Recently, I watched Thelma and Louise (1991) and when I walked out of the theater, my first thought—after reminiscing on how much I loved young Brad Pitt in the film—was wow, there was a lot of blue eyeshadow in the movie. So many characters, from the extras to the main roles, swiped their lids with shades of blue. It made me realize that less people are wearing blue eyeshadow now compared to the 90s when the color was everywhere, and I think this is because the hue can be a little intimidating. But you know what’s scarier than blue eyeshadow? Whatever’s going on with Scooter Braun. Lanternflies. The MTA price hike. It’s time to grow up and wear blue eyeshadow. Don’t worry—you don’t have to go through this alone. We reached out to celebrity makeup artist J Guerra for expert tips on finding the best blue eyeshadow, the best way to apply it, and the best ones on the market.
How to Choose a Blue Eyeshadow Shade
You can’t just choose any random blue eyeshadow off the shelf and swipe it onto your lids. You have to go for the right shade of blue, depending on your skin tone. “For lighter skin tones, I'd suggest going for icy or even silvery-blue hues,” suggests Guerra. “These add a touch of ethereal luster without looking overpowering.” Guerra also recommends soft, pastel blues for a “fresh, minimalist pop of color.” Sky blues are another great option—they “enhance the eyes without overpowering lighter skin tones.”
For medium skin tones, Guerra recommends vibrant cobalt, azure, or denim shades to draw focus to the eyes. “Mediterranean turquoise and teal shades bring out warmth in medium skin tones,” says Guerra. “Cobalt is a bright, vivid blue that contrasts beautifully against medium complexions.”
“Deep navy or a rich sapphire stand out and look incredible on melanin-rich skin tones,” says Guerra. “Royal blue is a rich shade that complements deep skin tones beautifully and adds a colorful dimension.” Don’t be afraid to play around with brighter blues, too. “Bright, electric blue shades make a bold statement by creating a vibrant contrast.”
Reminder: These aren’t hard and fast rules; they’re just starting points, says Guerra. “Don't be afraid to play around with different shades and finishes—matte, shimmer, metallic—to discover your own favorite blue eyeshadow looks.”
Beginner Tips for Wearing Blue Eyeshadow
For newbies, dip your toes into the world of blue eyeshadow and start with a liner. “Instead of a full lid, begin with a soft blue eyeliner or a muted blue shade in the crease first,” says Guerra. “This way, you gradually introduce the color without it feeling too overpowering.” If you’re feeling fancy, Guerra suggests adding “pops of light, shimmery blue in the inner corners of the eyes or along the lower lash line.” You can also pair blue with some neutral shades to help balance out the look. “Combine blue with warm browns or cooler under-toned taupes for a more wearable look—this helps the blue seem less intimidating,” adds Guerra.
Another pro tip: Keep the rest of your makeup more neutral to avoid overdoing it. “A soft pink or nude lip balances blue eyeshadow quite nicely,” says Guerra.
If you’re going all out with blue eyeshadow, Guerra recommends using an eyeshadow primer for maximum color payoff. “The shadow will blend better and wear for longer,” adds Guerra.
Want to try out a graphic blue eyeliner? Start by applying a white eyeliner along your lash line, says Guerra. Then, use a liner brush and firmly press a bright blue or teal eyeshadow over the white eyeliner. “The white base will illuminate the blue color from underneath, making it stand out at full intensity,” says Guerra.
Best Blue Eyeshadows
Limited Edition 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette in Eden Roc
According to Guerra, this is a great starter blue eyeshadow palette, thanks to the coastal blues. And if you’re not quite ready to wear blue eyeshadow on its own, “the other neutral tones are perfect for everyday.”
Solo Shadow Cream-to-Powder Soft Matte Eyeshadow
This solo shadow is a buildable cream-to-powder pigment with a soft wash-finish. It starts off as a cream formula, which helps prevent fallout and makes the application process seamless. Once the shadow dries down to a powder, it won’t budge.
Diorshow 5 Couleurs Couture Eyeshadow Palette in Denim
“These shades remind me of Mediterranean waters,” says Guerra. “They’re vibrant yet sophisticated and can be used individually for endless looks.”
Eye Color Quad Eyeshadow Palette in Dark Opulence
“This palette has the perfect balance of grounded neutrals, jewel-tone teal, and deep navy blue,” says Guerra. “The shades work together to create a refined look that isn’t overpowering.”
Mothership I Eyeshadow Palette - Subliminal
“This palette has all the options. The bright, shimmery blues are balanced with neutral and cool-toned browns,” says Guerra.
Eye Color Quad in Azure Blue Sea
“These aquatic shades feature icy pastels and deep, rich blues to create contrast and dimension,” says Guerra. “This palette is a perfect addition to more neutral palettes you may already own.”