Makeup Tips For Blue Eyes: The Best Colors & Tricks
You know how the right outfit can accentuate your body in all the right places and make you feel like the unparalleled star you are? Well, makeup can have the exact same effect when it comes to making your blue eyes pop. Conversely, some makeup choices can detract from your blue eyes. We’re not here to be makeup militants shouting strict makeup “do and don’ts” at you, but if your end-goal is to make your gorgeous blue eyes gleam brighter than Ariana’s skin, listen to these makeup artist’s tips on how to make blue eyes pop!
Tip 1: The Best Eyeshadow Colors for Blue Eyes
Let’s start with the most important thing: The most effective way to make your eyes the star of your face is by choosing the right eyeshadow colors for blue eyes.
“Blue eyes go really well with earth-toned eyeshadows, like bronze, red, orange, and plum. These colors will really enhance the blueness,” says Markphong Tram, an editorial makeup artist who’s worked on campaigns with Colourpop Cosmetics, Bobbie Brown, Maybelline, and Inglot.
The Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Topaz, $27, was basically made to help blue-eyed beauties slay. It features a range of complementary hues, including golden-bronze, rich copper, rose-gold, flashy orange, and soft peach. For a slightly more subdued look, Tram also suggests Pixi’s Reflection Shadow Palette Reflex Light, $24, or one of Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks, $29, in burnished bronze, caramel, cocoa, rush, or plum.
If you’re into a more dramatic look, you can also use – gasp! – blue eyeshadow with blue eyes. Tram says, “I know it sounds chaotic, but when you add some black eyeliner on top, it contrasts and balances the shadow to make blue eyes pop.”
We’re obsessed with this deep blue-winged look by Hung Vanngo on blue-eyed beauty Taylor Hill:
For a single color, try NYX’s Hot Singles Eyeshadow in Electroshock, $4.50, or for a palette try the Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette in Sapphire, $24.
Want to do a smokey eye? Make it a brown and bronze smokey eye, which will emphasize your blue eyes instead of distracting from them.
Tip 2: Make Blue Eyes Pop with Liner
If you’re not in the mood to mess with eyeshadow, a little eyeliner is a fab makeup alternative to elevate blue eyes.
“Plum or aubergine-colored eye pencils are gorgeous for making blue eyes stand out,” notes celebrity makeup artist Deanna Hagan, who’s worked her magic on Lily Aldridge, Shanina Shaik, and Elsa Hosk. “When applying, keep the application intense, close to the lash line, and then smudge up and out a bit at the corners. Do the same under your eyes, too.”
She says she loves smudging with her fingertips, specifically, since the natural oils can add more dimension and texture. Hagen’s bougie fave for this smudged eyeliner look is Chanel’s Stylo Ombré Et in Rouge Noir, $34. Another option is Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $22, in Vice or Empire.
Source: Chanel, Urban Decay
Tip 3: Warm Up Your Complexion
For a fresh vibe that makes blue eyes stand out, Hagan recommends lightly warming your skin with a bronzer and adding a subtle rose stain to lips. “With a warm and minimal face, the focus then goes straight to your blue eyes,” she explains.
Her top pick is NARS Blush-Bronzer duo in Hot Sand/Laguna, $42, which creates a soft, illuminated warm glow. A less spendy alternative is e.l.f.’s Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder in St Lucia, $4. If you’re digging a creamy matte finish instead, opt for NARS Matte Multiple in Altai, $39.
For sheer rosy lips, try Benefit’s Cheek & Lip Stain, $30, Winky Lux’s Flower Balm in Pink, or keep it super simple with a touch of Rosebud Salve, $7.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to Your Brows, Too
Another eye makeup tip for emphasizing blue eyes is to change the color of your brows.
“For blue-eyed clients who really want their eye color to pop, it’s important not to neglect your brows,” says Tram. “For instance, we can bleach the brows to light blonde. This really makes blue eyes pop in a high-fashion way. Or, we can tint the brow darker or use a brow pencil to darken them so that they go better with darker hair.”
For brow darkening, he says to swipe on your favorite brown mascara or Kaja’s Brow Blowout Fiber, $16, in deep brown. His favorite brow lightening kit is Good Dye Young Lightening Kit, $10.
Source: Tinseltown/ Shutterstock
If you want to lighten your brows but don’t want to dye them, try a brow product that’s a shade or two lighter than your own, or just opt for clear brow gel. ABHs’ new Dipbrow Gel, $18, has a range of shades to choose from, and R+Co just launched their Magic Wand Brow Gel, $20, which is clear. Whether you go lighter or darker, a brow change can add instant drama and redirect focus to your blue eyes.
Tip 5: Don’t Forget to Hydrate While You’re At It,
Even the prettiest makeup can’t conceal dry skin around your eyes. A proper skincare regimen and pre-makeup routine is a v important step of the process. Hagan says, “For all eyes, it’s important to hydrate around the eye. As the skin is thinnest there, and consequently prone to wrinkles and bags, it needs special care.”
Source: Drunk Elephant, Farmacy
Drunk Elephant’s C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream, $64, is like an antioxidant-rich smoothie for your eyes that you can apply just before your primer. Farmacy’s Dew It All Total Eye Cream with Echinacea GreenEnvy, $38, is another option your delicate eye skin will drink up, too.
TL;DR? Here’s What You Need to Know
To make your blue eyes really stand out, make sure to choose makeup that accentuates versus detracts. Earthy shadows are your BFF, but for some major drama and to surprise them all, opt for blue-on-blue. A touch of plum liner instead of eyeshadow is also a striking look. Keep your complexion warm via bronzer, blush and rosy lips to make your eyes the star of the show, don’t forget to make sure your brows are on point, and hydrate like your momma (and our MUAs) insist.
Leave a comment