“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple” poet Jenny Joseph famously penned in the 1960s. But going by scenes on the Golden Globes 2023 red carpet - purple’s moment has never been greater, no matter your age.
We had clues it was going to be a trend when swathes of violet eyeshadow graced model’s lids at the AW22 shows at Blumarine, Emporio Armani and Saint Laurent and now, we are even more convinced purple eyeshadow is here to stay.
If it’s good enough for these Golden Globes winners, it’s good enough for us
From amethyst to lavenders and multiple shades of pastel lilac-pinks in between, there were so many purple-tinted beauty looks at this year's Golden Globes, it was like a flashback to our teenage rooms all over again (that’s circa 2000, if you were too young to remember this trend). The celebs showed us that adding purple into your beauty look is such a simple way to inject a sense of fresh, fun and glamour.
Kaley Cuoco, a nominee for The Flight Attendant, led the charge with a soft, barely-there lilac eyeshadow washed across her lids, perfectly matching her billowy lavender Vera Wang dress. Makeup artist Jamie Greenberg prepped her skin with Révive Skincare for an effortless, natural glow.
The beauty of a lilac eye is that it can be kept fresh and low-key or amped up for added drama. Selena Gomez took a bolder shade of purple, more plum-like, but still the trend looked really subtle and not too playful thanks to good blending and a slick high-hoisted ponytail.
Niecy Nash went all-out regal in her take on the trend, working a metallic burgundy-purple eye, fluttery lashes and glossy lips to match her bejewelled, taffeta cape Dolce & Gabbana gown.
Sheryl Lee Ralph worked the purple eyeshadow even further with makeup artist Mila Thomas using varying shades of purple on the star, ranging from a softer lilac-toned purple to a deeper jewel tone to emphasise her eyes.
If a full-on purple smoky eye feels like a step too far to wear IRL, you could try opting for a subtle take on this trend instead with a gentle stroke of a purple pencil in the inner or outer section of your eyes, or, if you are feeling brave, pencil across your entire lash line, followed by lashings of mascara.
If eyeshadow is more your thing, a simple wash of lilac over your lids is a chic and effortless way to work the trend - shop our best lilac eyeshadows here.
