Purple Eyeshadow Is Back, Thanks to Rihanna

It just so happens to match her new Puma shoes.

Rihanna
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Everything Rihanna does, I want to do. How many times over the last couple of months have I texted my colorist about honey blonde hair? Now, a new Rihanna-based obsession has emerged. If you see me out and about with lilac eyeshadow, you have RiRi to thank.

On Monday, December 18, the 35-year-old walked the red carpet in Los Angeles to launch her Fenty X Puma Creeper Phattys shoe design. In a memo for the evening, Rihanna promised "fun!" Her look, complete with a fuzzy purple jacket and matching eye makeup, certainly delivered.

Rihanna

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The eyeshadow was the creation of Rihanna's regular makeup artist, Priscilla Ono, who (naturally) used Fenty beauty to achieve the look. Alongside the powder, which reached all the way to the singer's brows, Ono utilized glitter and black bottom and top eyeliner—with a splash of lilac at the inner corners—to draw even more attention to the "Work" singer's eyes. Instead of going full purple, her lips featured a brush of what appears to be clear gloss.

Commenters on a post published by Ono were enchanted by the lavender color, relating the style to both Prince and old eras of Rihanna's career. "The eyeshadow is giving me 2023 'What’s My Name' music video purple eyeshadow vibes," commented a fan. "Her eyeshadow," added another, alongside a heart-eye emoji.

A post shared by Priscilla Ono

A photo posted by priscillaono on

While no one ever needs a reason to wear purple eyeshadow, the inspiration for the look is obvious: Rihanna's new shoes, which come in the same vibrant shade she wore on her eyes. While Ono didn't reveal the exact color she used, it could only be the work of Fenty Beauty's Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette in "Cool Neutrals," which features the perfect lilac "Hey Aunty" shade. I would also guess that she used Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in "Purple Stuff."

If you, like me, want to take your own Rihanna-inspired makeup look even further, the beauty mogul has a number of products perfect for you, including a cream blush and iridescent lipstick. You can shop the majestic look below.

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Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.