Key takeaways
- Cardi B walked Vogue World Milano in magenta glitter eyes by makeup artist Erika La' Pearl, layering saturated glitter with pale pink shadow and a sculpted wing above the crease.
- Pamela Anderson revived the smoky eye with Cleopatra-inspired graphic black eyeliner, signaling a shift away from minimalist 'clean girl' makeup toward bold color and drama.
- Bold eye makeup is having a comeback moment, with color and graphic shapes returning to fashion events after years of restrained aesthetics.
- The look coordinated across textures—glitter shadow, fluffed black curls, and cobalt-purple nails—creating a complete editorial beauty narrative.
At this year’s Vogue World Milano, Cardi B surprised everyone by walking the runway in a stunning Versace creation paired with eye makeup that matched its boldness perfectly. Her colorful, Vogue-themed dress coordinated with magenta glitter eyes created by makeup artist Erika La’ Pearl. The look transformed the event into a full spectacle of color and shine, proving that fashion’s most memorable moments require beauty that refuses to play small.
The Magenta Eye Formula
Color and Design
Rather than reaching for the standard gold or silver glitter options that dominate red-carpet makeup, Erika La’ Pearl chose a purply-pink magenta that pulled directly from the palette of Cardi’s dress. This unexpected color, saturated and packed with sparkle, elevated the makeup from standard event glam into something truly memorable. The shade worked because it echoed the dress without simply repeating it. The visual repetition across different textures (silk, glitter, fabric) kept the whole look cohesive rather than matchy. Magenta glitter is the definition of unexpected, which is precisely what makes it fresh.
Application Technique
The glitter concentrated across Cardi’s entire lid, stopping just above the crease. From there, a subtle, sculpted wing extended outward with precision, creating the graphic quality needed for high-fashion moments. Above the glitter, Erika dusted pale pink shadow in a softer tone, creating depth and dimension on the lid. This layering technique (bright glitter below, paler tone above) prevented the glitter from sitting flat and gave the eye a lifted, dimensional quality that translates beautifully on camera and under runway lights. It’s the kind of structure you see in editorial makeup.
Coordinated Elements
The eye makeup didn’t exist in isolation. Hip-length black curls, intentionally fluffed and voluminous, framed the face and balanced the graphic nature of the eye makeup. Her nails echoed the color story across the whole ensemble, finished in a cobalt blue shade with purple undertones. This coordination from face to nails created an editorial narrative that felt completely intentional and finished.
Pamela Anderson’s Cleopatra Liner
Cardi B wasn’t the only guest making a bold eye statement at the show. Pamela Anderson, who has spent recent years embracing a more minimal “clean girl” makeup aesthetic, brought back the dramatic smoky eye with a twist. She paired a golden gown with graphic black eyeliner inspired by Cleopatra. Sharp, architectural and unapologetically graphic, the liner marked a clear contrast between her recent restrained approach and this evening’s boldness—signaling a larger shift happening in beauty right now.
Eyes Take Center Stage Again
For the past few years, the “clean girl” makeup movement dominated conversations about what was fresh and desirable. Dewy skin, natural brows, and minimal color were the markers of modern beauty, the aesthetic that promised effortless perfection through restraint. But Vogue World Milano suggests that moment has passed. Pamela Anderson’s return to the smoky eye and Cardi B’s full glitter moment aren’t outliers. They’re signals that makeup lovers are ready to play again. Color, texture, and drama aren’t being whispered anymore; they’re being shouted. The boldness here feels earned and intentional rather than nostalgic or retro.
Versace Demands Bold Beauty
The dress deserves mention in this equation. Vogue World has always been unpredictable. Last year brought Nicole Kidman to the runway, followed by Kendall Jenner in her Moulin Rouge “Sparkling Diamonds” costume. This year, Cardi B became the surprise element. Her colorful, fashion-forward Versace dress provided the perfect canvas for makeup that could hold its own against high fashion’s biggest moments. When you’re wearing Versace on a runway, your makeup can’t play small.
Recreating the Look
If you want to try magenta glitter eyes for an event—and honestly, this is exactly the kind of makeup for something special—start with a primer on your lids to make the glitter stick. Apply magenta glitter shadow across the entire lid, packing it on for maximum sparkle. Define your crease and wing lightly with a neutral shade to create structure. Add pale pink shadow above to lift the look and add dimension. Finish with black mascara and a coordinating bold lip if you want to go full Cardi B. This isn’t subtle makeup, which is the entire point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color was Cardi B's eyeshadow at Vogue World Milano?
Purply-pink magenta glitter, chosen to complement the colors in her Versace dress. Makeup artist Erika La' Pearl layered it with pale pink shadow above.
Who created Cardi B's makeup look?
Makeup artist Erika La' Pearl designed and applied the magenta glitter eye makeup for Vogue World Milano.
How was the magenta eyeshadow applied?
The glitter concentrated across the entire lid, ending just above the crease with a sculpted wing, and was topped with pale pink shadow above for dimension and lift.
