Pantone Names 2 Gorgeous Hues as THE Colors of 2016

All the beauty details behind the much-awaited color duo.

By Liz Ritter, Executive Editor · Dec 3, 2015

In a perplexing twist in the world of color, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Pantone—for the very first time—has released not one, but TWO colors of the year for 2016.

The pastel duo, which go by the official names of Rose Quartz (a dusty pink) and Serenity (a light blue that almost borders on periwinkle), are reminiscent of the “baby” pairing of pink and blue—yet pretty enough to pull off some very sophisticated styles. To get you started, here are some of our favorite makeup picks (yes, you can successfully wear the blue!) for incorporating the colors into your look.

1 / 9

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Sky ($19)

This luxe, vitamin-enriched shadow gives a splash of sophisticated blue-gray color that looks modern and sleek.

2 / 9

Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Pillow Pie ($18)

Long-wear, high-shine and 5-free, this semi-sheer powder pink delivers a modern—yet feminine—mani.

3 / 9

Londontown Chuffed to Bits ($16)

The soft, creamy hue of this long-lasting, nontoxic nail polish provides major color payoff and mega shine.

4 / 9

Kevyn Aucoin Lip Gloss in Tulapina ($30)

Coined “patent leather for your lips,” this nonsticky gloss offers the pretty pinkish-ruby shade in a semi-sheer formula.

5 / 9

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner in Periwinkle ($22)

Sure this “soft” pale-blue shade is bold, but it can be worn somewhat conservatively when you apply the thin marker-like liner to your top lash line (start at the innermost corner and work your way out, hugging the line). It glides on smooth, stays all day and doesn’t smudge, so it gives a clean look—even if you tend to be less adventurous with your eye makeup.

6 / 9

Trish McEvoy 24-Hour Eye Shadow and Liner in Rose Quartz ($32.50)

This magical, easy-to-use multitasker can be applied to your lid or lash line to create a ton of eye-defining options.

7 / 9

bareMinerals Eye Shadow in Skyline ($14)

Another modern blue eye color shade (this time as a loose powder), this light-as-air texture creates creamy opaque color.

8 / 9

jane iredale Eye Shere Liquid Eye Shadow in Peach Silk ($17)

Shimmery and silky, this fast-drying, crease-resistant liquid shadow is perfect for upping up your holiday look when worn alone or layered on top of another color.