There is a colour that I have had in my make-up bag for over ten years. It has outlasted the neons, the nudes and the naturals, and though it has been made by different brands and come in many, many guises - nail lacquers, cream blushes, lipsticks, glosses and eyeshadows - as far as I'm concerned, it has never gone out of fashion. CORAL. I've never understood the maligning maelstrom that seems to surround this particular shade - or the granny-chat that crops up in the ongoing debate. The fact is, that of all the colours you can slap on your skin and nails, coral will always be one of the most flattering. Think smile-inducing tangerine with a hint-of-pink - avoid anything frosted - and you'll hit upon the mark.
So, where to look?
No 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium - a lovely shade that wouldn't look out of place on a late 1930s film set (the name is rather fitting too don't you think?), but also looks great with a very modern, bare face
Korres Colour Blush in 45 Coral - the sort of colour that elicits an 'oooh' in the packet and a smile on the cheek
MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Gentle Coral - great for everyday, if you can stomach the sugar-sweet scent
RMK Nail Color in Translucent Coral and RMK Mix Colours for Cheeks in Orange (coral, bronze and pink shades in a single palette) - this company really has a knack for pretty pinks and sweet orange-based shades
And don't pass up Kiss Me Coral which was reissued by Revlon last February following its runaway runway success at Roksanda Ilincic.
My one lost love? Giorgio Armani Sheer Creme Blush in Shade 3 or 5 (I can't remember the number, but know it is nothing like either of the current shades 3 and 5). It was a fiery, warm, terracotta coral that worked absolute wonders on every skintone - I tried it on my milk-white best friend, my coffee-skinned sister and on my own olive-toned face - it just worked every darn time. Then, for a reason that it is still unbeknown to me, they went and discontinued it. Had I been given a heads up, I would've bought the lot. Oh Coral. I am but a fool (for you).
9 months ago