Celebrate Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year with Classic Blue Beauty Products
It’s that time of year again—Pantone has announced their 2020 Color of the Year! This time around, it’s Classic Blue, and the world-renowned brand has some thoughts about why. The deep blue color is “meant to symbolize protection, stability, peace, and confidence, as well as encourage deep thinking, open mindfulness, and communication,” per a statement from the company. Heading into the new decade, we couldn’t be more here for channeling powerful, peaceful energy all of 2020.
Classic Blue follows 2019’s Pantone Color of the Year, Living Coral, and was announced alongside a “multisensory experience,” including sight, sound, texture, scent, and taste. It’s the first multisensory color in the company’s history, and the brand offers ways to connect the color to each of your five senses (it feels like velvet and tastes like elegance). Classic Blue is exactly that—a classic shade that belongs in every crayon box, living room, and closet.
You’ll find Classic Blue almost everywhere, including politics. Blue is the color identity of the United States Democratic Party, and is inherently political. In a statement, Laurie Pressman, the Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, said, “The Pantone Color of the Year highlights the relationship between trends in color and what is taking place in our global culture at a moment in time, a color that reflects what individuals feel they need that color can hope to answer.” As ideological division in the US ramps up and the Republican Party repeatedly strikes down legislation favoring women’s rights, climate change, and gun control, blue is becoming increasingly associated with liberal ideology. (Not to mention, there's a presidential election coming up in 2020.) So… did Pantone go political? It seems possible, as the language implies a double meaning to the choice.
Want to channel Classic Blue as you enter the new year? With tons of vibrant makeup options everywhere from YouTube to Euphoria, what better way to explore the Color of the Year than through makeup? Below, we rounded up ten blue beauty products that will make a perfect addition to your vanity.
This Fenty Beauty Poutsicle might look intimidating, but its juicy, moisturizing formula will make you think again. Who wouldn’t want to look badass at the same time as they’re keeping up with their skincare? The shade “Go Deep” is an electric dark teal, and it seriously pairs well with every skin tone. Everyone say thank you to Rihanna!
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Juicy Satin Lipstick in Go Deep, $20, available at Fenty Beauty
Classic blue, meet your new neighbors. If you’re hesitant to take the leap into full-on blue eyeshadow (hello, 2008!), pair it with a neutral shade to bring it back to earth. This palette from Morphe x Jaclyn Hill has ten distinct shades, including a stunning deep blue, that will make a great addition to your vanity.
Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Dark Magic Eyeshadow Palette, $15, available at Morphe
This liquid-to-powder creme eyeshadow from Kosas is a perfect cobalt color, and is the perfect size to throw in your bag for on-the-go application. Amp it up with a brush or the included doefoot applicator, or dress it down with your fingers.
Kosas 10-Second Liquid Eyeshadow in Nitrogen, $28, available at Kosas Cosmetics
Before you scroll past at the sight of blue mascara, hear me out—this YSL version provides the perfect pop of color and is a luxe version of the colored drugstore mascara we all had in middle school. You’ll feel like royalty every time you swipe the gold YSL wand across your lashes, and it adds just the right amount of flair to an otherwise traditional look.
Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Vinyl Couture in I’m The Trouble, $29, available at Yves Saint Laurent
Who doesn’t love gel makeup products? This gel eyeliner from Amor Eterno is the most stunning, shimmering shade of classic blue, and has a glitter finish that will leave your eyes twinkling—literally. Take notes from Euphoria and apply some funky eyeliner, or smudge out like a cream shadow.
Melt Cosmetics Amor Eterno Gel Eyeliner in Santos, $19, available at Sephora
I am a firm believer that everyone needs to own a blue eyeshadow. The electric shade “Outremer” from NARS will add a bit of flair to your lids, and its small footprint won’t bulk up your beauty drawer.
NARS Single Eyeshadow in Outremer, $19, available at Macy’s
As New Year’s Eve approaches—along with the best parties, events, and hopefully some stellar looks—it’s never too early to be thinking about how to spice it up. This glitter from MAC Cosmetics can be used anywhere on the face, so make it a glitter shadow or a sparkling highlight!
MAC Glitter in Cerulean, $22, available at MAC Cosmetics
This lustrous lip duo from Pat McGrath gives me incredible Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century vibes. The matching lipstick and gloss might look like they’re out of your comfort zone, but they apply with a subtle and sparkly classic blue tint. Truly intergalactic.
Pat McGrath Astral Kiss Duo in Astral Blue Star and Astral Moon Flower, $60, available at Pat McGrath
When fan-favorite minimalist makeup brand Glossier launched their Glossier Play line earlier this year, everyone couldn’t stop talking about it. And for good reason—this eye pencil in the shade Adult Swim is rich, creamy, and at a great price point. Top off your eye look with a pop of color, and feel super trendy in the process.
Glossier Play Technogel Eye Pencil in Adult Swim, $15, available at Glossier
