Why Blue – 2024’s Hottest Hue – Works on Everyone
July 5 | 4 minute read
Words by Amber Kallor
From the O.G. Barbie’s sliver of cerulean shadow in 1959 to the late Princess Diana’s ’80s affinity for cobalt liner, all the way to Beyoncé’s recent chambray lids. “Now that Barbie pink has been laid to rest, blue has been spotted all over,” says makeup artist Kristin Hilton.
L–R: Image credits: Getty Images; Instagram/@rokaelbeauty
Even frosty baby blues beloved by pop sensations like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during the early aughts are in “full effect” again thanks to the recent Y2K revival, adds Hilton. (See Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter for proof). Pinterest forecasters predict this blue streak will continue throughout 2024, with searches for “aqua makeup look” and “blue eyeshadow aesthetic” up 100 percent and 65 percent, respectively.
Image credit: Instagram/@chappellroan
“Blue is definitely a moment,” says Steve Kassajikian, Head of Global Artistry at Urban Decay, adding, “People are excited for colour again after a long period of clean-girl makeup.” Violette, French makeup artist and founder of VIOLETTE_FR, compares the haute hue to couture, in that it never fails to make a statement – but says it’s surprisingly easy to pull off.
She suggests starting with a thin strip of indigo along the top lashes: “The line will grow thicker and thicker as you get used to it.”
The colour has also remained a staple in Hollywood, as evidenced by Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, Liza Minnelli in Cabaret, Christina Ricci in Buffalo 66 (a look designed by Westman Atelier’s Gucci Westman), and Mia Goth in X.
“I can’t help but use blue at least a couple of times on a character because it always shows up in such a striking way on camera,” says Donni Davy, Head Makeup Artist for Euphoria. The pro recently reached for the shade on the set of The Greatest Hits, crafting everything from sky-coloured wings to midnight-blue cat eyes for Lucy Boynton’s character.
Image credit: Getty Images
Lay it all on the line
“Blue liner is super chic,” says Violette. Use a pencil or apply VIOLETTE_FR Yeux Eye Paint in ‘Dieu Bleu’, a new shade inspired by French painter Yves Klein, with a thin brush. Extend the corners to create a feline flick for added drama. Hilton says another option is to “experiment with artful shapes on the eyes.”
Opt for ocean eyes
Try washing a cornflower shadow across lids, add a dot of ‘Dieu Bleu’ to the centre and sheer it out with a brush, or use various tones to create a smoky eye (Kassajikian suggests blending a neutral taupe shade through the crease to diffuse the colour for a seamless finish).
If you’re feeling daring, makeup artist Vincent Oquendo recommends applying one shade from the lash line almost up to the brow, while Violette likes to hide the pigment low on the lids so that a flash of bold colour is revealed every time you blink.
Image credit: Instagram/@cgonzalezbeauty
Add an azure accent
“If you’re apprehensive about rocking blue, use a kohl pencil in your waterline for a grungy, ’90s supermodel look,” says Oquendo. Other understated ways to wear it? Highlight the inner corners of the eyes with an icy blue shadow, add a pop of colour along the lower lash line, or consider a cobalt mascara.
Image credit: Instagram/@donni.davy
Make blue the main event
The experts advise balancing bold lids with neutral tones on the rest of your face. Since blue is a cool shade, Kassajikian likes to add warmth with bronzer or coral blush, while Davy’s favourite of-the-moment pairing is a denim-blue eyeshadow and a brown lip. Violette recommends using concealer only where needed “to keep the complexion really fresh”, while rounding out your look with VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm in ‘Calisson’ for a true French-girl finish.
