Some like it lilac, others prefer it violet, and Army love it as a gleaming shade of borahae…purple is one of those versatile hues with a tone for everyone—and every moment. And the universal shade for 2022? Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Very Peri—a unique periwinkle that fuses the calm dynamism of blue with the warmth and energy of red for a spritely, universally flattering shade of purple.
“Creating a new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone Colour of the Year educational colour programme reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognise colour as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions to engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet-infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Said to spark a “carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit”, Very Peri has taken not only the fashion runways and home decor aisles by storm, it has infused the beauty shelves as well, with joyous options to inject colour onto your eyelids, lips, nails, hair and more.
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Flushed-from-within blush
In the last few months, TikTokers have made a serious case for unconventional—and underrated—purple-toned blush, demonstrating the cool-and-warm-toned hue’s ability to enhance diverse skin tones—deep and olive ones in particular. What you get is a more natural flushed-from-within wash of colour without that doll-like effect that pinks have, and the key is to blend, blend, blend—because you don’t want to risk looking like you’ve got a bruise instead.
Nudies Matte All Over Face Color Blush & Bronze in Moodie Blu, $50, available at Sephora
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High-octane eyeshadow
Way past its disco diva era, purple eyeshadow has made an elevated comeback on the runways, red carpets and big screen. Think Naomi Campbell’s sequinned lids at the Louis Vuitton spring/summer 2022 show, Lady Gaga’s shimmering eyeshadow at the House of Gucci premiere, and of course, the multiple gemstone-embellished looks on Euphoria. The key to sporting this vivid shade with ease? Make sure you prep lids with a solid primer to prevent unglamorous creasing or fall out, be courageous with textures (like metallics and sheer mattes), and don’t forget the mascara—there’s nothing like luscious black lashes to bring the look together.
Huda Beauty Haze Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette, $48, available at Sephora
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Statement eyeliner
Who could forget the statement eyeliner Meghan Markle wore to the Annual Salute To Freedom Gala? Make-up artist Daniel Martin mixed several purple shadows to achieve the perfect cool plum hue, which he then precisely applied with a wet detail brush. A colour combination that many wouldn’t dare pair, purple work wonderfully with red, as well as yellow, orange and green.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner in 9 Ivy, $36, available at Sephora
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Y2K lips
You know what else screams 2000s? Purple tinged lips in metallic, high gloss and ombre finishes—featuring all the different techniques we experimented with in our teens—us millennials, at least.
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick in 601 Virginia Fleur de Lis, $59, available at Sephora
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Vivid locks
Possibly the most popular choice for Army, purple-dyed hair and highlights continue to be on the of top-requested “fantasy colour” choices at salons worldwide. Take a page out of Korean model Irene Kim’s book and go for a dreamy ombre gradation, or opt for selective pops like Lana Condor’s violet streaks that peeked out from the underside of her bob.
Mise En Scène Hello Bubble Foam Color in Twinkle Blue, $18.90, available at Watsons
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Very Peri nails
Even the most colour-conservative individuals experiment with their mani-pedi colours so this is a great, fuss-free way to incorporate a touch of Very Peri. Add glitter for yet another tribute to Euphoria and the world of Y2K, or keep things chic and sleek—yet fun and trendy—with fuss-free press-ons in the perfect shade of purple.
Dashing Diva Magic Press in Dania Dawn Shine, $22.90, available at Dashing Diva
