Article by BR Tabatha
We're huge fans of the colour purple here at BRHQ but when we got to thinking about it, we came to the conclusion that purple is a truly underrated colour in the makeup looks.
I know I have beautiful hues of purple in many an eyeshadow palette, and yet when I checked out my stash it seems I've only admired the shades. The pans are barely swatched, despite being simply stunning shades.
And so I've decided to take a stand for unused purple products in makeup bags across NZ with ten tips to not only wearing purple cosmetics - but rocking the purple like the royal colour it is.
1. Colour Wheel Basics.
When you're addressing a skin concern that is essentially a colour, the answer lies in the colour wheel. Find the colour you wish to neutralise and the colour directly opposite it is the colour that can do this.
So to ward of unwanted yellow tones grab yourself a purple primer. Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer is a brilliant buy, but there are options to suit all budgets.
Find out more about Correcting and Concealing in this article.
2. Purple Eyeliner.
A great way to play with colour, without going completely bold is to change up your eyeliner. Purple eyeliners are fun and work well on bare lids with just your mascara to finish off.
If you have a really steady hand you can neatly line your usual black liner with a splash of purple.
3. Purple Eyeshadow.
There's such a huge shade span of purple - and out of any other colour, I'm daring to say it's difficult to find an unpleasing purple.
Once you've found the shade of purple to suit you, keep it simple - a maximum of two shades are all you need - Finish with your usual mascara and eyeliner for a truly stunning look.
4. Know what shades suit your eye colour.
- Green eyes look amazing when paired with deep purple hues. Think eggplant and you're definitely on the right track.
- Blue eyes will look gorgeous with icy purples. Look for cool toned shades that border on grey and your blue eyes will sparkle!
- If you're a brown eyed girl you can carry pretty much any purple, but look for those with a warm undertone, and consider blending into a bronze shade, to really make those brown eyes shine.
5. Add flair to your smokey eye.
Add something extra to your smokey eye by replacing the darkest shade with a violet and add a lavender shimmer to your brow bone.
6. Purple Lashes.
Coloured mascara may remind you a little too much of the 90s, but it can add a whole extra dimension to your look. Don't forgo your usual mascara, be it black or brown, but add a coat of purple on top.
7. Purple Lips.
Purple lips can look girl or daring, and everything in between. In fact we think it's time purple lips joined the 'normal' group of pinks and reds. Purple lips should be the feature of your look, so keep eye makeup simple. Don't make purple lips work for attention!
- Warm skin tones can best work reddy-purples.
- Cool skin tones will look best with bluey-purples.
8. Purple Nails. Ahhh purple is an all-year round colour. Pastel lavenders and lilacs are perfect for summer, and deep violets, plums and aubergines will look striking in winter. Make a real statement by matching your lips and tips!
9. Play with texture - matte, velvet, shimmer, sheer. Don't dismiss purple if your first attempts don't work - play around with different finishes and depths of colour. Mix it up and have fun!
10. Have fun. Channel your inner queen and have confidence in your purple choices.
So there's our top tips for wearing purple - will you be giving it a spin?
I use the MAC lipstick shade in Up The Amp when I'm in a purple kind of mood. And I won't say no to a purple smokey eye when I'm going out. I have dark hair and dark eyes so I'm always careful not to go too dark on the purple shades!