Purple highlighters are the prettiest new trend

Regardless of where you stand on the contouring debate, it’s likely you’ve dipped your brush into the world of highlighting. Over the past few years we’ve seen brands cater to our growing highlight obsession with some seriously lust-worthy illuminators. From peach, to bronze, to pink, we thought we’d seen all the shades. That is, before the latest makeup trend emerged – purple highlighters!
RELATED: You need to see Lancôme’s new rose-shaped highlighter
But before you freak out, don’t worry – you won’t end up with dark purple streaks across your cheekbones! These highlighters are a lovely shade of lilac that’s just a subtle step up from pink. We love the M.A.C Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Soft Frost, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Moon Child Glow Kit (US$40, anastasiabeverlyhills.com) and the Jeffree Star Skin Frost in Lavender Snow (US$29, jeffreestarcosmetics.com)
Still a bit freaked out by a purple highlighter? New York-based makeup artist Min Min Ma says there’s no need to be. "Purple highlighters are pretty, very easy to wear and there’s no reason to be intimidated," she told Allure. "I treat them as I would with any highlighter."
Ashleigh Ciucci, also a makeup artist, says that lilac highlighters look most eye-popping on fairer skin tones. “Because they are on the cool end of the spectrum, they'll look better on more fair, cool, or yellow-based skin tones,” she told Allure. “They can lean ashy or sallow on darker skin tones.” However, warmer skin tones don’t have to miss out on all the pretty lilac fun – simply layer the purple over the top of another gold or peach-toned highlighter and glow to the gods!
And if the shimmer is still too much, give purple-toned blush a try. We love the M.A.C Powder Blush in Full of Joy and the Bobbi Brown Blush Lilac Rose.
What do you think of purple-toned highlighter? Would you try it?
82 Member Comments
I think that Moonchild palette would make a great eyeshadow kit.
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So so pretty , really love the colours. I can't imagine wearing that with my everyday make up , i would look silly I'd imagine but it is definitely cool !
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Love the look of those palettes !! I don't think would suit my skin but love looking at new ideas anyway
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Loving these gorgeous shades
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How much ever i love purple I dont think this would look good with everyday make up ..
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Looks lovely in professional photography and stylaized shoots, but for every day wear I don't really get it....
I have a feeling that in a few years we'll look back at this an cringe in the same way I look at my Aunty's crazy photos from the 80s with eye shadow all over the entire eye socket and blush that starts at the corner of her mouth and finishes up to her temples :S
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Nice! Never imagine a purple color would look great though .
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They look pretty but I think highlighting is going a little too far.
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I love that makeup brands are creating all of these amazing products just in time for my holographic and highlighter obsession!
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Maybe for pale whitest complexions? But on mine yellow and mid toned....I would look so odd
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My skin is really pale and I tried using a purple highlighter the other day and thought it looks as 'pretty' as the pictures here it is not wearable on a normal day and definitely not for the office.
I was very light on the application but I had to cake on some powder foundation on top before I left the house so that I did not need to redo my makeup.
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Just discovered an awesome hack: if you're unsure about lilac/purple highlighters or blushes, just try an eyeshadow! I just tested out an old Revlon eyeshadow I hardly ever used in 'Lavender Unleashed' on my cheekbones. Same thing and it'll save you money too! I have a few old eyeshadows in similar shades that I'm going to play around with :) ❤
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Great hack Scarlett_Angel! Definitely worth trying before taking the leap!
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Wow love the lilac, purple, holographic and shimmery highlighters and blushes that are trending... I can never find the right pink for my pale af skin so hoping to try these! That palette is so gorgeous and you could use the shades on your eyes too. Glowing like a moon queen. Or unicorn ^_^ apparently they suit everyone and brighten dull skin too. Ok I'm sold!!!
https://www.google.com.au/amp/www.refinery29.com/amp/2016/07/115455/lilac-highlighter
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How stunning! Love the look of it, might need to get my hands on some!
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I personally love purple highlighters, they are just that little bit more exciting. I particularly love the shades from the kat von d alchemist palette, abh moonchild and aurora, the becca amethyst highlighter and the jeffree star lavender snow.
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Moonchild or Aurora. I'm not sure which one has my heart.
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So gorgeous, how do I even choose? I'm also super curious to try the Kat Von D Alchemist palette which looks like it has a variety of ethereal shades as well!
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The colours look pretty in the pan, but I'm not convinced they will look good on my skin.
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It is a 'pretty' concept but not wearable.
I tried and I had to blend it behind foundation before leaving the house.
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I do bridal work and purple highlighter is way too much. I have been using a pink highlighter for ages and that's far more natural and also works on many skin tones (not just fair).
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I agree (but not just for bridal makeup, it is just too much).
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Never tried coloured highlighters before but they look so pretty
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bump! still want to try these!
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I love purple, lilac and mauve because they suit my complexion and highlight my green eyes.
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