Purple-Blue Starburst Eyeshadow Look: Cool-Tone Luxury Gala Makeup Tutorial

Hi beauties! Today we’re diving into a luxurious purple-blue starburst eyeshadow look—think cool-toned contrast meets red-carpet glamour, inspired by that understatedly elegant vibe for galas and high-end events. This look blends deep purple matte contours with icy blue cream shimmer, so it feels opulent without being over-the-top. Let’s get that starry, red-carpet-ready glow!
purple-blue starburst eyeshadow look
purple-blue starburst eyeshadow look

Key Highlights

 
  • Purple-Blue Contrast Eyes: Deep purple matte contours + icy blue cream shimmer—cool-tone blending that’s cohesive, not chaotic, and feels ultra-luxurious.
  • Starburst Glitter Finish: DE’LANCI’s creamy blue shimmer layered with Afflano’s bold blue glitter looks like starlight under gala lights—subtle yet showstopping.
  • Velvet-Matte Base: Charlotte Tilbury + Urban Decay picks for a skin-like, 10-hour wear finish (no cakey mid-cocktail-hour mishaps).
  • Warm Nude Matte Lip Balance: A taupe-brown matte lip softens the cool-tone eyes, keeping the look elegant and understated.
  • Waterproof Formula Picks: All eye products are sweat-proof—ideal for toasting, dancing, and long evening events.
 

Look Breakdown

 
This is the look for when you want to feel luxurious without being loud—perfect for galas, high-end dinners, or any event where you want to exude quiet confidence. The base is a velvet-matte finish (thanks to Charlotte Tilbury + Urban Decay) that covers imperfections but feels like second skin—no heavy, (mask-like) texture. The eyes are the star: a cool lavender matte base from docolor’s purple palette sets the stage, then deep purple matte contours define the crease, and icy blue cream shimmer + bold blue glitter create a starburst effect. Fluffy soft-focus brows keep the look polished, while a mauve-pink blush and taupe-brown matte lip add warmth—balancing the cool tones for a look that’s elegant, not intimidating.
 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

 

Step 1 — Base Makeup

 
Start with the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter—this is my secret for a velvet-matte base with subtle glow. Its serum-like texture primes skin, adds a hint of radiance without greasiness, and keeps foundation from creasing (even dry skin stays hydrated all night).
 
Next, pat on the Urban Decay Face Bond Waterproof Foundation with a damp beauty sponge. It’s a soft matte finish (not flat!) with medium coverage—perfect for hiding redness and tiny blemishes, and it wears beautifully for 10+ hours. I love that it only gets more “lived-in” (not cakey) as the night goes on—ideal for long galas.
 
Conceal dark circles with the Urban Decay Quickie 24HR Concealer—that double brush is genius! The small precision tip targets tear troughs, and the creamy formula blends seamlessly, never settling into fine lines. This is my go-to for hiding late-night event prep.
 
Lock it all in with Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. The ultra-fine mist sets the base like a velvet veil—no smudging, even when I’m eating dessert or sipping champagne.
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Pat foundation on (don’t swipe!) to preserve the velvet-matte finish.
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Spray setting spray twice—once after base, once after full makeup—for maximum longevity (trust me, it’s worth it for 10-hour events!).
 

Step 2 — Brows

 
Fill in sparse spots with brow powder, then brush through with Urban Decay Big Bush Volumizing Tinted Eyebrow Gel in Neutral Nana. This brow gel has micro-fibers that add soft, fluffy volume, and the neutral brown shade is perfect for balancing the bold eye look. It holds brows in place all night—even through hugs and humidity—without looking stiff.
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Brush gel from tail to front for a natural, soft-focus finish.
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Use a clean spoolie to blend the gel edges—avoids clumping and keeps brows looking “lived-in” (not drawn on).
 

Step 3 — Eyeshadow (Purple-Blue Starburst Core)

 
First, prime lids with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion—I never skip this for contrast or glitter looks! It turns lids matte, intensifies color, and keeps shadow from creasing or fading (even through 10 hours of wear).
 
  • Lavender Base: Sweep docolor Purple Eyeshadow Palette’s cool-toned light lavender matte shade all over lids. This is the perfect base for the blue shimmer—it’s cool-toned, so it doesn’t clash, and the  formula blends like a dream.
  • Deep Purple Outer Contour: Swap to a large blending brush and blend docolor Purple Eyeshadow Palette’s deep purple matte shade along the brow bone (above the crease) and 1mm above the 双眼皮 fold. This is the “secret” to luxury: deep purple defines the eye without overwhelming the shimmer, adding dimension that feels high-end.
  • Icy Blue Cream Shimmer (Inner Lid): Use your finger to press DE’LANCI Light Blue Cream Shimmer Eyeshadow (03#) onto the inner half of lids. This creamy formula is insane—it glides on like eye cream, one press = full coverage, and the shimmer looks like crushed ice. It’s waterproof, so no smudging or fallout!
  • Bold Blue Glitter Gradient (Outer Lid): Use a flat brush to blend Afflano Sparkly Blue Eyeshadow Single onto the outer half of lids, overlapping with the DE’LANCI shade for a seamless starburst gradient. The combination of creamy and bold glitter is magic—cool, sparkly, and totally luxe.
  • Deep Purple + Blue Shimmer Outer Corner: Use a detail brush to first press docolor Purple Eyeshadow Palette’s deep purple matte shade onto the outer 1/3 of lids (close to lash line), then layer Urban Decay 24/7 Longwear Eyeshadow in 13 Charged (deep blue shimmer) on top. This double-deepening keeps the look cohesive—purple and blue blend beautifully, like the edge of a starry night sky.
  • Split Lower Lash Line: Use a small flat brush to sweep DE’LANCI’s creamy light blue shimmer onto the inner half of the lower lash line. Then, blend docolor’s deep purple matte shade onto the outer half—this split design adds dimension, with icy blue brightening and deep purple deepening.
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Apply cream shimmer with your finger—body heat helps it adhere better and intensifies the glow.
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Blend the deep purple contour in “windshield wiper” motions—softens edges for a luxury, hazy effect (no harsh lines!).
 

Step 4 — Eyeliner (Elegant Cat Eye)

 
Line upper lash lines with Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Stick Eyeliner in Melted Onyx, then pull a 2mm elegant cat eye wing. The ultra-thin tip makes precision easy (no shaky hands!), and it dries in seconds—smudge-proof all night. The 2mm wing is perfect for luxury looks—bold enough to make a statement, not too over-the-top.
 
Line the outer half of the lower lash line with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Chaos (bright blue matte). It ties into the eyeshadow’s blue tones, blending seamlessly with the deep purple contour.
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Mark the wing tip with a dot first, then connect to the lash line—easier to get a straight, even wing.
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Keep the wing length under 2mm—any longer can look 浮夸 (over-the-top) for high-end events.
 

Step 5 — Lashes

 
Curl lashes (hold 5 seconds at roots, mid-lash, and tips!), then apply Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer. Infused with vitamin E, it conditions lashes while adding volume—no crunchy spider legs. It also helps mascara adhere better, key for long evening events.
 
Add 2 coats of Urban Decay Perversion Volumizing Mascara. The brush grabs every tiny lash (even inner corners!), creating fluttery “sunflower” lashes that open up the eyes. It’s waterproof—no smudging if you shed a tear during speeches or toasts!
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Warm your lash curler with a hair dryer (low heat!) for longer-lasting curl.
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Brush upper lashes upward in a “fan” motion—adds elegant drama without being heavy.
 

Step 6 — Cheeks

 
Sweep Urban Decay Face Bond Long-Lasting Blush Suede in Backtalk (mauve nude pink) along the outer edges of your apples. The soft mauve-pink tone balances the cool purple-blue eyes, adding warmth without clashing. The matte finish hides pores, keeping the look elegant and polished.
 
Contour with Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer in High Profile (deep bronze). The cream-to-powder texture blends like a dream—sweep under cheekbones, along the jawline, and down the nose for subtle definition (no harsh lines, just soft sculpting).
 
Add Urban Decay Face Bond Luminizer in Golden Hour (champagne gold) to cheekbones and brow bones. This subtle highlighter adds a soft glow—perfect for gala photos, complementing the starburst eyes without overwhelming them.
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Apply blush lightly—you don’t want to compete with the eye look!
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Tap highlighter with your finger—blends more naturally than a brush, for a “lit-from-within” glow.
 

Step 7 — Lips (Nude Brown Balance)

 
Line lips with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Lip Pencil in Liar (nude brown). This creamy pencil glides on without tugging, and the nude brown shade primes lips for the matte lipstick—preventing feathering (no “bleeding lip” disasters at dinner).
 
Top with Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick in Hitch Hike (taupe-brown matte). The matte finish is ultra-luxurious—non-drying, with a soft, velvety texture. The warm taupe-brown tone balances the cool purple-blue eyes, keeping the look elegant and understated—perfect for high-end events where you want to shine without stealing the spotlight.
 
Pro Tip (Beginner): Only line your cupid’s bow and lip corners—keeps the look natural and soft.
 
Pro Tip (Pro): Blot lightly with a tissue after applying lipstick—longer-lasting, and the matte finish looks more velvety.
 

Customize for Your Skin Tone

 
 

Switch It Up for Any Occasion

 
 

Shop the Look

 
Click the links below to grab all the products and recreate this luxurious purple-blue starburst look:
 

Base

 
 

Brows

 
 

Eyes

 
 

Lashes

 
 

Cheeks

 
 

Lips

 
 cool-tone evening makeup, luxurious gala makeup, long-wearing matte base, cream shimmer eyeshadow tutorial
cool-tone evening makeup, luxurious gala makeup, long-wearing matte base, cream shimmer eyeshadow tutorial