Pantone, recognized as the global authority on color, announced its Color of the Year 2021 — and there are two, Illuminating and Ultimate Gray. 

Officially named PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, they are “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day,” Pantone states. 

The last time Pantone chose a pair of colors was in 2016, with Rose Quartz and Serenity. 

Ultimate Gray & Illuminating Convey Strength & Hope

Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. 

Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colors of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Gray quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says, “The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one. The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude.”

She adds, “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted, this is essential to the human spirit.”

A Mix of Warm & Cool Tones Makes a Dramatic Beauty Statement 

Color is a critical form of communication, and a way to symbolize thoughts and ideas — and an important tool for package designers and beauty marketers.

So how will the new duo be used in beauty? “Either color can take precedence whether for apparel, beauty, home furnishings, product design or packaging,” Pantone states. 

Illuminating is a warm tone, while Ultimate Gray is cool — and the combination is often a dramatic statement-making look, for hair, nails, and makeup. “Illuminating sparkles and shimmers when paired with Ultimate Gray,” Pantone states. 

We can’t wait to see all the ways the new colors are used in beauty. Stay tuned. 

A Look Back at Pantone’s Colors of the Year

Pantone Names Classic Blue the 2020 Color of the Year

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019 is Living Coral

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2018, Ultra-Violet, in Packaging

Greenery is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2017