The best eyeshadow for your eye color is whatever shade you feel like wearing on that given day, but it’s proven that some shadows will enhance certain eye colors more than others. It all comes down to color theory: Colors on opposite sides of the color wheel will complement one another. As for what eyeshadow colors will make blue eyes pop, think warm shades like orange, brown, peach, and terracotta, along with shimmery champagne and rich berries.
“Depending on how dramatic or how natural you’re looking to go, I like to use colors that are almost opposites of the eye to create contrast and really bring out the overall eye color,” says Neil Scibelli, a New York City-based celebrity makeup artist.
Deciding on an eyeshadow color is only half of the equation. Eddie Duyos, Make Up For Ever Pro Makeup Artist & Senior Manager of Pro Education & Artistry, suggests considering what vibe you want to give off with your makeup. “I like to approach it [eye makeup] like a game. It’s more of, ‘Who do I want to be today? Do I want to feel powerful, or am I feeling more subtle and romantic? What is it that I want the world to see today?'” Duyos shares.
With that in mind, both makeup artists break down the eyeshadow colors that really make blue eyes stand out. See how celebrities are wearing the shades on the red carpet to get inspiration for your own eye makeup looks.
Warm Brown Eyeshadow
Warm shades of brown are a beautiful everyday look for blue eyes. For a quick and easy way to wear the shade, Duyos suggests dusting a wash of shadow across the lids, then lining the upper and lower lids with a darker chestnut pencil liner for definition.
Peach Eyeshadow
Not only is this winged-out peach eyeshadow right on trend, (and way easier to do than traditional cat-eye liner) it brightens baby blue eyes.
Shimmery Champagne Eyeshadow
Instagram/goldenbarbie
For a hint of shimmer that’ll make blue eyes pop when it catches the light, look no further than champagne eyeshadow. “Champagnes, light coppers, and rose golds are my neutral go-to’s for blue eyes,” Scibelli says. “They create the perfect neutral backdrop for light eyes and really bring out the various hues of the eye color.”
Smudged Eyeliner
“One of my favorite bold looks on blue eyes is the ‘SJP,’ which is a dark brown or black eyeliner or shadow smudged on the top and lower line,” says Scibelli. “It creates the perfect smoky, sultry look for blue eyes.” Here, Sarah Jessica Parker paired her smudgy eyeliner with chocolate brown eyeshadow on the lids as a base.
Navy Blue Eyeshadow
Instagram/alexandradaddario
“For an evening look, I love using shades of navy and deep charcoals, which also really bring out the blues of the eyes,” Scibelli says. Makeup artist Lottie used navy for Alexandra Daddario’s smoky eye, then further brightened her blue eyes by adding champagne eyeshadow to her inner corners and tapping it on the middle of her lid for dimension.
Terracotta Eyeshadow
Instagram/patidubroff
It might not be the first color you’d gravitate towards in an eyeshadow palette, but orange terracotta looks drop-dead gorgeous on blue eyes. Take Margot Robbie’s monochromatic look by Pati Dubroff for example.
Something Blue
Instagram/cydbee
For the ultimate monochromatic eye look, why not complement your blue eyes with blue shadow? Beauty and lifestyle creator Cydnee Black opts for a shimmery shade of sapphire that has got us mesmerized.
Plum Smoky Eyeshadow
The rich undertones of plum eyeshadow perfectly contrast with cool blue eyes. Smoke out the shadow for an edgy, unexpected twist on the classic eye makeup technique. “To ease into a bold variation, I like using plum shades on blue eyes, which can be worn as a smoky plum look or even just a light wash of a plum – it really makes blue eyes pop,” Scibelli shares.
Orange Eyeliner
Instagram/gigihadid
Let Gigi Hadid convince you to step out of your comfort zone and try neon orange eye makeup. The color is one of Duyos’s favorites for blue eyes, who says it will turn up the color of blue eyes to a higher level. “Depending on the eye shape, a great way to intensify blue eyes is by adding a sharp orange wing liner or doing a smoky orange lower lash line,” the makeup artist says. Applying the color to the inner corners is another option.
Charcoal Smoky Eyeshadow
When in doubt, a charcoal smoky eye is always a good idea for blue eyes. Scibelli loves using the shade for an evening look.
Green Glow
Instagram/leonalewis
Green eye makeup might not be the first color you reach for, but Leona Lewis proves that it should be. This minty shade is striking and naturally draws attention to her eyes.
Dramatic Lashes
Instagram/vanessawilliamsofficial
Vanessa Williams goes light on the eyeshadow and heavy on the lashes to really showcase her gaze. Top and bottom liner paired with lengthy, voluminous extensions frame her blue eyes to dramatic effect.
