How to Create a Bold Purple Eyeshadow Look: Step-by-Step Guide
Purple eyeshadow is one of the most striking and versatile choices in any makeup wardrobe. From soft lavender for a romantic, feminine look to deep plum or electric violet for a bold, dramatic statement — purple works beautifully across all skin tones and occasions. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to create a stunning purple eyeshadow look in five easy steps using Brittany Cosmetics products.
Step 1: Create a Neutral Base
A smooth, primed base is essential for any eyeshadow look — but especially for bold, pigmented shades like purple. Begin by applying an eye primer or a small amount of concealer to your lids and blending it out evenly. This creates a smooth canvas that helps eyeshadow adhere, intensifies colour payoff, and prevents creasing throughout the day. Finish by lightly dusting translucent powder over the lids to set the base before applying any colour.
Step 2: Apply Deep Purple to the Outer Corner
Using a small, firm eyeshadow brush, apply a deep purple or plum shade to the outer corner of your eye. Blend it inwards towards the centre of the lid in a windscreen-wiper motion, stopping before you reach the inner corner. This creates a gradient effect — deepest at the outer corner, gradually lightening towards the centre — which adds depth and dimension to the eye. Build the colour gradually for a more intense result.
Step 3: Blend a Lighter Purple or Pink into the Crease
Take a fluffy blending brush and apply a lighter purple, mauve, or soft pink shade into the crease. Use circular blending motions to diffuse the colour and create a seamless transition between the deep outer shade and the lighter centre. This step adds dimension and prevents the look from appearing flat. The key is to blend thoroughly — there should be no harsh lines between shades.
Step 4: Add Shimmer to the Centre of the Lid
To elevate the look and add a captivating sparkle, apply a shimmery purple or rose gold shade to the centre of the lid. Use your fingertip or a flat eyeshadow brush for maximum intensity. Gently blend the edges of the shimmer into the surrounding matte shades for a seamless finish. For an extra brightening effect, dab a small amount of shimmer or a light highlight shade into the inner corner of the eye — this opens up the eye and adds a luminous, wide-awake effect.
Step 5: Finish with Eyeliner and Mascara
Complete your purple eyeshadow look with a precise line of black or dark purple eyeliner along the upper lash line. For added drama, extend the liner into a subtle wing at the outer corner. Apply one or two coats of black mascara to both upper and lower lashes to define and volumise, making your eyes appear larger and more striking. This final step ties the entire look together and ensures your eyes truly stand out.
Tips for the Perfect Purple Eyeshadow Look
- Always blend thoroughly — the secret to a professional eyeshadow look is seamless blending with no harsh edges
- Build colour gradually — it's easier to add more pigment than to remove excess
- Use a transition shade first — a neutral taupe or light brown in the crease before adding purple makes blending much easier
- Apply shimmer with a fingertip — body heat helps the product adhere and intensifies the sparkle
- Experiment with shades — from soft lilac to deep violet, purple eyeshadow suits every skin tone and occasion
✨ Shop the Look — Get the Products
Create your perfect purple eyeshadow look with these Brittany Cosmetics essentials:
- Eyeshadow Palette – Vibes — Bold purples, vibrant pigments, and statement shades ideal for dramatic eye looks.
- Eyeshadow Palette – Blitz — Rich mattes and shimmers for deep, smokey purple looks with exceptional colour payoff.
- Glossy Glam Eyeshadow Palette — Glitter and shimmer shades to add a dazzling sparkle to the centre of your lid.
- Blending Brush — Essential for seamless blending between matte and shimmer shades.
- Eyeshadow Brush — Precise colour packing and application for a professional finish.
