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Launchmetrics / Getty Images / Design by Sarah Olivieri // Hearst Owned Beauty Makeup Purple Eyeshadow Is Fall’s Most Unexpected Makeup Trend Purple Eyeshadow Is Fall’s Most Unexpected Makeup Trend Seen on red carpets and runways, the versatile shade is surprisingly wearable
When it comes to the buzziest makeup trends of the year, it’s clear that the eyes have it. Bold, colorful eye looks dominated buzz this spring and over the last few months, shifting in popularity from icy sky blues to softly vibrant purple eyeshadows. Bazaar editors first spotted the shade on the runway during Fall/Winter 2026 shows of designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, and Saint Laurent, in different iterations on their models, from plum and lilac to amethyst, with smoky, shimmery , and monochromatic finishes.
While purple eyeshadow appeared on red carpets at award shows like the Oscars and Grammys this spring, celebrities like Zendaya, Cardi B, Zara Larsson , and more have continued to carry the trend into fall in recent months, in line with catwalk inspiration. “I’m really loving the softer, more muted variations of purple right now, especially dusty lavender, cool-toned mauve, and rich plum,” celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm tells Bazaar . “There’s something so sophisticated about these shades because they give the eyes a beautiful wash of color without feeling overpowering.”
For fall in particular, Holm says she’s drawn to mixing mauve and plum tones to add more depth to eyeshadow looks. “I love using a softer mauve through the crease and adding a deeper plum along the lash line to create definition,” she adds. “It’s a beautiful way to incorporate color while still keeping the makeup elevated and wearable.”
“When I’m working with purple, I love starting with a softer mauve tone through the crease, building a deeper plum on the outer corner, and then adding a touch of shimmer to the center of the eyelid to catch the light,” continues Holm.
“I love the YSL Couture Mini Clutch Eyeshadow Palettes because the formulas are incredibly beautiful for layering and creating dimension,” adds the artist.
“MISS PRI$$Y is has the most reflective finish the eye, it’s so gorgeous!” says professional artist Jonathan Logan . “I’ve been loving it to give my clients an extra makeup pop!”
For a satiny inner corner highlight or all-over lid color, this long-wearing and waterproof plum shadow stick from Dior makes it simple.
You may think neutral eyeshadow colors like brown or taupe are usually more suitable than gemstone tones for fall. But experts like professional artist Jonathan Logan say that isn’t the case. “I just think overall, fun makeup in general is back, which is really exciting,” he explains. “During the fall, we gravitate toward a vampy, darker vibe, which purple definitely falls into. People want to make statements with their makeup again, and purple is such a beautiful color to do that with.” The shade is surprisingly versatile and suits a wide range of skin tones and eye colors. Plus, you can keep purple shadow softer for daytime, then build on its intensity for evening with a sultrier, smokier finish.
When recreating the buzzy trend at home, artists say there are no hard-and-fast rules, but a cohesive look may depend on your chosen purple shadow shade. Ultimately, Logan and Holm note that makeup should be play…