Seen on red carpets and runways, the versatile shade is surprisingly wearable.
When it comes to the buzziest makeup trends of the year, it’s clear that the eyes have it. Bold, colorful eye looks dominated buzz this spring and over the last few months, shifting in popularity from icy sky blues to softly vibrant purple eyeshadows. Bazaar editors first spotted the shade on the runway during Fall/Winter 2026 shows of designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, and Saint Laurent, in different iterations on their models, from plum and lilac to amethyst, with smoky, shimmery, and monochromatic finishes.
Carolina Herrera Fall/Winter 2026
Supermodel Bella Hadid walks Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2026 runway
Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2026
While purple eyeshadow appeared on red carpets at award shows like the Oscars and Grammys this spring, celebrities like Zendaya, Cardi B, Zara Larsson, and more have continued to carry the trend into fall in recent months, in line with catwalk inspiration. “I’m really loving the softer, more muted variations of purple right now, especially dusty lavender, cool-toned mauve, and rich plum,” celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm tells Bazaar. “There’s something so sophisticated about these shades because they give the eyes a beautiful wash of color without feeling overpowering.”
For fall in particular, Holm says she’s drawn to mixing mauve and plum tones to add more depth to eyeshadow looks. “I love using a softer mauve through the crease and adding a deeper plum along the lash line to create definition,” she adds. “It’s a beautiful way to incorporate color while still keeping the makeup elevated and wearable.”
Prada Beauty Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow Palette in 01 Portrait, ₹8,900
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Shadowstix Diamonds Diamond Veil Eyeshadow Stick in MISS PRI$$Y, ₹2,850
Lead image: Design by Sarah Olivieri//Hearst Owned
Image credits: Launchmetrics / Getty Images / the brands
This article originally appeared on harpersbazaar.com/US in October 2026.
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