Many gals don’t know this, but when it comes to eyeshadow, purple is a color that can surprisingly be worn by anyone and everyone. It’s flattering on all skin tones and works with any eye color. Not to mention, you can create so many different looks with purple eyeshadow that you’ll never get bored!
From deep plum to lavender, lilac, amethyst, violet, and mauve, there’s a shade of purple and a look for every Beauty out there!
Yet a common complaint I’ve heard from women over the years is that they aren’t entirely sure how to rock a purple eye. With it being such a bold color, many find it intimidating!
Ever bought a palette with lovely purples but found yourself stumped? Well, Beauties, if you’re unsure how to get started playing up your eyes with purple and need a boost of inspiration, this post is for you!
Today, I’m sharing a roundup of 25 seriously smoldering purple eyeshadow looks, so you’ll have plenty of ideas to try all year long for any occasion or season!
And for those who are a tad nervous about wearing purples, don’t be! To help, I’m also including some makeup tips so you’ll know exactly how to wear this glorious shade confidently!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Purple Eyeshadow Looks For All Occasions, Seasons, & Every Eye Color!
- Common FAQ’s
- How do you wear purple eyeshadow?
- What other colors can I use with purple eyeshadow?
- What color lipstick goes with purple eyeshadow?
Purple Eyeshadow Looks For All Occasions, Seasons, & Every Eye Color!
Oh, the versatility of purple, winter, spring, summer, or fall…this royal hue really can do it all! Depending on your choice of purple and style of eye makeup, this color can work no matter the season.
While summer is all about bright and vibrant purples, spring leans more into pastel and lighter shades of purple. For fall and winter, you tend to see your darker, moodier purples or perhaps the festive holiday party-appropriate sparkly purples.
Additionally, to further prove my point that purple is an incredibly universally flattering eyeshadow color, I’ve included looks on gals with blue, brown, green, and hazel eyes. But keep in mind, just because an eyeshadow look is on a model with a different eye color than yours, that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate it or create something similar.
Now, without further ado…ready to find your perfect purple style?? Keep scrolling!
1) Smokey Purple Glam
Want to make your green eyes pop, gals? If so, purple eyeshadow looks are precisely what you need in your life! Purple creates a gorgeous contrast against green eyes. And if you have hints of yellow in your iris, it’ll set those golden flecks blaze!
To recreate this using the Pat McGrath Mini Eye Shadow Palette, sweep the shade “Xtreme Aubergine” all over your outer lid, along the crease, and lower lash line, making sure to smoke out the edges.
Focus “Night Creature” on the inner half of your lid and lower lash line. Then, add “Skinshow Divine Glow” to the inner corners of your eyes.
2) Berry-Licious Plum-Diddly-Umptious
Oh, those brown-eyed beauties! You’ve won the eyeshadow lottery! Pretty much every shade works with your eyes. But have you experimented with warm-toned purple eyeshadow looks yet? No? Well, buckle up because you’ll fall head over heels in love with this one!
Apply a shimmery neutral shadow to your lid and the inner corners. Then, use a deep berry purple along and above your crease, as well as on the outer lid, extended outward & upward to create the alluring winged-out shape.
Sweep the same shade under your lower lash line, connecting it at the outer corner. Finally, add a plum liner to your waterline, mascara, and a matching muted berry lip for the full effect!
PRO Tip: Warm purples are more red-toned than blue-toned. For example, shades like plum or magenta are more red-toned, whereas violet or lavender are more cool-toned.
3) Purple Passion Meets Pink Panache
Don’t let the fear of color clash stop you from playing around with bold hues! This daring pairing of bright pink above the crease and purple on the lid will make your eyes the center of attention. Embrace this lively and vivacious look that you can absolutely rock for summer!
For something like this, you’ll need the following:
- A mid-tone purple shadow (for your mobile lid)
- A slightly darker purple eyeshadow (to emphasize your crease),
- Shimmery nude pink shadow (for under your lower lash line and to slightly highlight under your brow)
- Pink eyeshadow (for above your crease)
- A pale pink liner for your waterline
- Dark purple gel liner to create a subtle wing and fluttery false lashes!
4) Enchanting Dark Purple
Purple is one of those unique colors that just sort of magically brings out the yellow and gold tones hidden in hazel eyes! Now, while this look is breathtaking, if you have small eyes, then you may want to skip it. Wrapping the eye all the way around with a dark purple and adding a black liner to the waterline will make small eyes look even smaller.
Otherwise, in addition to eyeshadow, you’ll need a black eyeliner pencil (for your waterline & upper lash line) and your favorite mascara. Make sure to extend your eyeshadow slightly from your outer corner and above your crease as you blend.
Then, to avoid looking overdone, keep the rest of your face makeup relatively low-key, from your blush shade to a matte lip!
Related: For more eyeshadow looks for hazel eyes, purple, and other colors, check out these 31+ Makeup Looks!
5) Soft Purple & Chocolate Dreams
This is one of those dreamy purple eyeshadow looks that can work any time of the year. For cooler months, you can go with a darker matte nude lipstick, and for those warmer months, you can go with a moderately pinkish nude lip or grab a gloss.
To recreate this, you’ll need brown eyeshadow, a shimmery taupe, and a shimmery lilac. Focus the lilac on the center of your lids with the brown on the outer lid and crease. Use the taupe at the inner corners of your eyes and sweep it along your lower lash line.
Don’t forget to reach for your mascara and apply several swipes to both your upper and lower lashes for the ultimate finished look!
6) Deep Aubergine Eyes
Whether you’re heading out for a few drinks with friends or hitting the town for a date night, this purple smokey eye look will have you channeling your inner seductress! As they say…take no prisoners!!! Right??!! You’ll need Natasha Denona’s Mini Love Palette to create it, which features a combo of sinfully rich purples and pinks!
And here’s a little insider tip: Rich, deep purple eyeshadow looks are a match made in heaven for the autumn season, so keep this in mind as the weather starts nipping at your nose.
Related: Fall Makeup Ideas: Best Looks & Products To Amp Up Your Style!
7) Take A Purple Hint
Any commitment phobes out there? If you’re not ready to take a full-on purple eyeshadow leap, start small and just dip your toes into that purple abyss with a liner instead!
You can still make a statement with your eyes by combining a vibrant purple liner with shimmery neutrals (on your lids and lower lash lines). You can use a dark gray liner in your waterline as was done here, or skip that step.
Finish off by adding a pair of wispy lashes or coat your own with a lengthening mascara.
8) Graphic Purple
This makeup is a spin-off from the popular graphic liner look but with a cat-eye twist. For the best results, start with an eyeshadow primer and either a cream or powder eyeshadow in a beautiful plum tone. If you decide to go with a powder, try wetting a liner brush and gently dipping it into the shadow for better application.
Start lining your lower lash line, and as you reach the outer corner, draw a line that extends upward in the direction of your temples. If needed, you can use a piece of tape or an angled liner brush for precision. Connect that outer wing back to the outer portion of your upper lash line, as you would for a classic cat-eye.
Lightly line the rest of your upper lash line, then go back to the end of your wing and carefully draw a line connecting back to your outer crease. Be sure to fill in any gaps. Then, go in slightly above your crease and sweep from the inner eye back to about the halfway point of your lid, leaving a small gap.
9) Ethereal Icy Purple
The divine touch of light, icy purple hues applied above and below your eyes is an exquisite way to frame their cool blue tone! BTW, if you’re a blonde, this purple eyeshadow look will bring an extra dose of drama to your makeup routine!
I actually explore this concept in my eyeshadow guide, where I discuss considering eyeshadow colors based on one’s hair color. For blondes, purple is an excellent choice as it creates a striking contrast, thanks to its position opposite yellow on the color wheel.
Try either a cool-toned lavender palette or a lilac palette like this one from Colourpop! Then elevate this look with a strip of false lashes and lilac liner applied to your waterline!
However, if you want to keep it simple, a few coats of mascara on both your upper and lower lashes should do the trick. Lastly, add soft pink-toned glossy lips for a fab summer and springtime vibe!!
10) Purple Accent
Feel like adding a sprinkle of color to your makeup routine but not so sure about going all in? Fear not; this creative trick from our list is just the ticket for those flirting with the idea of purple eyeshadow looks.
This technique cleverly limits the dash of purple to the lower lash line only. It’s a surprisingly effective way to join the purple haze trend without going overboard!
Apply a shimmery neutral shadow to your lids and a warm brown to your crease. Then, sweep a deep, dark purple along your lower lash line. To fully replicate this look, you can add in graphic liner, but this style looks equally stunning with just the addition of lashes or mascara.
11) Berry Blush Pop
For those who adore warm, red-toned purples, a blend of cranberry, boysenberry, or plum eyeshadows combined with a cool-toned shimmery purple creates a look that is both opulent and captivating.
While this may be a bit harder to recreate than some of the other purple eyeshadow looks we’ve rounded up, it’s still very much worth the extra effort!
For the center of your eyelids, try a peachy nude shimmer. It will brighten up your eyes, drawing attention to them. It also adds a subtle hint of warmth that complements the red-toned purples beautifully. Since the eyes are a bit heavy, go with just a hint of warm blush across your cheeks and a dab of lip gloss.
12) Spell-Binding Purple & Gold
All kinds of magic happen when a shimmering gold meets a regal purple eyeshadow. Why, you ask?
Well, again, yellow and purple sit across each other on the color wheel, which makes them complementary colors. So, when these two showstoppers come together in your eyeshadow palette, guess what? The gold amplifies the purple, giving it an irresistible pop!
Start with a metallic magenta shade on your lid. Then, sweep a matte magenta shadow into your crease and under your lash line. Focus a deep purple on the outer half of your lid, lower lash line, and outer corners. Make sure you blend upwards & outward for a lifted shape. It’s also important to blend every step of the way with a look like this.
Boost the intensity with a flick of metallic purple on your outer lower lash line and a touch of gold on your inner eye corners and inner lid. Add a strip of lashes to your upper lash line, and you’re all set for some head-turning moments!
13) Reverse Purple Wing
A single shade of purple is nearly all you need for this standout yet simplified summer look. Best yet, one purple swept along your lower lash line means you don’t have to worry about blending. You can stick to a liquid or cream shadow or use a powder eyeshadow by dipping your brush in water.
Now, the goal of this look is to make the wing by extending from the outer corner of the lower lash line. Start by lining your lower lash line, then when you reach the outermost corner, apply going outward and a bit upward.
Keep the remainder of your face relatively subtle so your eyes take center stage! A bit of lip gloss and a bright pop of cream blush should suffice. You don’t have to use mascara; however, I recommend using one to give your eyes more dimension and lashes more definition.
Related: The Best Summer Makeup Looks & Products We’re Totally Obsessed With!
14) Orange, Copper, & Purple Persuasion
For those seeking to create a dramatic impression, a burst of orange, a touch of copper, and a splash of purple on the eyes will definitely persuade with its vivid allure!
The rich, warm tones of bronze and orange eyeshadow combined intensify the warmth of brown eyes! Then, adding purple along the lower lash line is like the cherry on top, giving brown eyes that perfect pop. It’s the ultimate trick to make your chocolatey peepers go “POW!”!
This blend is particularly enticing for autumn when eye makeup colors perfectly complement the changing leaves and golden sunlight. Add a soft peach blush on the cheeks and a peachy nude lip for a complete fall style and flair that totally slays like no other!
15) Metallic Orchid Elegance
In the mood for something subdued and elegant? If you happen to have blue eyes, this purple eyeshadow look certainly aims to please! It’s perfect for a night out or any occasion where you want your blue eyes to be all the talk!
Start with an orchid-like shade with a metallic finish, and apply it to your lids. Apply black shadow to your eyes’ outer corners and blend it into your crease to give your eyes a sultry, smokey effect. Do a quick sweep of a silver shade along your lower lash line and carry a bit of the black along it as well at the outer corners.
Finally, use bright blue eyeliner on your waterline to further enhance your blue eyes. Add a few coats of mascara, or use false lashes for something more sophisticated. Don’t forget to keep the rest of your makeup soft and subdued, making your baby blues the star of the show!
Related: Eyeshadow Looks For Blue Eyes: 31 Stunning Ideas You Need To Try!
16) Dazzling Purple
Jewel-toned purple eyeshadow looks are so dazzling during the winter months and particularly during the holidays. So, for all the holiday parties and soirees, get ready to shine with this makeup style!
You’ll need a deep, dark matte purple, a shimmery shade that closely matches your skin tone (for the inner eye), a shimmery brighter purple for under your lashes (inner section), and a loose metallic pigment in a cool-toned purple for the center of your lid. Add some basic liner, lashes (or mascara), and voila!
PRO Tip: For winter, try glittery purple eyeshadows to add some festive glamour to your look.
17) Lavish Purple & Bold Red Lips
Embrace the classic allure with a purple eyeshadow look that perfectly complements bold red lipstick. This look uses a carefully selected combination of warm and cool shades for a look that’s truly eye-catching.
Use a warm-toned shimmery purple eyeshadow on the inner part of your lid and a cool icy purple on the center of your lid. Then, on the outer lid, use a matte dark purple to add depth and definition. Blend this shade seamlessly into the crease, pulling it out in a ‘V’ shape.
Duplicate this same gradient effect with the same three colors on the lower lash line. Add a couple of swipes of volumizing mascara, and then pair this eye makeup with vibrant red lipstick for a statement look that’s sure to impress.
Related: Eyeshadow With Red Lipstick: Best Ways To Rock It +29 Sexy Looks
18) Deep Magenta, Lavender, & Pink-Coral Mix
Calling all green-eyed Beauties! A magnificent blend of lavender, deep magenta, and pink-coral will accentuate your gaze in a multitude of ways!
Let me explain…you see, the colors pink and coral both have red undertones; essentially, they are made up of the color red at varying degrees. On the color wheel, red is directly across from the color green, making them complementary colors. This makes reddish colors and any pink-coral shade of eyeshadow perfect for making green eyes stand out.
Also, as discussed in the first look from this list, purple will bring out those gorgeous golden-yellow tones and flecks around your iris. Talk about a win-win!!
This particular look is perfect for a romantic evening or a night out on the town, showcasing just how versatile purple eyeshadow looks can be!
Related: 21+ Gorgeous Makeup Looks For Green Eyes That Slay All Day!!
19) Natural With Shimmering Pink Lilac & Rich Purple
If you’re on the hunt for an eyeshadow look that’s a mix of bold and minimal, a blend of shimmery pinkish lilac and rich royal purple with natural-faced makeup might just tickle your fancy.
With your eyes stealing the show, the rest of your face will play it cool, making this a dynamite look for daytime soirees or when you’re bossing it in the boardroom.
First, sweep a shimmery pinkish lilac eyeshadow onto the inner half of your eyelid. This will instantly illuminate your eyes, giving them a brighter appearance.
Then, apply a deep, rich purple eyeshadow on the outer half of your lid, lightly blending it into the outer two-thirds of your crease. Add liner and finish it off with a coat of lengthening mascara!
20) Mauvy Romance
A deep mauve and soft nude pink combo can bring just the right touch of romance! For this look, you’ll need two eyeshadows for the lid, a highlighter for under the brow, blue eyeliner for your waterline, and thickening mascara or lashes.
Start by applying a soft, shimmery, nude pink eyeshadow onto your eyelid. Next, use a deep mauve eyeshadow on the outermost corner of your lid and carry it along your entire crease.
Sweep your highlighter just under your brows for extra sparkle and drama. Add some bright blue eyeliner to the waterline, then apply plenty of mascara or lashes.
Then, keep the rest of your makeup fresh and light, with just a touch of blush and a soft pink or nude pink lip. To transition this same look for cooler months, try a natural-looking yet slightly deeper-toned blush and lipstick.
21) Purple Power
If this stunning look doesn’t convince you to rock purple right away, absolutely nothing will. Get ready to slay and embrace the purple power! 💜✨.
It features a combination of maroon (dark reddish purple) and rusty brown hues wrapped around the eye, applied to the crease and outer lid, and blended to perfection upward and outward toward the brows. While not technically a full-fledged purple eyeshadow look, the bold purple liner is a great alternative.
Use a light shimmer eyeshadow on the inner half of your lids. Then top it off with false lashes, a liner for your waterline, and a matching purple lip!
22) Intense With Lavender Twilight
Got blue-green or blue eyes? Try an eyeshadow look that’s a little bit of pale purple, a dash of lavender, and a touch of dark plum. It’s oh-so-intense! Start off by applying a pale purple eyeshadow to the inner corner of your lids.
Place a bright lavender on the center of your lid. Then, to add depth and warmth, use a warm-toned dark plum on the outer lid and crease. Sweep this color under your lower lashes with a hint of lavender.
The combination of these three eyeshadow shades creates a gradient effect. Remember, the key to a winning eyeshadow look is all in the blending, so take your time to blend these colors together seamlessly.
Finally, use a deep blue liner on your waterline, add some swank lashes, or finish with a few coats of mascara for the finishing touch!
23) Purple & Citrus Eyes
If you’re down for the unique and unexpected, why not dress up your eyes with an orange & purple eyeshadow combo?!!? While our previous orange and purple look was perfect for fall, this one brings the heat with summertime written all over it! Not to mention, this look is smokin’ if your eyes veer slightly into the blueish-green realm like hers do.
Brightly hued orange and light purple paired with dramatic liner is a fun way to play up blue-green eyes! Notice how the orange beautifully brings out the dark blue ring around her iris? While the light purple intensities the golden hues around her pupil.
24) Majestic Purple & Brown Mix
For hazel or brown-eyed beauties looking to create a gorgeous purple eyeshadow look, a mix of shimmering brown, copper, and metallic purple will take your eye game to the next level!
Apply a metallic purple eyeshadow to the base of your lid. Use warm shimmery brown on your outer corner, along your crease (blended it upwards towards your brows), and underneath your lower lash line. Lightly blend so there is a seamless transition between the brown and purple, keeping the majority of the purple on the inner 2/3rds of your lid.
Sweep the copper under your inner lower lash line and paint your waterline with a matching metallic purple liner. Then, go one step further and draw a line along your inner upper lash line, connecting at the tear duct. Gently smudge it out, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the metallic purple shadow.
The grand finale? A generous coat of mascara and flirtatious lashes that leave everyone transfixed!
Related: The 27 Most Beautiful Eye Makeup Looks For Stand-Out Brown Eyes
25) Jewel-Toned Goddess
This is one of those purple eyeshadow looks for gals who want something a little more sparkly. It gives off just the right amount of winter glam, making it perfect for New Year’s Eve, holiday parties, or any other festive occasion!
Use a dark brown to contour your crease and outer “V,” and paint your lids with a metallic purple. A dark metallic blue swept under the lash line ties it all together. For maximum impact, go with a bold lip, some volumizing mascara, or maybe even some falsies!
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Common FAQ’s
How do you wear purple eyeshadow?
When it comes to purple eyeshadow, some people prefer to keep it simple, while others like to create a more dramatic effect. The way that you wear it really depends on the look you’re going for.
That said, here are just a few ways to get started wearing purple…
- You can stick to a single eyeshadow look that just uses one purple on your eyelid, combine it with other unique colors, or just stick to several shades of purple.
- If you decide to go with a bi-color look (using only two eyeshadows), you could do one shade of purple all over the eyelid and blend in a darker purple at the outer corner of your eye.
- If you’re a fan of the halo eyeshadow look, try using purple with a metallic, like gold, at the center.
- Lastly, if you want to take baby steps, you can always just start by using purple eyeshadow as an accent color. You could just use it under your lower lashes, or if it’s a light shimmery purple, you can add a pop at the inner corners of your eyes.
What other colors can I use with purple eyeshadow?
As you’ve seen from this article’s featured eyeshadow looks, purple can work exceptionally well with several different shades. Here are a few helpful tips on color combinations…
- If you want a more typical purple look (one you’re probably used to seeing), pair it with neutral shades like brown, black, or gray.
- If you’re aiming for a vibrant, dramatic effect, try pairing purple with brighter colors like yellow, orange, or pink.
- Once again, purple eyeshadow also looks great with other shades of purple. In fact, this is called the monochromatic method, one of the methods I teach in my “master your eyeshadow” guide. It’s generally the easiest option for makeup newbies. What you want to do is try a light, medium, and then a darker shade of purple.
- Another way to pair purple eyeshadow is with metallics like gold or bronze.
- Pairing purple with blue or green can also work well too, so feel free to experiment!
What color lipstick goes with purple eyeshadow?
When wearing purple eyeshadow, it’s important to consider the color of your lipstick. Some colors are more complementary than others.
- If you’d rather play it safe or go with a classic look, try pairing purple eyeshadow with nude lipstick, soft pink lipstick, or even a clear gloss.
- For a more dynamic look, try pairing it with red or purple lipstick.
It’s important to experiment until you find the combination that works best for you. So have some fun and mix & match until you find a combo you love!
Related: Eyeshadow With Red Lipstick: Best Ways To Rock It + 29 Sexy Looks
Purple Eyeshadow Looks: The Wrap-Up!
Whether you prefer going bold with a smokey eye or you’re looking for a subtle wash of color, there’s a purple eyeshadow look for you. In fact, you may be surprised how easy it is to rock this royal hue. You can wear it matte, shimmery, glittery, or even combine different finishes for something extra special!
Well, Beauties, I hope you’ve been inspired after seeing all these ideas. Which look will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!
Related Articles:
- Eyeshadows For Hazel Eyes: Most Flattering Makeup Finds!
- 19 Must-Try Brown Eyeshadow Looks From Natural To Fully Glam
- Jaw-Dropping Green Eyeshadow Looks To Spice Up Your Beauty Routine!
- How To Apply Eyeshadow Like A Pro
- Eye Makeup For Beginners: Step-By-Step Looks You Can Easily Pull Off!!
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