(Celebrity)

Lizzo, Taylor Swift, & Rihanna All Make A Case For This Controversial Eyeshadow Color

Purple haze for days.

by Amanda Ross
Rune Hellestad - Corbis/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images

Purple eyeshadow is a lot like escargot or country music — you love it, hate it, or are curious yet mildly terrified. Purple makeup conjures up bold looks well suited for nightclubs, but it can be surprisingly subtle, too. Here, your favorite celebrities demonstrate purple eye shadow in all its glory.

@tombachik

Against the backdrop of her enchanted cloak-gown covered in thousands (possibly millions) of crystals, Gemma Chan’s metallic plum cat-eye shadow looks impossibly ethereal. Her mauve lipstick, in a complementary cool tone, only emphasizes the eyeshadow color. Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images
Just a peek of purple is all Taylor Swift’s makeup artist wants you to see. Subtly fanning out from her false eyelashes and framing her lower lash line, the brighter purple stands in excellent contrast to her lighter lavender dress — this way, both shades get some special attention.Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images
Of course, not all purples are like — and Lizzo’s violet-magenta moment proves that there’s so much more out there than just royal purples. Framed by graphic accent dots, the purple shadow itself is mostly relegated to the outer edges of Lizzo’s eyelids and lower lash line for a wide-eyed effect.@iwantalexx
When nail artist Tom Bachik posted this photo of a lavender-accented J.Lo, featuring bold purple eyeshadow and a matching manicure, you could practically hear a symphony of screenshot noises across the world. By opting for a powdery, pastel finish, Lopez’s look veers ‘60s mod. @tombachik
Rather than go for a top lid-heavy wash of color, the real action in Hailee Steinfeld’s purple-on-purple-on-purple look is found along her lower lash line. There, a concentration of royal purple eyeshadow smudges along the eye for a colorfully smoky effect. Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images
Even when worn very subtly, purple can still add a sultry pop to any look — case in point? Dua Lipa’s soft purple bottom eyeliner, perfected by makeup artist Lisa Eldridge who says she used a “reddish plum liner and shadow smudge with black mascara,” to achieve the look. Dua Lipa at the 2021 Fashion Awards in purple bottom eyeliner
A beautiful and fitting tribute to Kobe and Gigi Bryant, Beyoncé's eyeshadow and manicure feature an homage to a true all-American color: Lakers Purple. Instantly recognizable for its ultra-violet brightness, this shimmery eye shadow iteration is so perfect for Bey and the occasion. beyonce.com
A deep, blue-based purple can be used to build out a classic smoky eye suitable for every occasion. In Kerry Washington’s case, her midnight purple eyeshadow adds just enough head-turning hue to her timeless black-tie look. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Considering the heights Lady Gaga’s looks soared to during the House of Gucci global premieres, it takes a serious makeup moment to really stand out among them. This glitter-soaked, extravagant purple eyeshadow certainly fits the bill. John Phillips/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
You have to look closely to notice Hailey Bieber’s subtle flick of lilac eyeshadow — but that’s the whole point. For those moments when you’re after just a hint of color, spritzing your favorite purple shadow with a glycerin-based setting spray turns it into a glide-on liner.@haileybieber
Rather than settle for an earthly royal purple, Simone Biles’ instantly iconic Essence cover sets its sights just a bit higher. This shimmery celestial purple eyeshadow, infused with glittering amethyst and silver shades, looks impossibly ethereal on the ever-radiant Biles. @essence
In a magnificently monochrome moment, Rihanna paired a silvery plum lip with its eyeshadow equivalent which complements her eyes. By keeping a lighter lilac on her lids and adding more pink-tinted warmth to the brow bone, Rihanna’s eyes look extra big and bright, too.@badgalriri
Lana Condor’s spring-fresh eyeshadow, a rose-tinted lilac, is like the cosmetic equivalent of running carefree through a tulip field. Outlining the eyes through the lids, brow bone, and lower lash line, the bright shade is a great choice for a not-too-intense pop of color that adds a pretty flush to the face.@tombachik

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