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In the beauty world, the 1970s have been welcomed back: Blue eyeshadow is the coolest makeup trend right now for a pop of color. Across red carpets and on everyday makeup wearers over the past few months, pops of color have shown up consistently, often in the form of this blue eyeshadow look. Blue eyeshadow first rose to popularity in the 1970s in the form of shimmery, cool-toned pastel blues that reflected the metallic disco-ready era, eventually evolving to brighter, deeper and more electric blues in the 1980s. It then popped back up in the 1990s with those frosty finishes. Now, we\u2019re seeing a modern resurgence of icy-blue eyeshadow as people search for nostalgia in their makeup looks (it\u2019s even been spotted on celebs like Kendall Jenner, Zendaya and more). Read on to learn more about the fun eyeshadow trend and how to wear it for 2026.<\/p>\n
Makeup has experienced a fun and noticeable shift this last year. It started on the runway: \u201cWe saw blue makeup everywhere this past season on the runway, and that always trickles down to the red carpet,\u201d says celebrity makeup artist and educator Ash K. Holm. \u201cBut I also think people are just ready to have fun with makeup again.\u201d Moving away from minimal makeup, people are wanting to go all out with their looks lately and have fun with color. Blue has risen to the top as one of the most popular colors to do that with. \u201cWe had a long stretch of \u2018clean girl\u2019 and the natural look, which I love, but there’s a real appetite right now for something bigger,\u201d says Holm. How did blue become the color of choice? It\u2019s simplicity, really: \u201cBlue is the perfect entry point because it’s unexpected without being intimidating,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
As Holm mentioned, blue isn\u2019t super difficult to work with, which makes it beginner-friendly and easy to play with. There are plenty of ways to do so depending on how bold you\u2019re comfortable with. \u201cThe easiest is a pop at the inner corner\u2014a shimmery shade brightens the eye instantly and reads as a fresh detail rather than a full color story,\u201d she says. Simply dot a bit of blue eyeshadow on the inner corner of your eye and you\u2019ve officially tried the trend.<\/p>\n
You can also try a non-eyeshadow option. \u201cSmudging a blue liner along the upper lash line is another favorite of mine,\u201d says Holm. We love Makeup by Mario\u2019s Master Pigment Pro Eyeliner in Midnight Blue ($26). \u201cIt gives you definition, with just a hint of color and works beautifully on every eye shape.\u201d Though blue eye makeup looks great on any eye color, it makes brown eyes pop especially. It\u2019s also flattering on blue eyes for a complementary look.<\/p>\n
Lastly, don\u2019t be afraid to wear a full blue eyeshadow look: \u201cFor something really editorial, a wash of color across the entire lid\u2014think a soft denim blue\u2014paired with clean skin and a neutral lip is a beautiful way to wear the trend,\u201d says Holm.<\/p>\n
It can feel daunting to play around with vivid colors for the first time (or even the first several times), but it\u2019s really not at all. \u201cDon’t overthink it,\u201d says Holm. \u201cMakeup washes off. Some of my favorite looks I’ve done on clients started as experiments. Give yourself permission to play and find what works best for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re first starting out, it can be helpful to follow a guide and use some tips to make it as easy and approachable as possible. \u201cI’d start with a cream formula,\u201d says Holm. \u201cYou can apply with a brush or your finger, build the color slowly, and you don’t have to worry about fallout. I love the Fara Homidi Essential Eye Trio in Bleue ($98)\u00a0for this.\u201d Before applying any eyeshadow or liner, she recommends prepping your lid first. \u201cUse a dedicated eyeshadow primer so the color goes on evenly and stays put,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019re applying the eyeshadow, \u201cbuild in thin layers rather than packing it on at once,\u201d she says. \u201cWith any bold shade, less is more on the first pass\u2014you can always add more, but it’s harder to take away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lastly, let the eyes be the focal point of the look. \u201cKeep the rest of the look balanced,\u201d says Holm. \u201cIf the eye is the statement, pair it with glowing skin, a soft cheek and a neutral lip.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n