Opening Chat

Recently while browsing Xiaohongshu and Douyin, I've been seeing purple eye makeup everywhere from beauty bloggers! From daily commute looks to formal evening makeup, purple shades are truly ubiquitous. As a beauty expert with seven to eight years in the industry, seeing this retro trend make a comeback stirs up mixed feelings.

When I first started in the industry, everyone was pursuing natural and minimal makeup, and many people thought purple was too "dramatic" to pull off. But have you noticed? Now purple eye makeup has become a trending topic on beauty forums and social platforms. This transformation from niche to mainstream actually reflects a major revolution in the beauty world.

Trend Analysis

Let me share some fascinating data with you. According to a recent beauty trend report from a major e-commerce platform, sales of purple makeup products have surged by 150% in the past three months. Purple eyeshadow palettes, in particular, have seen an incredible rise, becoming the new favorite among young consumers. Moreover, major beauty brands have launched purple product lines, from eyeshadows to blushes and lipsticks - purple has truly taken over.

This reminds me of my experience backstage at Milan Fashion Week last year. I met a super experienced makeup artist, Anna, who chatted with me while doing a model's makeup. She said, "Purple will redefine beauty trends in 2024, but this retro revival will be more nuanced and inclusive." Looking back now, she was absolutely right!

The current purple trend differs from the 80s mainly in its versatility and inclusivity. While 80s purple makeup was often bold and dramatic, today's purple eye makeup can achieve countless styles. From fresh and subtle to rich and alluring, from corporate chic to party queen, purple can master it all.

Practical Tips

When it comes to application techniques, I really want to share my years of accumulated experience. First, the most important aspect of purple eye makeup is creating dimension. Many people think purple eye makeup is hard to pull off, but the key lies in managing gradients and transitions.

Recently, while doing makeup for a new influencer, she was very hesitant about trying purple eye makeup. She said, "I'm afraid I'll look like I've been punched." This concern is actually very common, but with the right techniques, purple eye makeup can absolutely elevate your beauty to new heights.

The first step is the base, which you really can't rush. Start with beige or light brown eyeshadow to create basic dimension, giving the purple somewhere to work with. I suggest using a gradient beige, blending from the inner corner outward, focusing on properly handling the eye socket transition area.

The second step is applying purple. Start with the lightest purple shade, gently dabbing it at the outer corner, then blend toward the inner corner with a brush. Remember to use a light touch - it's better to build up the color gradually than apply too much at once.

For those with double eyelids, you can add more dark purple in the crease for better dimension. For monolids, I recommend more color near the lash line to make eyes appear more defined when open.

I particularly love adding sparkly purple eyeshadow above the pupil for a dreamy effect in the light. However, this technique should be used according to the occasion, as it might be too dramatic for daily wear.

Product Recommendations

Regarding product selection, there are countless purple eyeshadows on the market now. After months of in-depth testing, I've found several products truly worth recommending.

First is a new purple eyeshadow palette from a Japanese brand that's absolutely divine. It features six different purple shades, from lightest taro to deepest eggplant, with very natural transitions. The most impressive thing is its texture - no powder fallout and it adheres beautifully to the skin.

Then there's a single eyeshadow from a Western luxury brand. Though pricey, its shimmer particles are incredibly fine. It has a subtle iridescent effect in sunlight and never creases. This is perfect for those who like to add subtle accents to their eye makeup.

There's also an eyeshadow palette from a Chinese brand that offers excellent value for money. Their purple series is particularly suited to Asian skin tones. The powder is very fine and blends easily, making it very beginner-friendly.

Usage Experience

Through years of doing makeup for clients with different skin tones, I've found purple to be a magical color. It can work with various skin tones - the key is finding the right shade for you.

For those with fair skin, try purples with pink undertones for a particularly gentle look. For those with yellow undertones, I recommend purples with gray undertones to neutralize the yellow and create a sophisticated look.

My most memorable experience was doing makeup for a client with yellow undertones who really wanted to try purple eye makeup but worried it would look tacky. I used a purple with gray undertones to create a gradient effect, and she was absolutely thrilled with the result. She said it was the most flattering eye makeup she'd ever tried.

Styling Suggestions

When it comes to overall styling, this is really important. Since purple is quite an eye-catching color, it's essential to maintain balance in your look.

Here are my suggestions for choosing clothes:

First, basic solid colors like pure white, beige, gray, or black tops are excellent choices. This lets the purple eye makeup be the focal point of your look.

If you're more adventurous, you can try clothes with purple elements, but be careful not to overdo the purple. For example, a white top with small purple flowers can complement your makeup nicely.

As for accessories, I personally love pairing purple eye makeup with silver jewelry. Silver earrings or necklaces can beautifully balance the overall look and add sophistication.

Important Notes

While purple eye makeup is beautiful, there are some important details to keep in mind when applying it.

First is lighting. Purple looks quite different under various lighting conditions, so check your makeup in natural light while applying. Especially if you're attending important events, test the look under different lighting conditions beforehand.

Second is longevity. Purple eyeshadow can easily fade or oxidize due to its unique color. Always use an eye primer or concealer as a base before application.

Finally, makeup removal requires attention. Purple eyeshadow, especially shimmer products, needs careful removal. Use a professional eye and lip makeup remover, and be patient - avoid rubbing your eyes repeatedly.

Summary and Future Outlook

From the 80s to now, purple eye makeup has undergone tremendous changes. From initially bold and intense to today's versatile variations, each evolution reflects the aesthetic characteristics of its era.

Today's purple eye makeup isn't just a retro tribute but a perfect combination of modern makeup techniques and aesthetic concepts. It can be sophisticated corporate makeup, a cool party look, or fresh date makeup.

This inclusivity and diversity epitomize modern beauty trends. It shows us that beauty has no fixed standards, and everyone can find their perfect shade of purple.

Looking at current trends, this purple wave will continue to develop and evolve in more interesting ways. We might soon see even more innovative purple makeup looks emerge.

As a beauty enthusiast, I'm really excited to see more people try purple eye makeup and create their unique styles. After all, the greatest charm of makeup is helping everyone find their most suitable look.