NYFW How-To: Blue Eye Makeup Gets a Twenty-First Century Upgrade

A neutral face paired with shades that range from deep-sea to clear blue sky, make eyes pop. And for every dewy, natural makeup finish at New York Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2016 shows, there was a look featuring blue eye makeup to counteract it. But there were no Mimi Bobeck a la The Drew Carey Show lookalikes on the runways. Instead, makeup artists played with baby-blue shadow, smoky navy liner and aquamarine mascara to make the trend current. MODERN asked expert makeup artists how to reinterpret this major Fashion Week trend to create client-friendly looks.

 

JENNY PATINKIN...Celebrity Makeup Artist, Beauty Expert and Entrepreneur:

“The easiest way to wear blue shadow without looking dated is to use green-based blues like teal and aqua that look fresh, earthy and organic instead of the old-fashioned pale and frosty colors. Iapproach it as an accent instead of a feature—that way you get a hint of trend without having to go whole-hog. Sweep it along the lash line with a small brush, and for more impact, subtly smudge it up onto the lids. The complexion should be left natural, neutral and clean so it doesn’t compete with the eyes.”

 

KELLY HANNA THOMPSON...Kryolan Makeup Artist:

“Keep it matte and keep it on the lid. Choose a blue either one shade brighter or one shade darker than the eye color to avoid the high-contrast looks from the ’80s. If you are still unsure, substitute navy in place of black.”

 

JILL FREEMAN...Lead Makeup Artist at Shen Beauty:

“Find a very earthy, wearable dark blue. Wet your brush and apply a striking, dark-winged eyeliner or apply with a soft brush against a dewy-skinned pallet for a dramatic pop on the eyes. This color also stands out when applied over a dark, smoky eye as well, adding interest.”