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 obsession with blush, another 80s staple we’ve reinvented and re-embraced to our benefit, blue eye looks are back with a vengeance and are even, dare we say it, wearable.
From soft pastel shadow to deep denim blue eyeliner and even cobalt mascara, blue is seriously trending.
In its Pinterest Predicts report, Pinterest noted searches for “blue eyeshadow aesthetic” were up by 65%, and searches for “aqua makeup look” and “blue nails” were sky-high too.
At this year’s Met Gala, Rachel Zegler and Naomi Campbell made a feature of shimmering blue eyeshadow.
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.
“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.
Blue is also a supremely flattering hue for almost every complexion, eye and hair colour.
Makeup artist Violette, fond of applying a slash of striking coloured liner along her lashes, is a big fan of blue.
“If you think of makeup in the same way you think of an amazing hat or fabulous pair of shoes, then blue is the accessory. Play with it like art and make a statement — like one block of color across the eyelids and nothing else,” she advises.
“If you wear it with jeans and a comfy sweater, it won’t feel overdone at all. But if you’re feeling nervous test the waters with a subtle navy liner first and then work your way up to the most daring.”
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How to wear blue makeup
For those not keen to wear it on their face, know that cobalt blue is also increasingly turning up as a hot-right-now nail colour, as well as in outfits and accessories.
There’s that very bright, matte, International Klein Blue for liner, but also a shimmery, frosty azure, that features in Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2024 makeup collection.
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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