Lilac eyeshadow is the most flattering beauty trend for spring… here’s how to pull off the look

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 Palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette VOL.5

Now, 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.