When the Pantone Colour of 2015 was announced late last year I was honestly a bit disappointed. Marsala is a rich reddish brown colour; redder than chocolate & browner than burgundy, but not quite maroon.
My initial thought was that it looks old-fashioned. And who wouldn’t when you look at these celeb pics from the 90’s?
But as the year progresses & now that winter is in full swing, the colour is growing on me more & more. Unlike Pantone colours of previous years (a purple called Radiant Orchid in 2014 and Emerald in 2013), Marsala offers something for everyone. “This is a natural colour and will work with most other shades,” adds make-up artist and style guru, Adelle Jung, who’s advice I seeked for tips on using Marsala.
It works in all seasons and is a must-have colour for your wardrobe, home décor and your make-up collection, so if you haven’t incorporated Marsala into your beauty or home palette, then now is a great time. “Nail and lip colours are probably the easiest ways to really have fun with fashion and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Just like red or pink, Marsala can be worn in different shades.”
Here are some fab tips to make the most (magic) of Marsala this winter:
FOR LIPS
“There are basic rules when it comes to lip colours,” says Adelle. “The correct shade will make you look healthy. Your teeth and eyes will also appear whiter. If it does not suit you, you will look washed out and dull.”
Dark Marsala lips can create a very dramatic look, but remember the rule that dark lips should be paired with light eyes.
Tip: Dark colors tend to make your lips look thinner, so those with thin lips: stick to light shades of Marsala.
Try these…
FOR EYES
“Eye shadow can be applied in many ways, but once again don’t forget that there must be balance between your eye shadow, lips and cheeks,” explains Adelle. “Only one of these should draw attention at a time.”
“There are several ways to use eye shadow in Marsala – go for a dramatic look with a smoky eye in shades of burgundy or only use it to give you some color on the lash line. Your goal is to bring out your best features and not necessarily to look heavily made up. In summer a simple look is spot on, while winter is the perfect time to wear more dramatic eyeshadow.”
Tip: If you find applying eye shadow unnerving, then ask for assistance – for free. Log onto You Tube or visit a make-up counter at your favourite department store for free tips, advice or even a make-up lesson.
Try these…
FOR CHEEKS
Blush not only gives a warm, healthy colour, it is also useful for defining and creating the illusion of strong cheekbones.
Tip: ”It is once again important to maintain a balance with the amount and intensity of the shade you choose,” says Adelle. Always blend your blush in well. A round dot is not what you are looking for!
Try these:
FOR NAILS
Nail polish is the easiest way any woman can add Marsala to her look.
Tip: Keep your nails short & groomed. Chipped off dark colours can easily look tacky.
Try these…
FOR YOUR WARDROBE
“You can have so much fun with this shade,” says Adelle . “Even if you feel that the colour doesn’t work for you, rather wear it away from your face as part of your wardrobe & stick to a maximum of three colors. Marsala looks especially striking when paired with blue, cream, gold, gray, a deep burgundy and berry shades.” And because it is not an accent colour, you can wear it like you would wear black, gray and royal blue.
Tip: Try accessories such as handbags, shoes & scarves.
NEED SOME MORE INSPIRATION? SEE HOW THE STARS SHOW OFF MARSALA – A SHADE FOR EVERYONE….
Blondes…
Brunettes…
Red heads…
Darker skins…
Young….
& Mature…
Here’s some additional visual inspiration on how to introduce Marsala in your home & in your winter wardrobe.
May you be inspired to make Marsala Magic!
Yolandi ♥
The majority of this info was originally published in my feature for the Afrikaans national Sunday paper, Rapport’s, lifestyle supplement, Beleef.
Celeb images via.