Pantone may have crowned ‘Mocha Mousse’ as 2025’s Color of the Year, but I've been watching different a sleeper hue gain steady momentum: Purple. The entire violet spectrum has been on the rise with interior design and fashion predictions, and I believe its going to secure a major spot in the beauty world, too. If you need more proof, trendy hair colors like ‘Indigo Violet’ are already being coined a winter pick, while the search for ‘purple blush makeup’ is climbing Pinterest, so get ready for it to be the actual color of the year. Whether you’re into mauve, violet or lavender, I chatted with three makeup artists to find ways to wear this buzzy shade all year long.
I Predict *This* Will Be the Color for 2025—and It's 100% Taylor Swift Coded
Move over, Mocha Mousse
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Published Dec 11, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- Brielle Pollara is a celebrity makeup artist and licensed esthetician based in the Tri-state area. She has eight years of experience in the industry and seven years of experience as an esthetician. She specializes in bridal, celebrity and editorial makeup.
- Drita Paljevic is a professional makeup artist and the head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. She has 20 years of experience in the beauty industry with a specialty in full glam looks and bridal makeup.
- J. Brandon Correa is a celebrity makeup artist, educator and national makeup artist for Yves Saint Laurent Beauty. He specializes in soft glam looks, where his work has been featured in magazines, billboards, national campaigns and red carpets. His most notable clients include Lil Nas X, Cree Summer and Nikki Glaser.
What Does the Color Purple Signify?
According to Color Psychology, purple represents luxury, mystery and sophistication. It can also symbolize creativity, dignity and royal majesty. As Paljevic shares, “Purple makeup is incredibly versatile and can add a stunning pop to the eyes, lips and cheeks. Serve a bold, dramatic look with deep plum shades or give ‘quiet luxury’ with a rich mauve.” We did spend most of 2024 in a very demure, mindful (and sometimes very brat) state, it’s no surprise we’re ready to step into our Bridgerton era (or for Swifties fans, our Speak Now/Lover era).
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1. Blush
I remember speculating purple blush was going to be everywhere back in 2021, and look how far it’s come! Searches for “purple blush makeup” is up by 30 percent, and I believe it’s only going to become a more requested beauty bag product. “Purple blush creates a romantic yet edgy look, complementing a variety of skin tones. For fair skin, it offers a cool, ethereal glow, while on deeper skin tones, it pops beautifully without looking ashy,” explains Correa. “Plus, lavender and lilac shades tie into the futuristic beauty trends dominating 2025, so expect the ‘blush draping’ technique to be a standout look.”
Simply put, it’s universally flattering and easy to incorporate the color—just ask Ms. Robyn Fenty herself (as pictured in a lavender above). If you’re interested in rocking purple blush, Correa says placement matters. He shares, “Apply higher on the cheekbones for a lifted effect, or closer to the apples for a rounder, more youthful vibe.”
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2. Eyeshadow
Purple eyeshadow was huge in 2019, and I’m excited to see it make a comeback for 2025. “Purple eyeshadow is a great way to rock the shade because it’s very versatile. It could be simple or dramatic depending on the look you are trying to achieve,” says Pollara. “Additionally, there are so many shades of purple (from deep to lavender) to work with, which make it suitable for every eye color and skin tone. I love to add purple tones for my clients, especially if they have any hint of green or yellow in their eyes because the color really complements them.”
A helpful expert tip: Customize your shadow placement based on your eye shape. “Keep the shade on the lid for hooded eyes or extend it into a wing for almond shapes,” explains Correa. “You want to start with a neutral matte base and blend into the crease. Then, use a shimmer shade to highlight the inner corners (or center of the lid) for a halo effect.”
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3. Lips
Vampy lips made their way into my feed this year, so it’s no surprise the striking shade will continue to have their moment in 2025. “Purple lips can range from subtle to bold. A high-shine lip tint, topped with lip oil, lets you create a sheer, juicy finish or build intensity for deeper plum tones,” says Correa. “This look adds a soft statement for light to fair skin, while it creates a vibrant, sultry effect for deeper skin tones.” Now, a lip brush can provide precise application, but Correa’s pro tip is to line your lips with a neutral or berry-toned pencil for a more defined look.
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