How to Apply Purple Eye Shadow on Smoky Eyes

If you find smoky eye makeup attractive but haven't ventured beyond the basic smoky look of blacks and grays, you may want to experiment with other colors. Smoky eyeshadow need not be neutral; if you're uncertain about what color to incorporate into your eyeshadow the next time you want a smoky look, try purple. Purple is a classic eyeshadow color that can effortlessly be worn as part of the smoky look, whether you're an expert or novice at applying makeup.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Eye primer
• Black eyeshadow crayon
• Concealer brush
• Vibrant, highly pigmented purple eyeshadow
• Eyeshadow brush with a flat head
• Creamy black eyeliner
• Eyeshadow smudge brush or cotton swab
• Sheer highlighter

1. Prep clean eyelids for smoky purple eyeshadow by applying an eye primer from lash line to browbone. Primer helps your eyeshadow resist creasing and last longer throughout the day.

2. Apply a black eyeshadow crayon from lash line to crease after the primer has absorbed into your skin. The black eyeshadow crayon serves as a base that will give your purple eye makeup depth. Even out your application by patting a clean concealer brush over your lid.

3. Stipple the purple eyeshadow of your choice onto your lid from lash line to slightly past the crease using an eyeshadow brush with a flat head. Press the product on instead of swiping it onto your eyelid, which leads to eyeshadow fallout and sheers down the color rather than keeping it vibrant. Run the eyeshadow brush along your lower lash lines, as well, to transfer some of the purple eyeshadow to the area and keep your eye makeup from appearing heavier on top. Buff away hard edges in your purple eyeshadow with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. This is what creates the gradient smoky effect.

4. Give some structure to your purple eye makeup by working a creamy black eyeliner into the base of your top lash lines. This brings out the shape of your eyes amid the smoky eyeshadow. You aren't drawing on a line so much as making your lashes appear thicker. When smudging the eyeliner into your bottom lash lines, start at the outer corners and stop about halfway before you reach the inner corners in order to avoid making your eyes appear smaller. Soften any jagged edges in your liner application with an eyeshadow smudge brush or cotton swab.

5. Finish your smoky purple eyeshadow look by blending a sheer highlighter on your browbones and on the inner corners of your eyes, by the bridge of your nose. Blend any hard lines away for a seamless finish. This adds polish to your eye makeup without pulling attention away from the purple framing your eyes.

Resources

• Videos on smoky eye makeup application