Marsala is a dusty burgundy hue that falls somewhere between rose and brick. The feminine hue can be flattering for all skin tones — it's deep enough to bring a subtle flush to mocha complexions, and the pink undertones will really pop on alabaster skin too.

Marsala Color Pairings

In time with the 90's resurgence, Pantone has declared Marsala as 2015's Color of the Year. This particular choice really make my beauty-addicted heart set aflutter. Marsala's warm, robust, vino color is very versatile when used especially for makeup/cosmetics. Unlike last year's Radiant Orchid, you can actually play around the color without it looking too weird on you. With this in mind, I have rounded-up a Marsala-themed beauty selection for those looking to rock the trend this year forward.

Lips
Let's start with lips. This is one of the easiest ways to integrate Marsala into your beauty routine. Just like any other shade, Marsala can go from a rose tinted nude to a deep pomegranate shade so you can wear it subtly during the day and rock the color at night.

Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Rich Raisin - a neutral, deep berry-red shade perfect for dusky beauties with deeper complexions. Get it HERE.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush - A deep, burgundy-cranberry red color. This one is applies sheer so you can get away wearing this even during the day. Get it HERE.

Budget lipstick options include: NYX Snow White, Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lipstick in Cherry Bomb, Revlon Colorburst Matte in Sultry, and Revlon In The Red.

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Cognac - A beautiful, shimmery red-wine with some brown-peach in it. A "tamer" Marsala shade. Get it HERE.

NARS Afghan Red Lipstick - A medium-dark raspberry-red. This rich color gives off a refined touch to your makeup look. Get it HERE.

Lorac Pro Matte Lip Color in Magenta - Weightless, pro formula easily glides on with a long-lasting, pigmented, and matte finish. Get it HERE.

Face
A great way to utilize Marsala's rich hue is as a blush. Pair it with a gold eye shadow and neutral lip for daytime, or kick it up a notch for night by layering the hue on lips with a dramatic black eyeliner look.

Marsala Face Chart: The softer side of marsala

For a wearable look, try marsala on your cheeks with a little liner, mascara, and light color on the lips.
NARS Seduction Blush - A deep, red wine with a very faint shimmer-sheen finish. Get it HERE.


Bobbi Brown Blush in Berry - A reddish wine powder blush that instantly gives cheeks a fresh, natural-looking pop of color. Get it HERE.

Sephora+Pantone Universe Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio - Two velvety matte blushes and a cream highlighter complete the Sephora look. “You can contour with the actual color, highlight with the shimmery shade, and use that more peach, sheer, neutral tone for your cheek color,” says Soliz. Get it HERE.

Budget blush options include:

Eyes
When using reddish pigment around your eyes you could look tired or like you have a cold. Make sure you use corrector concealer underneath your eyes. You also want to create definition, so try pairing the marsala eyeshadow with a smudgy dark brown liner and a dark mascara.

Marsala Face Chart for Eyes

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Trafalgar - The rich colors in Dior's 5-Colour Eyeshadow palettes were inspired by the designer's travels through Latin America and Brazil. The vibrant marsala red in this palette can be used as a crease color with the pale pink or gold shadow, all over the lid with the chocolate brown shade in the crease or smoked out at the edges with the creamy white shade. Get it HERE.
Covet London Nail Polish in Vamp - A gorgeous and seductive dark red, that reminds us of a glass of full-bodied French Bordeaux. Get it HERE.

Other Options:
Butter London Nail Lacquer in Tramp Stamp
OPI's Lost on Lombard Nail Polish
Essie Nail Polish — Mauves: In Stitches

Marsala Makeup Looks

How to Wear Marsala:
For an editorial look, bold is better, but if you’re color shy pick one part of the face to use marsala. If you use it on the eye try skipping the contour and intense lip, or vice versa. And use a light hand with your application—you can always add more.