Let’s be honest, lilac eyeshadow has always been and will likely always be ‘that girl’. It was the it colour when it came to our fashion choices last summer, and this year, it has come back with a vengeance to dominate eyeshadow trends for 2023. The hue itself is very flattering on all skin tones and eye colours, and can add a subtle pop of colour to your lids almost instantly. And bonus, it’s versatile enough for any or all occasions.
We’ve seen it in the likes of queen Rih Rih, Hailey Bieber, and Dua Lipa. The faves have us all inspired. Celebrity Makeup Artist, Tobi Henney (@tobimakeup), says: "Lilac shadow used in a subtle way can be the perfect eye look for every day.” For a subtle everyday look, you can apply a soft lilac shadow in cream or powder form to your eyelid and blend it out with a neutral shade (brown, cream or burn oranges work great for this) in the crease. This will add a hint of colour without becoming too overpowering.
Tobi suggests using the new Glossier Lidstar in Lily for the softer lilac look. “Use your fingertip to blend out the edges for a pop of colour.” However, you can also opt to use a deeper, yet still lavender shadow on your lids. The trick is to use eyeshadows that pack a lot of pigment, or try layering a few purple shades together to make the colour payoff strong.
Try these lilac violet, purple and lilac eyeshadow palettes:
Urban Decay Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow PaletteAnastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette VOL.5Now, if you want to amp up the dramatic effect then opt for a bolder lilac shade or even one with glitter and splash it over the entire lid, extending it out past the crease and into the inner corner of the eye. Pairing it with a jet black eyeliner and mascara or false lashes will gather the look together.
You can also switch things in a few ways, try adding a bit of gloss applied over the top for a dewy finish. For more of an ethereal, but moody, almost ghoulish chic finish, try this look created by Celebrity MUA Nikki Wolff, using darker shades to create a cut crease and a wing with lighter shades for a gradient effect. With this you can skip the eye liner.
A mix of subtle washes of pastel purples, and ethereal glassy lilac berry hues were spotted all over the Golden Globes 2023. The likes of Kaley Cuoco, Angela Bassett opted for a soft candy hued lilac, while Sheryl Lee Ralph went harder on the pigment, and gave the effect of a smokey mystery lilac eye.
However, if you can't do without your eyeliner, Sasha says: "I love to team lilac with a navy eyeliner to enhance and bring out the colour." Try Smudge Kajal in Sapphire, £15, Stila.
As for the rest of your makeup? Keep it just as simple. "Team your eyes with subtle nudey-cool pink tones on the lips and cheeks to allow the eyes to really stand out," says Sasha.
When choosing a lilac eyeshadow look for a shade that packs pigment, and is blendable so you can costumise it according to what you want out of the look as well as depending on your skin complexion. You can also choose between cream, powder or liquid foundations. Powder is usually the most popular choice, but with cream and liquid formulas you can get an intense punch of opaque and vibrant colour almost instantly.
If you want to do something different why not opt for some lilac eyeliner?
e.l.f No Budge Cream Eyeshadow in WildflowerIlia Beauty Liquid Powder Eye TintWith so many ways to wear it, lilac is as versatile as a pastel shade comes. Whichever way you want to wear it, it’s clear that lilac is about to be the trend to try this spring.
Not convinced yet? Here is some more inspo:
Lavender Party
Dua Lipa is going for a glittery lavendar wash all over the lid to match her outfit. There is probably a mix of two of three lilac eyeshadows to create extra dimension and likely topped up with glitter.
Vampy violet
Rihanna's MUA Priscilla Ono shows off RiRi's vampy violet look by adding darker hues on the wings and creating a cut crease using a warmer lilac shade. She then tops it up with a metallic finish for that punk look.
Barbie mauve
This lilac eyeshadow with a pink tinge on Kylie Jenner is feminine, delicate and sweet. There is a very gentle dark shadow on the crease of the lid and the outer corner of the lid for extra dimension.
Lilac Undershadow
Top tip to achieving maximum colour payoff like this one: apply a white base, either liquid of powder and pack in the lilac colour on top. Party at the bottom lash.
Violet Wash
When in doubt, go over the whole lid with a punchy violet hued shadow, amp it up with eyeliner and mascara and you've successfully achieved an epic lilac eyeshadow look.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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