well. One of the best metallic shades out there is grey. This metallic grey eye paired with a bold, creamy red lip looks oh-so-stunning. An unusual pairing of contrasting pigments that work so well.
BB picks: Lakmé Absolute Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette - Smoking Glam
03. An ode to bumblebees
Image courtesy: @olgadann
If you are a fan of quirky eye looks that are inspired by nature’s elements, this one is right up your alley. Use a bright yellow liner to accent your sleek and matte black eyeliner to create a unique, bumblebee-inspired look. Dab some yellow eyeshadow in the inner corner to make your eyes pop!
04. Soft 60s shadow
Image courtesy: @nikki_makeup
Combining the soft 60s grey eyeshadow look with the modern floating eyeliner trend, this eye look by Dua Lipa is proof that you can create stunning eye looks using grey! If you are not a big fan of smoky eyes but still want something dramatic, this is a good way to go!
05. Floating half-ring
Image courtesy: @olgadann
Conceptualised by runway MUAs and popularised by supermodels like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, the floating liner trend is here to stay in 2021! On days when you are running late, but need your fun makeup fix, this bright yellow crescent liner style will do just fine!
Main image courtesy: @patrickta
Written by Sumona Bose on Jan 08, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!