Move over neutrals, this summer is all about pops of colour. First, we were welcoming back blue eyeshadow, as seen on Gabby Logan. Now, burgundy is the latest shade dominating the beauty scene – and no, it’s not just for your lips. In fact, burgundy is the shade that experts say will make your eyes shine – and even make them look a different colour. For proof of how flattering it is, look no further than Hannah Waddingham.
Hannah is quite the style icon, and latest red-carpet appearance was no exception. She stepped out at the BFI’s Chair Dinner looking elegant in an off-shoulder white dress, paired with a softly ruffled updo. However, what really caught our attention was the splash of burgundy in her eye makeup.
Coloured eyeliners and mascaras have been steadily making a comeback, but rather than electric hues, we’re making room in our makeup bags for richer, more sophisticated shades. Enter burgundy: bolder than your usual black and brown liners, it’s the perfect shade for adding a subtle but very effective difference to your look.
Hannah isn’t the only celeb who’s been loving the shade. Victoria Beckham is such a fan that she’s released her own Bordeaux collection, complete with burgundy editions of her much-loved Eye Wardrobe Palette, Future Lash and Satin Kajal Liner.
Victoria’s makeup artist, Francesca Abrahamovitch, has highlighted a surprising benefit of switching to burgundy – it can create the illusion of a different eye shade.
‘It makes your eyes look green,’ she tells Victoria in a run-through of the range. ‘It really makes your eye colour pop. It’s weird, they look really hazel-y green. It brightens them up so much.’ Victoria agrees: ‘It’s subtle, so I still feel like me, but it’s definitely a different look. I love it, it does slightly change the colour of my eyes.’
Another bonus of burgundy is that it offers a fresh alternative to traditional dark eyeliner and eyeshadow colours. As Victoria notes: ‘I like how this feels like my smoky eye but a little softer. It’s softer than black, the perfect hint of colour – I love it.’
Fortunately, burgundy is one of those rare shades that’s universally flattering. If, like Hannah, you have blue or green eyes, burgundy will make your eyes pop because it sits on the opposite side of the colour wheel. If you have brown or hazel eyes, similar to Victoria, burgundy will highlight their richness and warmth.
Either way, you can expect it to cheat a subtle shift in your eye shade – no coloured contacts required!
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner in Bordeaux
Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick in Compassion
Maybelline Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Burgundy Haze
