Color is extremely important in the beauty industry. The right colors can make a product stand out, look appealing, and attract buyers. But with so many color options, how do beauty brands choose?
In this post, we'll look at the top 10 colors beauty brands should use and why they work so well. We'll also give examples of major brands using these colors.
1. Red
Red is an energetic and bold color perfect for beauty products. It symbolizes glamor, excitement, and passion.
When people see red, their hearts beat a little faster. Red makes them feel confident and ready to take action.
That's why red is widely used for lipsticks and nails. Just think of ruby red lips or fire engine red nails. Red helps beauty products make a big, bold statement.
For example, MAC Cosmetics uses a lot of red in its logo and packaging. This gives the brand an exciting, fashionable vibe.
2. Pink
Pink is a softer, more feminine version of red. It represents sweetness, playfulness, and romance.
Light pinks evoke innocence, while bold pinks can signify fun and youthful energy. Pink is extremely versatile - it can work for makeup, skincare, hair products, and more.
Brands like Benefit use pink to seem approachable and friendly. The color makes their products inviting and playful.
3. Nude
Nude or neutral shades are staples in the beauty industry. They provide a natural, flattering base that works with any look.
Nude lips, eyeshadow, and nail polish act as blank canvases you can build upon. They also create a polished, elegant appearance.
Prestige brands like Chanel and Dior rely heavily on nude shades. This helps their products seem timeless, refined, and luxurious.
4. Purple
Purple is an intriguing, mystical color associated with creativity and spirituality. It balances red's heat with blue's cool tranquility.
In beauty, purple gives products a sense of luxury and sophistication. It's also versatile enough for edgy, unconventional looks.
Urban Decay uses purple in their packaging and products to seem daring and innovative. Their purple communicates the brand's bold point of view.
5. Coral
Vibrant coral is fresh, energetic, and cheerful. It reminds people of sunshine, tropical destinations, and summertime fun.
Coral makes an excellent color for summer makeup collections. It immediately gives off a playful, beachy vibe.
Brands like NARS use coral to make products pop. The vivid shade helps their makeup seem joyful and lively.
6. Rose Gold
Rose gold is one of the trendiest colors in beauty right now. The mix of gold and pink creates a soft, romantic look.
Rose gold feels glamorous yet understated at the same time. When used in packaging and products, it comes across as chic and luxurious.
High-end brands like YSL Beauté rely on rose gold to add a touch of luxury. The warmer metal makes their products feel expensive and covetable.
7. Gold
On its own, gold signifies extravagance, status, and sophistication. The metallic finish looks glitzy and decadent.
Beauty brands leverage gold to add prestige and luxury to their products. Even small touches of gold can take items to the next level.
Tom Ford Beauty excels at using gold for a high-fashion feel. From eyeshadows to packaging, small gold accents communicate luxury.
8. Emerald Green
Vibrant emerald green feels rich and indulgent. Historically, the color was associated with wealth, refinement, and nobility.
In beauty products, emerald green comes across as sophisticated, elegant, and opulent. It helps create an air of luxury.
Yves Saint Laurent uses deep emerald greens in its cosmetic line. This makes the products seem lavish, exclusive and aimed at the affluent buyer.
9. Baby Blue
Soft, calming baby blue feels sweet, gentle, and romantic. It calls to mind clear skies, delicate flowers, and whispery clouds.
In beauty, light blue creates a sense of tranquility and innocence. It provides a reassuring, comforting effect.
The self-care brand Bliss uses pale blue throughout its range. This makes the products seem more relaxing and spa-like.
10. Black
In beauty, black signifies mystery, drama, and sophistication. Against the skin, it has a slimming, contouring effect.
Black is also versatile. It can be edgy, elegant, romantic, or neutral depending on the product and application.
NARS has built campaigns around black packaging and products. Black helps cement the brand's chic, high-fashion aesthetic.
Why This Color Palette Works
This palette covers the full spectrum of beauty brand personalities. Whether fun and playful, bold and daring, or chic and elegant, these 10 colors fit the bill.
The palette also provides versatility. Colors like nude, black and gold work with any look or product. And shades like coral and purple add personality.
Finally, these colors have visual appeal. They grab attention while also making products look aesthetically pleasing. This color palette helps beauty products look as gorgeous as they make you feel!
Examples of Beauty Brands Using This Palette
Let's look at some top beauty brands using this strategic color palette:
- Benefit relies on pink but also uses coral for summer collections.
- MAC maximizes red but also embraces purple for edgier looks.
- Urban Decay leverages purple along with black for dramatic effect.
- YSL focuses on gold, emerald green and black for luxury.
- NARS utilizes coral, black and red for bold high-fashion.
- Dior concentrates on elegant nudes and golds with a touch of pink.
- Chanel favors beige nudes complemented by blacks and emeralds.
As you can see, the top brands artfully mix and match shades from this color palette. This helps them appeal to their target audience and stand out from competitors.
Key Takeaways
Red, pink, nude, purple, coral, rose gold, gold, emerald, baby blue and black are winning colors for beauty. This versatile palette suits any brand personality from playful to prestigious. Colors like nude and black work with everything while shades like coral and purple add flair. Leading beauty brands like MAC, YSL and Dior use this strategic palette. The right colors make products pop, convey personality and attract buyers.
At Ladybug, we can help select the perfect color palette to make your beauty brand shine. Our team of talented designers has extensive experience in the beauty industry.
We know how to use color strategically to capture attention, draw in your ideal buyer and convey your unique brand voice. Let's work together to showcase your products in the best light!