The New Year is here and just like every year Pantone, the ‘global colour authority’, has announced the new colour for 2020, which is Classic Blue. The colour, according to Pantone, “symbolizes protection, stability, peace, and confidence, as well as encouraging deep thinking, open mindfulness and communication.”The classic hue takes on a velvety texture and is known for its calming, confidence-boosting properties. The gorgeous blue is gentle and most importantly, wearable; it not only offers a striking look but also helps brighten your dull, dreary look. In fact this colour is sure to make a statement. When it comes to cosmetics, blue is a great colour because it is so versatile and suits all skin tones. Brighter shades might be intimidating, but this mellow variety can make for either edgy or sophisticated beauty looks.

Here’s how you can include the stunning shade in your beauty regime.

Classy lids

One of the best ways to incorporate the regal hue into your makeup look is to accentuate your eyes with a slick of blue eye shadow. Opting for a smokey eye makeup and blending classic blue with black eye shadow will surely brighten your beauty look. You can start by applying black shadow near your lash line and blending it upwards. Now apply the blue hue – it can be shimmery or matte – and blend well. Pat some more of the blue shade in the centre of your eyelid and blend in both directions. If you are not an expert when it comes to eye makeup, keep the application simple by choosing a highly pigmented creamy formula that you can blend into the lids with your fingers. You can pair classic blue with bright shades of pink for a rich, jewel-toned effect.

Line ‘em blue

Another way to use this striking shade is to go for a classic blue eyeliner. Perfect for a night out, you can create a head-turning feline flick with an eye pencil instead of the usual black. For an ultra-fresh look, try outlining your lower eyelids. You can use a shadow or eyeliner to line your lower lash line; the result is a pop of colour that simultaneously defines your eyes. Finish with heaps of black mascara to make your lashes stand out and don’t forget to conceal your under eye circles.

Let your lashes take centre stage

If you are not too keen on swiping blue eyeliner or blending a bright colourful eye shadow on your lids, blue mascara can be your makeup staple this season. This is an amazing look for someone who wants to do something different but not too over the top. In fact coating your lashes in coloured mascara is a quick step to up your eye game. So, have fun with your beauty choices and trade your black mascara for a classy blue formula and let your lashes do the talking. If you want fluttery lashes then all you have to do is use an eyelash curler on each eye for at least 15 seconds. Apply mascara in zig zag strokes and voila you are all set to flaunt dramatic blue lashes.

Tress talk

Want to elevate your overall look? An exceptionally great hair shade can certainly breathe fresh life into your current hair colour and Pantone’s 2020 colour of the year makes for a stunning hair colour that’s far from boring. Take Billie Eilish and Cardi B as examples. Eilish was a fan of Classic Blue hair for months before dyeing her roots neon green, and we’ve seen Cardi B sporting blue hair more than once. If you’re not comfortable experimenting with all blue hair, you can add some blue highlights or a few thick chunks to your hair colour. The best part about classic blue is that it pairs well with a dark base.

Dramatic pouts

Are you daring enough to rock any look? Go ahead and flaunt blue lips; this is perhaps the boldest way to carry off the trend. Take some inspiration from singer and beauty mogul Rihanna and Black Panther actress Lupita Nyong’o. A sure fire hit during the festival season, this hue will instantly make your look a whole lot more interesting; just remember to keep the rest of your makeup subtle and simple.

Nail affair

Incorporating a colour in your beauty regime in no way means you have to apply it all over. Instead, you can simply add the shade here and there and rock the trend. Simply go for a nail paint in classic blue - it is not only low on effort, but also high on style.