Blue makeup is back! 2 very different takes on this season’s boldest trend

Date September 23, 2015

Like most people, the mere mention of blue eye makeup conjures up images of frosty, powdered shades of cerulean done up in a tacky ‘80s manner. The Fall runways, however, had a totally different take on blue for eyes. The hits of blue seen at Céline, Dior et al took on many forms that sometimes skewed a bit surreal, but the takeaway is that blue eye makeup is ready to be embraced in the everyday.

If you prefer something a bit more sleek, there’s a graphic cobalt cat eye, or for a night on the town, try a smoked-out sapphire look. Both are easy to achieve in a couple steps, so let’s hop to it.

1/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

The cobalt cat eye

Step one: To ensure your bright hue adheres and stays as crisp as possible, start by applying an eyeshadow primer all over the lid. I used Nars’ Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($31, sephora.ca)

2/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step two: Lightly sketch the outline of a graphic cat eye using a vibrant cobalt eye pencil, like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in “Chaos” ($24, sephora.ca)

3/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step three: When you’re happy with your outline, fill in the shape with your pencil for full-colour payoff.

4/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step four: Use a Q-tip dipped in make-up remover to clean up any smudges and to keep edges as sharp as possible.

5/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step five: Complete the blue theme with two coats of blue mascara on upper and lower lashes — Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara in “Beyond Blue” ($31, sephora.ca) is the perfect hue for the job.

6/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step six: Keep the rest of your look simple — just a touch of lip balm — to let your eyes do the talking.

7/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

The Sapphire Smoky Eye

Step one: Build the base of your smoky eye by smudging a shimmering navy pencil along the outer two-thirds of the upper and lower lash line. I used Lise Watier’s Eye Shine in “Aurora” ($20, Shopper’s Drug Mart)

8/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step two: Focus a pop of a soft medium blue (like Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in “S-214”) on the entire lid, applying with a stiff-bristled shadow brush.

9/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step three: Build up your smoke by applying a deep, near-black blue (Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in “S-226”) along the outer edges and crease, softening with a long-bristled blending brush.

10/10

blue makeup gif tutorial

Step four: Finish off the Kate Moss rocker vibe with a few coats of deep black mascara and a slick of nude lip gloss, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Lustre in “Seduction” ($28, charlottetilbury.com)