From icy hues to inky shades, which blue is true to you?
Blue eye make-up isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you haven’t noticed yet, aqua hues are all the rage in the beauty world right now. Over the years, the 90s trend has won the favour among some of the world’s biggest, most beautiful stars — think Dua Lipa, Lupita Nyong’o, Bella Hadid, Lily Collins and more. Whether you’re into cloudy pastels, royal tones or inky midnight shades, watery numbers can work on just about every skin tone — if you know how to pick the one that works for you.
How to find the right blue eye make-up for your skin tone
The key to finding your true blue shade is multi-fold. Yes, you may find powdery tones tempting — but that doesn’t mean they were meant for you. The next time you step into your favourite beauty hub, keep these four factors in mind.
Does it match your undertone?
How a colour looks on one’s skin relies heavily on their undertone. If yours is cooler, you’re likely to carry off icy blues, periwinkle and silver-laced palettes best. Slightly warmer undertones work beautifully with blue eye make-up in shades of teal, turquoise or sapphire, while neutral undertones work with just about any shade on the spectrum.
Does it complement your eye colour?
Ever noticed how some people’s eyes seem to pop when they’ve got their eye make-up on? Complementary eyeshadows and eyeliners will do that with minimal effort. If you’re into shades of blue this season, consider your eye colour when selecting the right shade. Brown eyes say yes to deeper, inkier shades like cobalt and navy, but can also carry of electric blues well. If you’re somewhere between green and hazel, accentuate the gold tint in your eyeballs with tones that lean towards greens — think teal or aqua. For those born with bright blue eyes, it’s best to stay as close as possible to your natural colour. Baby or sky blue work best without looking overwhelming.
Does it work for the occasion?
As cool as they are, blue eyes can tend to look too theatrical if you don’t strike the right balance. For daily wear, tone things down with soft washes of colour, blended with light shimmer. For evenings, deeper tones can help give classic smoky eyes a playful twist. But if you fancy yourself a trendsetter, the sky’s the limit — from galactic metallics to chrome effects and ombrés, there’s no trend that doesn’t make a statement in bold shades of blue.
Which treatment suits your personality?
When it comes to carrying off statement hues, it’s important to pick the right formula for your personality. Blendable eyeshadows work best for those taking their first steps into a trend, allowing for pop colours to be toned down with neutrals like brown and black. Not sure if you can commit to a whole blue eye? Tinted mascaras may be right for you, adding just a hint of drama to classic looks. And if you prefer a little more control and creative freedom, an eyeliner is where your investment needs to be made — blur it out when you’re in the mood, or go graphic to really make a statement.
