The terms ‘subtle’ and ‘universally flattering’ are often closely tied to peachy blushes and wispy, black lashes. But when discussing blue eyeshadow? Ahhh, not so much. At least, not until recently…
From red carpets to beachside glam, our fave celebs are proving time and time again that aqua hues don’t have to be reserved for an ‘80s costume party.
And if you thought this was a passing trend, think again. Speaking to The Zoe Report, makeup artist Pati Dubroff explained that “in colour therapy, blue is considered healing and calming” and she even labelled the shade “a forever colour”.
So for a fresh perspective on how a vibrant turquoise liner or a navy smokey eye can transform your look, here are 10 of our favourite blue eyeshadow moments.
Only Lady Gaga could make a statement diamond necklace and an aqua and gold shimmer shadow look lowkey.
bh recommends: Bobbi Brown Essential Multicolor Eye Shadow Palette in Blue Storm, $70 at Myer
Who said you had to choose between a statement eye and lip? We love Lily Collins’ matte bright red lipstick and turquoise pairing, finished with a wispy lash.
Kris knows that koordination is key.
Aqua lids, blushing cheeks and a berry lip. Who needs mascara?
bh recommends: Mavala Switzerland Eye Shadow Crayon in Vert d’Eau ($20.95 at Mavala Switzerland)
Priyanka Chopra’s bronzed lid was levelled up with a pop of turquoise liquid liner.
Why stop at the lids? Anna Sophia Robb’s ombre look makes a serious case for bringing the blue across your crease, under eye, outer and inner corner.
Pati Dubroff credits Gab Union’s deep-sea look to the M.A.C Cosmetics Acrylic Paints in ‘Hi-Def Cyan’. The exact product isn’t available in Australia, however, here’s the next best thing: Chromaline in Cyan, $42 at Maccosmetics.com.au
Letting her cat eyes do the talking, Em Rata keeps it sharp with her slicked-back hair and contoured cheekbones.
The definition of royal blues. The Duchess Of Cambridge’s look includes a nod to Princess Di’s infamous love for blue liner.
bh recommends: Maybelline New York Tattoo Liner Gel Pencil in Striking Navy, $7.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Kerry Washington keeps it fresh and dewy with a clear lacquered lip and wash of teal shimmer.
Do you wear blue eyehshadow? What is your favourite bright colour to wear on your eyes?
No blue is not my favourite eyeshadow as I have dark hair and eyes and think it suits blonds better
I reckon blue eyeshadow looks best on those with brown eyes – just my opinion.
I have blue eyes and I think you are right. Browns and charcoals give more contrast to my eyes but there are probably some blue tones that look nice with blue eyes, and depends on skin/hair colour, outfit etc
You are probably right -I look at my daughter who has really blue eyes and blue eyeshadow really enhances them
I’ve never worn blue or any bright colours on my eyes. I prefer mauves and browns. Dusty roses too. I do like the look on others though.
Yes I like a more subdued colour on myself but do admire people who are more out there
Just love the Blue Eyeliner and Blue Hues of Eyeshadow in so many different Blues 💙 I am not to old to wear Blue will have to buy some Blue Eyeliner.
Love blue. Liner . EyeShadows in general are not super flattering on me.
No, I’m not very adventurous with makeup, it looks great on these ladies though.
No blue for me. My favourites are mauve, plum and pink if I have the occasion to wear them.
I love plum
Not a fan… Could go wrong and make you look like you have a black eye… Ha ha!!!
Not a fan of blue eyeshadow, don’t think I could pull it off
No I don’t suit blue eyeshadow either
I wore blue eyeshadow with a blue and black dress a few years back, back then I thought it looked great but I stumbled across that photo a few days back and was horrified.
If a professional make up artist applied it, I could pull of the darker blue shades. The light ones remind me of the 80’s.
Totally agree Perthchick – I don’t think I have the skills or the pizazz to pull off blue eye liner or shadow
I love bright eyeshadow – in any bright colour BUT blue! It’s not flattering on my blue-green eyes.
If I ever wear blue eye makeup, I stick to navy, especially when I’m getting over a migraine because it makes my bleary scleras look their whitest.
Most of these look gorgeous. Whatever the wearer feels most comfortable with is my feeling.
I agree, if you feel comfortable and happy with the look, go for it.
Totally -self confidence is king
Shimmery cobalt blue looks really nice!
I’ve only ever used blue on my lower lash line but I want to try it on my lids!
I remember reading years ago, “if you remember the trend 1st time around, you shouldn’t wear it again”.
Well that’s me in the 1980s.
These women look amazing, but I feel that if I tried to use such a lot of eyeshadow it might look a bit over the top?
I used to, just couldn’t find a shade I like last time I went shopping for eye shadow.
Blue is nice, I use it some times too
I used to wear blue eye shadow but I’m unsure if I would want to. I have blue eyes and I think that browns and charcoals are more flattering for me.
Different colour blues really enhance blue eyes so would be worth having a play round with -mainly be happy with your own look no matter what colour
I love blue eyeshadow. I wear it similar to how Catherine is wearing it in her photo. I also like Lady Gaga and Kerry Washington’s eyeshadow looks.
I’m not into bold colours but I love it on Lady Gaga and Kerry Washington because it’s subtle.
I remember eyeshadow. Prior to Covid, I used to wear it!
Don’t think I’ve worn blue eyeshadow since my youth. I’d be game for wearing a touch of it via a liner, but since I already have blue eyes I’d need to contrast it with bronzy/nude eyeshadow.
They look nice. But blue colour is not for me.It feel my look unnatural.
I love bright eyeshadow colours like blues, I just add a smudged out line just above my eyeliner
Em Rata does it best with this look I think!
Kerry Washington looks amazing, I love her style. Blue eye-shadow looks good on me; unfortunately, don’t go many places to wear it now.
Yes I wear blue and every other colour you can think of. Im always saying that life is way too short to live it muted. I wear makeup for me. It makes me happy and I love colour.
I don’t wear much eyeshadow but if I do it’s neutral colours .
Omg blue eye shadow is a cult classic from the 80.
I love a blue liner
Kerry Washingston’s is so nice!
I really need to up my eyeshadow game.. haha I like to just go with neutrals always or use my highlighter as an eye shadow for some glam.
I love colourful eyeshadows, I have blue eyes and orange usually looks great, even blue on blue!
I used to wear blue eyeshadow
Regarding “Aqua lids, blushing cheeks and a berry lip. Who needs mascara?” I think that the person’s makeup in the photo looks unfinished without mascara.
Reminds me of the 80’s, however some of these look great. Especially Katie Holmes. Love that look.
Too bold for me
I love Katie Holmes’ eyeshadow 🙂
I’m not keen on bright or pale shades of blue, but I do like navy shades.