Health Is Beauty

Rose Quartz and Serenity: Pantone’s 2016 Shades for Sex Toys, Ecofashion, and Natural Beauty

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One of the things I look forward to annually is finding out what shade the Pantone Color Institute will declare as the new color to rule all colors for that year. In 2016, Pantone went above and beyond and did something they’ve never done before by naming two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity – as the PANTONE Color of the Year!

Not only is this a welcome departure from the bolder tones like Marsala, Radiant Orchid, and Emerald that have defined the past years, Rose Quartz and Serenity are especially unique in the fact that they reflect the world’s shifting focus towards wellness. As Leatrice Eiseman, the Executive Director for the Pantone Color Institute put it:

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

It’s also very cool to note that the color combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity coincides with societal movements towards gender fluidity—these colors are definitely friendly to all genders. This is especially true as more and more people become comfortable with using color as a form of expression.

There’s no doubt that we will be seeing both of these beautiful hues everywhere as the year progresses; here’s how you might want to incorporate them into your life.

R O S E   Q U A R T Z   I N S P I R A T I O N

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This beautiful Tencel skirt from ApieceApart is ultra-pretty, and has pockets and tassels—and it’s the perfect shade. What more could you need in a spring-to-summer skirt?

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Tarte is already a big favorite for those who love their beauty products eco-chic and cruelty-free, but you can get doubly excited about their Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation as it contains both Rose Quartz and Ultramarines! Not only did ancient Egyptians believe that Rose Quartz had anti-aging properties – mythology tells us that the Goddess Isis would gather the rosy gems to use as massage stones to keep her complexion clear – it also contains Ultramarines. Ultramarines contain lazurite which is a major component in Lapis Lazuli, the third-eye chakra stone known it’s celestial blue color and for helping activate the higher mind and improving intellectual ability.

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Sex is a huge part of wellness, but sadly not enough is being talked about in terms of what kind of chemicals are used to create your favorite playtime toy. Most commercially available intimate devices are constructed out of PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that’s been known to be environmentally hazardous! Keep that nasty stuff out of your body and consider Chakrubs, handcrafted sex toys that are body-safe and made  out of 100% pure crystals. Their Original Heart Chakrub is lovingly crafted out of Rose Quartz. Often called the Love Stone, it’s perfect for opening up your Hearth Chakra, practicing self-love, and some powerful sexual healing.

 

S E R E N I T Y   I N S P I R A T I O N

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This Made-in-USA Litke Sarita blouse is that perfect shade of Serenity blue that pairs beautifully with black, as shown here.

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Moonstone (the blue version of it is very close in color to Serenity) is known for offering a powerful connection to the moon. The cyclic nature of the moon as it waxes and wanes mimics the natural rhythms of our life, our planet, and influences emotional and spiritual growth. Blue Moonstone in particular promotes clarity and encourages the user to recognize emotional patterns. Now, you can incorporate this balancing energy into your skincare with the Organic Moonstone Face Créme from Gemstone Organic! Using only 100% USDA Certified Organic ingredients, Gemstone Organic brilliantly uses Moonstone to balance hormonal cycles and ease breakouts, thus helping your inner beauty shine!

moonstonetiara tiara

This gorgeous moonstone tiara is handmade and could be worn as a crown of sorts, would work with a messy updo, or simply used in place of a headband.

 

Soyo Hong is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. An artist and writer in NYC, she is a regular contributor to digital platforms such as Animal New York, Hopes&Fears, and Ratter.