Searches for Blue Eye Shadow Are Up 65%—Here's How to Update the Look for 2024

Last year, the world (and by that I mean Instagram and TikTok) seemed to agree on one thing: Bold, colorful makeup looks were out, and minimal makeup looks were in. We saw the rise and subsequent reign of clean girl makeup, the problematic term used to describe fresh-faced, barely-there looks.

This year, things are different. As we all know, trends have a life cycle, and we seem to be in the final moments of the minimalism one. In 2024, people are returning to the bold, colorful looks of yesteryear, but this time, they have a fresh 2024 twist. The fact of the matter is that people want to have fun with their makeup again—experimenting with color in any way they can.

Not just any color, though. According to a Pinterest trend report, searches for blue eye shadow are up 65%. Furthermore, search terms like "blue glam makeup" and "pastel blue eye shadow" are also trending. That's right—Pantone might have announced that peach is the color of the year, but blue is the color of our most standout 2024 makeup looks. Keep scrolling to learn more about this trend and how to update it, according to a celebrity makeup artist.

The Celeb Inspiration

It makes sense that supermodels like Kendall Jenner are embracing the resurgent trend. After all, it was supermodels who helped launch the original trend in the first place. Take it from celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney, who says, "The blue eye shadow era became super popular in the 1980s and '90s. Supermodels really helped to launch the trend even more to the public."

But why is it trending again right now? Henney says it's simple: The tides are turning. "I think we are seeing consumers get more creative with makeup. Inspiration from the runways and TV shows like Euphoria are encouraging people at home to have fun with their looks and try color instead of the classic black and brown tones," she says.

If you want to break out of your daily makeup mold, we suggest going all out à la Dua Lipa. She shared this behind-the-scenes look at her hair and makeup test for the movie Argylle. We love the graphic shape of her eye shadow and how it's complemented by a silver shimmer on the inner corners of her eyes.

There's really no wrong way to wear blue eye shadow in 2024. Whether you take a vintage 1960s-inspired approach (more on that in a minute) or pay homage to '90s supermodel looks like Iris Law does here, it's all about having fun and experimenting with the color.

Remember that 1960s-inspired approach we were just talking about? Jourdan Dunn's makeup look is the perfect example. It's giving mod in the best way.

Bella Hadid's bright-blue lids complement her flawless, sculpted complexion.

Even Hailey Bieber, a leader of the clean girl makeup trend, has embraced blue.

Henney created this look for Poppy Delevingne. Notice how a deep blue is smoked out at the edge of her eye for a low-key take on the trend. This is a good way to wear the color for anyone who might be a little intimidated by bright cerulean or pastel blue.

"You can incorporate [blue] into a normal smoky eye," Henney says. Apply it on the outer corners, use it on the lower waterline, or add a "tap of metallic blue in the center of the eyelid for a bit of fun." Remember, this trend is all about being playful—not perfect.

The Makeup Products