I am having a purple moment, the kind of purple moment where you put on the Pop/rock album/soundtrack to Purple Rain and suddenly even though you are dusting, vacuuming and cleaning your less than tidy house, all in the world seems okay because it takes you back to that carefree moment in time when Prince was Prince before he was the symbol, that became the other name, that turned back into Prince. Whew! Anyhow, every time we creep into fall that royal shade seems to reappear and run rampant in our fashion landscape. Can I say I just adore it! And let’s not forget the utter fabulousness of a good purple shadow…Hello gorgeous!
Trouble is that in the hands of a novice this little shade can wreak havoc like a black-eyed post bar brawl mess. So listen up lavender lusters… this is how we do it.
Purple can be universally flattering but it’s one shade that begs you to stay inside the lines.
To avoid looking messy or circa 1985 don’t extend the shade beyond the outer corners of your lids. An uber flattering shade to try is Shu Uemura in ME Purple
Don’t go any higher than your crease because with this hue you can definitely have too much of a good thing.
Nars Joilee Poupee (I kid you not that is the name) is a not-for-the-wallflower duo of a vibrant violet and iridescent purple that creates a seductive smokey eye.
For a bit of smolder, pair purple with black or charcoal liner, avoid using other vibrant colors like green, royal blue or navy… unless you are dying to be labeled “dated” by your gal pals.
I cannot part with my go-to smudge-proof Kevyn Aucoin Eye Pencil Primatif in black…trust me when you wear purple you want smudge-less.
Purples go well with red tones but to avoid looking overdone, keep the emphasis on the eyes by pairing the shade with a natural sheer beige or mauve lip color. Try The Balm Pucker your Pout in Cocoa my Coconut
More than any other shade purple will emphasis under eye circles and blemishes, so don’t go bare -faced when you do a violet hue. Even if you normally shun foundation at least dab a dab of some tinted moisturizer and concealer to smooth out skin tone.
Amazing concealer by Amazing Cosmetics glides on silky smooth and blends with ease.
To modify that vibrant evening shade of violet for daytime or office wear try prepping the lid with a layer of eye shadow primer or a soft brown shadow underneath. Try Dior solo single in Golden Brown.
Thank you, Diane, for the tutorial on a tricky color…but one that is really fun to wear! I suspect we’ll see this well into spring.
Purple shadows are great for night time. Especially when the rest of the makeup is toned down a bit.
I love purple. I think it is a fun, flirty color that I love to wear in the fall.
purple shadow looks great in the summer when you are tan!