Last year was a big one for blue eye makeup, both on the runways and in real life. But we fully expected it to die down after we put away our bikinis and sandals in September. Instead, the winter months have brought an even bigger explosion of the trend — and it feels even fresher and edgier as we enter 2017.
But the best part? Top celeb makeup artists are applying their blue liners in interesting new ways. Think: graphic flicks, '70s-inspired pops of color, and vibrant pigment limited to the waterline. Just this past week, we saw a major uptick in the cool-girl renditions. Think: Lily Collins' cobalt cat-eye, Diane Kruger's two-tone, shimmery look, and more.
Ahead, we're breaking down everything you need to know to make this trend work right now. Check out our tips and picks, then run and dig out your summer makeup bag. It's time to break out the blues early.
This story was originally published on November 22, 2016.
The Trick: Two tones are better than one.
Kruger stepped out at a Golden Globes afterparty with a sultry take on the trend, thanks to makeup artist Mai Quynh. The lesson here is simple: You don't have to go big or smoky — or opt for technicolor hues — to make a splash.
Using a shimmery shadow, smudge the jewel-toned color of choice onto the inner half of the lid, then temper the look with a neutral shadow on the rest. Use a clean brush to blur the line between the two shades.
Photo: JB Lacroix/WireImage.
Try: You know that overwhelmingly-large eyeshadow palette that you never use? It's time to bust it out and give it a go. Make sure you start with a damp brush, which will deliver bolder results with less shadow fall out.
E.L.F. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette, $7, available at E.L.F.
The Trick: Add a vibrant color to your graphic flick.
Collins' cat-eye from earlier this week is the stuff of dreams: vibrant, on-trend, and bold — without being overly complicated to recreate.
Start with a primer, then grab the formula you feel most comfortable working with — like a liquid liner pen or a pot of product. Direct your flick towards the tail of your brow, then just go for it. Work slowly and correct any mistakes with a clean, small makeup brush dipped in makeup remover or micellar water.
Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Try: This liner is vibrant, precise, and an industry standard among red carpet makeup artists.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Cobalt, $22, available at Sephora.
The Trick: Play with color, not texture.
Makeup artist Porsche Cooper gave Joan Smalls this enviable look last week — and social media couldn't get enough. It makes sense, as blue looks particularly fresh when used sparingly.
The application couldn't be easier — just line your waterline with a vibrant blue — but there's more to it than that. To ensure the look feels modern, keep everything on your face within a single texture family. (Notice that everything here is matte.) That way, no matter how many hues are present, everything feels cohesive.
Photo: Via @porschefabulous.
Try: Opt for a waterproof liner, like this one from Sephora, which will last far longer than a traditional formula.
Sephora Collection Colorful Shadow & Liner in Turquoise, $14, available at Sephora.
The Trick: Update your cat-eye with an ombré effect.
Makeup artist Hung Vanngo gave Emily Ratajkowski an aquamarine cat-eye for the Emmys. He kept the finish utterly cool and unexpected thanks to a gradient effect. While this look isn't for the faint of heart, it can be pulled off if you're willing to put in the time — precision and blending are key — and start with a good primer.
Instead of investing in a bunch of new shadows, DIY them. Starting with a single aqua-blue cream, add a bit of pale-white highlighter to it to lighten (then sweep that into your inner corners). Add a bit of black or gray cream to it for a darker color that will go in your outer creases. And use the rest for your lids and undereyes.
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage.
Try: This creamy, shimmery shadow is pure perfection on the lid — and easily blends with other hues.
Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Cleopatra, $32, available at Charlotte Tilbury.
The Trick: Limit the blue shade to your bottom lashline.
Makeup artist Patrick Ta never ceases to wow us, and this blue look on Olivia Munn is no exception. Create a soft smoky eye, complete with inner-eye strobing, then apply a thick line of blue under the bottom lashline.
Pay close attention to the density of the shadow; you want the inner corners to be softest. Then blend, blend, blend — quickly.
Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Ta.
Try: A long-lasting blue liner will work wonders — just make sure you buff to perfection with a small brush before it sets.
Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in M-22 Matte Majorelle Blue, $21, available at Make Up For Ever.
The Trick: Go classic with a simple swipe on the lid.
Sometimes, the most modern approach is actually borrowed from years past. To wit: Lupita Nyong'o wore a wash of blue on just her eyelids, proving that you don't need to blend under the lashline for a polished effect. The look is reminiscent of the '50s and '60s — and when paired with glossy lips? Instant cool.
Don't muddy the waters with black liner — stick to just blue for the coolest look.
Photo: John Lamparski/WireImage.
Try: This formula glides on easily, blends perfectly, and lasts all day.
Lancôme Color Design Infinite 24H Crease-Free Luminous Eye Shadow in Magnetic Teal, $25, available at Lancôme.
The Trick: Focus the color on the inner corners.
Ombré rules: Kristen Stewart wore this bright-to-dark eye makeup on the red carpet last month. You can score a similar look by heeding the same advice, but focus the majority of the blue in the inner corners.
The secret to making it work lies in your tools. Pick up a thin brush and work slowly, adding small amounts of color, taking a step back, then repeating until you get your desired result.
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.
Try: This creamy shadow can be blended into the corners of eyes, and sits well under darker colors for a smoky look. Plus, it comes with a glittery powder to dust on top...if you're feeling adventurous.
The Estée Edit Metallishadow Crème + Powder in Wild Cosmos, $25, available at Sephora.
The Trick: Pair watercolor shadow with heavy lashes.
Emma Stone wore this soft wash of color paired with heavy black lashes to an event in L.A. Notice that there are no harsh lines, making this a dream for beginners. Simply build out the color using a palette: lighter colors in the inner corners, darker in the crease. Then, go big with the mascara, which gives the look an edge.
Don't shy away from mascara on the lower lashes — a spider-lash effect looks chic here.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Try: This shadow trio comes with a primer and shimmery highlighter, making it everything you need to score the look.
Revlon PhotoReady Primer + Eyeshadow in Avant Garde, $10.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
The Trick: Go big or go home — 'nuff said.
Thanks to a busy press tour for The Edge of Seventeen, Hailee Steinfeld has been hitting the red carpet in a parade of eye-catching beauty looks. We particularly love this blue smoky eye and the accompanying retro-pink lips.
You'll need a smudge brush to make this work. (Note the soft, buffed edges.) This guy is great for those on a budget; or splurge on this one.
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images.
Try: You can do this look with a palette, but it's just as cool with a single shadow.
MAC Eye Shadow in Atlantic Blue, $16, available at MAC Cosmetics.
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