Purple makeup makes a comeback

If you're thinking of going bold with your makeup, there's no better colour than purple. The shade has been dominating both the runways and red carpets.

Case in point: Actor, pop star and entrepreneur Selena Gomez chose a diffused purple eye look to match her floor-grazing, off-the-shoulder number for the 2023 Golden Globes in January, and it was the colour of choice at the Fall/Winter23 runways of designers Prada and Vivienne Westwood.

The trend offers up a variety of beautiful shades like lilac, lavender, violet and plum. According to makeup artist Lasalle Lee, purple goes well with most skin tones so there is no right or wrong shade for each person. Instead, he suggests being open to experimenting with different hues to get the shade that suits you best.

Lasalle recommends lilac for daytime use and a darker purple for nighttime, such as the new Cle De Peau Eye Colour Quad in Purple.

“A simple wash of lilac over the lids is a chic and effortless way to work the trend,” he advises. “A deep purple eyeliner is also a great alternative to black or brown. I usually pair purple eyeshadow or eyeliner with a nude lip to keep the focus on the eyes.”

Makeup artist Larry Yeo thinks purple makeup is back in fashion because it actually enhances radiance.

“A pop of lilac can open up the eyes and create a doe-eyed Bambi eyed appearance; a mauve shadow can softly contour the peepers (my favourite method for years) and a deeper aubergine can create a understated smokey eye,” he explains. “Also, since most Asians have varying shades of brown eyes, purple tones can bring out the hazel/bronze hues of our irises.”

Larry adds that we should pick shades that not only complement the occasion, but also our personality and under-eye colour (a greyish purple can accentuate dark eye circles and sunken eyes). “Lilac hues are beautiful if you want to use it as highlights on your inner eye or just as a transitional shade,” he adds.

Purple makeup for beginners

Makeup artist Larry Yeo shares more tips on wearing this colour.

1. Ensure that dark circles are concealed.
2. If you use light shimmery shades, your eyes should be defined with mascara and/or eyeliner.
3. Match your purple eyeshadow with a moss green or dark brown eyeliner to help the violet hues stand out more.

If you're thinking of getting on the purple make-up train, here are five products to try.

Rare Beauty Discovery Eyeshadow Palette in Give Yourself Grace, $50

Seven rich, buttery shades await you in this gorgeous eyeshadow palette, which was created to pair perfectly with the brand's Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes. These rich, rosy neutrals come in a range of finishes that span from matte to metallic. The palette also includes a 3D glitter top coat for that extra shimmer.

Shop now

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Fig, $45

If you've tried a product from Clarins' iconic Lip Comfort Oil line, you'll know that it gives your lips an ultra glossy look. The lip oil features the Sweetbriar Rose Oil as its star ingredient to keep your lips hydrated and nourished all day. One of the newest shades is Fig, a muted purple that's both unique and attention-grabbing.

Shop now

Chanel Limited Edition Ombre Première Libre in Mûrier Noir, $54

Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2023 collection is inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s beloved cosy sweaters in warm, powerful colours. The colours also intend to capture the change in hues we see all around us in the trees and the sky when autumn arrives.

The Ombre Première Libre loose eyeshadow collection features six natural and earthy shades that add a warm touch to your eyes. Mûrier Noir is an intense aubergine shade with a satin finish. It’s long lasting and easy to apply, thanks to its built-in sponge-tip applicator.

Shop now

Dior Rosy Glow Blush in Berry, $69

This long-lasting powder blush gives the cheeks a healthy glow, while its lightweight texture feels like a second skin.

Shop now

Private Rose Garden Color Collection by Tom Ford, $152

This new eye colour quad is a four-pan eyeshadow palette that takes inspiration from the different hues of a rose.

Shop now