Just like with fashion, certain colors trend each season in the beauty world. The hue du jour? Purple. Thank goodness there are lots of options out there when it comes to rocking purple eyeshadow.
We’ve already seen many examples of pretty purple eyeshadow. There isn’t a runway season that goes by without at least a couple of purple eyeshadow looks. That’s because the color is versatile and oh so flattering.
“Purple is one of those great colors that is wonderful on any spectrum of the color palette,” says celebrity makeup artist Nina Soriano. “Lavender is wonderful because it is light and complements many different skin tones. For a little more drama, dark purple is always a fantastic alternative to black.”
She says purple is pretty dramatic regardless of the shade and goes well with neutral and peach shades. Nina recommends a light lip stain or lip oil to balance the pop of purple. Fortunately, there are plenty of palettes that feature only purple. But since the color plays well with others, you can go ahead and buy palettes boasting additional shades.
Scroll down to see the dreamiest ways to wear purple eyeshadow. Whether you’re feeling understated or a little extra.
The 18 Prettiest Ways to Wear Purple Eyeshadow
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Purple Power
A fresh spin on smoky eyes. The long lashes really draw attention to the striking purple eyeshadow.
Image: Imaxtree
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Pop of Lilac
Purple pairs well with other eyeshadows. Try combining pastel hues, like lilac, ballet pink and mint green.
Image: Imaxtree
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Dynamic Duo
Take a hazy approach with a smoked-out purple and a glistening gold.
Image: Imaxtree
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Soft Touch
Stop being concerned about applying eyeshadow perfectly. This ethereal look shows a slightly haphazard approach results in something special. Sweep icy lavender eyeshadow on the inner parts of your creases, then dab it on the outer corners of your eyes. Resist the temptation to "fix" it.
Image: Imaxtree
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Swept Away
Don't be afraid to take a liberal approach to bold eyeshadow, purple included. Dust an orchid shadow from lashes to brows, gradually lightening the color above your lids. Take the romantic vibe further with a randomly placed scrunchie or, better yet, a flower in your hair.
Image: Imaxtree
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Walk the Line
Try enhancing your lower lash lines with a medium purple eyeshadow rather than eyeliner. For a dreamier finish, dust on a layer of sparkles and add a few coats of black mascara to your upper lashes.
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Creative Combo
Purple and yellow may be complementary colors, but we're living for this striking red eyeliner with purple eyeshadow. With eyes this bold, keep lips subdued.
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A Case for Restraint
Concentrate a shimmering lavender eyeshadow, like NARS Single Eyeshadow in Rome ($19), on your lids so pretty hints will be revealed with every blink. Skip mascara to preserve the effect.
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Double Up
Purple is pretty on its own plus it pairs nicely with other shades. Want proof? See this iris eyeshadow with neon green and royal blue eyeliner.
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Color Coordination
Bold lips with bold eyes? Break the rules by accentuating a black smoky eye with royal purple inner corners. Classic scarlet lips bring even more glamour. It's 80s, but in a modern way.
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Perfectly Purple
Pretend your purple eyeshadow is a liner and use it to draw an angled shape around the perimeters of your eyes. A neutral pink blush and lip color are good counterpoints regardless of your shadow shade.
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Grape Gaze
The flashy headpiece didn't distract from Jennifer Lopez's grape eyeshadow. Choose a lighter color for your lids, then balance the vivid purple with flirty false lashes and a classic J.Lo neutral lip gloss.
Image: Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Get Girly
A pink and purple makeup combo isn't super sweet when saturated colors are involved. Sweep royal purple eyeshadow across your lids and lower lash lines, concentrating on the outer corners. Then dab on a hot pink lipstick.
Image: Imaxtree
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Ice Queen
Blue isn't the only shade that creates an ice queen finish. An opaque pastel purple eyeshadow can produce the same effect. Take a cue from Adwoa Aboah and wear it heavy on your lids with just a touch of mascara. The beaded crown is optional, but encouraged.
Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images
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Go Bare
Flip the script by leaving your lids bare and apply purple eyeshadow above your creases all the way to your brows. Wispy lashes and faint pink lipstick add to the whimsical mood. Try Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eye Shadow in I-918 ($17).
Image: Imaxtree
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Sorta Neutral
Have a low tolerance for color? A muted grayish purple can work almost like a neutral. The shade is nice by itself, but we love this two-tone look. Don't blend the smoky shadows and add in a soft coral pink lipstick.
Image: Imaxtree
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Fantastic Flick
Get experimental by using an eggplant-colored cream eyeshadow to create a flick instead of the usual liquid liner. A muted lip color plays into the modern 60s feel.
Image: Imaxtree
