Where To Apply Blue Eyeshadow and Make It Look Natural
When it comes to eyeshadow palettes, blue is typically one of the colors with a high probability of not being touched. This is usually due to the very fine line between rocking a blue eyeshadow look and resembling an 80’s rock star; the latter isn’t always the intention.
Typically, discovering where to apply blue eyeshadow and make it look natural really begins with what hue of blue you’re using and the eye look you are trying to create. Making blue eyeshadow look natural can be difficult if you are using dramatic, shimmery hues versus soft pastels and lighter shades of blue.
Whatever your blue eyeshadow goals may be, it is difficult to find that balance between just enough and going overboard. If you want to learn how the pros do it, keep reading to find out just where to apply blue eyeshadow and make it look natural. You may save yourself lots of makeup wipes and a ton of sanity.
Is Blue Eyeshadow Back In Style?
Is blue eyeshadow back in style? I think the real question here is, when did it ever really go out of style? People all over the world have continued to rock a blue eyeshadow look day and night throughout the ages. Let’s take a brief walk down memory lane of the life and times of the blue eyeshadow style:
| 50’s | This was the era that began the blue eyeshadow look, a time when women wore makeup simply to stay in the house. Here, the look was a basic and clean blue eyelid topped with a red lip. |
| 60’s | Next, we have the sixties; this era brought the blue eyeshadow all the way up to the eyebrow and traveled below the bottom lid. This was topped with impeccable winged eyeliner and eyelashes that could sweep the floors. |
| 70’s | Although all about long hippie hair and the au-natural look, the seventies still curated their own version of the blue eyeshadow look with the added effect of glitter. |
| 80’s | Oh, the eighties; this era was obsessed with the blue eyeshadow look that there were two phases within that timeline. You had the return of the full lid of blue, except now you had three or more hues leveled on top of each other and a blue eyeliner to finish off this masterpiece. The second phase requires a moment of gratitude that is no longer a fade. Here names like Jem, Barie and the Rockstars, and Prince’s Purple Rain can conjure up a visual that encompasses without words the era of blue eyeshadow looks that resembled lightning strikes to your temples. |
| 90’s | Not much better than the ’80s but a bit less dramatic if we think about the execution of the blue eyeshadow looks. Blue eyeshadows were used in lighter hues, and this was a time when we learned how to blend and shape our colors instead of blocks of colors. Although better, there was that dark lip-liner with light lipstick situation, which is forbidden to speak of out loud. |
| 2000’s | This was the era of the smokey eye, and using blue eyeshadow as more of a liner than a full-on, here I am in all my blue eyeshadow glory. A more natural look was where it was at when it came to bright, bold colors like blue; it was more of accentuation of your eyes rather than a fade to follow. |
Whatever the era, blue eyeshadow has made its mark and doesn’t appear to be leaving anytime soon.
Why Is Blue Eyeshadow Popular?
According to The Telegraph, since the summer of 2021, sales for eyeshadow have risen almost two hundred and four percent. This is partially due to the covid-19 impact of masks being required and lips no longer being the center stage when it comes to makeup looks.
People want ways to dramatize their eyes while the rest of their face is covered by a mask, and blue eyeshadow would love nothing less than to help you do so!
Another factor to entertain for why blue eyeshadow is so popular is that after a year and a half of being forced to stay indoors, makeup lovers everywhere are busting at the seams to explore color, texture, dramatic looks, and most all hues of blues!
Long gone are the retro looks of blue eyeshadow past. Blue hues now take on the look of fresh, natural tones or full-on glamour statements making their way across runways, magazine covers, social media, and more popular basic city streets.
Tips For Making A Natural Looking Blue Eyeshadow Look
When it comes to using blue eyeshadow, it is tough to make it look natural but still make a statement. Because let’s be honest, no one wears blue eyeshadow unless they’re trying to give their eyes an extra oomph!
Here are some simple tips for making a natural-looking blue eyeshadow look.
- Using an eyelid primer will allow your color not to smudge, fade, or wind up halfway down your face before the end of the day. An eyelid primer will also make any blue hue become more vibrant yet subtle without applying multiple layers of shadow color.
- Decide what type of eye look you are going for and watch a tutorial on the step-by-step directions on how to achieve it. While you may have an idea in mind, it is always a good idea to research tricks or shortcuts others have tried to perfect the look before wasting an entire packet of wipes.
- Once you have your eye look settled and are relatively confident on its execution, now is the time to pick the perfect shade of blue. It is a good idea to think about what outfit you’ll be pairing with this eye look as some colors may clash. Possibly a soft hue of yellow and maybe a light blue shade of eyeshadow will go better.
- Try not to go overboard. Natural and easy eyeshadow looks are meant to be subtle and fresh, not overpowering, and in your face despite what color you use.
Blue Eyeshadow Looks Step By Step
Everyone loves a smokey eye, and what better color to do so with than blue. Although meant to look dramatic and mysterious is is easy to get carried away with smudging and wind up with what looks like someone punched you in the eye rather than a fabulous use of a blue palette. The important takeaway from this look is less is more.
Every makeup look, whether it’s the eyes, face, or lips, must begin with a clean foundation, and we don’t mean the liquid kind. Make sure before starting, your face is clean and thoroughly moisturized, and then add a primer.
As previously mentioned, an eyeshadow primer will take that blue eyeshadow look to the next level and hopefully keep it there until you remember to wash it off.
A crucial tip for any smokey look is choosing no more than three colors, a liner and mascara. You also want to ensure you have a good blending eyeshadow brush and quality eyeshadows.
- Apply a neutral to mid-tone base color to set the look. A grey or brown would be optimal.
- Apply the eyeliner, make sure you get in between the eyelashes as to leave no empty spaces that can peak through
- Apply the darkest of the blue eyeshadows. Blend halfway up your eyelid and under the lower lash line. You can use the brush or ring finger to blend out the color for a smokey effect.
- You can add a middle color on the eyelid to pop the eye or a shimmer/glitter.
- Apply mascara, and you’re ready to go!
Matte Blue Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial | Jeffree Star Blue Blood
For a little more guidance on this look, click here for a YouTube tutorial using Jeffree Star’s Blue Blood palette.
Blue Eyeshadow Look For Brown Eyes
Brown eyes are really where it’s at when it comes to making blue eyeshadow look ah-maz-ing. Blue hues naturally accentuate brown eyeshades and can make you go from “who’s that girl ?” to “damn girl!”
Like the previous look, start with a fresh, clean canvas and primer for the eyelids. You may also want to layer a light coat of translucent powder under the eyes or lay down an eyeshadow shield before starting to ensure you aren’t left with a mess of blue powder under your eyes after application.
- Begin by applying the blue shadow to the eyelid from the crease to the corner and halfway up the eyelid.
- Next, take a lighter shade of blue and blend into the darker color within the crease and slightly above the eyelid, then just outside the eye crease
- Take the lightest shade of blue and apply it to the eyelid. This effect is what will make your brown eyes really pop.
- Using the darkest of the blues in your palette, create a winged looked by using a straight edge brush starting in the middle of the eyelid line and bringing it out towards the crease and slightly beyond.
- For a more dramatic look, take that darker shade and bring it up just above the inner crease and upper eyelid
- Using a blending brush, blend any sharp lines so that the colors look seamless
- You can dot a shimmery or light almost white blue color to the inner corners and below the eyebrow line for added effect.
- Apply your favorite mascara and wah-lah!
HOW TO WEAR BLUE EYESHADOW (make brown eyes pop!)- Dilan Sabah
For a little more guidance on this look, click here for a YouTube tutorial using Jeffree Star’s Blue Blood palette by makeup influencer Dilan Sabah.
Blue Eyeshadow Look For Blue Eyes
This basic blue eyeshadow looks for blue eyes is vibrant yet straightforward enough for both day and nightwear. The top trick for wearing blue eyeshadow with blue eyes and choosing hues of blue that bring out the subtle tones in your natural eye color.
- As always, begin with a clean face and eyelid primer
- Choose a shade that you feel works best with your shade of blue eyes and start to apply to the eyelid
- A good idea would be to use a darker hue for the eyelid line and blend it with a lighter or neutral shade.
- Dab a shimmery light color on the inner corner of the eye and brow bone for a highlight
- Apply mascara, and your natural blue eyeshadow look for blue eyes is complete.
How to Wear BLUE | Makeup Tutorial | Elanna Pechelre 2020
For a little more guidance on this look, click here for a YouTube tutorial by influencer Elanna Pechelre.
Final Tips
Blue eyeshadow does not need to be scary or something that makes you think of your mother’s senior prom photo from the eighties. Blue eyeshadow looks can be natural, intense, dramatic, and even subtle. It is all in choosing a look and hues that complement not just your face but whatever gorgeous ensemble you pick for the day.
