Q1. Are jewel tones relevant and on trend today when it comes to makeup?

Jewel tones are always relevant; they are actually timeless. What changes is how we wear them. Currently, makeup is highly focused on the skin. It’s luminous, breathable, and modern. So when I use jewel tones today, I don’t make them heavy or overly dramatic. I keep the skin fresh and glowing, and let the colour feel intentional but effortless.

A beautiful emerald, sapphire, or plum against radiant skin feels incredibly chic. It’s less about drama and more about richness. Jewel tones, when done right, look luxurious and never loud.

Q2. What are the best shades of eye shadow in jewel tones to stay looking elegant?

For me, elegance comes from depth, not brightness.

I gravitate towards deeper emeralds, burnished sapphire blues, rich plums, antique gold, and even garnet tones that have warmth in them. These shades photograph beautifully and elevate the entire face.

The key is blending. Jewel tones should melt into the skin. I always anchor them with a neutral transition shade and keep the edges soft. Satin and soft metallic finishes work better than chunky shimmer; they feel refined and expensive. It’s about wearing the colour, not letting the colour wear you.

Q3. Are jewel tone eye liners the best way to wear this trend if you want to be subtle?

Absolutely. This is actually my favourite way to introduce jewel tones.

A deep emerald, navy, or plum liner along the lash line adds richness without overpowering the face. It’s softer than black but far more interesting than brown. You can smudge it into the lashes for definition, or keep it sharp for a slightly stronger statement. It gives dimension to the eyes without feeling like “too much”. It’s subtle, but impactful.

Q4. Is red lipstick the only jewel tone one can wear on the lips?

Not at all. Red is classic, yes! 

But jewel tones on the lips go far beyond that.

Deep berry, wine, oxblood, rich plum, these are all jewel-toned lip colours. Even a muted ruby with a brown undertone can exude an incredibly sophisticated feel.

The trick is texture. I prefer creamy mattes or soft satin finishes over overly glossy or frosted textures. That’s what keeps it modern. And of course, balance the rest of the face. If the lip is rich, keep the skin luminous and the eyes clean. That’s when jewel tones look powerful, not overpowering.

Q5. What are your favourite jewel tone makeup looks in pop culture?

Some of my favourite jewel tone moments are actually ones I’ve created.

With Sonam Kapoor's Cannes appearance with the sharp winged liner and rich berry lip, that was such a powerful jewel-toned moment. The liner gave strength, the berry lip added depth, and the overall look felt glamorous but modern. It’s one of those combinations that photographs beautifully and feels timeless.

With Rani Mukherji, I have done a stunning emerald green eye that felt bold yet incredibly chic. The skin was luminous, the structure was clean, and the green became the hero without overpowering her. She carries colour so effortlessly, you can push it slightly, and it still feels elevated.

For her, I have also done a deep blue liner that was subtle yet impactful. It was softly diffused into the lash line, giving her eyes dimension without making it feel heavy. On her, jewel tones always look regal, so I like to keep them refined, balanced, and skin-focused. For me, jewel tones are about confidence and control. When the skin is radiant and the structure is strong, colour becomes luxurious, never loud.