What does the Pantone ‘Color of the Year’ mean for beauty?

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

- Last updated on GMT

What does the Pantone ‘Color of the Year’ mean for beauty?

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Every year US firm Pantone declares a particular colour as its ‘Color of the Year’, which can influence anything from paint through to fashion and cosmetics. So what does this year’s two-shade blend of Rose Quartz and Serenity mean for the beauty industry?

Each year the colour company looks for ascending colour trends and colours that are being used in broader ways and in a broader context than before, when deciding upon the shade that will get this accolade.

To then make a decision, the company hosts meetings twice a year with representatives from various nations' colour standards groups, and after two days of presentations and debate, they choose a colour for the following year which is then published.

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity have been chosen for the 2016 award.

“Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” ​says Leatrice Eiseman Executove Director Pantone.

So what does this mean for the beauty industry? Well from the off, every year cosmetics retailer Sephora releases limited edition colour cosmetics sets with colours and packaging inspired by Pantone.

This can also go a couple of step further though as Mintel research shows that consumers are searching for balance and well-being when they shop for beauty and personal care products, making the connection to these two chosen tones.

According to the market research firm’s Viktorija Gnatoka​, the 2016 colours will present many opportunities for brands to express their values to consumers in the form of novel designs and products.

“Beauty product packaging is one of the areas where designers have the freedom to express trends, moods and styles through a variety of combinations,”​ says Viktorija.

“Rose Quartz and Serenity should find appeal in all finishes such as matte, metallic and glossy, and be able to convey the message of balance and well-being.”

Herbal essences hello hydration small
Herbal Essences' Hello Hydration shampoo uses a 'watercolour' effect on its packs

As mentioned in the Sephora example, the two tones are likely to be used in a number of cosmetics launches this year, particularly as they would complement make-up palettes for the eyes, lips and cheeks.

But Mintel says that the two Pantone colours could also have an influence on beauty packaging as they predicted to draw consumer attention with more subtle, calming and natural looks on shelf, complementing brands and products that want to portray this message too; with many already using this kind of ‘watercolour’ design, such as Herbal Essences for its shampoo range Hello Hydration.

“Colour blurring will offer inspiration for novel package designs or new variations of existing designs such as watercolours. Rose Quartz and Serenity are likely to fit with many natural products that want to express product attributes through modern package designs and stand out on shelf,”​ adds Gnatoka.

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