This fall, purple eyeshadow has emerged as a prominent makeup trend, gaining attention during the Spring 2026 runway shows for designers such as Chanel, Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, and Saint Laurent. The shades seen ranged from deep plum to soft lilac, featuring various finishes like smoky and shimmery.
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Celebrities including Zendaya, Cardi B, and Zara Larsson have embraced this trend on red carpets and in their everyday looks, demonstrating a shift from traditional neutrals to vibrant colors. Celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm remarked on the appeal of softer, muted purple tones, calling them sophisticated as they enhance the eyes without being too overpowering.
Holm has been experimenting with combinations of mauve and plum to add depth to her eyeshadow looks. She suggested starting with a softer mauve in the crease, then applying a deeper plum along the lash line for definition, and finishing with shimmer on the eyelid.
Professional artist Jonathan Logan cited the versatility of purple, stating it can suit a variety of skin tones and eye colors. He noted that the return of fun and expressive makeup is particularly fitting for fall, with darker, vampy shades gaining popularity.
When applying purple eyeshadow, both Holm and Logan advocated for personal expression without strict rules, emphasizing the importance of balance within the look. Holm recommended pairing a soft lavender eye with fresh pink blush or a rosy lip and noted that bolder options, like a red lip with a purple eye, can also work well.
Holm, who has worked with stars like Lindsay Lohan and Penelope Cruz, and Logan, based in New York City, continue to encourage creativity in makeup choices as the trend of purple eyeshadow gains momentum this season.