Like jean cuts and hair colours, every year has its statement make-up hue. 2023 was undeniably hijacked by all things Barbie pink, while you might remember 'Veri Peri' and soft pastels reigning supreme in 2022. This year's shade is already dominating runways and red carpets; consider 2024 your something blue, especially when it comes to eyeshadow.
Catalysed by the shows of the season, there's no mistaking the sudden surge of azures, ceruleans and sapphires already making headway in fashion and beauty this year. Versace, Jil Sander, AZ Factory, Pierre Cardin and Etro all opted for blue eye-makeup of some variety, from iced 90s metallics and subtle accents to graphic eyeliners and brow-scraping wings.
Pinterest has also hailed the colour as this year's most covetable make-up hue; searches for 'blue eyeshadow aesthetic' have risen by 65% on the platform, while 'aqua makeup look' surged by 100%. Meanwhile, TikTok has amounted 266.3 million views on #blueeyeshadow and 131.5 million for #bluemascara. Need we say more? Because we have more.
While the colour is set to be huge throughout 2024, you could argue that blue eye make-up has always been iconic. While every decade has had its own iteration, a strong blue eyeshadow most notably belonged to the original Barbie in 1959. Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra and Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe then defined the look in the 1960s, Liza Minelli and Twiggy reimagined it for the 1970s and Grace Jones and Princess Diana maintained its popularly in the 80s. In 2024, it's 90s supermodels taking up space on our eye make-up moodboards.
'Blue eyeshadow always reminds me of the 90s and early 2000s,' says Chanel Make-up Artist, Anna Payne. 'I instantly think of Kate Moss and Britney Spears wearing a metallic denim washed blue.'
For Director of Make-up Artistry at M.A.C Cosmetic Dominic Skinner, blue eyeshadow is reminiscent of the seventies. 'From the end of the Summer of Love through to the disco days of Studio 54, it’s bold, fun and so la chic!' he says.
Ahead of the upcoming blue make-up renaissance, we rounded up the 5 best ways to wear the shade this season. Let cobalt, cyan and jean tones commence.
The Best Blue Eyeshadow And Eyeliner Looks For 2024
2000s Frost
With a softened wintery tone and delicately pastel finish, this silvery blue is one of the more subtle ways to add a hint of cool to your everyday make-up routine. Not only is it reminiscent of that 90s supermodel look, it's also be adopted by stars like Iris Law and Lily-Rose Depp.
'Frost textures are really making a comeback so late 90s or early 2000s pale blues will be a trend that lifts this year,' says Skinner. 'Be the cover of your own Smash Hits!'
'Apply a denim hued blue shadow to the lid and crease, blending it out towards the outer corner of the eye,' suggests Payne. 'Then, apply a shimmering silver or white accent to the inner lid for the ultimate 2000s shimmer.'
About-Face Shadowstick Eyeshadow in 2002
Glossier Skywash in Pool
Victoria Beckham EyeWear in Cornflower
Dior Diorshow Mono Couleur Couture Eyeshadow in Denim
Smokey Denim
Switching out your everyday black kajal for an updated navy hue is the perfect way to dress up a classic grungy smokey eye. Another 90s throwback, this Philipp Plein SS24 look borrows from runways like Gucci Spring 1996 and Versace 1999. Think blackened blues in opaque, diffused applications.
'Using a blue eyeliner instead of the usual black for this look gives it a more modern twist,' says Payne. 'Use a navy eyeliner at the base of the eye and Victoria Beckham's Smoky Eye Brick or Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Blurry Blue to create the smoke. It looks particularly good on brown eyes.'
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Eyeshadow Palette in Drama Denim
Victoria Beckham Lid Lustre Eyeshadow in Midnight
Kiko Milano New Water Eyeshadow
E.L.F. Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow
Electric Lines
When it comes to a statement eyeliner shape, the world is really your oyster. Chet Lo's geometric lids are the maximalist way to take on the trend, but you could go for a cubic wing Jil Sander style or simply upgrade your classic tightline.
'Cobalt blue looks amazing on medium and dark skin tones,' says Payne. She recommends taking a bright liner and smudging it into the lash line for an easily achievable and effortlessly wearable look.
'Bold blue liner is an item I’ve used many times in my kit, either in the waterline in the style of Princess Diana or drawn over the lash line,' adds Skinner. 'I would team up a bold orange red lipstick with a blue graphic eye. It gives a classic Marilyn look with a twist.'
Violette Yeux Paint Matte Liquid Eyeshadow in Dieu Bleu
The Color Palette Iconic Numbers
About-Face Matte Fluid Eye Paint
Ocean Eyes
When it comes to aquatic tones, a halo eyeshadow shape is 2024's most popular serving. Antonio Marras paired the look with clustered doll-like lashes, while Tiffany Brown Designers paired a straightforward black mascara.
'This beautiful sea foam colour will work well on pale skin,' says Payne. 'And if you don’t want to use it all over the eye, you can use it as an accent colour. Using your chosen bronzed shade, blend it across your lid, diffusing the corners for a winged effect. Then, take a little of your seafoam or chosen blue and add it to the corner of each eye for a little colour pop.'
The finishing touch? A tinted gloss in a soft coral or light pink would be the right amount of colour to complement the softer shadow tone. Skinner recommends a MAC LipGlass like Love Nectar or Oyster Girl.
Lottie London Colour Cloud
Eyeshadow
& Other Stories Azure Divine Eye Colour Cream
Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in 80s Vibes
Painted Lashes
And if in doubt? Blue mascara is not only trending for Spring (see AZ Factory SS24), it's also completely effortless.
'I love blue mascara. It’s a great way of brightening your eyes and making them sparkle,' says Payne. 'The Le Volume De Chanel is an incredible shade that suits everyone. But, if you’re feeling like it’s too much, just apply black mascara and add the blue to the tips of your lashes.'
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Pat McGrath Dark Star Colour Blitz Mascara
Chanel Le Volume De Chanel
However, Skinner adds: 'If you go for a blue eyeshadow consider not using a blue mascara, instead use a classic black mascara. If you wear blue with blue then your lashes could disappear completely from view.' And we really don't want that.
If there's one thing to remember about all of the above though, it's that the eyes are the forefront of the make-up ensemble. 'The key to all these looks though, is to keep the rest paired down with beautiful dewy skin,' says Payne.
