According to celebrities, their glam teams and editorial makeup artists everywhere, blue eyeshadow is back.
For some of us, it’s hard to consider the thought. Blue eyeshadow remains firmly entrenched in the trend wasteland of the 80s, never to return again.
But like our recent fascination with blush, another 80s staple we’ve reinvented and re embraced to our benefit, blue eye looks are set to become popular, and even, dare we say it, wearable.
Why now? It’s precisely that nostalgic, throwback influence that continues to influence beauty and fashion trends. Making something that’s been on the outer for decades appealing again is the ultimate challenge right now. (Just think of the way Crocs are everywhere right now!).
“I think one of the reasons we are seeing more blue at the moment is because right now, our pop culture trends are such a mix of the previous decades. People are pulling inspiration from the ’70s, ’80s, and especially the ’90s and early 2000s, when blue eyeshadow was quite trendy,” Kale Teter, celebrity makeup artist, confirmed to InStyle.
Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashian-Jenners and the cast of Euphoria are also contributing to the trend taking off.
Blue makeup was also everywhere on the FW222 runways in New York and Paris, and as the fashion collections they complemented arrive in stores, many are recreating the looks for the new season, on social media and to red carpet events.
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How to wear blue makeup
For those not keen to wear it on their face, know that cobalt blue may just be the ‘Bottega green’ of the season. It’s increasingly turning up as a hot-right-now nail colour, as well as in outfits and accessories.
Instead of that very bright, matte, International Klein Blue the 80s was fond of, blue makeup looks are more muted right now.
For the tentative, start with a navy blue eyeliner on a simple taupe eyeshadow look.
Chasing the trends? Shimmery petrol blue has been a popular option.
A soft all-over wash of a lighter hue applied to eyelids with a fluffy brush or pressed on with your fingers is another popular approach with a slightly more periwinkle tone.
Best blue products to try now
From creamy blendable eye shadows, to quick and easy eyeliners there are numerous ways to add a touch of blue to your makeup repertoire.
L-R: MAC Colour Excess Gel Pencil in Perpetual Shock!; MECCA MAX Zoom Shadow Stick Matte in Navy; Dior 5 Couleurs eyeshadow palette in Denim; MAC Eye Shadow in Tilt; Stila Stay All Day Dual-Ended Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Periwinkle/Midnight
More blue eye looks making waves right now
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Image: (top) @MaryPhillips
