Pantone Color of the Year RADIANT ORCHID (Faves in Beauty, Hair & Skin)

RADIANT ORCHID: 
a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple

Earlier this month, Pantone announced their 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid! Now, everywhere you look it's ORCHID: hair, make-up, skincare, accessories, you name it! It's not a surprise that orchids have been used in skin and hair care, for their reparative and protective properties for centuries and orchids are also my favorite flower, as well as scent. 

Essential oils pressed from the orchid petals nourish, revitalize, and hydrate your skin, while powerful antioxidants combat free radical damage and help prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. You'll start to see a burst of orchids in beauty products: from makeup, hair and skin care. Let's take a look at my fave "orchid-themed" beauty products: 

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow Singles ($18.50) 

A gorgeous silver and gold mirrored compact, eye color that helps improve the appearance of signs of aging and protect skin from future environmental skin stress. Includes: Retinyl Linoleate: (Vitamin A), which minimizes the look of fine lines, wrinkles and supports your skins natural collagen production. Vitamins C & E: and Advanced pigment technology: silky silicone that feels smooth and luxurious and float on top of the eye area, instead of getting into fine lines. http://www.elizabetharden.com

White Sands Gel-Us ($15.00)

Gel-us (jealous) creates hair envy indeed! White Sands hair care line infused with orchid extract is like botox for your hair! (see my previous review here: BeautyStat Ev's Orchid Bliss) Not your average hair gel, Gel-Us is created with two scientifically advanced concepts: a cationic gelling base, that provides hydration and shine unlike any gel out there. Secondly, the orchid flower is Gel-Us' secret weapon. With this orchid extract, each cuticle layer is closed to eliminate frizz, improve texture, repel moisture and provide volume. My hair always looks amazing, smells delicious and remains FRIZZ-FREE, when I use any of the White Sands orchid infused products. www.whitesandsproducts.com

Carita, Amarte & DECLÉOR

CARITA Beauty Diamond Eye Program: ($380) Two premium formulas that offer the perfect blend of supreme luxury and state-of-the art technology to care for the delicate needs of the eye contour. Together they firm and smooth, protects the skin against aggressions, improves cutaneous density and provide intense moisture. Diamond boosts radiance, Tourmaline increases micro circulation, Sequoia promotes cellular repair, Blue Lotus offers free-radical protection and Orchid maintains hydration levels. CaritaDirect.com

Amarte Aqua Veil Hydrator: ($65) A cucumber-infused, ultra-light hydrator that releases droplets of pure H²0 onto the skin to form a protective veil. A toner and serum in one, this unique moisturizer gives skin a silky, youthful radiance. Contains Orchid Flower Extract to soothe and condition skin while also brightening and lightening skin and freckles via modulation of melanin production. AmarteSkinCare.com

DECLÉOR Aroma Night Regenerating Cream: ($67) This custom-made cream with a luscious, silky smooth texture uses Orchid Extract to maintain skin nutrition and moisturize levels. In the morning, skin looks regenerated, fine lines are decreased and the skin is smooth and rested. DecleorUSA.com


glō minerals, Palladio Beauty and Dermelect Cosmeceuticals

Eyes

Go from dull to daring by incorporating an orchid eye. Go for a shock of color that packs a punch, swipe lids with a wash of purple. If you prefer just a hint of color, line eyes with pencil and rock this versatile shade flawlessly. www.gloprofessional.com & www.palladiobeauty.com

1. glō minerals Eye Shadow in Lilac ($18.50)
2. Palladio Beauty Baked Eye shadow Trio in Lovely Lilac ($8)
3. Palladio Beauty Silk FX in Femme Fatale ($12)
4. Palladio Beauty Eye shadow Quad in Spellbound ($8)
5. Palladio Beauty Eye Liner Pencil in Lavender ($3)
6. Palladio Beauty Precision Eyeliner in Purple Haze ($6)

Lips

Orchid is a radiant shade that ranges from light to dark. For lips, try a gloss for a quick slick of color without the commitment, or you can go bold with a stain for long-lasting pigment.

1. glō minerals Gloss in Lilac Luster ($16)
2. Palladio Beauty Lip Gloss in Bezel Diamond ($5)
3. Palladio Beauty Lip Stain in Orchid ($6)

Nails

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals ME Anti-Aging Nail Lacquer Treatment in Radiance ($14), NEW for Spring/Summer 2014! A bold and reflective orchid that pops on any skin tone. www.dermelect.com

~Evelyn Lugo