Guest post from Vancouver Eyeshadow Addict: How to wear a smoky plum eye

Guest post from Vancouver Eyeshadow Addict: How to wear a smoky plum eye


A purple smoky eye by Vancouver Eyeshadow Addict featuring Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk, MAC Brazenly, and more.

Purple can be a scary eyeshadow shade. If you’re not careful, you can look like you’ve given yourself a black eye—not so cute! But take heart: The addict is here to help.

For years, before I branched out in the makeup world, purple was the only eyeshadow shade I wore. I figured because I had green eyes, it was the only colour I could wear. (Pish. I’ve since mended my ways.) Take it from someone who has tried purple every which way—with a few little tricks up your brush roll, you can totally pull off purple (or plum).

Here are my tips for rocking a purple/plum smoky eye:

1) Start with a plummy base.

When I wear a purple smoky eye, I want it to go bam. Go big or go home! To make the colour more vibrant, help the shadow last, and give the shade more dimension, I recommend starting with a base of cream shadow. In the look above, I started with Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk, washing it all over the lid and into my crease with my finger.

2) Go for some depth.

Rather than make your entire look the same colour, use a deeper shade in the crease so that your mobile lid stands out. This will help sculpt your eye and avoid the “black eye” look. In the look above, I blended MAC Brazenly into the crease and outer corner.

3) Warm things up above the crease.

Rather than keeping your look completely cool, take a warm brown and blend it into the upper crease for some balance. “Cutting off” the cool tones like this will help ensure your purple shadow doesn’t look like a bruise. In the look above, I used a mix of Bobbi Brown Naked and Woodrose. They’re from a limited-edition palette, but not to worry—any warm browns will do.

Guest post from Vancouver Eyeshadow Addict: How to wear a smoky plum eye


4) Bring the look onto your lower lashline.

I know wearing colour on your lower lashline can be scary—if you go overboard, you can look tired. But if you do it well, wrapping your shadow all the way around the eye adds balance. If you’re afraid of blending shadow on your lower lashline, try a smudgy pencil instead. Baby steps! In the look above, I used Charlotte Tilbury’s Color Chameleon in Amber Haze.

5) Use eyeliner and lots of mascara.

To keep the “black eye” look at bay, you need to bring your lashes forward. The first thing people should see should be your lashes—not your eyeshadow. Make sense? Adding black eyeliner and lots of black mascara will add the contrast and separation you need. Remember: with a bold colour like plum or purple, more mascara is more!

Guest post from Vancouver Eyeshadow Addict: How to wear a smoky plum eye


Ready to try a plummy smoky eye? Try these tips and let me know how it goes! Already rocking a plummy look? Share your own tips—I’d love to hear them!


1 comment :

  1. These are some great tips! I just purchased an eyeshadow quad from Charlotte Tilbury with 2 red-purple shades and I own plenty of palettes with more cool toned purples. I've been hesitant to go full out with them even though I know they'll really make my eye colour stand out. I've been afraid of looking like I got popped in the eye haha. I never thought to warm up the whole look with a warm toned brown. I'll have to give it a try :)

    ReplyDelete