The IT eyeshadow color of 2023 is a rich, romantic plum-mauve — and it's the star of the fan-favorite Naughty Nancy palette making its return in Nikol Johnson's newly reformulated 3-well eyeshadow line. In this tutorial, Nikol shows why this shade family flatters mature eyes of every color, and builds the complete look from primer to lip.
Key Takeaways
- Plum-mauve tones are the most universally flattering shadow family for mature eyes — especially striking on green and hazel eyes.
- Naughty Nancy returns in a newly formulated clean, talc-free 3-well format.
- Matching plum eyeliner deepens the look without the harshness of black.
- Cool-toned eyes pair beautifully with a warm rosy lip and cheek.
What Is the IT Eyeshadow Color of 2023?
It's the plum-mauve family at the heart of the "Naughty Nancy" 3-Well Eyeshadow Palette — one of the most-requested palettes Nikol has ever made, back this season in her improved formula. The tones add depth and romance to mature eyes without ever reading harsh or smoky-heavy.
How Does Nikol Apply It?
She preps lids with Eye Primer, builds the plum tones through the lid and crease with the Essential Makeup Brush Set, then deepens the lash line with the Waterproof Eyeliner in Plum. Curled lashes and Volume Up Mascara open the eye, and the Skinny Brow Pencil in Brownie frames everything.
What Completes the Look?
The base is bright and targeted: Just Peachy under the eyes, No Redness where needed, buffed with the Foundation Buffing Brush and set with Nikita Banana Brightening Powder. Lips echo the plum story: Cameo waterproof lip liner with Champs Lip Gloss, over Rose Lip Balm. The serum and hair products she mentions are linked in the video description on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What eyeshadow color is most flattering for mature eyes?
Plum and mauve tones flatter virtually every eye color — they brighten the whites of the eyes and add dimension without emphasizing texture the way greys and heavy shimmers can.
Is plum eyeshadow good for green eyes?
It's the single best family for green eyes — plum sits opposite green on the color wheel, so it makes green eyes look noticeably more vivid.
What's different about reformulated clean eyeshadows?
Talc-free, finely-milled formulas apply more smoothly over crepey lids, blend with less tugging, and resist settling into fine lines — all critical for mature skin.
