Scared of even thinking about putting purple eye shadow on your face? Same. That was until celebrity makeup artist Ruby Hammer, MBE [1], convinced me otherwise. As soon as we started talking about makeup vibes (and a certain someone's name and brand that rhymes with "Venti"), I was game.
Inspired by Avon's Winter Edit Go Galactic curated by Rankin [2], it's an uncomplicated look with little experience required to re-create. Not only that, but with small adjustments to shade darkness, amping up the liner, and adding more highlighter, the look can be taken from day to night in just a few swipes.
Read on to see how Ruby convinced me lilac doesn't have to be scary, and it can be extremely easy to re-create at home over the festive holidays.
Step 1: The Base
Ruby first prepped the skin with Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream [3] (£70), followed by RMK Liquid Foundation [4] (£35) for the base. For the eyes, she began by using the silver shade from the Avon Epic Intense Eyeshadow Mini Palette [5] (£5.50, originally £9) on the lid and up to the brow. Over the top of that, she added a wash of the lilac colour using a fluffy brush.
Step 2: The Liner
For the second step, Ruby went in with more of the purple shade and followed the shape of the lid. Next, it was time for eyeliner. Using Avon True Colour Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Majestic Plum [6] (£3, originally £6), she went along the lid, keeping very close to the lashes, then along the waterline, and gently smudged this out to create a softer finish.
Step 3: The Definition and Gloss
For the next step, using a personal favourite, Mark. Big & Extreme Mascara [7] (£8), Ruby made the lashes pop; she also used some of the purple shadow shade along my lower lash line. Finally, Ruby used a clear lip gloss with Mark. MagiX Finishing FX Stick [8] (£7) to give a slightly holographic effect.
The Finished Daytime Look
This look is ideal for daytime if you fancy a little lilac but don't want to go all out. With a focus on the eyes, a basic base, and a slick of gloss, it's an easy-to-re-create pop of colour.
The Finished Look
If you want to re-create the look at home, Avon has made it super easy with the Go Galactic pack [9] (£22) with everything you'll need.
The Finished Look
If you want to take the look into nighttime or parties, add to the wash of lid colour to give more depth, top up on the mascara, add a stroke of blush, and make the lips a little darker by dabbing on a deeper shaded lipstick like Mark. Epic Lipstick With Built-In Primer in Temptress [10] (£4.50, originally £8).
The Finished Look
And add more curls and lots more volume! I like to call this one "grown-up school disco," and who doesn't want that at all their Christmas parties?