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5 Shades of Radiant Orchid for Lips & Tips

Now that 2014 has kicked off, and I’m sure you’ve heard that Pantone’s color of the year is Radiant Orchid.  I know we’ll see plenty of new introductions of the color throughout the year, but I know that we’ve seen the color before–and you may already have some in your stash!  Here are a few of my picks for wearing radiant orchid on your lips or your tips…

What are your favorite orchid-hued lip colors and nail polishes?

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Amanda Avatar

I can’t seem to find a review for up the amp anywhere? It’s a really pretty shade but if it’s in any way drying its a no go for me!

Kathy Avatar

MAC Heroine lipstick! Didn’t think I’d be able to pull it off, but I bought a tube when they announced the permanent release and I’m in love with how it looks. 😀

kayce Avatar

again, i’m not sure if what i’m posting necessarily qualifies as orchid, but my favorite color in this family is zoya’s “malia”. i like that it’s a warm, medium-toned purple that looks good with everything.

Quinctia Avatar

Zoya Zuza, Orly Preamp, Pixie Luminous Lilac, possibly OPI Significant Other Color, if the green flash in it isn’t too much to override the purple. I own so much purple polish.

I don’t wear anything that light on lips, though, I tend towards plums if I do purple lips, so I don’t have anything there. I own Lydia, but I don’t wear it on its own.

Malinda Jane Avatar

I’m sad about the shade this year. It’s really beautiful, but I feel like these kinds of shades look so weird on my coloring.

Carla Avatar

Even though I LOVE and can wear bright orchid tones, I can relate to those who feel that orchid is difficult for them to wear – I felt that way about last year’s “emerald.” Green eyeshadow is a no-go on green-eyed me, and green lipstick isn’t my thing, either.
I’m expecting to have some major color fun in 2014! 🙂

Mariella Avatar

I hadn’t heard that “radiant orchid” was the colour of the year but I’ll be doing a happy dance if Panetone ever decides that taupe or grey-brown is “the colour of the year” (vbg). I wasn’t crazy about all the iterations of emerald that came out last year in response to that being the colour of the year and, to be honest, I really dislike the concept of a “colour of the year” and sort of being manipulated/limited so that options for other colours (in clothing, fabric – I love to sew – home decorating items, etc.) are limited.

Carla Avatar

^ If that would mean lots of taupe eyeshadows, I’m there!
Not that I’m not already well-stocked on those to the point of being almost a “hoarder,” but my personal cosmetics credo is “Too much is never enough!” 🙂

Soleil Avatar

Oh my! I was just at the MAC counter the other day and Up the Amp caught my eye! I feel like a winner now, seeing you post it here. Will definitely grab one today!

Erica Avatar

Purple is my favorite color and the orchid hue is my favorite for Spring. Its kinda cool toned to wear for me as a NC50 shade, but I’m gonna try. I have the NYX color, Revlon’s Berry Haute, and Mac’s Heroine/Up the amp colors in lipsticks and gloss. Shoot I have the Heroine nail polish too (lol). Mac’s Feed The Senses and Lavender Whip are cute orchid colors I like to wear.

Lawanda Hankins Avatar

Maybelline color elixir gloss in dashing orchid is very nice as well as Bite Beauty lip lacquer in chianti and Almay liquid lip balm in lilac love. NYX butter lipstick in hunk is pretty but a bit darker.

Valerie C. Avatar

I have MAC Up The Amp. It’s not drying at all. Sometimes I mix a pink with it or top with pink gloss.
I want the nail polishes! Love at First Sight looks beautiful! I’m buying 🙂 Thanks!

Rashmi Avatar

What fabulous list Christine 🙂 OCC Lydia is awesome shade to pick and as you said in your reviews , it is universally flattering shade 😀 😀
from your stash i would like to add ( if you agree )
BUXOM SWINGER .. which am buying even if its not in same color family :d
and also SHISEIDO RD 320 lipstick 😀

do you say they are close enough to be called “Radiant Orchid”

and i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee up the amp 🙂 you know dear , i have a “BIGGG” beads necklace which i wear with up the amp as they are same in color and it looks WOWWWW .. ( sorry for praising myself)

Rashmi Avatar

no earrings and deep neck top 🙂 the size of necklace a little shorter 🙂 I dont like those which are long …. as am on heavier side it grabs all the attention
can i add a picture of mine in gallery here ?
i will 🙂
you should really tell me if you are looking for some , I am basically from JAIPUR and its famous for gems …
i will send you a picture of my collection and if you like anything justttttttt tell me dear 😀

am sure you know , more then you i would be happy to see you wearing something picked by me 😀

I would also like to add as you asked what is our fav :
I picked YSL # 16 glossy stain and it is WOW 🙂

the other day i was in store and these SA’s came to me ( from YSL and CHANEL)
mam , ever since you bought we are also using it on our lips hahahah

and it made me blush 😀 my YSL SA – when i was buying it , was surprised why am picking a color like this ? I always buy orange or red … she asked me 3 – 4 times . .you sure you want this ?
but it worked nicely
for blush it has to be ILLAMASQUA THRUST 🙂
do you have that post as well coming up ?
love “FIVE WAYS”

breyerchic04 Avatar

Oh ok, thanks. It definitely has a satiny finish.

I’ve been mixing it with Sweet Succulence from this fall, and I love the dark mauve shade I get.

Linda Avatar

I am sorting my lipsticks this morning and I uncapped Gladiola from MAC’s Dame Edna line. Looks like Radiant Orchid (or one of its variants) to me. I checked MAC’s website and can’t find it (it’s a matte finish) although I wouldn’t be surprised to see it resurface this year.

Karen K Avatar

I have Up The Amp but can you recommend a liner to wear with it? Just bought a L’oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Burst into Bloom because it reminded me of the Radiant Orchid theme. Also Marc Jacobs nail polish in Oui!

Melio Avatar

Up the Amp is one of my favorite lipsticks ever! Christine, I just have to tell you I love your blog, and you’ve helped me find some amazing products!

Carla Avatar

A super-bright, clear, cool-toned color on lips?
Count me IN!
In fact, I already have MAC Show Orchid, Lavender Whip, and Violetta,not to mention Lime Crime Poisonberry.
I’m currently (NO pun intended – though it would be “currently” to make a pun) on the lookout for the perfect pinky-purple gloss.
Suggestions, anyone?

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