Sephora + Pantone Colour Collection for 2015: Marsala

Introducing Marsala, Pantone's Colour of the Year 2015 - and the inspiration behind Sephora's latest makeup line

Introducing Marsala, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2015, and the inspiration behind Sephora’s latest products

For the fourth year, Sephora has teamed up with Pantone Universe to create a limited edition, capsule collection of makeup for eyes, lips and cheeks. This year, Marsala – a brown-based pinky-red – serves as inspiration for eight new products.

All the colour products performed well, with admirable longevity and pigmentation. Note that every “marsala” colour within this collection is a different shade. Some are more pink, more red, more brown, etc. So experiment a little at layering them to create different effects.

After several years of vibrant, saturated greens, oranges and fuchsias, Marsala is definitely a welcome relief – decidedly more neutral and subtle. Read on for details and reviews of this year’s collection.

Collection is now available at Sephora stores and Sephora.ca for a limited time.   

Facets of Marsala Multi-Finish Eye Palette ($49)

This 24-colour eye palette is definitely the superstar of the collection. Most eye shadows perform admirably with decent pigmentation, colour payoff and longevity, and perform even better over a primer. The entire palette does favour warm tones, although there are some good neutrals to help balance this out. And best of all, the main colour, Marsala, comes in four different textures: matte, satin, metallic and glitter. 

Bold Marsala Mascara & Brow Highlighter ($25)

If you’re someone who complains about brow products turning too warm, this is not for you. But for everyone else, it’s a subtle addition to your routine that will make your eyes shine a little bit brighter.

As a mascara, if you have lighter eyelashes, the colour shows up nicely. If you have darker eyelashes, try layering this over very black mascara and put this just at the tips. The colour contrast is what you’re going after.

As a brow tamer, again, if you have lighter eyebrows, this will add a fun shot of colour to your face. If you have darker eyebrows, this probably won’t work for you in this application, although it’s still great at keeping unruly hairs in place. Also, this brush is large and fluffy so take extra time and care at the tails. You may even prefer to transfer product to a smaller spoolie.

Marsala Metalshine Liquid Liner ($23)

This liquid liner delivers high-impact metallic shine that you can smudge for a more subtle, nude effect, or layer boldly over black liner for drama. The brush tip is stiff but flexible, providing nice tension for laying down a clean line.

Marsala Layering Lip Collection ($35)

These five chubby lip crayons are a cinch to apply, imparting a dewy finish and a warm tint of colour. The formula contains Hyaluronic “filling spheres” and Resveratrol to keep lips comfortably hydrated.

The colours:

  • Marsala – soft, nude red with terracotta undertones. Medium pigmentation.
  • Dusty Cedar – bright, nude pink. Medium pigmentation and least warm of the bunch.
  • Canyon Clay – warm, nude terracotta. Light pigmentation.
  • Rose Dawn – nude pink with peach undertones. Lightest shade.
  • Muted Clay – brown nude. Light pigmentation and warmest of the bunch.

Pure Marsala Matte Lip Crème ($23)

This matte crème lipstick is definitely a neutral, pulling more pink or brown depending on undertones in your lips and skin. It’s a muted, soft plummy shade, leaning just on the warm side of neutral. The finish isn’t drying, thanks to oils and extracts including Resveratrol, keeping lips pigmented and comfortable for a solid four to five hours. Coverage is opaque, leaving a semi-matte or satin-matte finish. Layer over a bit of lip balm for best results.

Cooling Marsala Multi Stick ($32)

This multi-purpose product is coppery red with gold shimmer. It’s not highlighter-y enough to consider using on the eyes and it’s not pigmented enough to use on the lips – unless this is all you have in a pinch. But as a blush, it’s fabulous.

The colour is buildable, but the product does set so it’s best to apply onto a finger first then blend onto cheeks. It wears easily for six+ hours and, of course, it’s dead easy to reapply if necessary.

Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio ($35)

This palette contains one cream-to-powder highlighter and two matte cheek colours. On the right is Marsala, a med-dark plum colour with warm, red undertones that will probably suit most skin tones, especially in the summer. The middle blush is Coral Pink, a light-med peachy shade also with warm undertones, best for lighter skin tones. On the left is the highlighter, Spanish Villa, a versatile golden beige shade that’s best used sparingly. All are finely milled with impressive lasting power.

Marsala Pro Angled Blush Brush #49 ($40)

Soft as a kitten’s paw, this angled brush is as effective as it is pretty. And with its warm pink handle and rose gold ferrule, this is beauty. This brush is lovely to use, picking up product easily and distributing evenly.