From icy to indigo, there's a shade to suit.
For decades now, bright blue eyeshadow has been a byword for teenage or tragic, but now it's back. Blue eye palettes are popping up in makeup collections everywhere, inspired by a colour revolution on the runways. Blue mascara, that 80s artefact, has even been dug out but to my mind should be swiftly reburied.
You might not want the smudgy rock 'n' roll groupie look M.A.C made for the Just Cavalli show, but there's no avoiding blue. All the top makeup artists have been playing with variations on a theme.
If you fancy trying this trend, for winter it's best to go with a jolt of colour or a more subtle smoky interpretation. Come spring, expect to see icy washes of all-over colour. Let a single shade do the talking, paired with natural looking skin, nude or pinky lips and, for the brave, a mascara-less eye. A creamy matte textured shadow is more alluring than anything frosted, which will immediately look dated.
Going grunge, like our main image, shows you're not taking it too seriously, but for a more sophisticated look substitute inky shades for greys in fashioning a modern smoky eye. Navy eyeliner is a nice change from black; it intensifies lighter eye colours without looking too obvious.
Electric blue, on the other hand, is a statement shade, so think about what you're saying - if an oddly jarring effect is what you're after by all means be loud, but otherwise keep a lid on it.
1. M.A.C eyeshadow in Motorhead $46
This mid-tone blue comes from a limited edition makeup collection called Jeanious, which is dedicated to the delights of denim. The shadow even features a little silver rivet decoration. For a wardrobe of shadows to match your jeans, there's versions in white, grey and black - and mascara to match.
2. Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Punky Blues $71
Denim, chambray and shell pink team up for an impactful eye in finely textured colours Shiseido makeup supremo Dick Page says are influenced by nature. Nice that it can mean tropical tones, not just earthy shades.
3. Rimmel Colour Mousse shadow 8hr in Mermaid $11.99
An easy way to get a wash of colour and an economical way to try one of the new fast-drying, stay-put creamy formulas that are becoming more popular.
* Cream shadows from Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown also offer several grown-up tones for long-wearing options in blue that can be less ageing than powder shadows on wrinkly lids.
4. Nars eye duo in Bateau Ivre $101
The fine pigments chosen by Francois Nars are colour-true and intense, so what you see is what you get with this denim with a lilac cast combo.
5. Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in No. 29 Lagons $120
Steely tones save these shades from looking at all garish. Ice, air force, navy, and periwinkle blues combine with the slightest shimmer.
6. Leighton Denny Oplulence collection High Performance Nail Colour in Captivated $30
Ensuring an even application is key to making a colour like cobalt look classy, so using a quality nail polish like this one is essential.
7. Compagnie de Provence Mediterranee hand cream $17.90
Bring blue into the bathroom with the bold graphics of this French hand cream (and matching liquid soap), with a barely there ocean fresh smell. The light lotion will ensure your hands are in best condition to match your manicure.
8. Elizabeth Arden High Shine Lipgloss in Maple $40
If you're after something a little more intense than a nude lip, try keeping the colour sheer but warmer in a coppery shade like this or something rosy, both options complement blues.
9. Stila Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Indigo $54
Felt-tip type eyeliner draws a nice fine line with staying power.
10. Revlon Luxurious Colour Crayon Contour Eyeliner in Electric Blue $27.99
For women who find pencils easier to manage than liquid eyeliner, this one helpfully features a smudger at one end or soften the pencil line by brushing the lash line with a little powder in a similar shade.
Stockists: Brand counters in selected department stores and pharmacies or as stated. Nars and Stila exclusive to Mecca Cosmetica, Ponsonby Rd and Newmarket. M.A.C from Chancery, St Lukes and Smith & Caughey's. Leighton Denny salon stockists ph 0800 223 288. Rimmel from Farmers, Kmart and selected The Warehouse stores. Compaigne de Provence selected stores including Corso De' Fiori.
