The denim-inspired blue shades taking the beauty world by storm this season
Blue shades are shaping as a major beauty trend this season and the inspiration stems from the unlikeliest of places – denim jeans from the 2000s.
After years of being shrouded as one of Y2K’s more polarising beauty trends, blue toned eye make-up has undergone a major image overhaul.
The original look typically involved icy shades of blue, but this year’s take on the trend incorporates a variety of blues, including deeper shades such as cobalt and rich navy.
It’s not the only blue-oriented trend taking off at the moment, with denim clothing projected to be a major trend this season.
Consequently the fashion and beauty looks are often paired together, which has led to the look being dubbed washed denim beauty.
View this post on Instagram
- Metallic look: How to make brown eyes pop
How fashion and beauty interconnect
Sydney make-up artist Dahn Doan is a big fan of the look.
“Fashion and beauty have a relationship that inspires each other; we’ve seen it time and time again from bleached brows, to colour-blocked eyes, the ’90s lip, and super glossy, glassy skin,” Dahn says.
“It’s really nice to see unconventional make-up from the runways being incorporated into everyday make-up.”
According to Melbourne make-up artist Eliza Schwab, the revival of Y2K fashion has also brought with it the return of beauty looks from that era.
“Soft blue eyeshadow screams early 2000s, which is super nostalgic for me and I love it,” Eliza says.
View this post on Instagram
How to achieve the washed denim beauty look at home
While this trend looks particularly punchy when paired with denim, there’s no need to commit to a Canadian suit in the name of beauty as a simple blue eye is surprisingly versatile and easy to wear.
For any blue eye make-up rookies out there, Eliza recommends sporting a simple blue liner as a subtle gateway into the trend.
“If you’re wanting to dip your toes, a blue liner is an awesome way to incorporate blue shadows without fully committing to an all over blue look,” Eliza says.
“Simply line your waterline with the pencil and then run some blue shadow under the lash liner to help blend it in.”
For a more advanced take on the trend, Eliza suggests a wash of blue over the eyelid.
“Frosty light blue shades are my favourite for this, which isn’t commonly found in palettes, so look for an individual shadow instead, which is a cost-effective way to add some denim into your make-up collection,” she says.
According to Dahn, darker shades of blue can also be introduced to add dimension and create an overall more intense eye look, however it requires technique and attention to detail.
“The rule of thumb when it comes to make-up blending is the darker your shadows are, the harder they will be to blend,” he says.
“It’s not harder to wear deeper shades of blue with make-up, it just requires more patience and blending.
“I recommend blending a creamy base first and smudging it out – like a pencil liner – then pressing a powdered shadow on top and blending it out with small circular, windscreen-wiping motions.”
View this post on Instagram
Is the blue-tone trend universally flattering?
Blue-toned make-up doesn’t exactly scream wearable neutrals, however Eliza says the trend is surprisingly flattering.
“Colour shadow can be daunting, but blue is a really universally flattering colour that works on all skin shades and compliments all eye colours,” Eliza says.
“It’s really all about confidence when it comes to wearing blues.
“They can be absolutely stunning if you’re willing to take the plunge and try something different.”
View this post on Instagram
- Easy hacks: Tips for brightening up tired eyes
Written by Charlotte Brundrett.
