If you noted Emma Stone’s toga-style peach gown at the BAFTAs this year, you witnessed the red-carpet debut of Peach Fuzz, the colour of the year declared by Pantone, the U.S.-based colour matching system.
Pantone’s anointing of Peach Fuzz means it will dominate decorating and fashion trends throughout 2024 and possibly beyond. Unlike previous years’ more dramatic hues, an easy way to embrace this soft, orangey colour trend is through makeup. This is a shade that flatters most skin tones, though it’s most suited to warmer-hued complexions, says Shannon Calvert, Benefit’s National Brow and Beauty Authority. “However,” she expands, “the great thing about this soft peach colour is the versatility it offers. Peach Fuzz has both warm and cool undertones, so it really can look beautiful on all skin tones.”
Sara Wren, Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup, concurs that Peach Fuzz is a “very wearable, cheerful tone that can work across most skin tones. Blue eyes, in particular, will stand out with peachy based tones. “
The most enhancing way to wear it, no matter one’s complexion, is with a peachy-toned blush, says Suzanne Gagne, training manager for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Canada. Lighter skin tones work well with pinky-peach hue.
Calvert agrees to “simply sweep a peachy blush along the high points of the cheeks placing it in a C formation and dust a little on the bridge of the nose.” She references Benefit’s WANDERful World Silky-Soft Powder Blush “peachin’ as a shade “to encapsulate this peachy glow.”
Gagne adds that peach tones can be used to help balance skin tone colour. “Pro makeup artists also love to colour correct with peach as it will colour correct brown/grey/greenish discoloration under the eyes,” Gagne explains. “Peach is great for colour correcting dark circles, pigmentation, and dark spots on the skin.”
For a subtle application, Wren says lip oils and glosses are good options and suggests Milk’s Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in Explore “for a soft coral shimmer that hydrates lips while adding a peach fuzz pop.”
Gagne says Bobbi Brown’s Sunset Glow Highlighting Powder gives the complexion a glowy effect that enhances all skin tones.
Another way to wear Peach Fuzz subtly, Calvert advises, is with the under blushing technique. “Take a tint and apply it prior to your foundation, this will give a subtle hint of colour.”
To add drama, Calvert recommends creating a monochromatic look with eyes, lips and cheeks.
Gagne says, for a dramatic take, focus on the eyes. “Peach eyeshadow will enhance blue or green eyes, making them pop,” she says. “Add drama with shimmer and glow.”
For a seasonal approach to using the colour, all three experts say look for shine and shimmer in the warmer months. Wren suggests that when spring and summer arrive, try to be experimental with peach eye liners and more shimmery, neon shades of peach. Calvert likes the idea of going all monochromatic for the warm seasons, saying she would love to see it in “all its boldness.” Gagne concurs a monochromatic approach is a flattering look for summer.
For the cooler seasons, Wren sees deeper, more subtle peach tones working best by positioning the shade on cheeks and lips. Calvert agrees, saying go with a little on the cheeks and nose. “In the winter months when our skin is naturally lighter from lack of sun, reach for the brighter peachy shades to brighten winter skin,” Gagne advises.
So, is Pantone’s Peach Fuzz a colour that’s appropriate for any age to wear? Absolutely, declares Gagne. “Any age can wear Peach Fuzz. In fact, mature skin looks stunning in coral and peach shades. Peach fuzz is youthful, playful and fun,” she says.
Calvert believes Peach Fuzz is such a beautiful colour because anyone can pull it off, no matter their age. She notes that it was a “super-hot’ hue in the ‘80s, so she envisions “those of all ages [will be] rocking this look, whether it’ll be worn in fashion or beauty.”
Wren recommends having fun with your style, whatever your age, by experimenting with textures and shades. “Live your look,” she advises.
