Blue Purple Eyes: Genetics, Makeup & More

Have you ever wondered about the allure of blue purple eyes? This captivating eye color, often associated with beauty and mystique, is rarer than you might think. In this article, we'll dive deep into the fascinating world of violet-hued eyes, exploring the genetics behind them, how to enhance your natural eye color with makeup, and debunking some common myths. So, if you're curious about what gives some people that striking blue-purple gaze, stick around!

The Genetics of Blue Purple Eyes: Is It Real?

The question on everyone's mind: are naturally blue purple eyes even possible? The short answer is… complicated. True violet eyes, like those attributed to Elizabeth Taylor, are incredibly rare. Eye color is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin in the iris. More melanin results in brown eyes, while less melanin leads to blue or green eyes. But what about purple? Genetics play a huge role in determining eye color, with multiple genes involved. The OCA2 gene, located on chromosome 15, is a major player, influencing the amount of melanin produced. Variations in this gene can lead to a spectrum of eye colors, but a true, distinct purple is highly unlikely due to the way melanin works.

So, where does the perception of purple eyes come from? Several factors can contribute. Very deep blue eyes, under certain lighting conditions, can appear violet, especially if the person has reddish or purplish undertones in their skin. This is often the case with people of Irish or Celtic descent, who tend to have fair skin and blue eyes. Albinism, a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin, can also result in eyes that appear pink or violet due to the visibility of blood vessels. However, this is a different phenomenon than true purple pigmentation in the iris itself. Another contributing factor can be the presence of red or violet hues reflecting in the iris from surrounding sources, such as clothing or makeup. Certain health conditions, although rare, may also affect the appearance of the eyes. While the idea of naturally purple eyes is romantic, it's more often a trick of the light or a unique combination of genetic factors that creates the illusion.

Ultimately, whether you believe in the existence of true purple eyes or not, the fascination with this rare and beautiful trait persists. The rarity and perceived uniqueness make it a captivating subject, and the science behind eye color continues to evolve as we learn more about genetics. The allure of blue purple eyes lies not just in their potential existence but also in the mystery and wonder they evoke.

Achieving the Blue Purple Eyes Look with Makeup

Okay, so maybe you weren't born with naturally blue purple eyes. Don't despair! Makeup is here to save the day. You can totally create the illusion of violet eyes with the right techniques and products. It's all about playing with colors, shadows, and light to enhance your natural eye color and bring out those purple undertones. Let’s explore how to achieve this mesmerizing look.

Choosing the Right Eyeshadows

The key to creating purple eyes with makeup is selecting the right eyeshadow shades. Think of colors that complement and enhance your natural eye color. For blue eyes, purples, lavenders, and mauves work wonders. If you have brown eyes, you can experiment with deeper, more vibrant purples like amethyst or plum. Green eyes can rock shades with red undertones like burgundy or eggplant, which will give a similar effect. When it comes to application, start with a light, neutral base shade all over the lid. Then, apply your chosen purple shade to the crease and outer corner of the eye, blending well to avoid harsh lines. You can also use a lighter, shimmery purple on the center of the lid to catch the light and create dimension. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures like mattes, shimmers, and metallics to see what works best for you.

The Power of Eyeliner and Mascara

Eyeliner and mascara are your secret weapons for making your eyes pop. A deep purple or plum eyeliner can enhance the purple tones in your eyeshadow and make your eyes appear more violet. You can also use a black or brown eyeliner to define the eyes and create a more dramatic look. For mascara, opt for a black or dark brown shade to add volume and length to your lashes. You can even try a purple mascara for an extra touch of violet. Apply several coats of mascara to the upper lashes and a light coat to the lower lashes to open up the eyes and complete the look.

Highlighting and Contouring

Don't forget about highlighting and contouring! Applying a light, shimmery highlighter to the inner corner of the eye and under the brow bone will brighten the eyes and make them appear more awake. You can also use a matte contour shade in the crease of the eye to create depth and dimension. Remember to blend everything well to avoid harsh lines and create a seamless, natural-looking finish.

Experimenting with Colored Contacts

If you want a more dramatic and instant transformation, consider using colored contacts. There are many different shades of purple and violet contacts available, so you can find the perfect one to suit your skin tone and eye color. Just make sure to consult with an eye doctor before using colored contacts to ensure they are safe and comfortable for your eyes. With the right makeup and a little bit of creativity, you can easily create the illusion of stunning blue purple eyes.

Dispelling Myths About Blue Purple Eyes

Like any rare and captivating physical trait, blue purple eyes are often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Let's debunk some of the most common ones to set the record straight and get a clearer understanding of what contributes to this unique eye color.

Myth #1: Purple Eyes are a Sign of Royalty

One of the most enduring myths is that purple eyes are a sign of royal lineage. This belief likely stems from the association of purple with royalty throughout history. Purple dye was once incredibly expensive and difficult to produce, making it a color reserved for the wealthy and powerful. However, there's no scientific evidence to support the claim that purple eyes are linked to royalty. Eye color is determined by genetics, and there's no specific gene that connects purple eyes to a particular social status.

Myth #2: Purple Eyes are Caused by a Specific Disease

Another common misconception is that purple eyes are caused by a specific disease or medical condition. While certain conditions like albinism can affect the appearance of the eyes, resulting in a pink or violet hue due to the visibility of blood vessels, this is different from true purple pigmentation in the iris. True purple eyes, if they exist, are likely the result of a unique combination of genetic factors rather than a specific disease.

Myth #3: Elizabeth Taylor Had True Purple Eyes

Elizabeth Taylor, with her captivating beauty and striking eyes, is often cited as the quintessential example of someone with purple eyes. However, while her eyes were undoubtedly beautiful and unique, they were likely a deep shade of blue that appeared violet under certain lighting conditions. Her makeup artists were also skilled at using colors and lighting to enhance the violet tones in her eyes. While she may not have had true purple eyes, she certainly helped perpetuate the myth and made the idea of violet-hued eyes even more alluring.

Myth #4: Purple Eyes are Common in Certain Ethnic Groups

Some people believe that purple eyes are more common in certain ethnic groups, particularly those with Irish or Celtic ancestry. While it's true that people with fair skin and blue eyes are more likely to have eyes that appear violet under certain lighting conditions, purple eyes are not specific to any particular ethnic group. Eye color is determined by genetics and can vary widely within any population.

Myth #5: You Can Permanently Change Your Eye Color to Purple

Finally, there's the myth that you can permanently change your eye color to purple through surgery or other procedures. While there are some cosmetic procedures that claim to change eye color, they are often risky and can have serious side effects. The safest and most effective way to achieve the look of purple eyes is through makeup or colored contacts. So, there you have it – the truth behind the myths surrounding blue purple eyes! While the idea of naturally violet eyes may be more fiction than fact, the allure and mystique of this captivating eye color continue to fascinate us.