The blend of the Pantone 15-3919 Serenity and Pantone 13-1520 Rose Quartz is named Pantone Colour of the Year 2016.

For the first time, the blending of two shades - Serenity and Rose Quartz - are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year. The choice results from the analyses made by colour experts at the Pantone Color Institute, who comb the world all year round looking for new colour influences.

According to Pantone, the blend of the Pantone 15-3919 Serenity and Pantone 13-1520 Rose Quartz pairs two shades that embody a mindset of tranquillity and inner peace.

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to the stress of modern day lives, welcoming colours that psychologically fulfil the yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent,” highlights the company.

The prevalent combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz also challenges some more traditional perceptions around colour association. “In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Beauty


For the makeup industry, this pairing offers a variety of lip, cheek and eye palette options, as well as hues for nail colour. “Flattering against many skin tones, beauty looks pairing the lighthearted, healthy glow of Rose Quartz, with the cool, refreshing tone of Serenity, create a soft and natural statement,” adds Pantone.

Sephora+Pantone Universe Color of the Year Layer Lipstick

Sephora partnership

In order to help consumers incorporate the soft pink and baby blue combo into their makeup routine, Pantone has teamed up with Sephora on a new, limited-edition beauty collection designed specifically for that purpose.

Sephora+Pantone Universe Color of the Year Modern Watercolors Eyes Palette

Featuring the pastel shades and a wider palette of preppy orange, yellow and purple tones, the collection focuses on eyes and lips.