Revival of Blue Eyeshadow

By Shruti Narayanan

As I’ve been scrolling on TikTok and Instagram, sense a beauty trend slowly gaining popularity again. No more rosy nudes yet again, it’s time for some ’60s blues. The makeup world is taking a blast from the past in 2024, with a surge of colour reclaiming the spotlight and leading the charge again is none other than the iconic blue eyeshadow. Thanks in large part to the ever-influential social media platforms TikTok and Instagram. Blue eyeshadow seems to be a trend that keeps getting a revival at least once a year.  

For the past few months, the "clean girl" aesthetic dominated, with its primary focus on natural beauty and barely-there makeup. But social media, a relentless trend incubator, has declared a new microtrend. Gone are the days of monochromatic washes and subtle hints of colour. Today's makeup enthusiasts are embracing boldness, and individuality through the age-old blue eyeshadow.  

The return of blue isn't a simple retread of past trends. While the 90s smokey eye and the 60s mod look still hold inspiration, today's iterations are fresh and diverse. On TikTok, with its focus on short-form, digestible content, blue eyeshadow trends move at lightning speed. From graphic liner paired with a wash of sky blue for a playful Twiggy-esque 60s vibe to the ultra-shimmery Euphoria-inspired lids, the possibilities are endless. Tutorials abound, showcasing various techniques – from classic cut creases to dramatic halo eyes, one of my personal favourites is Erina Parsons.

Instagram, with its emphasis on curated aesthetics, offers a different perspective. Here, beauty influencers are crafting elaborate, editorial looks with blue eyeshadow as the centrepiece. The focus is on artistry and pushing boundaries, with results that are as captivating as they are unique. 

The beauty of this trend is its inclusivity. Unlike certain makeup trends that favour specific features, blue eyeshadow flatters a wide range of skin tones and eye colours. Makeup artists recommend cool-toned blues for those with warm undertones and vice versa, but ultimately, the key is to find a shade that makes you feel confident and bold. Brands like About Face, NYX and BPerfect do stunning shades of blue eyeshadows.  

The influence of celebrities has also played a role in propelling blue eyeshadow back into the mainstream. Looks from A-listers like Rachel Ziegler’s icy blue lids at the Met Gala are further solidifying its place in today’s beauty conversation. 

This social media-driven revival of blue eyeshadow isn't just about nostalgia; it's a sign of a more playful and experimental approach to makeup or is it just my algorithm bias? Whatever it is, it's time to dig out those forgotten palettes (unless it's expired) and go dip your brush into some blues.  

The real question is, would you try it?