See ya, Emerald! This year, we’ve set our eyes on a softer, flowery hue that’s flattering on all skin tones – radiant orchid. The 2014 Pantone color of the year is the perfect shade to wear on your lids, lips, nails and more. Here are four of our favorite reasons for donning this lilac-inspired hue in the coming months:

1.) Radiant orchid eyeshadow will dress up your lids in the dreamiest way

Why not give your go-to taupes and browns a rest and swap in a radiant orchid eyeshadow this season? Though the garden hue may be intimidating for the color-shy, there’s no reason to fear – all you need to do is blend this sheer, soft shade over your lid and add a deeper purple in the crease for dimension. Dust a peach blush on the apples of your cheeks and finish with a swipe of sheer balm on the lips. The end result is feminine, pretty and surprisingly understated.

Product picks: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Grifter; Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow in Shade 10; Cargo Eyeshadow Single in Pasadena

 

2.) Radiant orchid eyeliner will make your peepers pop

Your normal black liner feeling a bit…blah? A swipe of purple eyeliner on the lids will draw attention to your eyes whenever you feel like trying a fun, bold look. To really make the color pop, line your eyes with a white liner first – it will saturate the colored eyeliner and give it that extra oomph. And don’t forget the mascara!

Product picks: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Asphyxia; Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Violet

 

3.) A sheer radiant orchid lip gloss is the perfect way to ease your makeup into spring

A light purple-tinged gloss is flattering on any skin tone – we can attest to that. To punch up the color, you can layer over a purple-based lipstick, or wear the gloss alone. For lighter skin tones, try pink-based purples; for darker skin tones, try mauve or deeper purple shades.

Product picks: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain Rebel Nudes in 108 Violine Out of Control; Lancôme Juicy Tubes Jelly in Magic Spell; NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Born This Way;

 

4.) Your digits will look extra pretty flaunting radiant orchid tips 

It’s a new year and a fresh start – which means it may be time to give your holiday glitter mani a rest. Instead, choose a solid polish in a soft, dreamy purple to really help your digits shine. Or, give your go-to French mani an updated twist by swapping the white tips for radiant orchid – so fresh, so pretty!

Product Picks: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail in Royalty Reinvented; Essie Warm & Toasty Turtleneck; Jin Soon French Lilac Nail Polish

 

How will you be wearing radiant orchid in 2014? Tell us in the comments!

 

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